SPECSAVERS is this month celebrating 20 years of providing audiology services to its customers.
To mark this key milestone, Specsavers Hemel Hempstead hosted a week of activities in store to raise awareness around the importance of hearcare. Activities included ‘audiology huddles’ to encourage discussion around hearing and loss of hearing, how to look after your hearing, emotions around loss of hearing, how patients might feel about accepting that they might need to have a hearing test and potentially wear a hearing aid.
The store team also handed out golden tickets to 20 lucky customers, offering £50 off hearing aids. They also gave out earplugs to those customers who regularly attend live music, or events with higher noise levels. A 15-minute screener hearing test carried out on the Audiopad enticed passers-by, and those customers in-store, to find out just how good or bad their hearing might be! Many patients were surprised to hear that it was the Specsavers 20-year milestone and expressed their ‘thanks’ for the sweet treats and chocolates provided during the week.

Geeta Patel, Specsavers Hemel Hempstead, Audiology Director said; ‘We opened our state-of-the-art testing facilities in July 2019 so customers can benefit from a full hearing test in a soundproof booth. We have patients referred to us by their GP for hearing tests and also private patients. After the hearing test we discuss the audiogram report providing advice and guidance, as appropriate. We also offer regular ear wax removal clinics and fit hearing aids.’
Ms Patel continued; ‘This week, the team have focussed on opening up the conversation about hearing health and hearing loss, as there is often stigma associated with it. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had a hearing test in the last year to book in today, especially if they are aged over 55.’

Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and hearing changes over time and for different reasons, which is why people experience different types of loss at different stages in life. Despite this, many people often ignore the signs of hearing loss, concerned about being judged by others.
People should get their hearing checked if they notice any change in their hearing, regardless of their age. Most of the time hearing loss happens gradually, making it harder to notice any deterioration.
Ms Patel commented, there are several tell-tale signs that could indicate you have hearing loss. These include:
• You find it difficult to listen to conversations on the TV when there’s background noise.
• Speaking and hearing people on the phone is difficult, even in a quiet room.
• You must ask others to repeat themselves often, or it sounds like they’re mumbling.
• You might find it hard to keep up with conversation when in group situations.
• You might feel stressed or tired from having to concentrate while listening.
• Family members will mention that the TV is too loud, or that you’re shouting.
• Loved ones might hint that you’re finding it difficult to hear too.
If your test results indicate you’d benefit from a hearing aid, then your audiologist will talk you through the wide range of options available. Getting a hearing aid is all about finding what’s right for you, understanding your hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
Specsavers offers a wide range of hearing aids, including its own Specsavers Advance range. Advance hearing aids feature some of the latest technology, at Specsavers prices. Features can include background noise reduction, mobile audio streaming from a device such as a phone, wireless connectivity, app connectivity, and rechargeability.
You can also try Specsavers’ free online hearing test to get a better idea of whether you might need to have an in-store test.
You can call the team at Specsavers Hemel Hempstead on 01442 212141 to discuss any hearcare or sight queries.