SPECSAVERS Walton on Thames Hearcare Centre celebrated being open for almost three years, when the team hosted an Audiology Event on November 5th to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your hearing.

November 5th, Guy Fawkes Day traditionally heralds some very noisy fireworks, fire crackers, and firework displays across the UK, so being hearing aware is particularly important on this day, as many people across the UK attend formal firework displays and host their own firework parties.

Specsavers Walton on Thames Audiology Director, Laura Smith said; ‘For anyone hosting a celebration with fireworks, it’s recommended that you should distance yourself from the fireworks to around 20 metres or so, as this will help to reduce the sound to a safer level.’

Continuing Ms Smith said; ‘In fact UK regulations recommend the legal limit of 120 decibels for fireworks, so we do urge everyone to be more cautious and recommend the wearing of ear plugs to protect your hearing. This advice equally applies to listening to live music, attending rock concerts and even sporting events where the noise level is going to be much higher, such as Formula One.’

Since the launch of the Hearcare Centre in 2019, the team has grown to two members of staff, with Hannah Adendorff joining in March 2022. Originally from Bloemfontein, South Africa, Hannah left Eunice High School for Girls aged 18 years old where she gained a National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s degree. On leaving school, Hannah worked as a Tutor for eight months at her mother’s Study Centre, teaching Maths, English, Afrikaans and Life Skills, including teaching 7 – 8-year-olds about different animals and their habitats. It was a role she found to be rewarding and enjoyable.

However, during 2021, Hannah decided she would like to broaden her horizons and experience and fulfil her dream of living in the UK. So, on arriving in the South East in July 2021, Hannah stayed in Farnborough, where she very quickly managed to find a waitressing job at Mercedes Benz World based in Weybridge. Several months later, Hannah relocated to nearby Walton on Thames, which is where she heard about the audiology opportunity at Specsavers.
On joining the hearcare team, Laura Smith, Audiology Director, outlined the Specsavers Career Pathway to Hannah, explaining the different pathways for audiology, the career opportunities and progression. Hannah decided to train to become an Audiology Clinical Support Assistant, gaining the industry recognised qualification within seven months.
Hannah said; ‘I am really interested in the clinical aspect of hearcare, so studying for this qualification has helped me better understand what is involved with supporting our patients, identifying and assessing hearing issues, and being able to signpost and support customers who may have a hearing condition.’
Within this role, Hannah is responsible for carrying out hearing screener checks, explaining the results of the audiogram report to patients, performing an otoscopy, and generally being vigilant about spotting anything abnormal. As part of her support role to Laura Smith, Audiology Director, Hannah also carries out general repairs on hearing aids and day to day administrative duties.
Now fully qualified, Hannah is motivated and keen to progress, planning to continue her studies over the next six months to become qualified as a Hearing Care Assistant. This will broaden Hannah’s remit and skill set to include micro suction, hearing aid fitting appointments, and adjusting the hearing aid programming.
Hannah commented; ‘This qualification would enable me to add value to the service we provide, as it would offer patients more clinic availability. In addition, I would gain a deeper knowledge of hearing aids and optimising their use, which in turn would help patients learn about directional hearing, filtering out noisier backgrounds to Bluetooth streaming of calls, music or videos directly into the hearing aids!
Continuing Hannah said; ‘I have always wanted to go into the field of designing prosthetics. Working at Specsavers and with hearing aids has brought me closer to that dream. It is great that I can study whilst gaining practical day to day experience too.’
Laura Smith said; ‘I’m delighted with Hannah’s progress and enthusiasm; she is a great support to the team. The training gives all staff the chance to broaden their skill base and pursue their ambitions. I wish Hannah every success.’

Hearing is important, and monitoring any deterioration is equally significant, as an early intervention may help reduce the impact of hearing loss, such as feelings of isolation, not being able to socialise as much and feeling lonely.

Specsavers recommend hearing tests every two years for those aged over 55 years old. Specsavers Walton on Thames provide a daily clinic so that customers can have their hearing tested, coupled with a micro-suction clinic which is held each Thursday.

So, to check that your hearing is in tip top condition, you can call the store team at Specsavers Walton on Thames on 01932 251960 or you can book an appointment online.