Do:

• your friends and family tell you that the tv is too loud?
• you find it difficult to hear in a restaurant or noisy place?
• you find it difficult to have a conversation on the telephone?
• you find it difficult to hear someone in the next room?

All of these things are signs that you may be suffering with hearing loss. If you are in fact suffering with hearing loss, then help is at hand ....., the technology is now available to help you to attain near normal hearing once again. 

In only a few days time you could be enjoying a new found confidence that will revitalise your life. This isn't bluster or unfounded optimisim, it is a statement based on the real results achieved from all of omy satisfied clients. Before I talk about what I can do for you, let's talk about what you need to know about buying hearing aids. 

What You Need To Know When Buying Hearing Aids in Scotland

I understand that buying hearing aids is a big decision, there is a big financial outlay involved. Many first time buyers of hearing solutions focus on the price. I do understand that but there are actually many other factors that you need to be aware of and to consider. When you are thinking about buying hearing aids it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that you need to consider. Often the focus is on the hearing aids, their features, their technology levels and what they are supposed to do. 

Choosing the best hearing aid

That information is both medical and technical in nature, medical when it comes to your hearing loss and technical when you are trying to understand any hearing aid technology recommended. There is a lot of choice in both types of hearing aid available, and the manufacturers who make them. It can be quite difficult for a consumer to understand it all and sort through what is important. All across my website you will find information pertaining to the very best hearing aids available in Scotland. Here, we want to focus on the things that you should know when choosing a hearing aid and a hearing healthcare professional.

The Hearing Test Scotland

The quality and comprehensiveness of the hearing test you undergo is important. You should get a complete hearing test undertaken by a qualified professional. The benefit of different test procedures like speech tests and speech in noise testing to the eventual fit of a hearing aid was once debatable. However with the technology available in modern hearing aids and our increased understanding of the effects of hearing loss, the more in-depth the hearing test is, the better the eventual hearing device fit for you.  

Information derived from speech testing and speech in noise testing in particular, is very valuable in understanding which hearing aid is going to be best for you. This information also helps me in the fitting of the hearing aid and allows me to deliver a better personalisation for you. The consultation usually will follow a particular pattern, to understand your hearing needs. I would discuss your medical history, lifestyle needs and the issues you are having. After the test is finished the professional should explain to you in clear and understandable terms, the severity of your hearing loss and what type of loss it is. At this point they should be able to recommend to you which kind of hearing aids and which technology level will work best for you, your lifestyle needs and your loss.

Have Someone With You

You should always have someone with you at your hearing test, undergoing any kind of medical examination or procedure can be a stressful experience. There is really no need to be stressed but I understand that it happens. That is why I offer hearing tests at your home. I understand that is where you are most comfortable and relaxed. 

It is always a good idea to take someone with you to a medical appointment. When you are caught up in the process and worrying about results, it is easy to miss other important information. If someone else is there, they can help to remember what was said. It is always better to have two people in order that as much information as possible is retained.

Make notes during the appointment and don't be nervous about asking questions. Ask questions about anything that you do not fully understand. Conversely, don't be afraid to ask the professional to write something down for you. A true professional will not be bothered by being asked questions, these questions will come up, it is better to ask them at the appointment.

The Hearing Aids

If a set of hearing instruments is recommended to you, don’t be afraid to ask the professionals to write the details down for you if you wish to research them. Some companies may offer white label instruments or even older hearing aids at cheap prices. White labels are hearing instruments that are re-named by hearing aid manufacturers specifically for the company you are dealing with. If you are being offered something like that, ask exactly what the instrument is and from what manufacturer. 

Don't be nervous about asking questions, ask about the different kinds of hearing aid available which are suitable for your type of hearing loss. Ask why the particular hearing aids have been recommended. As I have said, a professional will not be put off by any questions. Don't be afraid to say that you would like to research the hearing aids that have been recommended to you.

Have Realistic Expectations of Hearing Aids

You need to have realistic expectations of the hearing aid technology you buy and what it can deliver for you. Modern hearing aids are really astonishing pieces of technology, but they are not a replacement for normal hearing. It is true that the higher the technology level of the hearing aid, the better the results are for you. Keep this clearly in mind when you are making any purchase decision, weigh up your lifestyle needs against the level of technology you are buying.

Before you decide what to buy, have a clear idea about what you want from your hearing aids. Think carefully about your problem situations, consider where solving those problems is really important to you. If you keep that clear you can consider what type of technology level will be best for you. If you have a quiet lifestyle and all you want your hearing aids to do is to help you listening to TV and Radio, some light conversation and the occasional journey to the shop. Low end technology will most certainly meet all your needs.

However, if you have a busier lifestyle and your hearing aids will be important to hear well in more complex sound situations, then higher levels of technology are most certainly for you. Key to any decision is the understanding of your needs and realistic expectations of the hearing aids you choose. Thinking like this will allow you to understand what you can expect from the hearing aids you can afford. When this is clear to you, it will make your journey with your hearing aids less stressful for you.

Wireless Accessories

In recent years all of the hearing aid manufacturers have delivered wireless communication with their hearing aids. This connectivity has opened up new options and resulted in new accessory devices that deliver real benefits for hearing aid users. There are many additional extras that can now be purchased with your hearing aids. These are all exceptionally useful add ons which can help someone with hearing loss to lead the life that they are used to.

As with many things though, they are only useful if you actually are going to use them.  Each manufacturer will offer some wireless solution, the question is do you need them? These can really increase your costs so think carefully before buying. Don’t pay for something which you might not use very often or pay for something you don’t really need.

However, having said that, if you are constrained by budget for the technology level of hearing aids that you can afford. A wireless accessory can help to make up on what you are missing. For instance, a wireless remote microphone can really deliver fantastic results for hearing in noise even when paired with a low technology hearing aid. Keep this in mind when you are making your buying decision.

Be Sure Of The Aftercare You Are Buying

So you have made the decision to buy, you have picked out the hearing aids and the accessory you want. You need to be sure about what you are actually buying. Ask the professional to explain in detail what you are actually buying, if they say lifetime aftercare, ask exactly what does that mean? The life of the hearing aid, a set period of time, your lifetime? What does that aftercare include, are there structured call backs, will you drop back when you have a problem, or alternatively will they call you for a re-test in five years?

I understand that your success is our success, that what is best for you is by extension best for us. That is why I am committed to your success. Happy customers refer their friends and family to me and always have. So I know that the health of my business is based on your happiness. 

These are all things that you really need to know, hearing aids are complex devices that need care and attention to deliver to their best ability. Hearing problems are not like vision problems, hearing aids are not like glasses, you don't put them on and everything will be fine. You need support and rehabilitation, and that support needs to be ongoing. I understand that clearly, I understand that your success is my success, that is why I am committed to delivering outstanding levels of customer care. So it is important that you clearly understand what you are buying when you pay your money. 

General Considerations

When choosing the size and shape of an aid, you need to consider your own dexterity and ability to manipulate devices. You may find that smaller hearing aids are difficult for you to handle and insert. The battery that powers it, may be too small for you to handle. If your sight is not great, you may also have issues with the size of the aid or the battery. Always remember, you are a customer as well as a Patient, if you feel that you want to try something different or go away and think about it, then do so.

That is why I have always offered my unique try before you buy service

I have mentioned aftercare already, but it is imperative that you understand what you are buying. Find out about aftercare and warranty servicing of your hearing aids. They are an expensive investment and you should always check exactly what is included in the warranty and aftercare service. We think that you shouldn't need to worry about your hearing aids, that's why I have negotiated a Free Five Year Manufacturer's Warranty on all of my hearing aids for you

Make Sure You Have A Written Agreement

Make sure you have a written agreement, then you always have a reference to the agreement you have made. We hope that this advice will allow you to make educated hearing healthcare decisions. Find a company that you feel comfortable with, ask them lots of questions about the hearing aids that they offer, what they think would be best for you and what exactly is their service offering and you should never go wrong. You can also take a look at our free hearing aid consumer guide:

Download it here 

If you have any queries, want a test or just some information, please don't hesitate to contact me at 01506 420519, I will 

Step 1: carefully measure and asses your hearing.

Step 2: demonstrate using the latest computer controlled digital technology how well you will be able to hear.

Step3: select the hearing aids of your choice from all the discreet models available.

You can then try them out to make sure they are right for you, when your decision is made, we will then work with you to ensure your hearing aids continue to deliver the best experience for you. 

I have provided hearing aids throughout Scotland since 1997, helping people like you regain their hearing.

I can provide hearing solutions that will allow you to:

• listen to the tv at normal volume.
• enjoy your family and friends conversation at a restaurant.
• to hear all the soft voices on the telephone.

Contact The Hearing Aid Centre on 01506 420519  today, or read more.