The Unknowingly Deaf: When Hearing Loss Creeps Up Without You Realising

Hearing loss is often imagined as something sudden, dramatic, or obvious. In reality, for millions of people, it happens slowly and quietly over many years. so quietly that they may not even realise it is happening.

The “unknowingly deaf” are people living with hearing loss without recognising the signs. They may think everyone mumbles these days. 

They may turn the television up louder than everyone else prefers. They may constantly ask people to repeat themselves. 

Some become known as “the loud one” in the family because they speak or shout far louder than necessary without realising it.

In many cases, the problem is gradual hearing deterioration combined with tinnitus, the persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sounds in the ears that only the sufferer can hear.

Tinnitus itself can be exhausting. For some people, it becomes a constant background noise that interferes with conversations and makes it difficult to distinguish speech, particularly in pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, or busy workplaces. 

Over time, the brain adapts in ways that can mask just how much hearing has actually been lost.

One of the biggest warning signs is volume. People with undiagnosed hearing loss often increase the volume of televisions, radios, phones, and even their own voices. Friends and family may notice long before the individual does.

Another common sign is misunderstanding conversations. Someone may answer the wrong question, laugh at the wrong moment, or appear distracted when, in truth, they simply have not heard properly. This can sometimes lead to frustration, embarrassment, social withdrawal, and even anxiety.

The issue is far more common than many realise. Hearing loss is not just an “old person’s problem.” Long-term exposure to loud music, industrial noise, headphones, traffic, machinery, concerts, and even repeated infections can all contribute. Stress and fatigue can also worsen tinnitus symptoms.

Unfortunately, many people delay getting help because hearing loss develops so gradually that it feels normal. Others fear stigma around hearing aids, despite modern devices being smaller, smarter, and more effective than ever before.

The good news is that recognising the problem is the first step. Simple hearing tests can identify early hearing damage, and treatment or hearing support can dramatically improve quality of life. Protecting hearing from further damage is equally important, especially in noisy environments.

If somebody you know constantly shouts, struggles to follow conversations, or keeps asking “What?” there may be more going on than simple distraction. They may genuinely not realise how much hearing they have lost.

Sometimes the people most affected by hearing loss are the last to notice it.

Your GP can organise a referral to the audiology department at your nearest NHS hospital, or you can book an appointment with a private audiologist, or check out the offerings from high street hearing aid centres. Some opticians not only offer hearing aid services they can offer combined spectacles and hearing aids.

The British Academy of Audiologists can be of help https://baaudiology.org 

Google’s “Invisible Year” Is Becoming a Major Threat to New UK Aesthetic Clinics

The UK aesthetics industry is booming. There are now 19,701 registered aesthetic practitioners across the country, the sector is worth an estimated £3.6 billion, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments surged by 23% in 2024 alone.

But according to specialist agency Aesthetic Launch Lab, the biggest threat facing new clinic owners has nothing to do with Botox technique, injectable training or clinic interiors. It is Google.

The agency says thousands of new clinics are unknowingly launching into what it calls a “digital invisibility trap”, where brand-new websites struggle to appear in Google search results for up to a year, even when the clinic itself is fully operational.

That matters because aesthetic patients increasingly search online for treatments such as “Botox near me”, “lip filler Birmingham” or “laser hair removal clinic”. If a business does not rank, it effectively does not exist to potential clients.

Research from Ahrefs, which analysed over two million web pages, found that only 1.74% of newly published pages reach Google’s top 10 results within their first year. Meanwhile, the average page holding the number one ranking position is around five years old.

For a founder who may have already invested tens of thousands of pounds fitting out a clinic, paying staff and buying equipment, waiting 6 to 12 months for Google visibility can become a serious commercial problem.

To tackle the issue, Aesthetic Launch Lab’s Digital Assets Marketplace offers pre-built clinic websites that already hold Google rankings and domain authority.

Rather than starting from scratch, clinics can acquire an existing search-optimised website, rebrand it and begin trading with an online presence that Google already trusts.

The sites are designed specifically for the aesthetics industry, with treatment-focused local SEO, mobile-first layouts and structures intended to comply with UK ASA and CAP advertising guidance.

“Clinical excellence doesn’t pay the rent if patients can’t find you,” said the agency. “The cold-start problem is real, and every month a clinic spends invisible online is revenue it may never recover.”

The timing may be significant. The aesthetics industry is becoming increasingly regulated, with licensing proposals and tighter oversight already emerging across the UK. As more qualified nurses, pharmacists and doctors launch independent clinics, competition for local search rankings is intensifying.

At the same time, paid Google advertising is becoming more expensive, with cosmetic treatment campaigns reportedly averaging £45.66 per acquisition in 2025.

With the UK aesthetics market forecast to reach £5.1 billion by 2028, the race for organic Google visibility could become one of the industry’s biggest battlegrounds.

https://aestheticlaunchlab.com/digital-assets

The Women Left Behind by Gambling Addiction

Lorraine and Claire

For many families, gambling harm is something that happens quietly behind closed doors. 

The financial stress, secrecy and emotional strain often affect far more than the person placing the bets, and new figures suggest millions of people across Britain may be living with the fallout.

According to Public Health England, around 1.5 to 2 million adults in Britain may be directly affected by someone else’s gambling. 

Women are disproportionately represented among those seeking support, yet many suffer in silence for years before reaching out for help.

One of those women was Lorraine Perrons.

The mother-of-two says her world changed after returning home from a family holiday to discover her husband’s hidden gambling addiction had pushed the family to the brink of financial collapse.

During the trip, Lorraine had noticed her husband repeatedly betting during race nights, but she didn't realise the scale of the problem until she walked through the front door at home.

“What I found completely changed my life,” she says. “When I confronted him, he eventually looked at me and said, ‘I think I’ve got a gambling problem.’”

At the same time as dealing with mounting debts and uncertainty, Lorraine was also preparing to lose her terminally ill father, who died just four months later.

She describes the years that followed as “survival mode” trying to protect her children while coping with grief, exhaustion and ongoing financial instability. Following the eventual separation, she endured a difficult divorce and emergency court hearings linked to mortgages and finances repeatedly breaking down.

“I realised later that I’d spent years living like a shell of myself,” Lorraine says.

Much later, she was diagnosed with Complex PTSD.

Her experiences eventually led her into therapeutic work supporting both gamblers and the loved ones affected by gambling harm. Alongside fellow therapist Claire Jones, she co-founded Gambling Recovery Therapy and Gambling Recovery for All CIC.

Together, the pair have launched a free 12-week online programme called Rebuild and Rise: Reclaim Your Life, designed specifically for women affected by someone else’s gambling.

The trauma-informed course combines emotional support, practical coping strategies, hypnotherapy, psychoeducation and peer support to help women rebuild confidence and emotional wellbeing.

“We wanted to create something genuinely trauma-informed,” says Claire. “Not just advice, but a safe space where women feel understood.”

The first online group begins on 9 June 2026, with funded places available for eligible applicants.

Women interested in applying can do so here:

Rebuild and Rise Application Form https://forms.gle/aMA4fJbgDMSpgoTb9

http://www.gamblingrecoverytherapy.com

Gen Z would rather admit to being anxious than lonely, new research reveals

Ten years ago, loneliness was something many people struggled to talk about openly. 

Fast forward to 2026, and while conversations around mental health have become far more common, loneliness is still a feeling many people quietly keep to themselves.

That's why this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week feels especially important.

Running from 15th to 21st June, the awareness week is marking its 10th anniversary with the powerful theme: “Giving Loneliness a Voice.”

Organised by Marmalade Trust, the campaign is encouraging people across the UK to speak more honestly about loneliness and help remove the stigma that still surrounds it.

New research from the charity suggests there's still a long way to go. A survey of 2,000 young adults aged 18 to 29 found that almost twice as many people would rather admit to feeling anxious than lonely. While 45% said they would openly talk about anxiety, only 26% felt comfortable admitting loneliness.

It's a striking reminder that even in a world where we speak more openly about mental wellbeing, loneliness can still feel deeply personal and difficult to admit.

Amy Perrin, CEO of Marmalade Trust, told That's Health that the campaign is about helping people understand that loneliness is a natural human experience rather than something to feel ashamed of. Sometimes simply saying the words out loud can be the first step towards feeling more connected.

Interestingly, the research also revealed that attitudes may be shifting in parts of the country. Londoners appeared more willing to acknowledge loneliness compared with the national average, suggesting that open conversations are beginning to break down old stereotypes.

To celebrate the anniversary year, Marmalade Trust hopes to inspire 10,000 connection activities across the UK. These could be anything from coffee mornings and community lunches to walks, school projects, workplace check-ins or simply spending time with neighbours and friends.

One of the most touching parts of this year’s campaign comes from disability activist and broadcaster Lucy Edwards, who has created a free children’s story called Ella Jones and the Birthday List. Designed for children aged seven and over, the story gently explores what loneliness can feel like and encourages young readers to find the words to talk about it.

And perhaps that is the heart of this year’s message. Loneliness does not always look obvious. It can happen in crowded rooms, busy workplaces or even surrounded by people who care about us. But once we give it a voice, we make it easier for others to understand, support and connect.

For more information about events and resources, visit Loneliness Awareness Week here https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org

Festival atmosphere and fast times at this year’s Run Prestwood

Hundreds of runners, families and supporters came together on Sunday as the much-loved Run Prestwood returned in spectacular style, raising over £6,000 for the Wendover-based charity, the Chilterns Neuro Centre.

Bursting with energy, colour and community spirit, the event featured a challenging 10k chip-timed race, a 5k fun run and an unforgettable children’s colour run which transformed the day into a vibrant celebration for all ages.

The annual fundraiser supports people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes, helping the Centre continue delivering specialist services, therapies and wellbeing support to local people living with neurological conditions.

This year’s event featured exceptional performances on the course, with brand new men’s and women’s champions crowned in the 10k race. 

James Laing stormed to victory in a record-breaking time of 35 minutes and 4 seconds, smashing the existing course record, while Hannah Laing delivered a phenomenal run of 43 minutes and 38 seconds, finishing just seconds away from breaking the women’s record.

Adding even more excitement to the day was the brand new children’s colour run, which proved an instant hit with families. Young runners raced through clouds of brightly coloured powder as cheering crowds lined the course, creating a buzzing festival atmosphere and making this year’s Run Prestwood one of the biggest and brightest yet.

“Run Prestwood is always an incredible event, but this year truly felt extra special,” Hannah Fleming, Community and Events Manager at the Chilterns Neuro Centre told That's Health.

“The atmosphere was amazing from start to finish and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to support the Centre, whether they were running, volunteering or cheering everyone on.

Every pound raised will help us continue supporting people affected by neurological conditions to live happier, healthier and more independent lives.”

“We are incredibly proud to support Run Prestwood and the amazing work of the Chilterns Neuro Centre,” Rudi Chlebecek from race sponsor, DC Kaye and Co Solicitors, told us. 

“It was inspiring to see the community come together for such a positive, energetic and uplifting event, all while raising vital funds for an important local charity.”

The Chilterns Neuro Centre extends its deepest gratitude to all those whose contributions were instrumental in making the event possible, particularly all the incredible volunteers who play such an important role. 

Special thanks must go to DC Kaye and Co Solicitors for their event sponsorship, Prestwood Gym and Fitness Centre for hosting, Move and Massage for providing post-race massages and Will Dockerty Photography for providing the official photographer.

To see the full list of finishers or to find out more about the work of the Chilterns Neuro Centre, visit chilternsneurocentre.org

That's Food and Drink: Turmeric, Curcumin and the Great Supplement Shelf ...

That's Food and Drink: Turmeric, Curcumin and the Great Supplement Shelf ...: Walk into any health food shop or scroll through an online supplement store and you’ll quickly discover one thing, not all turmeric suppleme...

Age Concern Hampshire expands “Living Well in Later Life” programme with new specialist movement sessions funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

Age Concern Hampshire is strengthening its support for older people across the county through its Living Well in Later Life project, a five-year initiative funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme is helping older residents stay active, connected and independent through accessible wellbeing and physical activity sessions delivered in community settings.

A key development within the project is the introduction of the Love to Move programme, a gentle, chair-based exercise initiative designed to support both physical mobility and cognitive health. 

The sessions are delivered to music, using rhythm and repetition to encourage coordination, memory and movement in a fun and inclusive environment.

Community Engagement Officer Jemma Saunders, from Age Concern Hampshire, has recently completed her specialist training with the British Gymnastics Foundation and is working towards accreditation to deliver the programme across the New Forest and South Hampshire.

Speaking about the training, Jemma said the structured course focused on delivering safe, engaging seated exercise sessions:

She told That's Health: “The Love to Move programme is a structured chair-based exercise course delivered to music. It uses gentle, repetitive movement to support mobility and cognitive stimulation, and participants can take part at their own pace.”

She added that the programme offers both professional development and meaningful benefits for participants: “It’s a lot more involved than traditional activity sessions I’ve delivered before. It’s structured, enjoyable, and already making a real difference. People are having fun, building friendships, and improving their movement and memory without even realising it.”

Participants are already experiencing strong social and wellbeing benefits, with sessions described as lively, inclusive and supportive. Jemma highlighted the importance of enjoyment in maintaining long-term engagement:

“People don’t just come for exercise, they come for the laughter, the friendships and the sense of belonging. It’s amazing to see.”

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, said the initiative demonstrates the wider impact of investment in community wellbeing: “This training shows how funding from The National Lottery Community Fund enables us to develop specialist skills within our team, ensuring high-quality, accessible sessions for older people. These programmes help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and support people to remain independent for longer.”

The Living Well in Later Life project delivers a wide range of activities across Hampshire, including Care and Wellbeing Centres and local community venues. Sessions focus on improving strength, balance, mobility and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for social connection and friendship.Love to Move session are now being rolled out across Age Concern Hampshire’s Social Groups and Care and Wellbeing Centres.

For more information: enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Phone: 01962 868545