Hearing aids FAQs

Hearing Aids

My hearing aid is not working

  • 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

They sound muffled

  • 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

It keeps whistling

  • It is quite common for your hearing aids to whistle if they are turned on but not fitted into your ear. Whistling from a hearing aid during insertion or removal from the ear is quite normal if the hearing aid is switched on
  • Check that your hearing aid is correctly inserted into your ear
  • Hearing aids can whistle if there is wax in your ear or in the hearing aid
  • Clean your hearing aid thoroughly using the equipment provided
  • “Feedback” is sometimes caused when the volume control is adjusted and your hand reflects the sound back into the instrument’s microphone. This should cease when you move your hand

What is the best hearing aid to buy?

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.

There is a wide range of hearing aids available at Scrivens Hearing Care – visit your local branch to find out more.

 

 

How to buy hearing aids online

If you have noticed a decline in your hearing and you are interested in finding more about how we can help you, there are a number of options. Firstly, we recommend you take our online hearing test, and if the results of this tell you to have a further hearing assessment, simply pop into a Scrivens Hearing Care branch to arrange an appointment. However, if you complete the online hearing test and it reassures you that your hearing is satisfactory, but you are still concerned, you should definitely still enquire about a hearing assessment in your local branch.

Following your hearing assessment, if you have been advised by your Hearing Aid Audiologist to wear aids to improve your hearing, it will be time to find the right ones for you. Although you may have browsed Scrivens’ range of hearing aids online, the best way to choose and purchase hearing aids is by trying out a few different styles and designs.

When you have tried out a few different hearing aid options, it will be time to decide which ones are best for you personally – the reason it’s so important to try them on and see what you’re comfortable with is that they are all so different. For example, In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit into the bowl shaped area of your outer ear instead of inside the ear canal, On the Ear (OTE) hearing aids are small and subtle and available in a variety of designs, and Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids provide the most power, as well as being able to handle moderate to severe hearing loss.

What do hearing aids sound like?

Hearing aids are often described as having a “sound” – however, the description of this can differ from one person to another, as the perception of sound is impossible to be measured. Sound is subjective and can therefore be difficult to describe to another person who may be hearing something completely different.

Sometimes, those who are wearing hearing aids describe the sound as ‘metallic’, ‘clinical’ or ‘pleasant’. Some can be worried that the sound of hearing aids will be like constant white noise, but this is not the case. The purpose of hearing aids is to improve your hearing, and although you may be able to hear something slight from time to time, the focus won’t be on what the hearing aid sounds like, but more what you are able to hear through the use of your hearing aids.

If you are concerned about your hearing but you are worried about the possibility of wearing hearing aids, visit your local Scrivens Hearing Care branch to discuss your options. Although the thought of wearing a hearing aid might be quite daunting, the long-term effects are extremely beneficial and can improve your quality of life. Browse our website for more information on our range of hearing aids, and don’t hesitate to book a hearing assessment if you feel that your hearing may have deteriorated.

How to select a hearing aid

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.

There are numerous hearing aids available at Scrivens Hearing Care – pop into your local branch to find out more.

How well do hearing aids work?

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.

What do hearing aids look like?

There are a number of different types of hearing aids available from Scrivens Hearing Care, and they all look slightly different. One thing a lot of customers ask is if they are particularly noticeable to other people; here at Scrivens, we pride ourselves on providing hearing aids that not only improve your hearing, but also ensure comfort whilst you wear them and are discreet. If you do feel strongly about your hearing aids looking as discreet as possible, we are able to show you a number of different hearing aid options available to help find the best choice for you.

When people think of hearing aids, they often think of BTE’s – “Behind the Ears” – which sit behind the ear. However, there is a wide variety of hearing aids available at Scrivens Hearing Care. For example, ITCs (In The Canal) and CICs (Completely in Canal) are particularly small and discreet whilst improving your hearing, which is what a lot of people are looking for. Speak to your Scrivens Hearing Aid Audiologist for further information and to discuss what different hearing aids look like and which would be the best option for you.

How much hearing loss requires a hearing aid?

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.

What are Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids?

Behind The Ear hearing aids are named as such due to the fact they sit discreetly Behind The Ear and transfer sound directly to the ear canal via a tube and ear mould which sits within the ear. Behind the ear hearing aids provide the most power and can handle anything from moderate to severe hearing loss easily. BTE hearing aids can also be used for people with a profound hearing loss.

The Behind The Ear hearing aid is commonly used where In The Ear (ITE) or Completely In Canal (CIC) hearing aids are inappropriate. In addition, the fact that all the controls and electronics are housed in a larger casing makes it easier for users to operate, especially if they have limited dexterity.

The Behind The Ear hearing aid is an extremely discreet option for those who have cosmetic concerns. Alternatively, the BTE hearing aid can be made in a wide variety of colours depending on your style.

For expert advice about our range of hearing aids, including Behind The Ear hearing aids, contact Scrivens Hearing Care today, or alternatively pop in to any of our 300+ stores across the country to speak with one of our expert 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.

What are In The Canal (ITC) hearing aids?

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.

What are On The Ear (OTE) hearing aids?

On The Ear hearing aids, also known as over the ear hearing aids are very similar to Behind The Ear hearing aids as they incorporate a sound processor as well as a receiver that sits comfortably on the ear. On The Ear hearing aids can be a great deal smaller than BTE hearing aids yet use a similar design.

A slimline case houses the electronics that is connected to the ear bud via a thin, almost unnoticeable transparent tube. This ear bud, unlike BTE hearing aids, allows natural sound to enter the ear and does not block out external noises, reducing the “plugged” feeling sometimes associated with hearing aids.

On The Ear hearing aids are often the best choice for people with cosmetic concerns as they are very discreet and are hardly noticeable. However, Scrivens Hearing Care can offer a wide range of colours to suit all tastes and styles.

If you are looking for the definitive selection of hearing aids, including the very discreet On The Ear hearing aids, look no further than Scrivens Hearing Care. Our expert Hearing Aid Audiologists can help you find the best hearing aid to suit your individual needs and lifestyle, so why not pop in to any of our 300+ stores across the UK for a free hearing health check and some expert advice. Even if you’re just looking for some advice or perhaps needing an upgrade, contact us today.

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.