WARNING: Bogus Spectacle-worn hearing aid adverts

On a regular basis I'm asked "what about these wonderful spectacle aids?"....
Unfortunately, a few hearing aid companies have placed mass advertising on this subject. Please be aware that spectacle aids are VERY RARELY prescribed, are complicated to fit, and for 99% of users will involve fitting the glasses THEN inserting two little tubes in the ear canals.
HEARING AID ENQUIRER's NAMES AND ADDRESSES have an approximate value of £300 each, thus these ads are highly effective in capturing your information.

INTERNET DISCOUNT SITES...

..are great, but you do need to 'phone them and have a chat about WHO will actually deal with you and what their aftercare philosophy is.
NEVER DEAL WITH SITES THAT DON'T GIVE A HEAD OFFICE ADDRESS and DIRECTOR'S NAME. How can you deal with an unknown body?

FULL SHELL AND HALF SHELL AIDS

These are still being offered for sale in the UK, even though they are hardly ever appropriate - and I'm asked to quote for these items.
I've got to say they are at least ugly if not downright old fashioned. The most popular generic types of hearing aid are
1. receiver in ear aids, with a small unit on TOP OF THE EAR and a very thin wire in the ear
2. Completely in the canal hearing aids; tiny custom built aids hidden in the ear canal
3. Micro behind the ear aids with very thin tubes in the ear canal (available through some NHS Trusts.

These are the types you should be offered in 90% of cases

HOT BUYING TIPS for Summer 2010

Phonak / Unitron group are way out in front, and that's not surprising - the processor chip they use is creating very high levels of client satisfaction. And their mini receiver in ear product is TINY and very well built. I have noted that the nanotech cover on the microphones is a little thin, thus leading to audible hair rustle for some wearers, but for most, PHONAK UNITRON is outstanding right now. OF COURSE, THAT ASSUMES YOU PAY THE RIGHT PRICE!

Widex has always been a favourite of hearingaidsecrets - even though it is a little pricey. HOWEVER, as from JULY 10, Widex are opening their own plant in the UK. This is great news, but as with any new manufacturing site, be wary on price and build quality issues of in-the-ear aids for the next few months. Call us for up to the minute prices you should pay on WIDEX.

GN Resound are suffering from dropping sales at the moment. Probably a fair enough value-brand.

Siemens hearing aids are well built and the software is great. Prices are too high but they will soon start to take the UK private market more seriously.

Oticon / Bernafon are losing out right now. They are being forced into the high end market only by perhaps being less competitive, This is a mistake, but there is no doubting that their connectline compatible products are amazing.

Starkey receiver in ear aids are a little on the large side. The OTO LENS is a very interesting new tiny hearing aid launching in July 2010 and the touch controls on their BTEs is clever if you don't fancy a remote control.

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!

COMMON SENSE BUYING TIPS

Don’t start to consider private hearing aids yet if you are moving house, going into hospital, getting NHS hearing aids within the next month or distracted in any way… etc… buying hearing aids and getting used to them needs your full attention.

Understand what’s available (makes and models) - do some research. All hearing aids are definately NOT THE SAME! and Levels of aftercare vary tremendously.

Pick one make/ model - you should do this to assist your market research!

PHONE 3 LOCAL dispensers and ask for a price Ask when the follow up visits are done
And the exact conditions of return (your ability to get all or most of your money back)

You should now have 3 LIKE-FOR LIKE quotes

Choose two and book a test
(ASK FOR AN AUDIOGRAM FROM EACH - don’t pay for this if asked)

Do you like the staff? Is the branch easily accessible?

Then, have a go ... but don’t be afraid to quit after allowing for three programming sessions WITHIN A SAFE RETURN PERIOD!

EASY PERFORMANCE MEASURES to use when buying hearing aids

1. The successful use of hearing aids may be hindered due to your present cognitive skills. Unfortunately, the inability to measure this in any individual makes it very difficult to predict outcomes of hearing aid fittings. As a rough indication, you will probably find results less than satisfactory if you have always been a bit absent minded, if you have always struggled in noisy places, if you’ve had a hearing problem since childhood, if your hearing loss is as a result of operations or if you are experiencing concentration problems, etc

2. How good is your hearing aid Dispenser? Your likely success will improve greatly if this individual is kind and patient, very local to you and prepared to allow you a free choice, etc…so long as you aren’t intending to move house in the near future, it may be better to deal with a local Independent Company.

3. The Number of channels your hearing aids have: This is an easy way to assess hearing aids’ definition capabilities. A one channel aid is not so clever, NHS aids are commonly 4 channel, many private aids will be 8-17 channels, some have as many as 33

4. Directionality: It’s better if your aids have this and that it switches off and on (either automatically or manual by you using a button). Some directional systems may not work well for you... It might be better to have a remote control or switch to turn the directionality off and on as you require it. If you want automatic, make sure you test out the aids thoroughly (say within a full money back period). Non directional and fixed directional aids should generally be avoided. There are no clear descriptive terms shared by all manufacturers, so be aware and ask for the directionality method to be explained to you.

5. Please note that most completely in the canal aids (or CICs) DON’T have many features of that particular model. If you really want this size, make sure you understand exactly what features are really there! Many consumers choose CIC not realising they are buying a lower specification model.

6. Is the hearing aid powerful enough? If your hearing loss is advanced, Make sure within the free trial period that your hearing aids are powerful enough AND that there is lots of spare headroom left over (i.e. they can be turned up without whistling) —this should be tried out at the fitting stage. REMEMBER - YOUR HEARING WILL LIKELY GET A LITTLE WORSE as time goes by. If your new hearing aids need turning down to stop them whistling (or indeed you need to turn them down to stop whistling) or they are just too weak, then give them back before it’s too late.

7. Can you handle the sound of your own voice? Many hearing aids are rejected due to this unpleasant side-effect. Most hearing aid wearers have mild to moderate hearing loss, with the low frequency hearing levels being the least damaged. Unfortunately, this means you may encounter OCCLUSION. Receiver in the ear versions of any hearing aid are proving very successful and popular and you should maybe consider this type first (a small unit over your ear and a thin tube leading into your ear canal).

8. And this leads onto the last consideration: Long term RELIABILITY. CICs are the least reliable, lasting on average about 3 1/2 years, with an average two breakdowns in that period. Behind the ear aids are generally far more reliable, lasting around 6 years, with breakdowns unlikely.

A Summary of Hearing aid manufacturers in the UK

Basically, there is far less choice than there used to be... 7!
Those left are
WIDEX/PCWERTH,
SIEMENS,
OTICON,
STARKEY,
GN RESOUND and
PHONAK
UNITRON

Any others mentioned tend to be owned by one of the big six (examples are BERNAFON, HANSATON). There are a couple of smaller sized suppliers also (for instance - Puretone and Sonic Innovations, who have just closed their plant in the UK).
Some retailers do rebrand products to disguise their source, but this is not widespread yet

Some consumer magazines and information leaflets imply a greater choice, but this often includes US brands which are not available here. These magazines will commonly be offered through direct advertising by hearing aid companies.

The Hearing Aid Council will cease in March 2010

Regulation of hearing aid dispensers will be carried out by the HPC and the ISA

http://www.hpc-uk.org/
http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/


... that means the hearing aid council rules for Dispensers will alter from around 1st April 2010..
The result of this could mean a lot more private hearing aid dispensers out there and hopefully a potential eroding of unjustifiably high prices!
Be aware also that after April, marketing techniques could also become far more aggressive and pushy and direct phone sales could be legalised....

---

It is the Government’s intention that the Hearing Aid Council’s responsibility for regulating hearing aid dispensers in the private sector should be transferred to the Health Professions Council.

Following on the Hampton Review, this change will strengthen protection for consumers, reduce costs for the industry and remove barriers between the public and private sectors. The Hearing Aid Council will be the first statutory regulator absorbed by the Health Professions Council, this transfer is currently due to occur by March 2010.

The Hearing Aid Council is a statutory regulator set up by the Hearing Aid Council Act (1968) to register dispensers and their employers working in the private hearing aid sector. It sets the standards of education, training, conduct and performance dispensers must meet to join the register and investigates any alleged breaches of those standards. There are around 1500 hearing aid dispensers on the HAC register.

The Hearing Aid Council
70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BE
Tel: 020 3102 4030
Fax: 020 3102 4476
Web: www.thehearingaidcouncil.org.uk

What to expect from your Registered Dispenser

... also known as a hearing aid dispenser / audiologist...

Currently there are regulations enforced by the 'hearing aid council'...
In brief,
You must be given written confirmation of all appointments (or the dispenser must record a reason why this was not possible).
You must be told that hearing aids might not help you.
We (dispensers) must act within a high standard of ethical conduct.
You must be told how to use, insert, remove, clean, service and otherwise operate your hearing aid.
A letter must be sent to your GP if certain conditions are noted (ie an amount of earwax that would make it unsafe to take impressions).
A dispenser must not assume the status of a medically qualified person
... must not attempt wax removal.... must not suggest an ability to 'cure'.
The dispenser must always prefix such terms as 'specialist' or 'audiologist' with the words 'hearing aid' - spoken or written.
Your audiograms must be kept on file for 5 years.
All equipment should be used to the correct standards of practice and cleanliness.

For new hearing aid fittings, the dispenser's last test must be less than two months old.
For exact replacements, the last hearing test must be less than 24 months old.
A dispenser must contact you within 6 weeks of a new fitting.

http://www.thehearingaidcouncil.org.uk/