In September, Somerset Hearing turned five.
However, Somerset Hearing celebrating 5 years has required attention amid a busy year.
I didn’t want the occasion to pass without saying thank you.
When I opened in September 2021, I hoped to build a local, independent clinic where people felt comfortable. They had time to talk and could get honest advice about their hearing.
Moreover, seeing people come back year after year has been the most rewarding part. They get to know us and recommend us to their friends and family through Somerset Hearing celebrating 5 years.
Firstly, thank you for choosing Somerset Hearing.
Additionally, whether you’ve been with me from the beginning or only recently walked through the door, I appreciate your support.
From The Crescent to The Crown
Some of you will remember our first home in The Crescent.
In October 2023, we moved to The Crown in Rumwell, sharing a location with Crown Eyecare. Furthermore, Somerset Hearing celebrating 5 years now marks a proud milestone for us.
The clinic has found a lovely setting with more room to develop. Moreover, many of you have appreciated somewhere convenient to park.
Much of our growth has come through recommendations. Hearing care can feel like a big step, particularly if you’re unsure what to expect.
A kind word from someone you trust can make all the difference.
We now have over 200 five-star Google reviews.
As a small business owner, I read those personally, and they mean a great deal.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write one.
A few proud moments along the way
In 2023, Somerset Hearing celebrating 5 years was named Emerging Hearing Care Centre in Somerset at SME UK Enterprise Awards.
Moreover, it was lovely to receive that recognition early in the business’s journey.
Another highlight was running the Taunton Half Marathon for RNID. Thanks to your generous donations and encouragement, we raised more than £3,000. This supported their work helping people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Finally, thank you to everyone who supported me — it made the aching legs worthwhile.
A warm welcome to Victoria
One of the biggest changes this year is welcoming Victoria. Moreover, this has been a notable shift for the organisation.
After spending around a year looking for the right person to join the clinic, Victoria got in touch with us directly.
Additionally, she brings a wealth of experience in hearing care and now looks after our earwax removal appointments.
Having spent years building relationships with patients, bringing someone into the business is a big decision.
Finding someone who takes the same care with people matters enormously. Moreover, I’m very pleased Victoria has joined us.
Having her here also gives me more time for hearing assessments, hearing aid appointments and ongoing support. Additionally, for anyone wondering, you’ll still be seeing me for those.
Continuing to invest in your care
Thanks to your support, I can keep investing in the clinic, including our new Aurality 3D ear scanner this summer.
Somerset Hearing became the first hearing clinic in the UK to introduce this particular Aurality technology.
In addition, this milestone was exciting for us.
The scanner creates a detailed digital model of the ear.
For suitable fittings, it provides an alternative to traditional silicone impressions.
Additionally, scans are sent electronically to compatible manufacturers for custom earpieces.
I enjoy exploring new technology, but the question is how it will help the people sitting in front of me. Moreover, this is an investment I’m particularly pleased to have made.
We’ve also been trying the latest hearing aids, including Phonak EON and Oticon Reveal. Additionally, there have been encouraging responses, along with reminders that everyone hears differently.
Two people can try the same hearing aid and have different experiences. That’s why I place great value on real-life trials.
An appointment can tell us a lot. However, your family conversations, working day and usual activities tell us more about how you’re getting on.
Our new comparison blog shares our early experiences with both products, highlighting how we used them in real-world settings and noting initial impressions. These insights come from practical testing and user feedback gathered during our review phase, offering readers a practical baseline.
Additionally, it explains the differences we found, including speech clarity, background noise levels and overall sound quality, with examples from varied environments. These examples help readers assess suitability for different uses and budgets, guiding informed choices.
We also have a new website at www.somersethearing.uk.
Additionally, you can find information about our services, book appointments, and read about hearing care and the technology we use.
A few changes at home too
These five years have been memorable outside work as well. Moreover, I got married, and Jade and I welcomed our son, Theo.
Becoming a dad while running a growing business has made life wonderfully busy. There has been a fair amount of sleep deprivation along the way. Additionally, I now have a much greater appreciation for an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Many of you have asked after the family or shared stories about your own children and grandchildren. Additionally, those conversations are part of what makes running a small clinic so enjoyable.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far Somerset Hearing has come.
Moreover, I’m aware this happened because people chose to put their trust in us.
Somerset Hearing celebrating 5 years marks the trust of those who supported us.
Firstly, thank you for coming back, passing our name on and supporting an independent local business. Above all, thank you for letting us be part of your hearing care.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Jon Cade, Founder, Somerset Hearing.