How common is hearing loss?
Are all hearing aids visible, bulky, and behind the ear?
How old do I need to be before I need a hearing aid?
If I start wearing a hearing aid which amplifies sound into my ear, won't it
make the hearing worse?
What is the actual cost to me?
What about everyday running costs?
What guarantees, and what do I get for my money?
Does the hearing test hurt?
Will I be seen by a qualified person?
Do I have any rights?
Can I wear my hearing aid when I'm asleep?
Can I wash my hearing aid?
How do I know when the battery is flat?
My new hearing aid fits well but sounds "tinny"
or "bassy" why?
If I can't find the answers here or would like further
advice, how do I contact you?
How common is hearing loss?
A surprising fact, in excess of 8 million people in the UK suffer some form of
hearing loss, so it is very common indeed, in fact most of us know someone who
suffers some form of hearing impairment. Back
Are all hearing aids visible, bulky, and behind the ear?
Not at all! As modern technology has improved, hearing instruments have progressed and are also
getting smaller and more sophisticated. If this fact is coupled with the fact
that the old stigmas associated with the hearing impaired are disappearing fast,
more people than ever are turning to professional help to improve their quality
of life. Back
How old do I need to be before I need a hearing aid?
The greater proportion of hearing loss occurs in the 55+ age group, but many
younger people find that they have difficulty where there is background noise.
This can be a real problem socially, and whilst indicative of the onset of a
hearing problem, a hearing check just in case can often set the mind at rest.
Also bear in mind hearing protected in noisy environments at work today in your
younger years means better hearing later in life! Back
If I start wearing a hearing aid which amplifies sound into my ear, won't it
make the hearing worse?
No! A properly prescribed and fitted hearing aid will actually assist the ear to
hear. If the amplification is too loud for you, it can be adjusted to the "most
comfortable level". Excessive noise amplification (such as a large lorry going
past you when you are wearing hearing aids) can have circuitry especially
designed to compress the loud sounds. Back
What is the actual cost to me?
Prices vary depending on size, and complexity of the circuitry, but normally
start at around the £200 mark. For the latest technology, digital hearing aids,
we can dispense from around £500 up, which when considered as investment for a better
quality of life is reasonable. Back
What about everyday running costs?
The main ongoing cost is batteries. Typically in the high street you might pay
around £3.50 to £3.80 for a packet of 6 batteries, we charge £2.50 for a packet
of 6 or £10 for 5 packs of 6 postage included. Each battery is usually spent in 1 to 3 weeks,
depending on the size of the battery and the level of hearing loss. The other
main cost is repairs out of warranty. If your aid needs attention, even if it's
out of warranty, and we can fix it, there is no charge to you. A
charge is incurred if the aid is out of warranty and the aid needs to be sent
back to the manufacturers for attention. Back
What guarantees, and what do I get for my money?
You get an individual assessment of your hearing loss, an individual hearing
instrument custom built to the exact shape of your ear and matching closely to
your prescription, the
professional dispenser's time, patience and experience in helping you to
rehabilitate. The guarantees tend to vary from company to company, but at Clear
Hearing (UK) Ltd we offer a minimum warranty of 12 months from date of fitting.
This can vary from aid to aid and we can extend the warranty period at your
request. Clear Hearing (UK) Ltd also offer a 60 day money back guarantee. This
means that if you are unhappy with the instrument and we cannot resolve the
problems for you we will refund your money less a fitting fee of £50. There is also the free back up service once you
become our client. Back
Does the hearing test hurt?
Not at all, the equipment used to examine the ear health, and the sophisticated
audiometer we use measures your hearing loss through earphones and bone
conduction generators worn like a headband. Testing your hearing is not a test
of endurance; it should be painless, comfortable and reassuring. If you are relaxed the readings will be more accurate. Back
Will I be seen by a qualified person?
All dispensers employed by Clear Hearing (UK) Ltd are registered Hearing Aid
Dispensers, registration is compulsory under the Hearing Aid Council Act 1968.
We pride ourselves on our professionalism and
integrity and are always looking at new technology to be able to offer our
clients the best we can, with the best value and a high level of service. It is
very important to us that you the customer feel completely confident and
motivated towards improving your hearing. Back
Do I have any rights?
It is illegal for any home visits to be made unsolicited. You cannot be visited
in your home unless you have agreed to or requested a visit.
Only dispensers registered under the Hearing Aid Council Act 1968 are allowed to
dispense hearing aids after a long training period and both theory and practical
examinations passed. A registered dispenser will be only too happy to show you
his registration card on request.
Your terms are laid out on the paperwork we supply to you, and are in full
compliance and support the Hearing Aid Council codes of conduct. Under the
Hearing Aid Council Act 1968 your rights are laid down, together with the sale
of goods, consumer protection and trades description acts; your rights are well
protected. As an aside Clear Hearing (UK) Ltd prides itself on its friendly helpful
service, which is hoped will lead to repeat and recommendation business. Back
Can I wear my hearing aid when I'm asleep?
In general no, but it is possible to "nod off" in the chair whilst watching TV
without too much problem - it has been done in the past! It is better when you
climb into bed (or before the shower/bath) to remove them. They are better left
open to allow any moisture built up during the day to be dried out overnight. Back
Can I wash my hearing aid?
NO! Water and electrical components do not mix at all well, and the
guarantees may well be voided if water is found within. Your dispenser will show you how
to clean your aid and is on hand for further advice if any problems arise. Back
How do I know when the battery is flat?
Batteries are designed specially for hearing aids to run at full output and then
fail, unlike the torch battery that gradually grows dimmer. A lot of the newer
digital hearing aids now have a useful feature that gives you an audible tone to
let you know the battery is nearly spent. If you still have trouble, for a small
charge we can supply a battery tester so you can see for yourself how much power
a battery has left. Speak to our accessories department. Back
My new hearing aid fits well but sounds "tinny" or "bassy"
Why?
This is because your hearing aid has restored the defective frequencies
associated with your type of loss, it will take time for your hearing and brain
to get used to the new restored sound, so a period of rehabilitation will be
required. Sometimes your dispenser will increase the restoration process over time
so as not to make the sound too different. It is a matter of choice and
persistence. Back
