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.

Are all hearing aids the visible bulky body-worn things I remember from my childhood?

A definite no! As modern technology has improved the size of say the common calculator and the computer, so 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.

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!

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 have your hearing aid in/on) can have circuitry especially designed to compress the loud sounds or clip the loud sound and protect the residual hearing further.

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, which when considered as investment for a better quality of life is reasonable.

What about everyday running costs?

The main cost in the first year is batteries; some companies offer free trials on new products. Others offer a years' free batteries with your new purchase, others have a loyalty stamp scheme, as you purchase batteries then stamps are added to a card to get free batteries when you fill the card. On average, although depending on the type of aid used, 7-10 days is the realistic figure for battery life and the price per cell is around 50-60 pence each. I'll let you work out the maths!!

What guarantees, and what do I get for my money?

You get an individual assessment of your hearing loss, an individual hearing instrument, hand built wired and fitted for your particular hearing loss, the professional dispenser's time, patience and experience in helping you to rehabilitate. The guarantees tend to vary from company to company, but at the Honiton Hearing Centre we offer a no quibble guarantee on materials and workmanship of 12 months from date of fitting. Further extensions of warranty period are available on request. The Honiton Hearing Centre also offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with the instrument and we cannot resolve the problems for you (less a small earmould fee) There is also the free back up service once you become our client.

Does the hearing test hurt?

Not at all, the equipment used to examine the ear health, and the sophisticated test audiometer (diagnostic audiometer) 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 re-assuring. If the patient is relaxed the readings will be more accurate.

Are you a salesman?

No. All dispensers employed by the Honiton Hearing Centre are registered Hearing Aid Dispensers, registration is compulsory under the Hearing Aid Council Act 1968 Colin.R.Eaton the proprietor, prides himself on his and his staff's training and try never to apply pressure and "make a sale". It is more important that you the customer feel completely confident and motivated towards the use of a hearing instrument. If a high-pressure sale is made and the client is unhappy then the aid is more likely to be rejected.

Do I have any rights?

Yes you do:

1. It is illegal for any home visits to be made un-solicited. You cannot be visited in your home unless you have agreed to or requested a visit.
2. 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.
3. Your terms are laid out on all the Honiton Hearing Centre's paperwork, 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 the Honiton Hearing Centre prides itself on its friendly helpful service, which is hoped will lead to repeat and referred business. It is also proud to be a member of the BSHAA customer care scheme.

Can wear I 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.

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. If you wish to clean and maintain the hearing instrument, your dispenser will show you how and provide special cleaning fluid to assist. REMEMBER NO WATER. (As an aside, special waterproof hearing aids are now available for yachtsmen, sailors, canoeists, etc.)

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! The hearing aid will either "pip" or squeak at you, or buzz or stop working altogether. If you still have trouble, why not ask the dispenser for a battery tester to test your own batteries at a glance.

My new hearing aid fits well but sounds "tinny" "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. Often 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.

Who can I speak to if I have other questions?

Then please contact colin@honiton-hearing.co.uk .