More than 200 Specsavers audiology businesses across the UK can now provide appointments for urgent and essential hearing services in the community.
In line with new guidelines, announced by the UK’s leading industry bodies, Specsavers audiologists have reintroduced key, lifeline audiology services, including hearing tests, hearing aid fittings and earwax removal, to anyone in urgent need of care.
Customers will need to request an appointment online (www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/request-form) or call their local store first for advice and to be assessed on the level of care that they might need. In the first instance, care and support will be provided remotely, if possible, using the newly-launched RemoteCare video and telephone consultation service.
However, in some cases, it may be necessary to book an appointment in store.
Across all stores, Specsavers has introduced strict hygiene and personal protection measures, to ensure a safe and comfortable customer experience. This includes restrictions on the number of people allowed in-store at any one time and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). All testing equipment will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each use and strict social distancing rules will be followed.
Specsavers chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, says: ‘While we will try to resolve as many queries as we can remotely, it’s important that we can provide clinical care where it is needed. During this pandemic, it’s vital that these lifeline services and support remain available to people with hearing loss, many of who are incredibly isolated.
‘If you have any form of hearing loss, you may feel socially isolated at the best of times. But when you factor in physical isolation too, this can be extremely difficult and can cause feelings of depression, stress and anxiety. Our message is that we are here to help, so please get in touch if you have any concerns.’
Prior to the new industry guidelines, Specsavers has been able to provide advice and support to people, remotely, by delivering hearing aid batteries or spare parts, and making urgent hearing aid repairs.
In response to the pandemic, Specsavers has also introduced a range of ways to access care remotely. This includes RemoteCare – the free nationwide consultation service offering advice and care via video and telephone link; and Specsavers Ask the Expert Facebook group – an online group of optometrists and audiologists answering customer queries.
Mr Harrison says that these services will continue to be available and stores will always look to provide services remotely where it can. Customers can also be reassured that stringent hygiene measures are in place, should it be necessary for them to see an audiologist in person.
‘Our number one priority is the health and safety of our customers and staff, which is why we’ve implemented the very highest hygiene standards, following the latest industry and government guidelines. Every measure we have taken is designed to put safety first.’
For more information about our hearing services, including RemoteCare, visit specsavers.co.uk/hearing. You can also call your local store and speak to one of our audiologists.
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