The Advantages of Independent Hearing Clinics

We have all witnessed the gradual changes in town centre retailing. Amid competition from online businesses, independent businesses have had to diversify and include a whole range of additional services. The same applies to audiology. Pharmacy and opticians chains now offer hearing services as an add-on to their core businesses. So, how does their audiology offer differ from an independent audiological clinic?

A Personalised Service

In independent hearing clinics, you are the mainstay of their business. If you pop in for some hearing aid batteries, they will likely remember which hearing device you wear. If an adjustment is required, they will often handle it there and then. They may also ask about your health, your granddaughter’s netball team or your recent foreign holiday, making you feel at home and valued. A smaller and, by default, more attentive staff can, deliver a total customer experience.

A Greater Continuity of Service

If you use an independent hearing aid audiologist, you might see the same audiologist on each visit. A smaller client-focused business has fewer changes in staff. As a result, the audiologist will be more aware of your personal history and hearing requirements. In a larger organisation, you may see one of many audiologists or a locum who will have to learn about your hearing history each time you visit. Their job is clearly more challenging.

Detailed Product Knowledge

The larger multiples will have a higher staff turnover. They also focus on hitting sales targets. As a result, they won’t always have the time to become aware of new product features and technological advances fully. An independent hearing centre will likely have a more excellent working knowledge of the products they dispense. They may have been to a manufacturer’s launch day to become fully conversant with every feature of the hearing device. AIHHP Centres of Excellence have close relationships with audiological manufacturers, reinforced by close liaison at events and conferences.

Independent Audiologists May Specialise

Your local independent hearing centre may have a specialism. They will often have one or more trained audiologists and only focus on your hearing. Their service range will often include diagnostic hearing tests, ear wax removal, hearing aid dispensing and tinnitus treatment options. In addition, some of them will also have a detailed working knowledge of noise protection products, demonstrating a wide-reaching approach to hearing healthcare and wellness. Compare this with larger multiples who typically focus on dispensing hearing instruments and often to the exclusion of other hearing products and services.

They Won’t Rush You

An independent hearing clinic won’t hurry you. Appointments will be a complete yet relaxed experience. You will be able to ask questions and be sure that you are familiar with your product and happy with your treatment.

To experience the difference for yourself, CLICK HERE to find an AIHHP independent hearing clinics and audiologists near you.