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Where Do I Go to Get Hearing Aids?
You can go to the NHS who can provide you with hearing aids,
you will need to see your GP who will then put you on the waiting
list if that is the appropriate course of action. Or, you can
see a private hearing aid dispensing company like ourselves who
can only use Registered and qualified hearing aid dispensers to
test and advise you about your hearing.
How Expensive Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids vary in price according to style, electronic features
and technology levels. Price can range from hundreds of pounds
to more than £2,500 for some of the most advanced programmable,
digitalised hearing aid. Purchase price should not be the only
consideration in buying a hearing aid. Long term aftercare is
imperative to ensure that you receive the full benefits from any
hearing system. Product reliability can save repair costs and
the frustration of a malfunctioning hearing aid especially if
you need continual hearing assistance.
What Kinds of Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are several styles of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are placed over the ear
and connected with tubing to custom-fitted earpieces
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fill the entire bowl of the
ear and part of the ear canal
- Smaller versions of ITEs are called half-shell and in-the-canal
(ITC)
- The least visible aids are completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
Hearing aid options, which are appropriate for your particular
hearing loss and listening needs, the size, and shape of your
ear and ear canal, and the dexterity of your hands will all be
considered in deciding what type of hearing aid is the best for
you. Many hearing aids have special telecoil "T" switches
to aid in use of the telephone and certain public sound systems.
Discuss your need for a T-coil switch while you are considering
hearing aid options.
Will I Need a Hearing Aid for Each Ear? (Binaural)
Usually, if you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing
aids is best. Listening in a noisy environment is difficult with
amplification in one ear only, and it is more difficult to distinguish
where sounds are coming from. If, however, the quality of hearing
in one ear is very different from the other, one hearing aid may
be better than two.
What Other Questions Should I Ask?
Ask about charges for the hearing evaluation, dispensing fee(s),
and future servicing and repair.
Inquire about the trial period policy and what fees are refundable
if you return the hearing aid(s) during the trial period.
Ask about the warranty coverage for your hearing aids and the
consumers' protection that a company must provide.
What Will Happen at My Hearing Aid Fitting?
The hearing aids will be fitted for your ears.
Then, while wearing your hearing aids, evaluation to whether
adjustment is needed is carried out.
Next, you will receive instruction about the care of your hearing
aids, the batteries used to power them, a hearing rehabilitation
programme will be discussed, general expectations and helpful
communication strategies.
You will also practice properly inserting and removing the hearing
aids and batteries.
How Should I Begin Wearing the Aids?
Start using your hearing aids in quiet surroundings, gradually
building up to noisier environments.
Note where and when that you find the hearing aids beneficial.
Be patient and allow yourself to get used to the aids and the
"new" sounds they allow you to hear.
Keep a diary to help you remember your experiences.
Report any concerns on a follow-up appointment.
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