FAQ's -
Your guide to buying Hearing Aids
Such a small
device for so much money?! - The most common
question and concern we face, and we don't blame
you.
Firstly consider,
the massive cost of ongoing digital development
and marketing needs for the world's leading
hearing aid manufacturers to compete and stay
ahead, meaning hearing aids are expensive for us to
purchase.
Then consider
that hearing aids are not sold en masse, such as
domestic items like televisions or cars, where
numbers of units sold brings down the cost of
the product.
Hearing
aids
can only be sold by professionally
qualified consultants, not just shop assistants.
We have to test
your hearing, then fit the hearing aids, then
follow up to make sure the hearing aids are set
up ok (sometimes several times before each
client is happy), and then offer inclusive (not
free) ongoing aftercare for the life of the
hearing aids. And hearing aids are expected to
last for 5-7 years (with good care). That's 5-7
years of inclusive aftercare by a qualified
hearing aid audiologist. This is what you are
paying for.
(By the way 5-7 years at 14 hrs/day equates to
25,000 - 35,000 hours of
real-time usage!) Average sale is £2000,
therefore average cost of wearing hearing aids
is 78p - £1.10 per day, for a life changing
piece of equipment).
Then again, some companies
out there simply overcharge
for their premium range hearing aids.
(Note: as a basic rule, the more a
hearing aid
costs the greater its ability to make speech
audible in the presence of background noise).
There is no reason why you
cannot choose this option to get your hearing
aids. However recent independent surveys have shown that waiting times for first time patients across the UK have risen for the 3rd year to an average of between 45 and 48 weeks before patients actually receive their hearing aids.
The NHS only offer one type of digital hearing aid
which is a conventional beige behind-the-ear
device. The hearing aid they supply is a basic level
device compared to the selection offered by the
manufacturers for private supply (they wouldn't
give their best hearing aids for free supply
would they!) - Privately
purchased hearing aids have
far superior background noise reduction technology
and optional extras such as Bluetooth
capability and offer better cosmetic
solutions.
Many patients
will only receive one hearing aid, even though audiometric tests show they would benefit from wearing
two hearing aids.
We can choose from any of the
eight leading hearing aid manufacturers and
have their complete range of the latest hearing
aids to choose from. The leading
suppliers of hearing aids are
Phonak,
Siemens,
Widex,
Unitron,
Oticon,
Bernafon,
Starkey and
GN Resound.
We travel to you for all appointments,
saving you time and travel costs.
We can book you
in at short notice if you have any problems with
your hearing aids.
We can fit your new digital hearing aids within
one week of first contact with you.
Features available on private hearing aids that are
not available on NHS hearing aids:
- Rechargeable hearing aids (no more fiddly
batteries!!)
- Bluetooth compatible hearing aids (for iPods/MP3's,
telephones and TV)
- Improved localisation of sounds from around
and above
- Superior directionality (suppression of noise
from behind)
- Sound smoothing (suppression of irritating
noises like cutlery & doors slamming)
- Automatic programme change (no more fiddly
buttons!)
- Up to 20 frequency channels (for better noise
reduction)
- Ear to ear synchronisation (the hearing aids
actually 'talk' to each other!)
- Data learning (the aids automatically update
based on your user preferences!)
- Remote controls, now in colour screen, and
also available in designer watch options
- Stronger whistle block technology (no more
feedback)
- Echo detection for clarity in churches
- FM Solutions for advanced hearing aid
solutions in meetings and schools
- Voice recognition (prevents own voice problems)
- Miniature In-The-Ear hearing aids (almost
invisible)
- Open-fit hearing aids (RIC's and RITE's
designs - almost invisible)
- Slim multi-colour BTE designs
Because of our
ethos - affordable prices, attentive aftercare
and professional service.
We have
now established an excellent Google ranking, meaning
our longevity is guaranteed, therefore
reassuring you that your aftercare needs are
secure.
Our website is
hopefully indicative of our professional
demeanour.
No. You are not
actually buying the hearing aids
'online'.
We are registered
hearing aid dispensers supplying hearing aids
with a hands on service, and all dispensers of
hearing aids are registered with the Hearing Aid
Council. By visiting their website you can check
up on any dispenser or company that supplies
hearing aids.
Yes. Hearing aid prices shown are inclusive of ongoing aftercare.
Aftercare is never free - it is inclusive, and
this is what makes hearing aids expensive. We
can reduce the price of hearing aids for anyone
who is confident their aftercare needs may be
less demanding.
Because the manufacturers give us a full refund
on most hearing aids, normally 2-3 months.
We offer a full
refund unless otherwise agreed with the client
before purchase as some small parts cannot be
refunded once they have been used. We will inform you in advance of any such cases
(this is generally never more than £70).
Hearing aid manufacturers supply a
vast range of
hearing aids to
suit differing budgets and lifestyle
requirements. Hearing aids
now also have a range of additional features such as Bluetooth compatibility. It is our desire to fit the best
hearings aids available to suit your budget and
lifestyle.
Hearing Aids /
Siemens / Phonak / Oticon / Unitron / Widex
/ GN Resound / Starkey / Bernafon |
