Very Spexy: “As an optician I felt that Tympa was a great fit”

We spoke to Jon, an optician in Aberdeen and owner of Very Spexy Optical Boutique, who has recently started delivering ear and hearing healthcare with TympaHealth.

How did you start your journey using the Tympa System?

I’ve been looking at wax removal solutions for some time and I felt that Tympa and the technology of the Tympa System was a great fit. Very spexy recently won the GHP award for Most Innovative Optical Boutique, so we’re used to thinking outside the box when it comes to finding the best technologies to help our customers get the best service possible!

How much demand has there been for the service?

Since we first announced our wax removal service with the Tympa System, we have been inundated with requests for more information, appointments, and there has been a steady flow of initial customer consultations.

What type of customer uses your service?

Our customers vary from a younger population that wear in-ear headphones to older people who complain of issues with their hearing.  No two days are the same when dealing with wax removal!

As an optician, what methods have worked well when it comes to getting the word out about your new Tympa service?

We use the TympaHealth leaflets as inserts within our customer packs when they collect a spectacles order to inform customers about our new wax removal service. Word of mouth has also been huge for us! We work closely with our local GP who refers patients on to us and we’re getting our customers to leave reviews on social media and google.

What obstacles have you encountered along the way and how did you overcome them?

There were no obstacles – the technology and training are so easy.

What are your plans for the future? (Do you plan to expand?)

The demand for ear and hearing healthcare in our area is so high! I plan to expand to offer wax removal services to other optical practices in my area on a domiciliary basis and am looking forward to helping more people with their ear wax issues.

Any advice for others starting out on their Tympa journey?

Come to training with an open mind, the system is easy to use and learning about the anatomy and physiology of the ear is interesting and fun.

Do you have any stand out patient story where you feel you really made a difference?

I had a client contact me who stated he suffered hearing loss and was worried that he had an issue with wax, during otoscopy I discovered that it was not a wax related problem and referred him via Tympa to ENT. The doctor there sent back really great advice and reassurance to my client, who’s happy that his situation is under control and should he wish to explore hearing aids as a solution to improve his hearing, to approach a Hearing Aid Audiologist.

What has been your favourite thing about using the Tympa device?

Being able to share a clinician’s view of otoscopy with your patient is brilliant – it builds trust and credibility, and patients really value insight into what we observe during examination.