hearing direct.com

A new company offering hearing aids from £99 to £399 through the post.
I think this may suit some people, but in most cases, personal service DOES matter. Hearing aids are difficult to get used to, and often need many adjustments.
It's a choice one has to make, but I would point out that our mini hearing aids with aftercare start at £295. Our high quality CUSTOM IMPRESSION hearing aids also cost from £295 AND OUR RETURNS rate for 2009-11 was ZERO. We can also offer a 1 week free trial at home, with no catch.

Please see your GP first and FULLY INVESTIGATE YOUR NHS OPTION FIRST before you resort to buying any hearing aids through the post.

WOW! what every hearing impaired person wants?

The market is so competitive now, and that's a situation that can benefit you SO MUCH

Here's my analysis:

1. YOU CAN EASILY FIND AN UP TO THE MINUTE PRODUCT PRICE on the internet
2. You can EASILY secure an agreement to offer you a FREE TRIAL
3. You can easily SECURE A CONTINUOUS AFTERCARE COMMITMENT from a pleasant local business

FORGET ALL YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT HEARING AIDS - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE TRIAL and find out for yourself!

PRODUCT CONFUSION

Please be aware that a large retailer MAY be falsely describing certain hearing aids.

This would be for the purpose of increasing the perceived value of that product in your mind. PLEASE PLEASE take some time out to become an EXPERT HEARING AID CONSUMER by exploring fully the NHS option AND demanding a FREE TRIAL only!

And ALWAYS get another LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE...

Posh hearing aids

If you don't mind paying a bit more, then visit http://www.aihhp.org/. This is an organisation supporting the long established family-run hearing aid practices in the UK, with the resources, client base and equipment to give you, the client an arguably superior visit experience...

I am sure you will receive a better than average service here, but please be aware - there are lots of new enterprising small businesses desperate to secure your business out there and, FOR EXACTLY THE SAME PRODUCT YOU CAN SAVE A SMALL FORTUNE and receive a far more attentive aftercare service. The market is now one much better serving the needs of you, the client. I may not have all the diagnostic equipment offered by AIHPP members, but I do follow up my responsibilities to my clients to an unprecedented high level. Importantly, we support the display of prices up-front before you enquire.
Please note AIHPP members do not generally display prices on their websites. We offer completely free trials and amazingly low prices on batteries and consumable items. see us at www.comparehearingaidprices.co.uk

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 £200 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? (one example is hearingaidsattrade)

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

COMPANIES THAT TRADE YOUR INFORMATION

I don't have a great problem with this business model, but I'd prefer a more ethically driven body.
Anyway - these companies operate by attracting you to their website, then selling your information to other small businesses based on a COMMISSION PER SALE basis: They are Crystal Hearing, Discounted Hearing aids and Hearing Aids at Trade. There is nothing specifically wrong with this of course. Our site discountedhearingaid.co.uk involves the use of other Independents, but we charge a membership fee. That means we are in a better position to enforce our strict aftercare policy as members failing in their duties would have their membership removed.

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.

No Address on some Websites?

Aids2hearing.co.uk: no contact details, offering hearing aids for sale via paypal in US dollars.
www.hearingaidsonline.org.uk: no contact or branch details
wwwhearingaidsattrade.co.uk: no contact or branch details

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