An Interview with AIHHP Council Member Ben Mann of Click Hearing

We recently enjoyed chatting with an audiologist, and AIHHP Council member Ben Mann, head of Essex-based Click Hearing, with five (and soon to be six) practices providing independent hearing care for over twenty years. Ben spoke to us about his career in audiology, his business specialisms, the benefits of AIHHP membership and the future of audiology as he sees it.

Ben’s Career as an Audiologist

Ben admits to having almost fallen into audiology. Although he always leaned towards working in the healthcare industry, an advert for a student audiologist position in Buckingham and Stoke Mandeville Hospitals initially began his journey and career in audiology. From there, he started four years of vocational training mixed with classroom training for one week each month. For him, it was the perfect way of combining hands-on training with the theoretical aspects without being saddled with a mountain of student debt.

Degree Apprenticeships in Audiology

Since then, Ben has repaid this early opportunity. He’s taken on two previous placement students, one of whom stayed as an audiologist. In addition, two of his current team, Emily and Georgia, are doing a degree apprenticeship in audiology, a great mix of university learning combined with working, observing, or learning in one of his clinics. Their continued growth will complement the team, which Ben describes as having a great mix of different backgrounds and skill sets.

Audiology Practice Locations and Specialisms

Ben’s practices are in convenient locations, within easy travelling distance of each other, allowing him to work regularly from three of those sites. He appreciates the flexibility that being independent allows him and his patients to implement change quickly. Ben is proud of his paediatric and vestibular services, which help to set him apart from his competitors.

Paediatric Audiology

Good hearing is vital to a child’s development and well-being, crucial for language development, keen social skills and educational attainment. Some childhood behavioural and emotional problems can also arise from undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss. Ben’s team have an array of appropriate and particular tests for children, all backed up by specific paediatric training and CQC accreditation

Balance Assessments

Ben’s strong interest in balance has helped to change many lives. Although we take walking and balance for granted, it is a complex activity. It relies on information from our eyes, muscle sensors and joints and vital inputs from balance organs in our ears to keep us upright, steady, and mobile. If any of these signals change, balance problems can occur, often resulting in dizziness and falls. Click Hearing provides a complete balance assessment service following a consultant referral to identify balance issues and offer practical solutions to help restore confidence and recover an active lifestyle.

The Challenges Faced by Modern Audiologists

For Ben, the key challenges include growing competition, managing expectations, differentiation, and the challenge of selling the outcome instead of focusing on products and pricing.

The Importance of De-commoditising Hearing Aids

He highlights that many of his competitors focus on product features and pricing. This makes it challenging to de-commoditise hearing aids. Instead, he emphasises the importance of improving communication. It’s a tricky concept to sell, as it’s different from buying a product that you desire, like a stereo system. People come to Click Hearing to improve communication, not simply purchase hearing aids.

The Role of Hearing Aid Manufacturers

Ben also notes the conflicting interests between manufacturers and audiologists. Manufacturers focus on their product’s unique features, whereas audiologists strive to provide the best outcome for their patients. He argues that the industry has led people to have a different mindset regarding hearing care, making it difficult to change the focus from products to outcomes.

The Rising Competition in Hearing and Ear Care

The rising competition in ear care, with many unregulated practitioners entering the market, has driven prices down. It is a challenge for professional organisations that invest in the best equipment and training to provide quality service. Ben believes that a patient needs to experience that service first-hand to truly understand the difference between a professional organisation and an unqualified provider.

Overcoming the Stigma of Hearing Aids

We spoke about the challenges of getting people to adopt hearing aids in light of the alarming statistic that many wait up to ten years before accepting that there is a need.

Perception of Hearing Aids as a Sign of Aging

For Ben, one of the challenges of getting people with hearing loss to use hearing aids is the perception that they make you look old. Many people have an outdated image of hearing aids, associating them with older relatives or bad advertisements from years ago. In reality, modern hearing aids are sleek, sophisticated, and advanced devices that can significantly improve quality of life.

Breaking Down the Psychological Barrier

Ben believes that people often need a little coaxing to overcome the psychological barrier. They need time to get used to using a device that helps them hear. It’s common for individuals to delay taking action for several years. Once they experience the benefits of hearing aids, there’s usually no looking back. Hearing care professionals can help break down these barriers by offering test and trial appointments to demonstrate what hearing aids look, feel, and sound like, providing a more realistic picture of what they’re considering.

Technology Integration and the Future of Hearing Aids

We continued by focusing on the technology associated with modern hearing devices and discussed how this might aid with early adoption.

Will the Adoption of New Technology Lead to Less Reluctance?

As people become more comfortable adopting technology, such as phone apps and personal gadgets, they may also become less reluctant to adopt hearing devices. However, there hasn’t been a significant shift in mindset over the years. People base their view on adopting hearing aids on misconceptions rather than facts. Ben feels that it may take more time and perhaps another generation or two before people become more open to using hearing aids.

Smartphone Integration and Remote Adjustments

Integrating hearing aids with smartphones and other personal gadgets has made them more convenient and accessible. However, it hasn’t yet created a desire among the general population to adopt them. Instead, this technology has enabled hearing care professionals to adjust clients’ hearing devices remotely. This has offered more flexibility and convenience for those who need it. Ben summarises by saying that as technology advances, it’s possible that the perception of hearing aids will shift. He suspects that more people will be willing to adopt them in the future. Until then, it’s vital for hearing care professionals to continue educating and breaking down barriers. This will help individuals with hearing loss improve their quality of life.

Advantages of Joining AIHHP for Independent Hearing Aid Audiologists

As an AIHHP Council member, Ben is well-positioned to explain the benefits of joining the organisation.

One of the main advantages of joining AIHHP as an independent hearing aid audiologist or practitioner is its networking opportunities and support network. For smaller independents, especially those from an NHS background, there can be a need for routine sharing of practices and ideas.

For Ben, AIHHP membership provides a platform to network with colleagues, share ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaboration allows members to gain a broader perspective and consider new ideas, which can help improve their practice. With access to a wealth of knowledge from experienced professionals, members can avoid making the same mistakes others have already made.

In addition, being part of a more extensive network gives practitioners the feeling of belonging to a bigger team. It enables them to reflect on their practices and learn new techniques from their peers. Ultimately, the support and networking opportunities AIHHP membership provides can significantly enhance an independent practitioner’s professional growth and development.

What Makes Ben Tick?

Ben loves his job. He feels fortunate to work with a great team of clinicians. The practice combines what he loved about his NHS job with the flexibility of being an independent practice. He enjoys making changes and implementing new services to improve the practice and help his patients. Although Ben acknowledges that others may view him as a workaholic, he doesn’t see it that way. He loves what he does and feels like he’s never really worked a day in his life. Ben’s passion for his job is evident, as is his immense pride for the practice he has built.