Transformed by bespoke hearing aids
WHEN it comes to hearing loss, everyone is different — so it makes sense to ask an expert to identify any problems and find tailored solutions for you. A hearing test aims to pinpoint the exact type of hearing loss involved and how it is affecting your daily life. Performed by trained audiologists, the 80-minute tests are reassuringly thorough. Audiologist and training manager Chris Childe says: ‘The test involves lifestyle questions, an examination of the ear, hearing and speech recognition tests and real-world hearing loss simulators. ‘It’s a journey to understand the impact someone’s hearing loss has on their daily life, so we can prescribe a bespoke solution.’ Sensorineural loss is the most common form of hearing loss and occurs as a result of damage to the inner ear. It can be caused by exposure to noise and age-related wear and tear. Conductive hearing loss affects the outer or middle ear. It can be hereditary, the result of a head injury or a perforated eardrum. The solutions recommended by the audiologist will differ depending on the hearing loss. Chris says: ‘With conductive loss, we may advise using aids which are a little more powerful.’ Modern technology means it’s easier than ever to find the ideal balance between performance and appearance. Today’s huge range of aids includes those that are almost invisible and moulded to fit your ear, along with state of the art aids for more severe loss. Each can be programmed to suit you. Chris says: ‘The best one might not be the most expensive or the cheapest, but it will be the right one for you. That’s our ethos.’ Finding the right solutions can transform lives. Chris adds: ‘The most amazing thing about being an audiologist is switching on a person’s hearing aids for the first time and seeing the impact our technology can have on someone’s life.’