"It’s all about encouraging people to treat their ears with the same respect that they give their eyes and teeth" says Ben Mann, owner and principal audiologist at Click Hearing, when asked about the number one challenge in hearing healthcare.

Click Hearing celebrated their 21st anniversary this autumn and Ben and his team have carved out a deserved reputation for offering the highest levels of hearing health advice and care for all ages.

"We all regularly have eye tests and dental check-ups, it should be the same for your hearing. But we do know that many people don’t really know where to start, and we want to help."

Ben goes on to say: "We want people to know that having their hearing tested really is a simple and quick process and, as well as checking hearing performance, a test can also help diagnose other medical issues that may not be obvious."

Since opening his first audiology practice in Upminster in 2001, Ben and his team have enjoyed the successful opening of two practices in Chelmsford (Duke Street and Springfield Hospital) and a further pair in Hornchurch and Ramsden Heath. And there is a new practice opening in Southend soon.

In addition to offering hearing tests and the supply and fit of hearing aids, they offer two different ear wax removal processes, microsuction and irrigation.

Ben’s team also offer the super specialist services of full balance testing and paediatric hearing care.

Romford Recorder: Emily at Click Hearing UpminsterEmily at Click Hearing Upminster (Image: CLICK HEARING)

These skill sets explain why Click Hearing is in demand from many of the regional ENT Consultants and GPs who work closely with the team across all of their sites and why they have been the resident audiologist at Springfield Hospital since 2004.

Ben and his team are passionate about hearing and it should come as no surprise that the practices have built up a strong and loyal customer following across Essex.

"Helping people to hear is complicated. We know that there isn't a magic wand to solve the communication problems that accompany hearing loss, but we're honest with the advice that we give and we use the best hearing devices, fitted in the best way.

"Helping people to maximise their potential is where we excel and this is why so many people come to us, especially if they've been dissatisfied with solutions that they have tried in the past."

Romford Recorder: June and Annette at Click Hearing ChelmsfordJune and Annette at Click Hearing Chelmsford (Image: CLICK HEARING)

Hearing loss linked to dementia in new international study

Addressing hearing loss can play a major role in preventing dementia, a new international study published in The Lancet has found.

Mid-life hearing loss tops nine risk factors that contribute to the risk of dementia. Others include education, smoking, failing to seek early treatment for depression, physical inactivity and social isolation.

Researchers say hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression, which are among the other potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia.

The Lancet study is the latest in a growing body of evidence that links hearing loss with cognitive decline and underlines the importance of looking after your hearing. Getting a hearing test is an important step to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Lead author Professor Gill Livingston, from University College London, said: “Although dementia is diagnosed in later life, the brain changes usually begin to develop years before.

"Acting now will vastly improve life for people with dementia and their families and, in doing so, will transform the future of society.”

Reacting to the new study, Ben Mann said: “For too long, hearing loss has been considered unimportant. There is little sympathy for those with hearing loss and it has often been passed off as a consequence of ageing that should just be accepted instead of treated.

"The Lancet commission on dementia is incredibly powerful and indicates how dementia risk can be significantly reduced if people take good care of their hearing. That's huge!"

“The Lancet report shows that 25% of the risk that individuals can modify themselves is linked to hearing, and for the first time they raise the importance of addressing this in mid-life between 45 and 65, not simply when it has been left untreated in later life."

“This is a real wake-up call to people who can, and should, do something for themselves by getting their hearing tested and taking advice. This is such an easy way in which people can invest in their long-term health, just as they do by joining a gym or taking other steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

“People should not look solely to the NHS to provide answers, as they are already rationing access in many areas, even for those over 65. Modern technologies really do work and are cost-effective for anyone who values their quality of life and fulfillment in work and leisure alike.”