Almost everyone suffers from hearing loss as they get older, but it’s often so gradual that they don’t notice. That’s why it’s recommended people over 40 have their ears tested every year.

Iris brings her dad, Bert, along to their local Specsavers Hearing Centre, as he’s never had his hearing tested before. She’s noticed recently that he’s had the TV on very loud and he often misunderstands what she’s saying, and as the hearing test is free there’s nothing to lose!

We take a look at how the ear works before Bert meets the Hearing Aid Audiologist who will be testing his ears.  Iris can accompany Bert for his test, which puts them both at ease.  The Hearing Aid Audiologist asks Bert a few questions about his work, his medical history and his pastimes, and in particular any problems Bert thinks he might be having with his hearing.

Bert’s outer ear gets checked for any signs of wax, infection or damage. He gives Bert some headphones to put on and asks him to press a button every time he hears a sound. The sounds are varied, and played into each ear individually, so the Hearing Aid Audiologist can build an accurate picture of how well Bert can hear. He repeats the test with a slightly different headset – this tests the sounds that Bert can hear using his inner ear.

The Hearing Aid Audiologist is able to show Bert the results of his hearing test. Hearing aids would really help Bert to hear better so he talks him through some of the options.

Bert then chooses what style of hearing aid would be most suitable for him. He is shown a range of appropriate styles, from models that fit behind the ear through to models that sit completely in the ear canal.

He is also able to choose any extras he’d like, ranging from directional microphones to devices to help with telephone conversations.

Because Bert opts for a style that fits in his ear, the Hearing Aid Audiologist takes a mould so it can be custom fitted. First of all he places a soft safety block in Bert’s ear canal, and then takes an impression of the inside of Bert’s ear using a kind of silicone. The process takes a couple of minutes for each side, and once it’s done the moulds are sent to specialist hearing aid technicians who will make the devices to fit the shape of Bert’s ears exactly.

Bert returns to the store a couple of weeks later when his new hearing aids have arrived, and the Hearing Aid Audiologist checks that they fit snugly and comfortably. He makes sure that Bert is happy and confident using his new hearing aids. Together, they go through everything from changing the settings with the remote control to changing the batteries.

Before he leaves, the Hearing Aid Audiologist arranges another meeting so he can make sure Bert is getting on well with his new hearing aids, and can answer any further questions Bert might have.

This animation shows a typical in-store experience; details may vary depending on individual customer needs.