Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

+ Do you offer a home visit hearing care service?

Yes, our service is entirely home-visit based. We come to you, allowing you to relax in the comfort of your own home without worrying about travel, parking, weather, or mobility issues. We do not have a physical premises for customers to visit.

+ What area does your home visit hearing care service cover?

Our home visit hearing care service covers Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, New Milton, Wimborne Minster, Ferndown, Ringwood, and Wareham. By focusing on these local areas, we ensure we can reach you quickly and easily if you need support. Please contact us if you live just outside these areas to see if we can help.

+ How much do you charge for initial home visit hearing evaluations and consultations?

For new customers, we charge £85 for an initial home visit hearing evaluation and consultation. We believe this represents superb value for a comprehensive appointment that can last up to 3 hours. There is absolutely no pressure to proceed with our suggestions if hearing technology would be beneficial for you. We recommend having a loved one or family member with you for support during your first appointment.

+ What days and time do you visit?

We can schedule your initial home visit appointment between Monday and Thursday. The first available appointment is 9:30 am and the last is approximately 2:00 pm. Initial evaluations and consultations generally take between 1 ½ - 3 hours.

+ Do you provide hearing test for children or babies?

Unfortunately, we do not provide hearing evaluations for those under the age of 18. We recommend asking your GP for a referral to your local NHS Audiology Service.

+ Will hearing aids solve all my hearing difficulties?

Hearing aids significantly improve your ability to hear and understand sounds. However, they aim to improve your hearing, not restore it to "perfect" or "normal."

• Expect a transition: Your brain will need time to adapt to sounds you may have been missing.

• Realistic expectations: Hearing in noisy environments can still be challenging, even for those with good hearing.

• Guaranteed Improvement: While devices won't restore hearing to its peak, we are committed to ensuring a noticeable and life-enhancing improvement for you. The earlier you address hearing loss, the easier the rehabilitation process often is.

+ How do I know what hearing care provider is right for me?

Choosing the right provider is crucial. While hearing aids are often marketed as products, the service and expertise that accompany them are vital for success.

• Beyond Price: If you are only interested in the cheapest product price, we may not be the right fit. Our service offers long-term value.

• Local & Continuous Care: Unlike some online companies or high street chains with frequent staff changes, we offer continuous, local support. You'll always see Keeley Salmon, our award-winning audiologist.

• Expert Fitting & Aftercare: We ensure your hearing aids are expertly fitted, verified, and programmed using Real Ear Measurement (REM), and provide comprehensive aftercare. This approach prevents issues and ensures you get the best outcome from your technology.

• Your Outcome Matters: We ensure you receive a significant improvement to your hearing, your health, and your life.

Find out more by reading our Why You'll Love Key to Hearing page or check our Google reviews to see what our customers say.

+ How much are your hearing aid and care packages?

Our hearing aid and care packages start from £1,699 for a single device (including fitting, verification, programming, follow-ups, and two years of inclusive home-visit aftercare). For two devices, prices start from £2,199. On average, our customers who purchase two hearing devices typically pay around £3,299.

+ What can I expect when I choose the services of Key to Hearing?

When you choose Key to Hearing, you can expect:

• Convenient Home Visits: All services are delivered in the comfort of your own home.

• Award-Winning Expert: Care from Keeley Salmon, our compassionate and award-winning Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.

• Personalised Solutions: Keeley will work with you to find the best hearing technology and aftercare package for your needs.

• Optimal Performance: Your hearing aids will be programmed and verified using the latest technology (including Real Ear Measurements) for optimal performance.

Please see our Why You'll Love Key to Hearing page for further information.

+ How quickly can I be fitted with a hearing aid?

If you have no referable conditions:

• Non-customised hearing aids (e.g., Receiver-in-the-canal with dome) can typically be fitted within one to two weeks.

• Customised hearing aids (in-the-ear or behind-the-ear with ear mould) can be fitted within three weeks. We do not keep hearing aids in stock (other than demonstration units); all devices are ordered directly from the manufacturers to ensure you receive the very latest models.

+ How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids can last seven years or longer with good maintenance. The main challenge for devices older than seven years can be obtaining replacement parts if repairs are needed, as technology evolves rapidly. Most manufacturers release new models every two years, with major platform updates every four years.

+ What is the best hearing aid?

There is no single "best" hearing aid, just as there isn't a single "best" car or TV. The leading manufacturers offer a range of devices across different technology levels, with more advanced technology designed for challenging listening situations.

It's Personal: What's best for one person may not be best for another.

The Dispenser Matters: The most advanced hearing technology in the world won't help you if it has been incorrectly prescribed, fitted, and programmed.

Our Role: You need a hearing care professional who will fit you with a device suitable for your hearing range, dexterity, and lifestyle, and most importantly, ensure it is correctly fitted, verified, and programmed.

+ Are hearing aids ugly?

Forget outdated images! Modern hearing aids are beautifully designed, compact, and often very discreet – many are virtually unnoticeable. We encourage you to look at the imagery on our website for examples of the latest designs.

+ Can you repair my hearing aids?

We generally recommend using your original hearing aid dispenser for repairs. However, we can often facilitate manufacturer repairs. If your repaired hearing aids need adjustment or reprogramming, a face-to-face visit with a hearing care professional would be required. Hearing aids can typically be repaired until parts become obsolete (around 7-10 years). For third-party independent repair services, we recommend The Hearing Aid Repair Shop. Please see our Hearing Aid Repair page for further details.

+ Can you help me with my NHS hearing aids?

You are welcome to contact us for general advice regarding your NHS hearing aids. However, please note that we are unable to reprogram or adjust NHS-prescribed hearing aids.

+ Do you provide hearing aid trials?

Yes, we offer trials of the latest Phonak and Unitron behind-the-ear hearing aids. You can experience how hearing technology can improve your life without committing to purchase.

Trial Details: Trials generally last two weeks and cost £199.

What's Included: This fee covers a hearing evaluation, selection, fitting, programming of suitable hearing aid/s, and a follow-up review.

Deducted from Purchase: If you decide to purchase hearing device/s from us, we will deduct the full £199 cost of the trial from your chosen hearing care package.

Eligibility: Please note, hearing aid trials are currently only available for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

+ My Mum or Dad won’t accept they have a hearing problem can you help?

It's common for individuals to find it difficult to notice or admit they have hearing loss. Overcoming this first hurdle is a significant step towards better hearing. It's important to understand that simply putting a hearing aid on someone who doesn’t accept or want them will not instantly solve their hearing. Wearing hearing aids for the first time is part of a rehabilitation process that requires time and perseverance. Please visit our Help for a Loved One page for further advice and guidance on this sensitive topic.

+ Do you offer ear wax removal services?

We do not offer ear wax removal services directly. However, please contact us if you would like to have your ear wax removed privately, and we will gladly recommend some local providers.

+ Do you take ear impressions?

Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we are no longer offering an ear impression service. We recommend contacting high street hearing care premises or the manufacturer of your chosen ear/hearing product for further information on where to get impressions taken.

+ Do you visit care homes?

Yes, we can visit customers in care homes if a quiet room/area is available for our work and a family member or friend is present for support. If there is power of attorney for the customer, we request clear communication with that person, and ideally, they can attend the appointments.

+ Can you help me with my tinnitus?

While there is currently no recognised cure for tinnitus, help is available to manage it. We can provide advice and guidance. For further support, we recommend Tinnitus UK. Please see our Tinnitus Solutions page for more information.