Read this before you consider private hearing aids!

some basic buying tips...

· Avoid ‘free gift’ promotions (these are marketing tools to get your name and address)
· Never buy at exhibition-type events: impulse buying of these products is not a good idea
· Never respond to special offers or ‘today only’ prompts, etc
· Avoid adverts that muddy the descriptions of two or more hearing aids on one page… do you really know what offer you are responding to?
· Do not buy £20-or-less amplifiers from adverts. These are sold through loopholes in British law. Please bear in mind that most NHS hearing aids would cost £1500 or more if bought through the private market!
· Avoid non-customised in the ear aids, i.e. where an impression of your ear is not taken. These will generally cause discomfort, at least.
· Always get a FULL money back guarantee for as long a period as possible
· Ask for an immediate refund if there is ANY doubt at all in your Dispenser’s competence or if there is doubt about whether or not you can try a different system
· Do not react emotionally – a logical decision is always best
· If you are not offered a real choice of 3+ technology levels/ price bands, with the specific models named, then walk away
· In West Yorkshire, HSA and Sovereign Health insurance provide financial help towards buying hearing aids
· If a company keeps mailing you, send them a letter asking them to stop!
· Always try to visit a hearing aid practice with a friend or family member and avoid visits to your home. If you do see a hearing aid dispenser at home, never buy on the first meeting and have someone there with you
· If you think you are buying the best possible for your hearing loss, Ask is the hearing aid offered is the ‘latest generation’
· Did you know… Directional microphones are seldom fitted on any ‘completely in canal’ aids
· Unfortunately, big companies have high staff turnover. Ask how long your Dispenser has worked for their employer
· Ask how far away your Dispenser lives from you
· Ask for RECENT personal recommendations from your Dispenser
· Do not ignore a hearing loss OR turn it in to a commercial-only decision...
In short, deal with the problem PROPERLY and EFFICIENTLY. A problem ignored will not go away…