Financial Summary of HEARING AID MANUFACTURERS

Sonova Holding AG is a Switzerland-based company operating in the healthcare sector. The Company offers hearing healthcare solutions, wireless communication systems for audiology applications and solutions for hearing protection. The brand portfolio of Sonova Holding AG includes Phonak, Unitron Hearing, Argosy and Acoustic Implants. The Company is active in over 90 countries through a combination of 54 subsidiaries in 30 countries and a network of independent distributors. It operates worldwide through its numerous subsidiaries, which include Phonak AG, Phonak (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Phonak Iberica SAU, Indomed AG and Phonak AB, among others. In 2008, the Company acquired TRE SA for purpose of selling of hearing instruments.

SALES 2008/9 +3.69%

William Demant Holding A/S is a Denmark-based company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of products and equipment, designed to aid people's hearing and communication. The Company is operational through three business divisions. Hearing Aids comprises Oticon and Bernafon, which produce hearing aids and fitting systems, marketed through subsidiaries and distributors worldwide. Diagnostic Instruments encompasses Maico Diagnostics and Interacoustics, which manufacture and distribute audiometers and tympanometers for hearing measurement. Personal Communication includes Phonic Ear, which provides wireless communication systems and hearing aids for the hearing impaired, and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications, which develops and markets wireless learning systems and assisting listening devices.

SALES 2008/9 -2.09%

GN Store Nord A/S (GN) is a Denmark-based company active within the telecommunications industry. The Company is engaged in the provision of personal communication solutions, including headsets for hands-free communication, hearing instruments and audiologic diagnostics equipment. The Company operates through two business areas: GN Netcom and GN ReSound. GN markets its headsets under the Jabra brand and the Company’s hearing aids are sold under the ReSound, Beltone and Interton brands. The Company’s products are mainly manufactured in the production facility located in Xiamen, China.

SALES 2008/9 -5.9%

Siemens AG (Siemens) is engaged in electronics and electrical engineering. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 (fiscal 2008), the Company reorganized its operations. It operates in six segments: Industry, Energy, Healthcare, Siemens IT Solutions, Services and Siemens Financial Services (SFS), and Equity Investments. Industry, Energy and Healthcare segments are reported along with 14 divisions, which comprise the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies, Building Technologies, Osram, Industry Solutions and Mobility belonging to the Industry Sector, the divisions Fossil Power Generation, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Power Transmission and Power Distribution belonging to the Energy Sector, and the Divisions Imaging & Information Technology (IT), Workflow & Solutions and Diagnostics belonging to the Healthcare Sector. As a globally operating organization, the Company also conducts business with customers in Iran, Sudan, Syria and Cuba.

SALES 2008/9 +6.73%

Source: Reuters

Privately owned: Starkey and Widex

Widex A/S (Widex) is a global company within the digital hearing aid technology market and offers audiological solutions. It is principally engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of the hearing aid devices for the ENT markets and also conducts audiological research. Widex develops products such as inteo series, flash series, bravissimo series, ear bearing aids and assistive listening devices. Its devices offer people with hearing loss the same opportunity as those with normal hearing. Its broad range of products are sold through a network of distributors as well as its wholly-owned subsidiaries in more than 90 markets around the world. The company is headquartered in Vaerlose, Denmark. The company's research, development and administration as well as its production is based in Vaerlose, Denmark. Also, it has large assembly departments in Helsinge, North Sealand and in Verviers, Belgium. Source: medicaldevices-business-review.com

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. (Starkey) is engaged in the manufacturing, designing and distribution of hearing aids and hands-free communications devices. It provides top quality diagnostic equipment, hearing protection products, wireless technology and various unique hearing solutions. The company was incorporated in 1967. In 2006, its integrated circuit design centre was acquired by AMI Semiconductor, Inc, a subsidiary of AMIS Holdings, Inc. The Starkey Hearing Alliance (SHA) is a select national network of hearing care professionals who partner with Starkey in providing the most comprehensive levels of hearing care. It has 35 facilities and operates in more than 24 countries.

Source: reportbuyer.com

"NATIONAL Companies????"

Quite often you will come across companies claiming NATIONAL coverage, or that they have a representative in the area, or that they offer NATIONAL advice --- etc etc.
TOP SECRET for 2009: There will be a mass of hearing aid sites springing up, offering NATIONAL coverage. HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS TYPE OF COMPANY:

1, check the website for an exact head office and name of hearing aid dispenser. AVOID COMPLETELY ANY SITES THAT HIDE THEIR IDENTITY.

2, Mostly, NATIONAL stands for nothing at all. hearingaidsecrets' view is that in the main, it is better to deal with an independent that is local to you, who is recommended and - of at least 3 years' standing.

3, In today's volatile and changing market, the only national I could possibly recommend is BOOTS, ALTHOUGH, YOU MUST STILL GET AT LEAST 2 OPINIONS/PRICES - we can save you around £1500 right now.

Bogus "Research" and "test" adverts

Please do not participate in such offers. The idea is that the likes of 'speech mapping' (real response measurement) or trials and tests of new hearing aids for 'research' is offered... this is a despicable marketing idea being used at the moment - both to encourage direct responses and also to encourage visits to so-called exhibitions or open days. PLEASE DO NOT ENQUIRE ABOUT PRIVATE HEARING AIDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, unless you realise the following:
1. Anything to do with private hearing aids ALMOST ALWAYS involves a private profit-seeking company
2. Any such approach, where hearing aid prices are not stated up front is bogus and to be avoided.

How to be an expert consumer

1. Do your research. The Internet is the quickest route. Ask a relative if you don't have a computer. Avoid sites that don't list all their prices. You could use a name you trust like Boots or Specsavers. But you must also check the price offered on a like for like basis.
   
2. Recommendations are very important. But you should pay a fair price too. Prices for exactly the same products can vary wildly.
3. Therefore, a recommendation to a company that also lists all the prices is obviously the best route.
4. Always have a close family member with you at the test and subsequent meetings OR communicate with them by telephone to discuss your meetings.
5. Understand and compare at least 3 hearing aid models.
   
6. Have realistic expectations, especially if your hearing loss is long term, is of complicated history or you have had problems with hearing aids before.
7. Get as long a trial period as possible.
8. Use the aftercare provided. Be VERY fussy, test the hearing aids in all environments and strive for the best possible result. Don't give up, do complain if the hearing aids are not completely comfortable to wear, ask your friends to share their experiences.
9. carry out routine checks to ensure the hearing aids are working to 100% capacity...
   

When were your hearing aids last reprogrammed?

That is, linked into your Dispenser's computer with you and your hearing aids attached...

Ideally this should be offered every 3 months.
And your hearing aids adjusted every 6 months..... Additionally,

• After any hearing aid repair is carried out (as you may notice a sudden change in amplification)
  
• After an illness, especially any respiratory tract infection or ear infection, a stroke, heart attack or after any brain or heart operation
  
• after the prescription of new medication to aid sleeping, for depression or any other drugs affecting one's cognitive / processing or concentration ability
  
• After a hearing aid shell modification, vent alteration or a configuration change to the hearing aid (such as a change in the dome size, dome length etc)
  

You will not get full value from your hearing aids unless this happens. Indeed, most hearing aid consumers lose touch with their provider soon after purchase. This is a grave mistake and is the completely wrong way to be an expert hearing aid consumer.
Please also be aware, that many hearing aids now require software upgrades at least once a year. This will be actioned automatically when your hearing aids are reprogrammed...

If you need more free information about hearing aids in West Yorkshire, call me on 01274 862623

A QUALITY BRAND vs. A DISCOUNTED BRAND??

Here is a summary of the market choices... there are only 7 manufacturers

WIDEX UK discourage internet discounting, therefore those that show prices for Widex products may not be authorised dealers and the warranty conditions may be compromised. Widex products have a history of RELIABILITY and a particular SMOOTHNESS OF SOUND (very low kneepoints of compression giving a distinctive mellow sound quality). They are dispensed and recommended by ENT CONSULTANTS, they are wholly BUILT IN SCANDANAVIA and feature a great EASE OF PROGRAMMING. The PASSION IS A GORGEOUS PRODUCT, it's tiny, well designed and sounds good. The ethos and approach of the UK arm is now dynamic and forward-thinking. Their in the ear products are finished with finesse with a seamless join between the faceplate and shell. The technical staff are superb, and this makes dealing with them a dream.... They have recently made investments in many medium and small hearing aid retailers in the UK including long established and well respected 'independents'. They own a majority of Regional Hearing Services. Their products are relatively expensive. The MIND 440 CLEARBAND / Clear440 is potentially and arguably the most technically advanced hearing aid yet, including a dual receiver unit and adjustable frequencies up to 15000Hz.
OTICON produce the superb but now slightly outdated DELTA, a ground-breaking product in open ear technology. They have had many NHS contracts for many years and currently supply the SPIRIT 3. Their approach to BLUETOOTH technolology and COMMUNICATING HEARING AIDS is ahead in the market and the EPOQ is a perfect example of this. The new CONNECTLINE INTERFACE for TV and PHONE is incredibly effective and very impressive with no visible problems* (other than the Streamer device needs to be the newer compatible model). Their in the ear product is generally of exceptional quality. They have a history of great success with RECEIVER IN THE EAR technology - for instance, changing the receiver tube on a Delta is so EASY. The head office staff are long serving and incredibly knowledgeable. They own HIDDEN HEARING and a manufacturer, BERNAFON. Their products are relatively expensive excepting the DELTA 4000.
PHONAK have elevated to no.1 in the UK with around 40% market share. They are completely professional and the production method is the best and most efficiently managed. Their turnaround time is unbeatable and their team of technical staff are THE BEST (3 staff, well trained and motivated). This means your hearing aids will be ready in a few days! If you are in the middle to high end of the market or you like gadgets and technology, Phonak are way ahead. Phonak's BLUETOOTH interfaces actually work and the AUDIOLOGISTS' SOFTWARE IS BY FAR NO.1. Their products are of quality and are relatively mid-high range in price. Thier Holding company also own UNITRON.
UNITRON use the same chip as Phonak, but have developed certain unique applications. The most outstanding is the FUSE, available in the UK from 15th NOv. 09 - a truly practical instant fit non-occluding in the ear aid. Thier hearing aids are generally much better value than competitor products, when compared for technological innovations.
STARKEY are a reliable UK manufacturer (US based private company) that have suffered by an attachment to analogue technology (in the past). Their product is well built in the UK and a particular technical manager is SO HELPFUL IN EVERY WAY. They supply aids to a very large OPTICIAN BASED RETAILER, and indirectly own a retail outlet ASCENT but suffer in the medium to small independent market as the perception is that maybe they fell behind in the tech race...Their products are of medium quality and sometimes discounted. NEW INFO ADDED 24 04 09: be aware: Starkey products rebranded for the previously mentioned Optician based retailer ARE NOT REPROGRAMMABLE BY ANYONE ELSE.
SIEMENS are a massive world player in electronics. They have shown a lack of interest in the private market, but are very successful with both NHS and large retailers. The products are often ground-breaking, for instance the SIEMENS VIBE, the remote disguised as a pen E PEN, their solid and reliable rechargeable hearing aids, etc.... Their NHS aid is the PRISMA PRO 2... Their products are perceived to be of medium quality. They own Hansaton. They supply SPECSAVERS.
GN RESOUND are a company that have experienced great ups and downs. Their products are often quirky (such as the Be), but their AIR open ear line captured an enormous number of clients. Due to market conditions they have aligned themselves as a DISCOUNT MANUFACTURER in the UK. The DOT 2 is very handsome...
IF YOU ARE BUYING GN RESOUND, please look on EBAY first as there are many products of their's offered at massive discounts! Total sales for this company are down 5.9% v 2008
PURETONE are a UK firm. They have low UK market presence and are lower priced, relatively. They are the main UK distributor for TRANSEAR, a very interesting new product for single - sided deafness! Their Bone Conductor spectacle aids (analogue) are very reasonable price wise.

Remember, don't be too influenced by mass advertising of any brand. Just because a company spends a lot does not mean the product is good. Many new innovations are available but some may never be advertised in the UK! We can always brief you on the latest news!