An audiologist made her TV debut on a popular daytime women’s panel show to test the hearing of the stars.
Kaneez Sham from Specsavers in Watford, was delighted to offer hearing assessments to the Loose Women panel led by Andrea McLean, on April 26.
The ITV show featured actress Stephanie Beacham from The Colbys and Dynasty who revealed she had been deaf in her right ear since birth. The TV star had decided to keep this fact about herself secret.
Stephanie Beacham
Kaneez, who has been an audiologist in Watford since 2015, tested Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore and Nadia Sawalha before the show went on air, discovering that Nadia had an 80% blockage in one ear.
Jane’s test suggested a slight decline in hearing, but owing to background noise, Kaneez suggested a hearing test in a sound-proof booth to be sure.
Kaneez said of the experience: “I’m glad that Loose Women decided to put the spotlight on hearing health on their show.
“The panel discussed with Stephanie how hearing loss can impact your life – and those living with you.
“Many people are unwilling to admit a loss of hearing, but it is a very common problem affecting one in six people in the UK.”
Kaneez went on to say that people in the UK wait an average of around 10 years before seeking help for their hearing problems.
She suggested that people with hearing loss were more likely to suffer with depression or to develop dementia, and that major technological advances mean that hearing aids are more effective and discreet than ever before.
Kaneez said you may have hearing problems if your television is turned up load, if people seem like they are mumbling, conversations are difficult in noisy places, if you often ask people to repeat themselves on the phone and if people comment on your hearing.
Kaneez reflected on her TV debut, saying: “Next week I turn 50 so it is nice for me to have ticked off a TV appearance ahead of my big day.
“The panel were lovely, and it was really interesting to be behind the scenes, seeing the show is put together.”
If you have concerns about your hearing visit www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/stores/Watford
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