Latest news with #NESS
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I woke up one morning and my hearing had gone – my life changed overnight
He also suffered another condition which saw him lose his job MY ORDEAL I woke up one morning and my hearing had gone – my life changed overnight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER RAF man has told how he woke up one morning to discover he had gone deaf overnight. Philip McDonald, 62, got out of bed in 2015 to find his hearing had gone and had he didn't have any balance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Philip McDonald lost his hearing overnight Credit: North East Sensory Services (NESS) 3 He spent more than 20 years in the RAF and served at Lossiemouth Credit: Alamy The ex-Air Force technician, from Elgin, initially shrugged it off to just being tired but he was later diagnosed with sudden onset hearing loss and tinnitus. He also developed Vertigo and lost his job at a care home because he could no longer safely work. Philip said: 'I woke up at 5am to a loud crashing noise, and got up to check what had caused it. 'I was staggering all over the house, and put it down to being half asleep. 'I went back to bed, but when I woke at 8am, I was still staggering and bouncing around. I thought I would turn the volume on the TV up, but still couldn't hear anything. 'I realised I couldn't hear my feet on the floor, I couldn't hear the kettle, I couldn't hear anything, and I started to panic. 'I managed to get a taxi to the GP, where the doctor and other staff had to communicate with me by writing things down. All I could hear was a loud whistling in my ears from the tinnitus. 'Over time, some of my hearing did come back, but all I can hear now is really low bass notes in one of my ears. Sometimes the tinnitus is so bad I can't hear anything else.' He added: 'It causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. I tell people that it makes me unpredictable as I may have to cancel appointments at the last minute. 'I lost my previous job as a carer in a nursing home because the vertigo was beginning to make me unsafe. My son, 12, was minutes from death from terrifying trend that burns holes in kids' bowels, leaving them with stoma bags 'I can't predict when it flares up, but I have learned that there are some common triggers, like sudden head movements, or walking down steps. 'There have been times when I've reacted to a loud noise, which made me turn my head suddenly, triggering my vertigo and causing me to fall and land in the middle of the street, on two occasions with cars coming towards me. If I get an inkling of vertigo, I don't go out until it's passed.' The veteran, who served for 22 years at RAF bases Lossiemouth and Kinross, sought help from North East Sensory Services (NESS) to help him get his life back. Philip has been given a flashing doorbell that he can see anywhere in his house and joined one of their lip-reading classes. His home has also had a flashing and vibrating smoke alarm installed. He added: 'I know I can phone NESS any time during the day if I'm feeling lonely. The social isolation is the worst, and they helped me so much with that. 'I've found that telling people about my hearing loss really helps, and explaining that hearing aids don't magically fix your hearing, they are only there to support you.' 'It's really important for people to look at you when they are talking, so you can lipread. I find it difficult when people join in a conversation I am having. I can follow one person, but I can't follow two or three people at the same time. 'If you are having difficulties with your hearing, and are diagnosed with hearing loss, I would always recommend going to NESS.' Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: 'Philip's story shows just how devastating sensory loss can be. "At NESS, our staff understand people need different things along their journey, and we try to support them in whatever way they need at the best time for them. 'This can be on a practical level, through providing equipment or applying for benefits, or responding with the emotional support that people need as they adapt to their new normal. 'Gaining new skills, such as lipreading, can help people regain control of their situation. 'Members of groups like the lipreading class also provide each other with peer support, sharing their experiences and expertise with others who are at the start of their journey.'
STV News
05-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
Charity helps former RAF technician with tinnitus and vertigo
A former RAF serviceman who lost his hearing has praised a Scottish charity for helping him regain his independence and enjoy his life again. Philip McDonald, 62, from Elgin, has spoken of how his life changed dramatically in 2015 when he woke up one morning to find he was unable to hear anything and could barely balance. When he managed to see his doctor for an emergency appointment, he was diagnosed with sudden onset hearing loss, which also caused tinnitus. The same condition also brought on severe vertigo, which resulted Mr McDonald losing his job in a nursing home as he was deemed unable to provide safe care. Struggling to cope with the sudden changes in his life, he contacted North East Sensory Services (NESS), which provided him with a range of support. The charity supports thousands of blind and deaf people, and those with visual and hearing impairments, across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Angus and Moray. Mr McDonald said: 'I woke up at 5am to a loud crashing noise, and got up to check what had caused it. I was staggering all over the house, and put it down to being half asleep. 'I went back to bed, but when I woke at 8am, I was still staggering and bouncing around. I thought I would turn the volume on the TV up, but still couldn't hear anything. 'I realised I couldn't hear my feet on the floor, I couldn't hear the kettle, I couldn't hear anything, and I started to panic. 'I managed to get a taxi the GP, where the doctor and other staff had to communicate with me by writing things down. All I could hear was a loud whistling in my ears from the tinnitus. 'Over time, some of my hearing did come back, but all I can hear now is really low bass notes in one of my ears. Sometimes the tinnitus is so bad I can't hear anything else.' As well as coming to terms with his hearing loss, Mr McDonald also had to cope with worsening vertigo, which is most commonly caused by inner ear problems affecting balance. He said: 'It causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. I tell people that it makes me unpredictable as I may have to cancel appointments at the last minute. 'I lost my previous job as a carer in a nursing home because the vertigo was beginning to make me unsafe. 'I can't predict when it flares up, but I have learned that there are some common triggers, like sudden head movements, or walking down steps. 'There have been times when I've reacted to a loud noise, which made me turn my head suddenly, triggering my vertigo and causing me to fall and land in the middle of the street, on two occasions with cars coming towards me. 'If I get an inkling of vertigo, I don't go out until it's passed.' Mr McDonald previously served in the RAF for 22 years, working as a technician at both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss, and after his diagnosis he decided to move back to Scotland. After hearing about NESS from a friend, he contacted the charity and staff were able to help him adjust to his new life and regain his confidence and self-esteem. Among the practical things that the charity helped with were a flashing doorbell he could see anywhere in his house, as well as a flashing and vibrating smoke alarm. A social worker at the charity also helped him apply for the Adult Disability Payment, which has given him crucial financial support as he is now unable to work. He also joined one of NESS's lipreading classes, which he described as 'amazing' and 'a real turnaround' as it helped him meet others going through the same experience. Mr McDonald said: 'I know I can phone NESS any time during the day if I'm feeling lonely. The social isolation is the worst, and they helped me so much with that. 'I've found that telling people about my hearing loss really helps, and explaining that hearing aids don't magically fix your hearing, they are only there to support you. 'It's really important for people to look at you when they are talking, so you can lipread. 'I find it difficult when people join in a conversation I am having. 'I can follow one person, but I can't follow two or three people at the same time. 'If you are having difficulties with your hearing, and are diagnosed with hearing loss, I would always recommend going to NESS.' Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: 'Philip's story shows just how devastating sensory loss can be. 'At NESS, our staff understand people need different things along their journey, and we try to support them in whatever way they need at the best time for them. 'This can be on a practical level, through providing equipment or applying for benefits, or responding with the emotional support that people need as they adapt to their new normal.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Charity helps former RAF technician with tinnitus and vertigo
Ex-serviceman woke one morning to find he was unable to hear anything and could barely balance Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former RAF serviceman who lost his hearing has praised a Scottish charity for helping him regain his independence and enjoy his life again. Philip McDonald , 62, from Elgin, has spoken of how his life changed dramatically in 2015 when he woke up one morning to find he was unable to hear anything and could barely balance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When he managed to see his doctor for an emergency appointment, he was diagnosed with sudden onset hearing loss, which also caused tinnitus. The same condition also brought on severe vertigo, which resulted Mr McDonald losing his job in a nursing home as he was deemed unable to provide safe care. Former RAF serviceman Philip McDonald, 62, from Elgin, who has spoken of how his life changed dramatically in 2015 when he woke up one morning to find he was unable to hear anything and could barely balance | NESS/PA Wire Struggling to cope with the sudden changes in his life, he contacted North East Sensory Services (NESS), which provided him with a range of support. The charity supports thousands of blind and deaf people, and those with visual and hearing impairments, across Aberdeen , Aberdeenshire , Dundee , Angus and Moray . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr McDonald said: "I woke up at 5am to a loud crashing noise, and got up to check what had caused it. I was staggering all over the house, and put it down to being half asleep. "I went back to bed, but when I woke at 8am , I was still staggering and bouncing around. I thought I would turn the volume on the TV up, but still couldn't hear anything. "I realised I couldn't hear my feet on the floor, I couldn't hear the kettle, I couldn't hear anything, and I started to panic. "I managed to get a taxi the GP, where the doctor and other staff had to communicate with me by writing things down. All I could hear was a loud whistling in my ears from the tinnitus. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Over time, some of my hearing did come back, but all I can hear now is really low bass notes in one of my ears. Sometimes the tinnitus is so bad I can't hear anything else." As well as coming to terms with his hearing loss, Mr McDonald also had to cope with worsening vertigo, which is most commonly caused by inner ear problems affecting balance. He said: "It causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. I tell people that it makes me unpredictable as I may have to cancel appointments at the last minute. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I lost my previous job as a carer in a nursing home because the vertigo was beginning to make me unsafe. "I can't predict when it flares up, but I have learned that there are some common triggers, like sudden head movements, or walking down steps. "There have been times when I've reacted to a loud noise, which made me turn my head suddenly, triggering my vertigo and causing me to fall and land in the middle of the street, on two occasions with cars coming towards me. "If I get an inkling of vertigo, I don't go out until it's passed." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr McDonald previously served in the RAF for 22 years, working as a technician at both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss, and after his diagnosis he decided to move back to Scotland . After hearing about NESS from a friend, he contacted the charity and staff were able to help him adjust to his new life and regain his confidence and self-esteem. Among the practical things that the charity helped with were a flashing doorbell he could see anywhere in his house, as well as a flashing and vibrating smoke alarm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A social worker at the charity also helped him apply for the Adult Disability Payment, which has given him crucial financial support as he is now unable to work. He also joined one of NESS's lipreading classes, which he described as "amazing" and "a real turnaround" as it helped him meet others going through the same experience. Mr McDonald said: "I know I can phone NESS any time during the day if I'm feeling lonely. The social isolation is the worst, and they helped me so much with that. "I've found that telling people about my hearing loss really helps, and explaining that hearing aids don't magically fix your hearing, they are only there to support you. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "It's really important for people to look at you when they are talking, so you can lipread. "I find it difficult when people join in a conversation I am having. "I can follow one person, but I can't follow two or three people at the same time. "If you are having difficulties with your hearing, and are diagnosed with hearing loss, I would always recommend going to NESS." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Carla Marchbank , statutory services manager at NESS, said: "Philip's story shows just how devastating sensory loss can be. "At NESS, our staff understand people need different things along their journey, and we try to support them in whatever way they need at the best time for them.
Press and Journal
04-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Elgin man suffering from tinnitus and vertigo opens up on struggles after losing hearing overnight
An Elgin man who suddenly lost his hearing has praised a local charity for helping him 'enjoy his life again'. Philip McDonald, from Elgin, has said tinnitus and vertigo 'dramatically changed his life' and led to him losing his job. In 2015, he woke up one morning to find he was unable to hear anything and could barely balance. At the time, the now 62-year-old managed to make it to his doctor for an emergency appointment and was then diagnosed with sudden onset hearing loss which also caused tinnitus. This also brought on severe vertigo, which resulted in Philip losing his job in a nursing home as he was deemed unable to provide safe care. Philip said: 'I woke up at 5am to a loud crashing noise, and got up to check what had caused it. 'I was staggering all over the house, and put it down to being half asleep. 'I went back to bed, but when I woke at 8am, I was still staggering and bouncing around. 'I thought I would turn the volume on the TV up, but still couldn't hear anything.' Philip, who previously served as a technician in the Royal Air Force, says he then realised he couldn't hear anything – including his feet on the floor and the kettle. At that moment, the Elgin man says he started to 'panic' and got a taxi to the GP where he had to communicate by writing things down. During his visit to the GP, Philip began suffering from tinnitus. He added: 'Over time, some of my hearing did come back, but all I can hear now is really low bass notes in one of my ears. 'Sometimes the tinnitus is so bad I can't hear anything else. 'It causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. I tell people that it makes me unpredictable as I may have to cancel appointments at the last minute. 'There have been times when I've reacted to a loud noise, which made me turn my head suddenly, triggering my vertigo and causing me to fall and land in the middle of the street, on two occasions with cars coming towards me. 'If I get an inkling of vertigo, I don't go out until it's passed.' After hearing about North East Sensory Services (NESS) from a friend, he contacted the charity and staff were able to help him adjust to his new life and regain his confidence and self-esteem. The charity supports thousands of blind and deaf people across the north-east, with its main objective being to help people to live as independently as possible. They have helped him with a flashing doorbell, a flashing and vibrating smoke alarm as well as a social worker who has worked with him to apply for the Adult Disability Payment. He also joined one of NESS's lipreading classes, which he described as 'amazing' and 'a real turnaround,' as it helped him meet others going through the same thing. Philip said: 'I know I can phone NESS any time during the day if I'm feeling lonely. 'The social isolation is the worst, and they helped me so much with that.' Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: 'Philip's story shows just how devastating sensory loss can be. At NESS, our staff understand people need different things along their journey, and we try to support them in whatever way they need at the best time for them.'
