Fighting for justice

This year, millions will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and remember the sacrifices so many veterans made. But using outdated research means that thousands of veterans are losing out on compensation. About 6,000 ex-service people apply for a war disablement pension every year – but the Royal British Legion estimates that, due to the assessment procedure used by the government, over 90% of these claims do not qualify. Service people make a huge contribution to the country, but they are being let down.

Silence isn’t golden

You probably mourn the loss of silence if you have tinnitus. But searching for it can be counterproductive and sound enrichment could really help you.
Absolute silence is unnatural. Think about it: Mother Nature is noisy. The countryside is filled with birdsong and the sounds of the wind blowing through the trees. Our auditory system evolved in an environment rich in natural sounds. During silence our nervous system activity actually increases, preparing us for the possibility of a predator attack. The quieter the environment, the more likely you are to notice your tinnitus, often actively listening out for it.

Sense of poetry

Acclaimed poet Anne Stevenson had a cochlear implant two years ago. “I was at first shocked and disappointed when the team at the Infirmary switched me on. All I could think of was Donald Duck speaking in the Disney cartoons.”
But after six months and three or four training sessions (she) was “following conversations very well”.
“I am grateful to the whole team. They have been skilful and kind and efficient and the whole thing was paid for by the NHS. You can imagine that, for an American like me, the implant comes with all the trappings of a miracle.”