Hearing aids buying process.
Go to you GP for arrange an examination and determine whether a hearing aid is required.
Hearing aids are available from the NHS, but the demand is high and you may have to wait a long time before being fitted with your hearing aid. It is very common to purchase hearing aids from private companies such as our preferred supplier. This will avoid long waiting times and offer a greater selection of hearing aid styles.
Selecting a private company
Below are a few tips to consider before selecting a private company:
1. Remember that hearing aids cannot restore perfect hearing. They should make the sounds louder, but no necessarily completely clear. If a hearing aid company promises perfect hearing this may be unrealistic.
2. Ensure that the company is registered with the Hearing Aid Council. Qualified hearing aid dispensers will have the letter “RHAD” after their names.
3. Ensure they offer a wide range of aids from various manufacturers.
Visiting the private company.
It is always advisable to have someone with you when visiting the company or of they are visiting for support and to make sure you don’t mishear something.
They will:
• first ask you about your hearing problems and other related issues
• look inside your ears
• test your hearing.
If the test shows that a deaf hearing aid will be beneficial they will discuss the type which will suit you best. If you are not comfortable with making the purchase ask if you can pay for the hearing test separately.
Ensure that the test carried out includes an air conduction hearing test. In this test, you listen to tones (beeps) through headphones and tell the dispenser when you can hear them. If this test shows that you have some hearing problems, the dispenser will carry out a bone conduction hearing test. In this test, you wear a special headband that conducts sound through the bones of your skull.
When the results are compared with what you heard through the headphones in the air conduction test, they show whether you have a problem with your eardrum or middle ear.
You will be shown your results plotted as an audiogram. This is a graph that shows how well you hear low, middle and high-pitched tones.
Selecting the right hearing aid.
There is a large range of hearing aids, and selecting the right one can be difficult.
Consider:
- The severity of your hearing
- Are the control easy to operate?
- Do they fit comfortably?
- What extra feature do you require?
- Can the company fine tune the hearing aid to suit your needs?
- Will open ear fitting suit you as it offer a more natural sound?
- Can the setting be changed to suit different sound environments, or can this be done automatically?
- Does the aid automatically control feedback?
- Does the aid control wind noise?
- Is background noise reduced?
- Does it have a directional microphone?
- Is it easily switched on and off?
- Does it work well with a telephone?
Click here for information on hearing aid types.
Costs
Costs vary from between £600 to £3,500 depending on the type and features. The smaller aids are usually more expensive.
Also consider ongoing costs such as batteries and repairs.
Buying your deaf hearing aid
Once you have been tested and the type of hearing aid which will be suit you discussed you will be given the opportunity to buy. Ask for a selection of aids which will be suitable and pricing for each.
If you decide to buy an impression should be taken of your ear to be sent to the laboratory for the ear mould or casing to ensure a comfortable fit. Once ready you will visit again and for the fitting and the aid to be programmed to suit your hearing.
If you are purchasing a Behind the Ear system with “open ear fitting”, you can be fitted and tested in one appointment.
Can I get my money back if I’m not happy?
You should be given a 28-day trial period with a money-back guarantee so that you can return the hearing aid if you aren't’t happy with it. If the dispenser isn’t prepared to offer this or suggests a guarantee for repair only, instead of giving you the option of a refund, go somewhere else. You are unlikely to get a full refund because the price you pay usually includes the hearing tests and fitting. Check the small print.
Guarantees/Warranty
The guarantee or warranty period vary. So it is worth checking to see what period is offered.
Before signing the agreement to buy;
• Ensure you are getting the hearing aid you want at a price you can afford?
• What does the price include and what will you need to pay for in the future?
• Will there be a discount for buying two if you need a hearing aid for both ears?
• Will you be able to contact and see the dispenser quickly if you have a problem with your aids?
• Before you sign anything, make sure you get everything in writing and that you understand all the terms of the agreement to buy your hearing aid.
What do I do if I have a problem with my hearing aid?
Most people are happy with the hearing aid they buy and with the service they get, but some people run into difficulties because:
• the aid doesn’t help them to hear as well as they had hoped or were led to believe
• the dispenser pressurised them to buy a hearing aid
• the aid gives repeated trouble – for example, it may whistle or be uncomfortable – and the dispenser cannot put this right.
If you have any problem at all with a hearing aid you have bought, the first thing you should do is ask the company from whom you purchased for help and advice.
Please complete the form opposite for free information and prices obligation free.
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