WHAT IS TELEAUDIOLOGY?

What is teleaudiology?

AN EXPLANATION OF TELEAUDIOLOGY

Teleaudiology is the use of video conferencing, telephones, emails or instant messaging to deliver a remote hearing care service.

Traditionally, you would go to a hospital or a clinic and meet with an audiologist in person. However, with the latest innovations in hearing care we are able to offer you this service entirely through your computer or smartphone from the comfort of your home, work or on the go.

We use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teleaudiology solutions to ensure that our approach is entirely digital. This means you have access to our audiologists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

TWO TYPES OF TELEAUDIOLOGY

Synchronous teleaudiology

Synchronous teleaudiology is the use of video link or webchat services to connect you to your clinician in real time. When you book a consultation with one of our clinicians you can use your phone or computer to chat. We use google meets which is a simple and effective video conferencing solution that has fantastic accessibility features.

Our video conferencing solution also has a built in web chat alongside live captioning if you are struggling to follow what is being said.

Asynchronous teleaudiology

Asynchronous teleaudiology is when there is a time difference between the interaction of you and your clinician. You are probably more familiar with this format. An example of asynchronous is the use of email, text message or web enquiry form to send a message. We use asynchronous communication to confirm and remind you of your appointments and are included at no additional cost. This way, you never have to miss appointment again.

HOW DO YOU ADJUST MY HEARING AIDS USING TELEAUDIOLOGY?

We can adjust your hearing aids using a combination of both teleaudiology strategies. We use video conferencing for issues that are more complex or require a more personal touch.

Video conferencing is ideal when the audiologist needs to gather more information to make the best decision. With certain hearing aids, and with all the hearing aids purchased from us, we can make adjustments in real time whilst on the call.

A nice feature of the hearing aids that we fit is the ability to send requests through using the app. This makes it much more time efficient and convenient for you when you only need a minor adjustment.

CAN I SAFELY PURCHASE MY HEARING AIDS ONLINE?

Yes, you can safely purchase your hearing aids online from us. We follow a 3 step process which was designed to ensure you are a suitable candidate for teleaudiology services. This takes in to consideration your level of hearing, your ear health, and your aptitude of technology.

We differ from many other online providers because we are able to offer hearing aid aftercare using teleaudiology. We also have an ever growing resource of useful information that will help to build your independence with your hearing aid. This minimises your reliance on appointments saving you money in the long run.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW AND IN THE FUTURE?

What teleaudiology services do we offer?

Our offering is expanding all of the time but it ranges from general audiology consultations right the way through to hearing aid adjustments and online hearing testing. You can check out a full list of our services here.

We offer individual one-to-one appointments but we also offer group/class sessions. Both have their strengths and we recommend integrating both appointment types in to your hearing care programme.

What does the future hold for teleaudiology?

Teleaudiology is still in its primacy but it is evolving at an incredible rate. We are one of the first companies to offer a fully digital approach and many more will soon follow. In the future you will be able to access the very best audiologists in the world at a drop of a button. Geographical location will become insignificant and at this point big manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung will be heavily involved in the production and distribution of hearing technology in the form of over the counter hearing aids.

Over the counter hearing aids which are soon to be launched in the UK do not require any specialist input from an audiologist to assist with the set up and they are considerably cheaper to purchase. In these instances, our role will always be to help when you face difficulties or require guidance with general maintenance.

FREE TELEAUDIOLOGY APPOINTMENT

If you would like to discuss our services or products further please do make your first FREE teleaudiology appointment today by using our online booking system. Simply book in for an initial assessment and we will take care of the rest.