Get the most from your hearing aid batteries

Zinc air batteries are powered by air. When your hearing aid batteries need changing make sure that when you have taken the tab off the battery you wait a minute or so to give the air a chance to get into the battery. This will help ensure that you “power up” the battery to its maximum.

Click the link to find out more about hearing aid batteries.

Why are hearing aids expensive?

There is no getting away from the fact that for many purchasing hearing aids is seen as a costly exercise. So why are hearing aids expensive? Hearing aids are commonly marketed as a commodity much like TV’s and laptops but the professional skills that are involved in selecting, fitting and rehabilitating a person who needs a hearing aid are commonly overlooked. This way of marketing is carried out for simplicity for the consumer and is based on the assumption that from the outset a hearing aid provider would expect to give the same level of care to each and every one of their customers. Therefore the differentiation in pricing is often based on the level of technology that is chosen between the consumer and hearing aid dispenser. When purchasing a hearing aid privately it is important to remember that the selecting, fitting and some form of rehabilitative care will usually all be included in this price.

I still don’t understand why costs are high please tell me more?

Hearing aid manufacturers spend millions on research and development as they constantly push the boundaries of hearing aid technology. Despite the technology used in hearing aids being as advanced as that used in laptops, TV’s and smartphones the average hearing aid price is generally more expensive. However, unlike laptops, TV’s and smartphones, hearing aids are not a mass market consumer product. In 2013 hearing aids sales worldwide were approximately 10 million units. Compare this to Apple’s iPhone sales that alone were 150 million units. When hearing technology is more readily accepted by the world’s population (much like spectacles) then due to economies of scale we believe pricing will decrease.

What about the cheap hearing devices I see advertised?

There are some really cheap hearing devices advertised but these are often personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) which are used to encourage people into a store or to sign up to a database before they are recommended a hearing aid more suitable for their hearing range. Many PSAPs cannot be programmed specifically for your hearing range and will not be available in a custom fitted in-the-ear style. Be aware that many cheaper hearing aids that are available with discounts or two for one offers can be older products that have been superseded.

What should I look for when purchasing a hearing aid?

In our opinion the most important aspect of purchasing a hearing aid is to ensure that you will be receiving a first class service with your product.

At Key to Hearing our prices include your hearing aid/s, our professional skills including hearing aid selection, fitting and programming, our comprehensive two-year aftercare package, a two-year supply of batteries and all of this in the comfort of your own home.

All of these elements ensure that we can maximise your hearing potential and get the best from your hearing aids. We believe it is really important to choose a skilled hearing care professional that you’re comfortable with and with whom you can build a rapport.

We’ll finish with this quote from a Which magazine report last year on purchasing hearing aids privately. “The difference between a good and bad hearing aid outcome is not often the aids themselves – it’s more to do with the fit and service given by the provider”. Bear this quote in mind next time you are looking to purchase hearing devices and make sure you understand what is included in the price.

Boost your TV listening experience

Difficulty hearing speech on the TV is a common issue that we come across when visiting our customers. People might say “I can hear people speaking, but can’t always make out what is being said” or “the TV volume and voices vary so much it makes it hard to follow”. With extra slim TVs now being the norm the space for speakers has shrunk considerably with many people nowadays resorting to soundbars or additional “home theatre” setups to help hear the TV with more depth and clarity.

We know that hearing aids can make a difference to those who have difficulty hearing the TV and can prevent you having to adjust the volume to loud levels potentially annoying partners or neighbours. However, did you know that if you already wear hearing aids there is a portfolio of wireless accessories that work in partnership with your hearing aids specifically to help you with the TV?

TV streamers are one of these very accessories. They transform a person’s hearing aid/s into a wireless stereo headset. A wireless neck loop links the hearing aid/s to a small TV base unit that is wired to the TV.

When in use, a message is sent to the hearing aids to tell the person that the system is connected and ‘on’. The TV signal is then delivered wirelessly from the TV via the neck loop to the hearing aids without any noticeable delay. If needed, fine tuning adjustments can be made by us to enhance the listening experience.

The system is ideal for allowing people to comfortably hear the TV at their preferred volume and does not affect the loudness for other people in the room. It is quick and easy to install and has a range of up to 30 meters (100 ft).

TV streamers are available from all the main hearing aid manufacturers including Phonak, Unitron Starkey and Oticon. Please contact us to find out more or take a look at our hearing aid accessories page for further information.

Oticon announce their next generation of Performance Line hearing instruments

Oticon have recently announced the launch of their next generation of Performance Line hearing solutions featuring: -

• New, even more powerful Inium Sense processor
• Improved soft speech understanding
• Tinnitus relief

The new Inium Sense processor includes a new feature called “Soft Speech Booster” and enhances your ability to hear soft and quiet voices in delicate moments and private conversations. This feature will be available in the Alta2 and Nera2.

Oticon’s new tinnitus relief program features a comprehensive sound generator with unique ocean sounds and can be found in the Pro families of the Alta2, Nera2 and Ria2. Other improvements include a new Inium Sense feedback shield, back directionality and extra preset programs.

We hope to have the new Oticon product range available to us in the coming weeks. Check out our Oticon page or contact us to register your interest.

Which? customers rate independent providers as best for private hearing care

Which? Magazine conducted their first hearing-aids satisfaction survey quizzing 1,215 members about their experiences. A third of which bought hearing aids privately. Highlights of the report found: -

1. Levels of long term satisfaction among hearing-aid users are high - 94% of customers who paid to go private are marginally more satisfied versus 86% satisfaction for the NHS.

2. Independent providers were given five-star ratings in all categories and were rated higher than the 4 major high street providers who were ranked in the following order Boots Hearingcare (David Ormerod), Amplifon, Specsavers Hearcare and Hidden Hearing.

3. Many people aren’t sure what they should be paying as many companies do not publish their prices online and it’s therefore difficult to compare as packages don’t always include the same products and services.

4. A fifth of customers felt under pressure to select pricier hearing aids however this pressure was recorded as being less likely felt at independents.

5. Those using a private provider waited just under a week for an appointment whilst those using the NHS waited just under 4 weeks.

6. The average cost of those surveyed paid for their hearing aids was £2,523 but this varied by provider.

Which advised “The difference between a good and bad hearing-aid outcome is not often the aids themselves – it’s more to do with the fit and service given by the provider”.

What we say

This surveys shows that independents are a great provider for private hearing care and should not be ignored over the high street chains. Independents offer a great service for those who choose the benefits of private hearing care over our wonderful NHS service.

However, it is important to remember that all independents are different and you should always ensure that you understand what you are paying for when investing in hearing solutions and care. Make sure that you feel that you can build a relationship of trust with your dispenser.

To find out more check out the Which? website or click the link to find out about the independent hearing care provided by Key to Hearing.