Our hearing aid technology

• Check that the battery is fitted correctly
• Check whether a new battery is needed
• Check that the hearing aid is clean and clear of wax deposits

• Hearing aids can sound muffled if there is wax in your ear or in the hearing aid
• Clean your hearing aid thoroughly using the equipment provided
• Check for wax build-up on any part of the hearing aid, especially where the sound comes out
• If your last hearing check was not recent, your hearing levels may have changed

Hearing aid whistling, also known as feedback, can happen when your hearing aid isn’t fitted correctly or when wax builds up in your ear or hearing aid. You may also hear a brief whistle when putting it in or taking it out while it’s switched on.

To help reduce whistling:

• Check the fit: make sure your hearing aid is correctly positioned in your ear.
• Keep it clean: follow the cleaning instructions provided and use the equipment supplied.
• Move your hand away: covering the hearing aid while adjusting it can cause temporary feedback, which should stop when you move your hand.

If the whistling continues, contact your local Scrivens branch. Our team can arrange support from a Hearing Aid Audiologist to check your hearing aid and help identify the cause.

If you have been for a hearing assessment, either via your GP through the NHS or directly with Scrivens, and a Hearing Aid Audiologist has diagnosed hearing loss for which you require hearing aids, you will have a number of options to choose from. It all depends on the severity of your hearing loss, as well as the type of hearing aid you would personally prefer to wear, based on the look and feel when you have tried and few on and made a comparison. The aim will be to come to a decision that both the audiologist and you are happy with. It is particularly important to make the decision together, on together is important, as you will be able to advise on which design and style you prefer, and the audiologist will be able to make suggestions based on your particular level of hearing loss. We have a number of hearing aids available, including:

• In the Ear (ITE) – custom made hearing aids which fit into the bowl shaped area of your outer ear instead of inside the ear canal. A popular choice due to their discreet size and comfortable fit.
• On the Ear (OTE) – one of the most commonly worn hearing aids as they are small, subtle and available in a variety of designs and colours. They are a popular choice for first-time hearing aid wearers as they provide a more natural sound.
• Behind the Ear (BTE) – hearing aids which provide the most power, as well as being able to handle moderate to severe hearing loss. BTEs are even suitable for those with a profound hearing loss.

If a Hearing Aid Audiologist has diagnosed hearing loss for which you require hearing aids, you will have a few options to choose from. Depending on the degree of hearing loss you are experiencing, as well as the type of hearing aid you would prefer to wear, you will be able to come to a decision that both the audiologist and you are happy with. Making the decision together is important, as your audiologist will be able to make recommendations based on your particular level of hearing loss, whilst you will be able to advise which style and design you prefer. Scrivens Hearing Care has a wide variety of hearing aids available. For example, some options include:

• On the Ear (OTE) – one of the most commonly worn hearing aids as they are small, subtle and available in a variety of designs and colours. They are a popular choice for first-time hearing aid wearers as they provide a more natural sound.
• Behind the Ear (BTE) – hearing aids which provide the most power, as well as being able to handle moderate to severe hearing loss. BTEs are even suitable for those with a profound hearing loss.
• In the Ear (ITE) – custom made hearing aids which fit into the bowl shaped area of your outer ear instead of inside the ear canal. A popular choice due to their discreet size and comfortable fit.

Hearing aids have been proven to greatly improve your hearing, but it isn’t always a quick fix; many people who are new to wearing hearing aids think the process will be much like wearing glasses; you pop them on and all is well again. However, wearing hearing aids is completely different – the brain needs to adapt to the new hearing aids you are wearing in order for you to hear clearly again, and although this can often happen relatively quickly, it usually takes a while to completely get used to wearing them. Hearing aids help with hearing loss, but don’t restore normal hearing. If you are wondering how well hearing aids work because you believe you may be experiencing hearing loss, book a hearing test at Scrivens and speak to one of our Hearing Aid Audiologists. If hearing aids are required, you will be able to choose which ones are best for you, then it is time to get used to wearing them in real-life, day-to-day situations. When you have worn your hearing aids out in public, for example, or whilst having conversations with friends and family members, you will begin to get used to wearing them and be able to hear things more clearly.

Whether or not you require a hearing aid or not depends on a number of factors, such as the level of hearing loss you are experiencing and if it is expected to be temporary or long term. For example, a decline in hearing can sometimes be down to factors such as a build-up in ear wax, a damaged ear drum or an ear infection. These issues can usually be cleared up with medication meaning you will not require a hearing aid. Sometimes if a person has been experiencing a build-up in ear wax for some time, they may think their hearing is declining, when actually there is a simple solution for this. However, if you have been experiencing a decline in your hearing loss over a period of time, or you have noticed that hearing certain tones, pitches and sounds has become increasingly difficult, this could be a more long-term, permanent decline in your hearing. It’s nothing to worry about – having a hearing aid fitted to suit your style and budget will improve your hearing in no time. Speak to your Scrivens Hearing Aid Audiologist for further advice.

In The Canal (ITC) hearing aids are very discreet and sit in the canal of the ear (the entrance of the ear). Each In The Canal hearing aid is custom fit for each user, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit that is almost unnoticeable, providing users with a discreet option that can also allow additional features to be used, including directional microphones and manual volume wheels. Due to the fact In The Canal hearing aids are somewhat larger than Completely In Canal hearing aids (CIC), they can use a larger battery and can therefore benefit from a longer battery life. In The Canal hearing aids are sometimes not appropriate for users with limited dexterity due to their size. They are most appropriate for those suffering from mild to severe hearing loss and can be constructed in a variety of colours to suit your preferences. If you need any more information about In The Canal hearing aids, or advice on which hearing aid is right for you, call into any of our 300+ plus branches throughout the UK for expert advice from one of our Hearing Aid Audiologists. Scrivens are also pleased to be able to offer a wide variety of free NHS hearing aids to eligible NHS patients. To find out if you are eligible for our NHS hearing care service click here.