The Skipton Audiologist

25/02/2026

If you come into the practice this week and notice I’m wearing odd socks. Don’t worry. Huntingtons Disease U.K. are asking people to wear odd socks and donate a pound to their charity and my Rotary Club have got involved. If the socks make you smile feel free to give me a donation and I will pass it on to the local charity. You can learn more about the disease here https://www.hda.org.uk/information-and-support/huntingtons-disease/what-is-huntingtons-disease/

22/02/2026

At The Skipton Audiologist, our goal is simple 👉 recommend the minimum technology you need to get the maximum communication success.

Just keep in mind: these tiers are guidelines, not rules. The best fit comes from a real conversation between you and our audiologist so we can match the right technology to your goals and set clear expectations for what hearing aids can (and can’t) do in your everyday life. ☺️

21/02/2026

When someone asks me, “Which hearing aid should I get?” my answer is always: It depends on your lifestyle and your hearing test.

Before I recommend a technology tier, I’ll ask things like:

👉 Are you in meetings or an office?
👉 How often are you in restaurants?
👉 Do you go to church/theater/large events?
👉 Any noisy hobbies (shooting, motorcycles, woodworking)?

Because one “noisy place” can change everything. I had a patient who loved games at Elland Road ⚽️⚽️Mid-range was fine at home, but in that crowd noise, she needed premium features to be comfortable.

Here’s the key: Your diagnostic test results guide the power and processing you need, and your lifestyle helps us choose the extras!

20/02/2026

As an audiologist, I see this story all the time:

A patient comes in because their spouse gently nudged them to schedule (or scheduled the appointment for them 😉). They usually start with, “I hear fine, everyone mumbles,” and I can tell they feel skeptical.

Honestly, I get it, because I’ve been that person too. I didn’t WANT to schedule my own checkup but my husband nudged me… and I was glad I listened.

We slow it down, discuss real-life moments such as TV volume and group conversation, and then review their hearing test results.

The best part? The “wins” are often small but powerful: TV is lower, and couples always report that there is less repeating needed, and they can tell their spouse is more confident in different listening environments.

If you’ve been on the fence, you’re not alone. When you’re ready, we’re here to help, without pressure!

19/02/2026

Looking at hearing aids and thinking, “Why are these prices all over the place?” 🤔

The entry-level technology that we prescribe at The Skipton Audiologist is made for quiet, simple listening needs: home, TV, reading, and easy one-on-one conversations.

And here’s my honest take 👉 if your lifestyle is mostly quiet, paying for higher-tier features usually won’t add much benefit.

I recently fit a retired patient in Settle who mostly spends time at home with his wife. Basic technology was the perfect match! 🦻

Not sure what tier fits your life? Book an appointment, and we’ll help you choose based on your lifestyle!

18/02/2026

One of my favorite things to see at appointments? A “second set of ears.”

A patient once asked, “Do I really need to bring someone? I don’t want to bother them.” And look, I get that. But I also know that I’ve gone to appointments alone and forgotten half of what I was told. 🫣

Here’s why we encourage it: a spouse, adult child, or friend can help you remember instructions, ask questions, and support you as you adjust.

When that patient brought their wife next time, everything felt easier: less stress and more confidence when they got back home. So if you have an upcoming visit, consider bringing someone with you! 😉

17/02/2026

“Does more expensive automatically mean better?” 🤔

At The Skipton Audiologist, we always say a premium device isn’t always the best choice. It depends on you!

Premium technology can be amazing (especially for people who spend a lot of time in noise, meetings, restaurants, or large family gatherings). But if your biggest goal is hearing your spouse at home and TV more clearly, a top-tier model may be more than you need.

Our philosophy is simple 👇

We want you to go with the minimum technology you need to get your maximum communication success. We consider factors such as your hearing test, your lifestyle, and your listening goals, then make our recommendation.

If you’re hearing aid shopping and want a no-pressure conversation, book a hearing consultation, send us a message or call our office. We’ll walk you through the options so you feel confident about what you’re choosing.

16/02/2026

Over the next few days I want to talk more about hearing aid technology, it can be very confusing when you are doing research online for “the best hearing aids”. You will see lots of adverts like the one you see below. My job is to understand your hearing needs and explain the technology that would meet those individual needs.
A hearing assessment appointment at The Skipton Audiologist is the first step into understanding current technology and even trialing devices to help you hear better in your everyday situations.

15/02/2026

New hearing aid research reinforces something we see in the clinic every day: there’s no one perfect hearing aid setting. Some people want a fast reaction to changes in sound. Others want a smoother, slower response. Interestingly, preference often depends on the type and degree of hearing loss!

Translation: if your hearing aids ever sound “too sharp,” “too loud suddenly,” or like speech is “clear but not comfortable,” that’s not you being picky, that’s a setting we can fine-tune!

If you’re not loving how things sound lately, schedule a review appointment!!

Based on findings published in Ear & Hearing (Windle, Dillon, Heinrich).

15/02/2026

Great explanation of the Stapes bone in the middle ear

Hidden deep inside your ear is the smallest bone in your entire body, and it’s shorter than a grain of rice. This tiny structure is called the stapes, and despite its size, it plays a massive role in how you hear the world.

The stapes is one of three bones in the middle ear, known collectively as the ossicles. These bones—malleus, incus, and stapes—form a delicate chain that transmits sound vibrations from your eardrum to the inner ear. Among them, the stapes is the final link and the tiniest, measuring just 0.1 inches (about 3 millimeters) in length.

Its job? To vibrate with remarkable precision, passing on sound energy to the cochlea, where nerve signals are then sent to the brain. Without it, even the faintest whisper would be lost. This minuscule bone helps us interpret everything from voices to music to everyday ambient sounds.

Despite its small size, damage or stiffening of the stapes, such as in a condition called otosclerosis, can lead to serious hearing loss. That’s how crucial it is: a grain-sized bone that carries the weight of connection, communication, and awareness.

Sometimes, the most powerful parts of us aren’t the largest. They’re the ones working quietly, every moment, without notice.

Tiny, but mighty, your stapes proves that size has nothing to do with significance.

14/02/2026

For many of you it may be Valentines Day. However in The Skipton Audiologist we know February 14th is best remembered as Claire’s Birthday, otherwise we are in big trouble 😀
Happy Birthday Claire, it’s great to have Claire Benton Audiology working out of the practice. 🥳🥳

13/02/2026

Walk through the practice with me