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FAQ's - Your guide to buying Hearing Aids


The Big Question - Why are hearing aids so expensive?

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).

 

Why not Get a free hearing aid from the NHS?! 

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

 


Why choose Crystal Hearing UK when buying a hearing aid?

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.


Is there any risk involved buying hearing aids online?

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.

 

 


Will I get adequate aftercare for my hearing aid? 

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.

 

How can you give a 30 day money back guarantee?

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).


Why such a range of prices and products? 

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

  siemens hearing aids gn resound hearing aids phonak hearing aids starkey hearing aids oticon hearing aids widex hearing aids sonic hearing aids unitron hearing aids bernafon hearing aids

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