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[AD] My Hearing Loss Experience

The festive period is approaching — a socially and beautiful time of the year. But with Christmas just around the corner, for more than half of UK adults with hearing loss, the festivities are not such a social, joyous occasion. Hearing loss is often seen as a non-visible disability. Many people feel there is a stigma around the condition and find it hard to ask for help. There are 11 million people with hearing loss across the UK, (that’s around one in six people), so it’s a condition that affects a lot of us.

Please note this post is a collaborative post with Specsavers Audiology. All opinions are my own. 

Hearing loss

Hearing loss can have many different causes. For example, sudden hearing loss in one ear may be due to earwax, an ear infection, a perforated (burst) eardrum or Ménière’s disease. Sudden hearing loss in both ears may be due to damage from loud noise or taking certain medicines that can affect hearing.

With hearing loss, it can lead to withdrawal from social situations, emotional distress, and depression. Many people avoid social settings for fear of asking people to repeat themselves. Research shows that it increases the risk of loneliness, but only for those who don’t wear hearing aids.

Heard it Through the Grapevine

Christmas is just around the corner which means the party season will soon be in full swing. With the busyness of the festive period, we often neglect our health and rarely pay attention to our eyes and ears. These two senses are a significant part of whether we can enjoy the festive period.

Last week I was invited to a wine tasting event with Specsavers Audiology. The event honestly changed everything for me! It was an intimate wine tasting evening, where we were all asked to wear hearing moulds which stimulated hearing loss. The event was for Specsavers to raise awareness on the importance of regular hearing checks.

There are 11 million people with hearing loss across the UK, (that’s around one in six people).

The event started at 6 pm at which I am proud to say that I was for once on time. I was welcomed with champagne and canapes of which I indulged in fully. You know me now, guys! 

Later in the evening, we spoke to an audiologist from Specsavers who informed us on the impacts of hearing loss and the importance of having your ears checked regularly.

My experience of wearing hearing loss moulds

I remember the audiologist asking me a series of questions, such as had I experienced any pain or any ringing in my ears etc. All of which I answered no to. The audiologist then checked my ears with an otoscope and told me that my eardrums looked healthy. (This was surprising considering how loud I blast my music daily).

Me and the audiologist

One ear was done at a time. The ear was fitted with a spongey mould and then injected with a cold substance which replicated around 70% hearing loss. Meaning that I was unable to listen to people speak like I usually do.

How I really felt losing my hearing

The experience was rather emotional. So emotional that I cried. Honestly, I first felt like I was physically underwater, you know that feeling when you know conversations are happening, but you can’t pinpoint what it is. That was how I felt not being able to hear.

I also learnt that using a cotton bud in your ear is like rubbing sandpaper on your hand.

I couldn’t believe how much I had to concentrate and look at people when they spoke to me. The majority of the night was spent with me feeling like I was shouting, which was ironic because many people said that I had talked a lot quieter and softer. As I was the first to have the moulds in I could feel a sense of isolation when making conversation with others. Continually having to ask people to repeat themselves, was complicated with people I had only just met for the first time.

Feeling isolated

Several times I felt very isolated and ready to leave. If I couldn’t hear what someone said, I would feel conscious of asking them to repeat themselves, so I usually smiled and nodded for fear of being annoying and praying for them to speak louder. When someone moved their face as they talked to me or covered their mouth, I wouldn’t be able to hear a single word that they said.

Another thing I noticed was the sudden change in my taste buds. Food and wine tasted slightly different. It felt like my other sense became more pronounced when I couldn’t hear. My attitude has undoubtedly changed towards those that suffer from hearing loss. I don’t think I have ever spoken with anyone with real hearing loss, but this evening really opened my eyes and made me realise the difficulties one may have with their hearing.

Me trying to hear what others are saying.

Mixed emotions

I kept the moulds in for just over an hour. Convinced that I had to keep them in as long as possible. I wanted to get a real sense of what it was like to suffer from hearing loss. When they were taken out, I was filled with tears and emotions. The experience was incredibly overwhelming, and the ability to be able to take the moulds out and hear again. Never in my life had I imagined what it was like to lose one of my senses. And for me, it was only for one hour! Realising that I struggled so much with the mould in. And then knowing that this is people’s daily life saddened me. It also made me understand the importance of proper communication and pronunciation.

There are helpful ways of speaking to someone with hearing difficulties:

  • Get their attention by calling their name before actually talking to them
  • Look directly at the person when you are speaking to them
  • Speak slowly and clearly. At the same time, don’t over pronounce the words, or they can’t follow what you are saying.
  • Never shout at someone with hearing difficulties
  • Don’t be dismissive, so things like ‘don’t worry about it’ is not a good idea
  • Be patient

Get your hearing checked

After my experience, I will be certainly getting my hearing checked more often. I would suggest getting checked once every two years. To find out more or book your next appointment head to your nearest Specsavers store or simply visit www.specsavers.co.uk 

I want to thank Specsavers Audiology for giving me such a life-changing experience. I left the event feeling transformed and more willing to understand the issues people may face with hearing loss. Think you could work with me – click here

As a travel blogger, it makes me wonder what it would be like to travel with hearing difficulties? Do you know anyone with hearing difficulties?

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Travelling Perceptions & Safety: Why I don’t Allow the Experiences Stop me From Seeing The World?

The social digital world will tell you how unsafe the world is. The media will show you the poor areas of Africa, screening epidemics of Ebola and all types of diseases. They will even go as far as showing documentaries of drug cartels in South America – many that can be found on Netflix. But should you allow the digital world stop you from seeing the world.

They will go so far till you have become so scared of the place. You no longer want to go or have an interest in travelling.

Another thing they do is show black people in a bad light – this is the worst. Why would you wanna go somewhere that doesn’t welcome black people?

The digital world has grown so much more in the last few years. And more people are travelling around the world. However, there are many people in the world that are terrified of seeing the world. Some of these people have a personal choice of not seeing the world. They allow the world to dedicate how they live or how one should live their life, which is a scary feeling.

Let me give you an example. 

I have been to some (not all) places which are considered to be ‘dangerous’ and for a black young woman! In saying that, I’ve also been to real safe countries. Take Singapore for example, it is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Safer than England.

I remember the first time I told people that I was moving to Singapore. Many were, of course, happy for me. There was also the other side which surprised me! Several peoples reactions where – oh my gosh but there are no black people there! This saddened me because I was about to take an adventure of a lifetime, but some just didn’t get it.

Looking back now, I am so glad I didn’t let this get to me. Let people negative reaction get to me. If I did, I wouldn’t have seen all of South East Asia and met worldwide lifetime friends! In all honesty, it’s about finding the time to do your own research of a country and deciding whether it’s safe for you to go!

As I have grown older I have learnt, to taste and see the world for what it really is. After the ordeal, I received while in Greece, Athens. I never imagined writing something like this. It saddens me that people can take time out of their lives and lie on someone and authorities with no evidence can take on such fabrication.

On that day. I faced a harsh reality that I am black and I am female. How I perceive myself is not the same as how people perceive me. Being black can get you into some real shit. You may never understand why people choose to be the way they are. In this circumstance, I can put it down to one thing. People hate themselves and have serious insecurities. And if you let them win you won’t see the world freely.

As I have grown older I have learnt, to taste and see the world for what it really is

Should this stop you from seeing the world?

My immediate answer after what I experienced would be to say yes. However, my next question would be to ask why shouldn’t we travel because people discriminate in the world? There are racists, sexist all types of people and things everywhere! There are people who will try and do anything to ruin an experience. Or your views of the world – only if you let them. The fact of the matter is SHIT HAPPENS. This is the truth; anything can happen to you anywhere you are it’s how you decide to deal with it as an individual.

Travelling the world can be hard when the social world can be constantly placing fear in you. Not to mention family and friends. As a child my mother was always the worst, constantly planting fear in me. Oh no don’t go near the water, don’t go to that country, there are no black people there. Why you would go there? I had to decide as an adult that I wanted to see the world for what it really was.

Living Abroad

While living abroad I was lucky enough to take up a job that would require me to live in China. Again, friends and family showed their disapproval particularly my mother. She stressed the importance of me coming back to London once I had finished my exams. Sadly, I did come back which I am still quite resentful for. I believe there is so much for us in this world. People shouldn’t stop us from chasing our dreams because of a few comments.

Me and four of my friends standing in Hong Kong

Other places such as doing NYSC in Nigeria (a camp in Nigeria to serve your country) I have been hindered from because family or friends have once again got in the way of my decision making. I remember my father going as far as saying if I moved to Nigeria, he wouldn’t speak to me! Since he left Nigeria, he has not ever been able to say one good word about it! Of course, I listened and didn’t go but it’s another thing I wish I did.  

And this is my problem. There are so many perceptions of the world that makes one believe that you can’t go anywhere. This perception can hinder someone in not travelling and it drives me mad! People tell you their negative views of a country because they are so fixated on what the news or the social world tells them. I believe the digital world can be such an exaggerater and anyone that takes everything word for word might live a sheltered life.

Don’t get me wrong there are some countries that I wouldn’t dream of travelling too. Many that I wouldn’t name. But it doesn’t mean that my experiences and what I see on the news should stop me. So why should it stop you? I would never tell anyone not to visit Athens because everyone’s experience is different.

Final thoughts on seeing the world…

Honestly, the world is not scary…

No matter the destination, being informed and using your initiative is the best way to stay safe. I am not saying you will go somewhere, and you will always be safe. A life I’m afraid doesn’t always work like that.

A caption of the castle in Ireland

Tell me what you think do you think the digital/ news world plays a role in where you will and won’t travel?  Have you been anywhere that society considers dangerous? let me know in the comments below.  

Related Reads: Arrested At The Acropolis: What Really Happened & Things You Should Know If You’re Wrongfully Arrested Abroad

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Houston Travel Guide: Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Hey MyBreakingViewers,

When I reintroduced my blog as an official travel blog, the plan was to work backwards; write about all the countries I’ve been to. Working backwards I have been to America, Nigeria, America AGAIN, Italy, Morocco, Germany, Iceland the list goes on, but I feel that I need to jump around sometimes because talking about one country requires almost 4/5 posts.

I feel like I have been writing a lot about Nigeria, and have made some reference to Coachella and other travel hacks; and I have considered that  I need to just write about my travelling in general. Have any of you been to Houston? I’ve been twice and it always surprises me how much there is to do.

I visited Houston a few days in Sept last year just after my birthday (I think I landed on my birthday actually). It was just after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and I wasn’t 100% sure that I was going to be able to fly out there. I was able to land in Houston, but due to people stealing from  peoples houses during the flood, there was a curfew for 12am in the morning! Can you believe people where stealing from peoples houses during such a disaster! There was lots of road closures, which made the journeys 10x longer. So it was quite difficult to do anything. However, the curfew got lifted after a couple of days of being in Houston and I was able to do a few things. Please note everything on this list hasn’t all been done, but as my Dad lives in Texas I am sure I will find the time to do all the things on the list.

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So to give you some inspiration and ideas of things to do for a  trip or getaway in Houston here’s a quick list! I included a few things that are budget friendly and/or free too

Top Things to Do in Houston, Texas

1. Go to the Houston Zoo

houston zoo entrance. houston zoo photos. things to do in housotn

With over 6,000 animals including snakes, lions, monkeys, bears, elephants, flamingos & many more the Houston zoo is great for all ages! I would highly recommend getting their early to beat the the long lines….

2. Tour Houston’s Streets

Colourful streets are all the craze right now & Houston has tons of them! Best of all, this is a free thing to do! In fact, I noticed there’s lots of art in the centre of Houston.

3. Go Shopping or Ice Skate at Houston Galleria Mall

I’ve been here and it is lussssh, with over 2 million square feet (they weren’t lying when they said everything is bigger in Texas, huh) this mall has over 375 stores, 30 restaurants, 2 hotels, and a full size ice skating rink! Perfect way to spend the afternoon! There is also amazing shopping, I’m a Zara lover and this was just great!

4. Go to Eddies V’s Prime Seafood

This has to be the most amazing seafood I have ever tasted in my life. My sister took me for my birthday and the service we received was just the BEST.

5. Visit the Houston Downtown Aquarium

houston things to do

I came here the first time I went to Houston with my Dad, I felt like a little kid and I was 21 years old!! Here you can see over 200 species of aquatic life including fish, alligators, sharks, snakes, & jellyfish. You can also see white tigers & even pet & feed a sting ray! This is also included with your CityPASS!

6. Explore the NASA Houston Space Center

NASA houston space center

This was one of my favorite parts of the trip! I definitely recommend spending an entire day here. You get to go inside the multiple exhibit complex Independence Plaza, which features the original shuttle carrier aircraft, touch a real moon rock, see real space shuttles that were actually flown, & walk inside the training station where astronauts actually trained for life in space. This is also included with your CityPASS!

7. Houston Museum District

Featuring 19 museums including the Houston Museum of African American Culture, Holocaust Museum, Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Children’s Museum, 11 What’s your favourite thing to do in Houston? Let me know in the comments!

Read also: An Expert Guide: What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

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MyBreakingViews Travel Diaries : Coachella

Welcome to the first entry of the MyBreakingViews Travel Diaries. I took this idea from one my fave travel bloggers Wanderlust Calls, check out her Black Girl Travel Diaries!!

So why have I decided to choose Coachella? Well it’s simple it has been the only place that I have been that is real time. Let me explain, it has been the only place that I have been too that (except Nigeria) I have written about while I am still travelling. You know most of the time I come back home (England) reflect ask people what they would like me to write about – no one ever applies and so I write what I want.

I wanted to write this post in the real time because I wanted you to see how different and open I can be when I’m abroad. You may not see it through my writing or my video below but me telling you should be a start.

So here goes my first real time travel diaries – I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to sharing more with you.

Please note I will be sharing old Travel Diaries but I wanted this to be the first.

See you soon…

MyBreakingViews

Read – My first award: Liebster Award!

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My First Nigerian Wedding Experience In Nigeria!

As I have been writing about my stay in Nigeria check it out on Nigerians Travel Too – Tales from Lagos -an IJGB’s Version

I thought I should carry on by sharing my cuz wedding that I attended last year. It was the first Nigerian wedding that I had been to in Nigeria and it was Ammmmazzzzzing! It was quite an experience for me as most; if not all Nigerian weddings I have attended have been in the UK so going to a Nigerian wedding in Nigeria and being a bridesmaid – well it was just an absolute honour.

The Big Day

The wedding started from the day I arrived in Nigeria, which was a day before the actual event lol (I know I’m terrible)! My cousin and his wife had lots of last min prep as you can imagine.

Fast forward to the BIG DAY!!….. The wedding was in Ikeja so we stayed in a hotel near the venue, the night before.

We was all supposed to be at the venue from 7 am in the morning,  (that was not happening) but I woke up at 6:30 am so clearly we didn’t start on time (don’t judge me please I was very tired).  I still had the audacity to make time for breakfast, don’t ask me how.

Getting ready

First thing was hair and make-up and traditional outfits, which was for the traditional wedding. In short, the traditional wedding is a tradition for Nigerians (it can vary between tribes) It usually involves both families meeting each other (the bride and the groom). The groom comes to the bride’s family and asks for her hand in marriage, with lots of gifts. The bride usually takes her time at this point to arrive at the venue (gotta keep the man waiting lol) It’s usually ends with lots and lots of dancing; music and of course lots of money hahaha !

The second stage of the wedding is where we do the white wedding. For me this is when we Turrrrrrn Up! This is where we do the traditional blessings, or English marriage ceremony.

Here are a few pictures from the wedding #MayD17 #MayD2017

❤

Congrats to Mayowa and Dipo

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.

I will be writing a post on why I think it’s important to go home (Nigeria for me) and some things you can do in Nigeria so stay tuned…

In the meantime, I would love to hear about any traditional weddings you have been to in the world.

Please do share in the comments below!

Video : @ladimilanfilms

Planner: @mimiluxe_events

Wedding Dress: @tubo_

Makeup: @arabridals

Suit: @kimonokollection

Hair: @jodyscurlbox

Bridesmaid Dresses @elpismegalio

Also Read: Interview|NigeriansOfEngland

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Tales from Lagos -an IJGB’s Version | Nigerians Travel Too

See original article here – Tales from Lagos -an IJGB’s Version 

NTT: Do you feel like Nigeria is home? 

MBV: Yes and No. When I go to Nigeria, I do feel like I am home. It’s a weird feeling though. I belong as regards my skin colour- I’m black and the majority of the people in Nigeria are black so that really feels like home. I enjoy the food, Yam and Egg for breakfast to be exact! (Could literally eat this for breakfast everyyyy dayyyyliterarily!) Egusi and pounded yam for lunch and my cousin makes this amazing Indomie noodles with peppers and other ingredients, so I would have that for dinner.

I ENJOY the sunshine! And I love just feeling like I am home. Nigeria is funny because when you are there there’s a sort of “Wooow everyone looks like me” (Well, kind of) and then I open my mouth to speak and then you see it- You see how they look at you differently. I know the locals know I’m not Nigerian. They usually call me Queen of America – which is always amusing and annoying because I’ve never lived in America.

IJGB

I’m British born and bred. So I know that they don’t know where I’m from, but they know I’m from abroad. They know that I’m not really one of them. They give you a look like yeah this one ‘Just Got Back’ which I believe is a thing now? #IJGB A.K.A I Just Got Back! They know that I am not one of them and in that moment I speak, I am reminded that I’m not really home. In my head, I pretend that I’m home and that’s usually up to 3 weeks and my time is up!

So do I feel like I am home when I visit Nigeria? Yes and no again. I’m in a place that I wish was better, more socially acceptable, shined as much as it should because Nigeria has so much going for her. I wish I could call it my home but really and truly, I know I have to swallow the hard pill and accept that it’s not really ever been my home and most likely never will be.

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Nigerian Sunshine Suits Me. ☀️??

A post shared by Adebola of #MyBreakingViews (@mybreakingviews) on

NTT: What issues infuriate you about Nigeria?

MBV: What doesn’t infuriate a fellow Nigerian about Nigeria? The last time I visited, I was there for my cousin’s wedding #MayD2017, which was in Lagos and then I decided to stay for Christmas. This is the longest I’ve ever stayed in Lagos. I usually stay in Delta state which is another ball game compared to Lagos. Delta for those of us who have never been is very quiet and civilised compared to Lagos.

Anyway, there was petrol scarcity, not to mention the traffic. As much as I could see this infuriate my cousins, I don’t believe it affected me as much, because they ensured that I was still able to go out and have fun. One thing I noticed was that Uber fares had gone up because of the petrol scarcity, but being from the UK, I think the taxi fares were still considerably cheaper when compared to London prices. The only thing that really really really infuriated me and yes I have to say “really” 4 times because it’s the only thing that drives me mad – is mosquito bites!! Oh my gosh! They’re devils! (I feel like they are secretly plotting for my next return as I write this LMAO!) I truly believe the mosquitoes in Nigeria are on steroids; they love my blood. I’m sure it’s “fresh blood” for them as the locals call it when they see my bites! Truly, the marks they leave on my skin are on another level. I literally complained everyday about mosquitoes! It must have driven my family mad!

The ultimate winner ..

NTT: What challenges do you face when relating with locals?


MBV: I don’t feel like I have faced any real hard challenges when relating with locals to be honest. When I hear the stories that my cousins tell me, I know I haven’t faced anything to be honest, but I do know that once they hear me speak, they think they can try and bump prices. I know most of us can agree. Luckily enough, most of us come from a home where we know how to bargain, so I know when to use it and that time is always in Nigeria. However, sometimes I can allow it, other times, I have to let them know that I drink garri and water for breakfast, lunch and dinner back home (home being the UK). The best way to get around having to deal with locals is knowing roughly the prices that things should be.

I remember visiting Nigeria a few years ago, I wanted wash my hair. Me being a typical observer I asked my aunt before I left the house how much it should be to wash my hair and she gave me a rough figure of no more than N500. I got to the closest salon and the woman told me N2500. I turned around to leave and she begged me; asked how much I was willing to pay and I said N600. Guess what? She was absolutely fine with the payment and she even styled my hair! The cheek! To be honest I don’t blame them. They clearly hear my accent and think I’m rich LOOOOL, which I will be of course!

NTT: What spots would you recommend as must visit in Lagos?

MBV: There are so many spots for one to hang at in Lagos. I’m afraid in Nigeria, the only thing I know is partying and eating Egusi soup! I also love Afro-beat a bit too much actually and for some reason, Afro-beat sounds much sweeter in Nigeria – you know with the heat and everyone there is just so gingered LOL!

No honestly, I went to the Lekki Conservation Centre with a friend, which was absolutely amazing. I would go there again. There are beautiful animals, a tree house and the Longest Canopy walk in Africa!! My cousin also took me to Takwa Bay beach, which was quite an experience indeed. There are lots of beaches and sites to see, so I know I still have plenty to do when next I’m there. Nigeria is an amazing man!

NTT: Any life hacks for IJGB

MBV: Any life hacks for #IJGB babes? not really, just enjoy life! Go out every night when you are there, turn up and enjoy the sunshine. Carry some mosquito repellent though.

Turn up at every given opportunity

Thank you to Ade (My Breaking Views) for an honestly beautiful interview, I can definitely relate!

My over all hack for IJGBs is to always have some change on you (lower denominations) because nobody ever  has change. They play this game so often you realise later that you’re parting away with your money because you just need to get back on the road. I paid a taxi man in his own coin and he ‘never esperedit’.

I had a 200 naira change with him and he told me he had only 100 naira. I luckily had 150 naira and offered him. Within a twinkle of an eye he produced my 200 naira. It was okay for him to take my 100 naira but it wasn’t alright for him to part away with his 50 naira! Imagine! Always prepare for your visits to Nigeria, You can never be too prepared!

For what you can get up to in Nigeria, stay glued for our next post. You’ll be inspired.

For travel plan support as an IJGB, please talk to us for a trouble free trip- Info@Nigerianstraveltoo.com.

Read also: Could Nigeria Be Home Permanently?

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