Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

You will be seen by a clinical audiologist and during the appointment we will take impressions of your ears. This is a simple procedure, but it is important that your ear canals are free from any built-up wax. If you think you may have ear wax, please use softening drops (e.g. olive oil) for approximately 4 days prior to your appointment. If you are unsure, it is best to do this anyway as a precaution.

If you do have an ear wax build-up significant enough to prevent the impression being taken, we can remove the wax for you at a rate of £50. This can usually be done during your appointment, however in some cases we may need to ask you to return at a later date.

The history of your symptoms is particularly important, and we will ask you a series of questions to help them understand the issues you are experiencing.

We will use an otoscope to check your ear canal health, during this they will make sure the canal is free from occluding wax/debris and check the physical appearance of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Soft cotton or foam stops will be inserted into the ear, following which the impression material will be injected into the ear canal. It takes a few minutes for the impression material to set, and then we will take it out to send to the manufacturer. This allows us to create a physical replica of the ear to make your custom-made product.

Pure tone audiometry (a hearing test that measures a person’s ability to hear different frequencies and pitches) is completed while sitting in a soundproof booth with headphones on. Your clinical audiologist will play a range of tones at different volume levels into one ear at a time, your hearing thresholds will be determined based on your responses.

If you have paid for postage, then your bespoke hearing protection will be sent to you via Royal Mail’s tracking service within 4 weeks of your appointment. If you opted to collect them from the practice, then we will contact you when they are ready for collection.

PLEASE NOTE:
We will keep an electronic scan of your ear impressions for four years following your appointment. This means if you require replacement earplugs it will not be necessary to return for an impression, you can simply call us to place your order.

Your earplugs will be provided in clear, colourless silicone as standard. There is the option for other colours at no extra charge. Please discuss it with your clinical audiologist.

Some musicians prefer to have their earplugs attached by a cord / lanyard as it can be handy to wear around your neck (and makes them less easy to lose), this is also available at no extra charge.

You have 30 days following receipt of your hearing protection to exchange the db filter free of charge.

If you are not happy with the fitting of your earplugs, please let us know within 30 days of receipt.