Tag: audiology

Specsavers launches new Audiology Graduate Programme for 2026

Specsavers is launching its first ever graduate development programme for recently qualified audiologists and hearing aid dispensers.

Applications are now open for the Specsavers Audiology Graduate Programme, a brand-new opportunity open to qualified audiologists with HCPC registration or those on track to qualify and be registered by September 2026. Applications are welcomed from local final year students and graduates of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Specsavers is currently the only major UK audiology employer offering a clearly defined, national, structured audiology graduate programme offering a guaranteed salary alongside structured clinical, leadership, and business development. Graduates will also benefit from ongoing support from experienced partners and central support teams and clear progression routes into permanent roles and/or business ownership. 

Successful applicants will be based within a Specsavers hearing care practice – which can be either in a store or with a home visits service – for 18-months where they will complete a training programme to providing strong foundations for early career audiologists. Graduates will be able to build and develop clinical, leadership and business skills – learning how to drive clinical excellence and deliver exceptional patient care and customer experience. 

Applications are open now online at www.join.specsavers.com/uk/audiology-graduate-programme but places are limited and applications will close on 31 March.

Laura Monaghan, Head of Careers for Specsavers Hearing Care, said: :‘Our first audiology graduate programme provides an excellent springboard into a fulfilling and rewarding clinical career.

“We’re looking for people who care about doing the right thing for patients, enjoy keeping quality and service standards high and are wanting to combine their clinical skills with experience in leadership and business operations.

“We’ll give successful applicants structured early-career support, with help from our expert office teams and store partners, so they have everything they need to succeed.

‘Specsavers is a family business, and each practice is owned and run by its clinical and retail directors. We have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the last three years in the UK and Ireland and are ranked number 12 in 2025’s World’s Best Workplaces™.

‘Unlike many graduate opportunities, this is not just a job vacancy, but a nationally-supported graduate pathway with consistent training and a variety of avenues for progression. If you are a passionate, ambitious, and hard-working Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser that is ready to learn how to lead and grow in audiology, we’re waiting to hear from you and look forward to giving your audiology career an excellent launch pad.’

Alongside having HCPC registration as an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser – or currently studying for an audiology degree and due to qualify and register by September 2026 – applicants will also need a full UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK.

Please visit Audiology Graduate Programme | Graduate Audiologist Jobs | Specsavers UK Careers for more information and a link to apply.

Musselburgh grandad reconnects with family after remarkable hearing transformation

DREW Johnson spent three decades in the security industry, keeping a watchful eye on offices and factories across Scotland.

But later in life, the Paisley-born grandad realised his own senses were fading, leaving him ‘switched off’ from the people who mattered most – his family.

Thanks to the work of Specsavers Musselburgh, the 79-year-old is celebrating a ‘remarkable’ two-month transformation after receiving life-changing hearing devices that has brought the sound back to his home and hobbies.

Before seeking help, Drew struggled with great difficulty in busy environments. Recently, he moved from Dundee to live with his daughter Lynn in Musselburgh, which made the issue impossible to ignore, as the bustling household became a challenge to navigate.

‘I was missing the high notes and the low notes’ says Drew. ‘I found myself looking at people’s lips just to understand what they were saying.

“I was worried, and I was annoyed at myself. I just couldn’t believe how small the hearing devices were when I saw them – the stigma of them being off-putting is totally gone.’

Drew visited audiologist Jonathan Bell at the Specsavers Musselburgh store on the High Street. Jonathan diagnosed significant hearing loss in both ears and fitted Drew with discreet, modern hearing devices. 

The result was an immediate return to independence and even allowed him to answer his phone with a simple tap of his ear.

As a thank you for Drew’s commitment to his clinical journey and to showcase the brand’s dedication to long-term customer aftercare, drew was gifted a TV Connector worth £229.

The device allows Drew to watch his favourite team, Dundee United, and stream crime dramas, such as Blue Bloods and Chicago Fire, with total clarity directly into his hearing devices without adjusting the volume for the rest of the room.

Jonathan Bell, director of Edinburgh Specsavers Hearcare and the audiologist who led Drew’s care, says: ‘What makes Drew’s story so special is the family aspect.

‘Seeing Drew joined by both his daughters, Lynn and Laura, shows how hearing loss doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects the whole support network.

‘Drew’s journey from being ‘annoyed’ by his hearing loss to being ‘delighted’ and independent is why we are so passionate about looking after our community’s hearing.’

For Drew’s daughter, Lynn, the change has been emotional. She says: ‘He’s so much more involved now. At the dinner table, he’s back in the heart of the conversation instead of being switched off.

“Seeing him have that confidence back at his Friday morning club is amazing.’

Drew is now using his experience to help others, frequently assisting fellow members at a club with their own tablets and phones – all while enjoying the ‘perfect’ sound he thought he had lost for good.

Specsavers offers services across optometry and audiology. With ongoing training and development opportunities, the stores are committed to investing in their teams and helping customers.

To book a hearing check, you can visit Jonathan and his team at the https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/camerontoll or call 0131 672 9218.

Please note: The centralised diary management system means that by calling the Cameron Toll team on 0131 672 9218, patients can conveniently book appointments at any of our Specsavers locations across the greater Edinburgh area.

Edinburgh Audiology expert explains the importance of hearing this Dementia Action Week

HEALTH experts are highlighting the importance of looking after your hearing and vision to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Due to the similarity of their symptoms, hearing loss can, on occasions, be mistaken for early signs of dementia, particularly when someone is struggling to communicate.

However, leading research also reveals that untreated hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to developing dementia, and that risk increases further if you have a visual impairment too.

That is why this Dementia Action Week (May 13-19), Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh is highlighting the importance of regular hearing and eye tests. The home visits team in Edinburgh provides at-home eye tests and hearing tests to people who are unable to leave their home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness, or disability.

Lynne Phillips, audiology partner for the Specsavers Homes Visits team in South and East Scotland, says: ‘Leading research has shown that hearing loss can cause cognitive decline which can lead to dementia[1] – with people with moderate to severe hearing loss up to five times more likely to develop the condition[2].

“For those who also have a visual impairment as well as hearing loss, studies show they are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia than those without[3], as the decline in senses could increase social isolation and place strain on the parts of the brain which are required for good cognitive function[4].

‘This is why regular sight and hearing tests are so important in helping to reduce the risk. The earlier any problems are identified, the sooner protective measures like hearing aids can be introduced.’

Specsavers also provides comprehensive training to ensure that colleagues are equipped and confident to support any customers who may have dementia.

As part of the initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, colleagues who have completed the training are recognised as Dementia Friends, with a badge to wear on their uniforms to indicate their increased level of dementia awareness.

For more information about the Home Visits service visit:

 https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests

Edinburgh audiologist highlights hearing health in local community for World Hearing Day

FOLLOWING this year’s World Hearing Day (3rd March 2024), an audiology director from the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has discussed the importance of regular hearing tests, sharing top audiology health tips to help the local community ensure their hearing is in great shape.

Lynne Philips, audiology partner at the Specsavers Home Visits team that covers Edinburgh, aims to raise awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.

One of the most reoccurring issues with hearing is earwax build-up which can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. Lynne highlights the challenges this can cause: ‘Everyone has earwax. It’s produced by our ears to help protect them from infections and to stop them feeling dry and irritated.

“However, too much wax can cause problems, particularly when it becomes hardened and impacted, potentially leading to hearing loss, discomfort, pain and in some cases infections.’

Lynne continues: ‘Because of this, it’s always hugely important to get expert help if you experience difficulty with your hearing, especially if you’re not directly able to access a local Specsavers store.

“The accredited hearing care professionals on our Home Visits team are able to pay you a visit and can safety check if this is a problem you have.

‘Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique. That’s why we carry out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.’

The Specsavers Home Visits audiology team can provide adult hearing tests, as well as numerous audiology services such as hearing aid fittings and replacements, assisting customers with any hearing concerns they may have.

For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/request-a-free-home-visit.

Audiology review ‘paints a deeply concerning picture’

Recommendations to improve audiology services have been made to the Scottish Government, Health Boards and third sector partners.

An Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland sets out 55 recommendations for improving governance and structure, education and leadership.

Professor Jacqueline Taylor MBE conducted the review for Ministers following failures identified in audiology treatment for children.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I would like to thank Professor Taylor and her team this thorough report that sets out clear options for improving audiology care across the country.

“We must recognise that many families were badly let down by these services in the past and this report’s recommendations will help ensure that is not allowed to happen again.

“The report is clear in its call for better leadership, structure and governance at all levels. Some of the recommendations are in areas where we are already taking action, such as increased funding for staff training.

“What is abundantly clear in their findings is that good audiology care can be life changing, and patients recognise and value the expertise and compassion of staff. We will fully consider the findings and set out the next steps to Parliament in the coming months.”

Professor Taylor said: “The wide-ranging recommendations in this report provide the foundation for improvements which will ensure high-quality, joined-up, patient-centred services.

“Audiology staff are working incredibly hard, often in challenging circumstances and during the course of the Review process we have seen many examples of good practice.

“We have also identified a range of issues which need to be resolved. I am extremely grateful to the patients, parents, audiology staff and stakeholders who helped to shape this Review. We have listened carefully, and I believe that by working together, we have a real opportunity to develop  excellent services across Scotland.

“The Review Report is not an end in itself: it is the first step in a process of change which will require time, resources and national leadership to deliver. We hope that the Scottish Government will respond positively to the recommendations and will  ensure that the words in this report, are turned into actions.”

Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Following the publication of the final report and recommendations of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:  “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of the state of audiology in Scotland.

“Parents who rely on audiology services for their children will be shocked to learn there has been an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.”

The most urgent recommendations in the review are around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, which is carried out to identify deafness in very young children.

Mr Ballard said: “It is alarming that issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland.

“We know deaf children can achieve anything that hearing children can when they get the right support, but for this to happen their deafness must be identified at the earliest opportunity. This is why it is vitally important that children always receive high quality and effective testing and long-term support.

“Parents need reassurance that issues with the quality of services will be swiftly addressed. This report was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some of those children experienced life-changing consequences, because their deafness was identified too late for them to get the surgery or communication support they needed. There must be no more similar failures.”

The report also found there is a lack of consistent data collection, meaning it is difficult to monitor quality and compare how health boards in Scotland are performing. This makes it impossible to know if other deaf children are being failed in the same way as those in Lothian. 

Mr Ballard continued: “Parents told the review about the difference a good audiologist can make and it is clear from this report we need to make sure they always have the resources, training and leadership required to deliver effective support.

“It is now crystal clear to the Scottish Government and NHS health boards what they must do to make sure every child gets the testing and support they need,” Mr Ballard added.

Scottish Labour Party pledge support for deaf children in crucial early years

The National Deaf Children’s Society is delighted the Scottish Labour Party yesterday unanimously passed a motion pledging crucial support to deaf children during their early years.

If deafness is not identified early enough, deaf children may miss out on vital early language development, the opportunity to learn British Sign Language (BSL) from a young age or the chance to have a hearing aid or implant fitted. This can have a lifelong impact on the ability of deaf children to communicate.

The National Deaf Children’s Society wants to ensure no deaf child in Scotland waits more than six weeks from referral to audiology to getting a hearing test, as set out in the current Scottish Quality standards for Paediatric Audiology. However, in some parts of Scotland the average wait time can be a year.

Welcoming the support of the Scottish Labour Party, Mark Ballard, the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland, said: “If we fail to get paediatric audiology services right for deaf children when deafness is first identified we then risk failing deaf children for life.

“Because of the delays some families face, we can end up with the shocking scenario where children who might have benefited from using hearing aids from the very earliest years miss out simply because of delays in testing and treatment.

“Unfortunately, opportunities to learn language in this vital period of development once missed cannot be reversed.”

Scottish Labour councillor Ben Smith (Paisley Northwest, Renfrewshire), who put forward the motion, said: “We were all shocked learn how deaf children were failed by audiology services at NHS Lothian.

“This cannot be allowed to happen again. Waiting times for deaf children to access audiology testing and treatment are still too long. Early support is crucial to help deaf children thrive.

“Scottish Labour is proud to support deaf children and young people in Scotland.”

Mr Ballard added: “Every deaf child should get the high-quality support they need from the earliest years. We need robust quality assurance mechanism to make sure there can be no more scandals like NHS Lothian.

“With the right support deaf children can get best opportunities to develop language skills and should be able to make informed choices around hearing aids, implants and learning BSL.”