Frequently Asked Questions – FAQS

Q. How do hearing aids work?

Here is how a hearing aid works step-by-step:

• Microphones pick up sounds
• Sounds are analysed by the processing chip
• Processed sounds are sent to the amplifier
• Amplified sounds are sent to the loudspeaker
• Sounds are transmitted by the loudspeaker into the inner ear, via tubing in an ear mould in the ear canal, or via a thin wire to a receiver in the ear
• In the inner ear the sounds are transformed into electrical impulses
• Impulses are picked up by the brain where they are processed

Q. What areas do you cover?

Our audiologists are based across South & West Wales. We have centres in Carmarthen, Llanelli, Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Llandeilo, Lampeter, Fishguard & Haverfordwest. We also have the privilege of operating in three major Welsh hospitals - Neath Port Talbot, Princess of Wales Bridgend, and Singleton Swansea.

For more information on our locations, click here.

Q. Are all hearing aids the visible bulky body-worn things I remember from my childhood?

A definite no! Just as modern technology has improved the size of say, the common calculator and the computer, the same can be said of hearing aids. They are getting smaller and more sophisticated.

The small completely in the canal hearing aids and receiver in the canal products give fantastic performance, great cosmetics and are reasonably priced too.

Q. How old do I need to be before I need a hearing aid?

The greater proportion of hearing loss occurs in the 55+ age group, but many younger people find that they have difficulty where there is background noise.

This can be a real problem socially, and whilst indicative of the onset of a hearing problem, a hearing check just in case can often set the mind at rest.

Also bear in mind hearing protection in noisy environments at work today in your younger years mean better hearing later in life!

Q. If I start wearing a hearing aid which amplifies sound into my ear, won't it make the hearing worse?

No! A properly prescribed and fitted hearing aid will actually assist the ear to hear. A hearing aid should never be loud or uncomfortable for you. The hearing aid will always be adjusted to your most comfortable level.

Excessive noise amplification (such as a large lorry going past you when you have your hearing aid in/on) can have circuitry especially designed to compress the loud sounds or clip the loud sound and protect the residual hearing further.

Q. What is the actual cost to me?

Our prices vary depending on various factors. These include the type of hearing aid you'd like, the technology required, your hearing loss, and your lifestyle requirements.

However, we do offer hearing aids on a FREE trial basis so if you are not completely satisfied over a couple of weeks, you can return them to us.

Finance is also available on all hearing aids enabling you to spread the cost over 12 or 36 months.

• Interest free up to a year
• Or 14.9% APR for three years

Click here for more information on splitting the cost.

Q. What about everyday running costs?

Whilst we do offer rechargeable hearing aids, most hearing aids require batteries. We only sell the highest quality batteries at £2.99 for a pack of 6 or £10 for 4 packs of 6 (£11 posted out to you).

We are also excited to offer our clients our brand new extended warranty scheme - the Carefree Club. This covers the warranty on your hearing aid after it loses the manufacturers warranty after two years.

The Carefree Club is a membership plan that allows you to cover the cost of your hearing healthcare monthly, including a wide range of benefits such as yearly battery supply, wax filters, mechanical breakdown, loan aids and discount on new hearing aids. (To see the full table of benefits, click here).

Q. What guarantees, and what do I get for my money?

You get an individual assessment of your hearing loss, an individual hearing instrument, hand built wired and fitted for your particular hearing loss, the professional dispenser's time, patience and experience in helping you to rehabilitate.

The guarantees tend to vary from company to company, but at Hearing Aid Solutions we offer a no quibble guarantee on materials and workmanship of 24 months from date of fitting as standard, with further extensions of warranty period with the Carefree Club.

Q. Do you take on a client who has been fitted elsewhere and may be out of warranty with them?

In essence if someone moves to the area, and they have been fitted elsewhere, we are always happy to help. If the aid is out of warranty, then a year's worth of warranty and service can be purchased from us. If they are a client of either an AIHHP or IHHP member then the cost may be deferred as we are also members of AIHHP.

Q. Are you a salesman?

No! All audiologists employed by Hearing Aid Solutions are registered Hearing Aid Dispensers, registration is compulsory with the Health and Care Professions Council.

We pride ourselves on our training and try never to apply pressure and "make a sale". It is more important that you the customer feel completely confident and motivated towards the use of a hearing instrument. If a high pressure sale is made and the client is unhappy then the aid is more likely to be rejected.

Q. Are you qualified?

All of our audiologists are constantly upgrading and updating our skill-sets. We are continually attending training and academic courses, and specialise in different areas.

Our audiologists are all HCPC registered, and fellows of BSHAA.

Our centres are the only centres in Wales to be a member of AIHHP.

Martyn has been elected as both Chairman and Vice Chairman by fellow AIHHP members across the UK. Martyn is also a member of FSB and is a Fellow of the Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (FSHAA).

As well as hearing aid dispensing, Martyn is qualified in wax removal by microsuction, irrigation and endoscopic techniques (the only practice in Wales to achieve this).

Martyn's son Michael has also qualified as a Hearing Aid Audiologist and has been dispensing for over two years.

Sarah Foster is a highly qualified audiologist who specialises in Tinnitus, assessment, relief and advice (the only practice in Wales). Sarah is also an active member of the British Tinnitus Association.

As well as an experienced hearing aid audiologist, Gareth Morris specialises in all forms of noise protection from basic moulds to specialist presenter and music filters.

To find out more about our team, click here.

Q. Do I have any rights?

Q. Can I wear my hearing aid when I'm asleep?

In general - no, but it is possible to "nod off" in the chair whilst watching TV without too much problem - it has been done in the past! It is better when you climb into bed (or before the shower/bath) to remove them. They are better left open to allow any moisture built up during the day to be dried out overnight.

Q. Can I wash my hearing aid?

No! Water and electrical components do not mix at all well, and the guarantees may well be voided if water is found within.

If you wish to clean and maintain the hearing instrument, the tube and mould style of behind the ear instrument can carefully be separated to allow the mould and tube to be cleaned with water.

But the electronic bit - NO, if you are unsure, your dispenser will show you how and provide special cleaning fluid to assist.

Q. How do I know when the battery is flat?

Batteries are designed especially for hearing aids to run at full output and then fail, unlike the torch battery that gradually grows dimmer! The hearing aid will either "pip, bleep or speak" to you, or buzz or stop working altogether. If you still have trouble, why not ask the dispenser for a battery tester to test your own batteries at a glance.

Q. My new hearing aid fits well but sounds 'tinny' or 'bassy' why?

This is because your hearing aid has restored the defective frequencies associated with your type of loss; it is bound to sound different, and will take time for your hearing and brain to get used to the new restored sound, so a period of rehabilitation will be required.

Often your dispenser will increase the restoration process over time so as not to make the sound too different. It is a matter of choice and persistence.

Q. Who can I speak to if I have other questions?