FAQs
In this section you can find answers to several questions related to your hearing. If you have an alternative question please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
Is there a guarantee with hearing aids?
The simple answer is yes, there is a standard 2 year guarantee with hearing aids. Within the first few weeks of use we will need to see the client again for a rehabilitation visit and at this point, we can change any small problems that may have occurred in that time. There is also a lifetime of aftercare with every hearing aid purchased.
Will a hearing aid restore my hearing?
While no hearing aid can restore your hearing to normal (except in cases of very mild hearing loss), digital hearing aids are designed to let you hear soft sounds that you couldn’t hear before, and prevent other sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud for you. They are also designed to improve your ability to understand speech, even in noisy environments.
Will I need a hearing aid for both ears?
This will all depend on your results as you may only have a problem in one ear, therefore you may only need one hearing aid. Aging and noise-related hearing loss usually affects both ears, however your hearing profile for each ear will be different, whether by a lot or only a small amount. If there is a loss in both ears, you are likely to benefit from a binaural (two aids) solution. Research has shown that roughly 70% of new users opt for dual hearing aids and as a group they report higher levels of satisfaction to their hearing loss, than to purchasers of a single aid.
How do I know which hearing aid will be best for me?
There are several factors that will determine which hearing aid will be the right one for you. These will include the nature and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle and even your hobbies. Your job can also be a contributing factor, as well as your eyesight and dexterity, and the size and shape of your outer ear and inner ear canal.After your hearing check-up, your qualified Hearing Aid Consultant will be able to go through your results and provide advice on the best options to suit your individual needs.
What are the different types and styles of hearing aids?
Digital Hearing Aids come in a wide variety of sizes and style to ensure individuals\’ needs are provided for. Some hearing aids sit behind the ear or there are those that are completely invisible within the ear. All aids feature different technology levels to match your specific need and budget.
How will a hearing aid improve my quality of life?
The quality of your hearing can seriously affect your everyday life. If you do have a hearing loss it can be very frustrating not being able to hear conversations or being able to properly interact with friends and family members. Research has shown that for people with a hearing loss and for those close to them, hearing aids have played a significant factor to their social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being. More specifically, the treatment of hearing loss has been shown to improve:
- Communication in relationships
- Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
- Ease in communication
- Sense of control over your life
- Social participation
- Perception of mental functioning
- Emotional stability
If I think I have a hearing problem, what should I do?
The first thing to establish is whether you actually have a hearing loss or not. Sometimes it may be due to a build up of wax which can easily be rectified. However, to establish this you will need a hearing assessment with a qualified Hearing Aid Consultant who will carry out an extensive range of techniques to ensure accurate results.Once the initial test of your hearing has taken place, our Consultant will explain your results and if you do have a hearing loss, will then proceed to give you the options best suited to your individual needs.
To book your appointment contact your local shop or email owenhearing@owenhearing.com
Are there different types of hearing loss?
There are several types of hearing loss, including:
- Sensorineural – This is the most common type of hearing loss and occurs when the inner ear nerves (and hair cells) are damaged and do not properly transmit auditory signals to the brain. Fortunately this can be treated with hearing aids.
- Conductive – This type of hearing loss is not so common and is typically the result of obstructions in the ear. This can usually be treated medically or surgically.
- Mixed – This type can be caused by a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
What are the most common hearing loss causes?
Hearing loss can be caused by a number of common factors, including excessive noise, infections, aging or genetics. Other causes include birth defects or a reaction to drugs or cancer treatment.
How can I recognise hearing loss?
Hearing loss is unpredictable and can happen at any age. It is gradual and often occurs without discomfort or pain. Often family members adapt to a relatives hearing loss without realising they are doing so, this can make it more difficult to establish a hearing loss without a professional assessment. There are some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you do have any issues which need addressing:
- Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
- I have trouble following conversations with more than two people?
- Do I have difficulty hearing what is being said unless I\’m facing the speaker?
- Does it sound like other people are mumbling or slurring their words?
- Do I struggle to hear in crowded places such as restaurants, shopping centres and meeting rooms?
- Do I have a hard time hearing women or children?
- Do I prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others?
- Do I experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?
If you have answered yes to several of these questions, it is very likely that you suffer from a hearing loss. Book an appointment for your free of charge, no obligation hearing assessment today for your own peace of mind.