Sunday, March 24, 2024

Do Nhs Hearing Aids Have Bluetooth

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What Are The Benefits Of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Do you NEED Bluetooth Hearing Aids?

Despite Bluetooth hearing aids often requiring you to carry an additional streamer to access devices such as your smartphone, Bluetooth hearing aids do provide lots of benefits to the wearer. We have listed the main four below:

  • Easier Control Of Volume: Sound volume can be adjusted remotely either via Bluetooth-enabled devices such as your smartphone, or through the use of your streamer meaning you have complete control at your fingertips. This is useful for those with hearing aids that are so small they cannot accommodate any external controls that allow you to change the volume.
  • Personalised Listening Experience: Bluetooth hearing aids enable you to stream sound to one or both hearing aids. When on the phone, you can stream sound into only one hearing aid so that you can continue to hear sounds around you through the other. Whilst listening to music, you can stream sound into both hearing aids so that they act like a pair of headphones. This provides a more natural listening experience for the wearer.
  • Localisation: Bluetooth hearing aids work together through binaural hearing technology. Traditional hearing aids often process sound independently which can cause the wearer difficulty when identifying the location of the sound. Wireless Bluetooth hearing aids instead mimic the natural localisation of our two ears by working together, making it easier to determine the source of a sound.
  • Does A Digital Hearing Aid Cut Out All Background Noise

    No, digital hearing aids focus mainly on speech frequencies, which means good quality of speech. Because they are focusing on these frequencies they dont amplify the lower frequency background noise as much.

    Background noise cannot be eliminated entirely, even people who have normal hearing will struggle in some noisy situations.

    All of our current hearing aids have directional microphones and noise reduction which can effectively minimise distracting noise while emphasising the desired speech.

    Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Any Good

    So, what do we think of Bluetooth hearing aids?

    Most consumers and audiologists would say they were better, even though the Bluetooth hearing aid connectivity doesnt ensure better-performing hearing aids. The real benefit here is the quick connectivity to remote microphones and mobile phones and is, in fact, one of the most popular streamers on the market.

    Take for example Starkeys 2020 Table Microphone Disc, which gave group settings the edge. By placing the disc in the centre of the table, it will use its eight microphones, to focus on the main voice in your conversation and then stream it directly to your hearing aids.

    On the other hand, streaming audio from your mobile phone ensures that you can hear and make calls easier and more confidently, as you will always gain from great clarity without any additional device.

    What are the advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids?

    You gain from fast, seamless and direct connection to:

    • Stereo audio streaming for both phone calls and music or media

    The low energy consumption of Bluetooth hearing aids

    One of the main advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids is how low the energy consumption is, but it hasn’t been this way from the beginning. Hearing aids with past Bluetooth technology consumed too much energy, therefore reducing the battery life of the device and quite an inconvenience for its wearers.

    Other benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids:

  • A brilliant sound experience that adapts to you and your lifestyle.
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    Benefits Of Private Hearing Aids

    One of the biggest issues with NHS hearing aids is that theyre only prescribed to people with high levels of hearing loss, such as severe or profound hearing loss. That means if youre suffering from mild or moderate hearing loss , you might not be able to get appropriate hearing aids through the NHS.

    Hand in hand with this is the fact that you can get any hearing aid you want from a private supplier. NHS hearing aids are somewhat basic like we mentioned, theyre always BTE models so if you want a custom hearing aid with varied, amazing features, private hearing aids are the way to go.

    Batteries Repairs And Replacements

    Unitron Hearing Aids &  Hearing Loss Products

    If you have an NHS hearing aid, you can get free batteries and repairs from the NHS hearing aid service who fitted your hearing aids.

    Ask your audiologist about how to obtain batteries and request servicing and repairs.

    You may need to come in for an appointment, or you may be able to send off for a battery or repair in the post.

    Your local hearing aid service can also replace hearing aids that have been lost or damaged, although there may be a charge for this.

    If you have a private hearing aid, contact your hearing aid provider if you need it repaired or replaced.

    You may have to pay for this service if it’s not already included in your payment plan.

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    Zerena 9 Hearing Aid Aids

    The Zerena 9 is the top level of technology in the new Zerena range. It is packed with the very top Bernafon technology and can be expected to deliver high-quality hearing in even the most complex sound environments. The Zerena 9 was the hearing aid range that I trialled from Bernafon. I had an excellent experience with them and I was blown away by the SoundClip-A. Here is what you need to know about the very top level of hearing aid technology from Bernafon.

    We would expect the Zerena 9 range to be sold at prices from £1700.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from 2400.00 to 3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $2400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

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    What Is A Hearing Aid

    The hearing aid is a small electronic device which is placed in or around your ear. The device makes sounds louder and therefore clearer to the person wearing the hearing aid. Hearing Aids can therefore help those with poor hearing to communicate better with their loved ones, whether theyre in a quiet or loud environment.

    Hearing aids are made-up of a microphone, amplifier and speaker. The device will receive sound through the microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them through to the amplifier. It is this part of the device which then increases the power of the signals and sends them to ear, via the the speaker.

    Hearing aids can only help if you still have some hearing left so its important to get one as soon as you have any hearing concerns. According to the NHS, hearing aids can:

    • Help you to hear everyday sounds around you, such as the doorbell or your telephone ringing.
    • Help you to understand and hear the people around you, especially those talking directly to you.
    • Boost your confidence during conversations both direct and indirect.
    • Help you to enjoy media comfortably again, such as the TV or radio, without having to turn the volume too far up.

    The main point of the hearing aid is to make sounds louder and clearer. They wont be able to make your hearing perfect, but they will certainly make a huge difference.

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    If Your Hearing Aids Don’t Have Bluetooth

    With all of the different headphones on the market today, which ones work best with hearing aids? That all depends upon what type of hearing aids you wear. Here are a few things to consider, and keep in mind your hearing care specialist can provide guidance, as well. We especially recommend seeking professional help if you need to wear a headset for work.

    Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Right For Me

    How Does Bluetooth Work with Hearing Aids? | I Hear You, Ep 9

    Bluetooth hearing aids are appropriate for all types of hearing loss from mild to severe, and are most suited to individuals who are frequent users of Bluetooth-enabled devices including smartphones, tablets, music players and TVs.

    Using Bluetooth technology will enable your hearing aids to become much more integrated into your everyday life by making it easier to listen to music, watch TV and talk on the phone. If you do not use these devices we would not recommend that you purchase Bluetooth hearing aids as they will not compliment your lifestyle, and so you will not get the most out of your hearing aids.

    Hearing aids that come with Bluetooth wireless connectivity also tend to be more expensive than standard hearing aids due to the greater sophistication of their technology.

    Buying Bluetooth hearing aids when you do not need the technology can therefore be a costly investment.

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    When Is A Hearing Aid Unsuitable

    Hearing aids could be unsuitable when other medical treatment options are available or required, such as surgery. The decision is generally made with an audiologist and ENT consultation. Hearing aids might also be unsuitable when the benefits of conventional hearing aids are limited, for example if a patient has:

    • conductive hearing loss that fluctuates between normal and mild hearing loss within a relatively short period of time
    • infected or discharging ears preventing the wearing of a closely fitting earmould
    • profound hearing losses
    • neural components in hearing loss as hearing aids are designed to compensate for sensory impairment

    Patients individual communication needs and psychosocial aspects are of paramount importance when deciding whether to fit hearing aids or not.

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    Evolution Of Hearing Aid Applications

    There are audio players designed specifically for the hard-of-hearing. These applications amplify the volume of the reproduced audio signal in accordance with users hearing characteristics and acts as music volume amplifier and assistive hearing aid. The amplification algorithm works on the frequencies that the user hears worse, thus restoring natural hearing perception of the sound of music.

    Just as in hearing aid application, the player adjustment is based on the users audiogram

    There are also applications that do not only adapt the sound of music to the users hearing but also include some hearing aid functions. Such types of applications include sound amplification mode in accordance with the users hearing characteristics as well as noise suppression mode and the mode allowing to hear the surrounding sounds without pausing the music.

    Also, some applications allow the hard-of-hearing watching the video and listening to the radio with comfort. Operational principles of these applications are similar to hearing aid application operational principles: the audio signal is amplified on the frequencies that the user hears worse.

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    Are Nhs Hearing Aids Good

    To summarise, obtaining NHS hearing aids requires some degree of patience. The quality of care and the performance of the hearing aids have grown significantly better in the last few years. Generally, the NHS will only provide behind the ear hearing aids unless the problem requires a different solution. In ear or Invisible Hearing aids are not provided and you will need to buy these privately.

    As we said, we are big fans of the NHS and the work it does to help people with hearing problems. Hearing Direct was established to provide an additional alternative to the private provision of hearing aids with more affordable prices. We give people a wider range of hearing aids to chose from than the NHS and in a more affordable and convenient way than many private hearing aid providers. We offer affordable digital hearing aids which can be delivered to your door the very next day if required no waiting, no fuss, and no appointments.

    A New Age For Technology

    How to purchase the best hearing aid?

    NHS Digital Hearing Aids

    The NHS offers digital hearing aids which can be fine-tuned to your exact hearing loss. They have different program settings so that you can focus the microphones all around you or in front of you, making it easier to listen to people speaking when there is background noise. They also have a t setting allowing you to use loop systems or Bluetooth sound streamers.

    The range of technology on offer from private hearing aids can be overwhelming. They have a larger number of channels for sound processing and may have sound compression programs which alter the frequency of sound to bring it within your hearing range.

    More microphones offer more choice of where to focus your listening whilst others can give a surround sound effect. Other programmes include speech recognition to enhance conversations, telephone listening programs and features which assess your listening environment and fine-tune the hearing aids to give you better clarity.

    Wireless technology allows two hearing aids to work together so they are always in the same settings and you can use a remote control to change your program. Some hearing aids are compatible with Apple devices and you can stream sound from your iPhone, iPod or iPad directly to your hearing aids and now Android users can benefit from additional streaming features and more.

    Does it all come down to cost?

    Private Hearing Aids Cost

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    Bluetooth Is Today’s Cutting Edge Technology

    Bluetooth technology in hearing aids has greatly elevated the hearing aid wearing experience and enable hearing aids to double as highly-personalized, custom audio devices. Its an example of using todays wireless hearing aid technology in a smart way that truly provides convenience for hearing aid wearers.

    To use your hearing aids to stay connected to your network of friends and family and all of your latest audio devices, talk to your hearing care professional about wireless hearing aids, Bluetooth streaming and Made for iPhone hearing aids. Want to upgrade? Use our directory to find hearing aids near you.

    Feel Less Like A Number

    We know that independent audiologists, like us, were rated 86% this year in the 2021 Which Report? by patients in regards to the service and hearing aids purchased. We also know, from experience, that patients feel less like a number and more valued as an individual when they opt for private care.

    Every hearing loss is different

    Your hearing loss is just as unique as you and deserves the right treatment with the right hearing aid provider. However, we understand that each and every person is different and what might suit someone might not be right for the next.

    There are so many factors when considering private or NHS hearing aids – you just have to weigh up what’s the most important to you in regards to your hearing.

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    How Can I Get Bluetooth Hearing Aids

    Bluetooth hearing aids are available to purchase privately from hearing aid specialists. Following a hearing test, your audiologist will discuss the range of hearing aids available to you and whether you will require Bluetooth, wireless technology.

    If you regularly use Bluetooth-enabled devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, your hearing care specialist may recommend a pair of wireless hearing aids, and if necessary, a compatible streamer.

    Many private hearing specialists allow you to trial hearing aids for up to 14 days before you buy them. This provides a good opportunity for you to understand how Bluetooth technology works and to determine whether it is right for your lifestyle.

    Can I Get Bluetooth Hearing Aids On The Nhs

    Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Safe?

    Bluetooth compatible hearing aids are available through the NHS, however it is down to your local NHS trust to decide whether to issue them to patients or not. If you want Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids from a NHS trust that does not supply them, you will have to contact your local trust and explain your need for them.

    Alternatively, if you already have hearing aids on the NHS and want to benefit from wireless Bluetooth technology, you will need to purchase a separate streamer. The cost of streamers are not covered by the NHS, and so you will need to pay for the device yourself.

    Streamers typically cost between £200 and £500 and can be purchased online, or from a hearing specialist. You must make sure however, that the streamer you purchase is compatible with your hearing aids. Streamers provide a communication link between the wireless technology in your hearing aids and external Bluetooth devices.

    It is important to understand that there is much less choice with the type of hearing aid you will be offered through the NHS, which will most likely to be a behind-the-ear model. Buying your hearing aid privately will give you access to a greater number of hearing aid styles and ones which are more technically advanced, including those which come with Bluetooth, wireless connectivity.

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    Some Useful Terms In Regards To Bluetooth Hearing Aid Devices

    Including mobile phones suitable for hearing aids:

    • Made for iPhone hearing aids : These connect directly to iPhones without an additional streamer for streaming calls and audio. MFI hearing aid devices dont always connect to Android phones and might need a streamer to be successful.

    This will, no doubt, change as the future of audiology and its technology evolves.

    • Bluetooth compatible hearing aids: These are not a direct connection and need a streamer to connect to a mobile phone and to stream audio . They do connect to Android devices exactly the same way, once you have said streamer in place.
    • Made for Android hearing aids: These, in the past, still needed an additional streamer, but after the launch of Linx Quattro and Android 10 the future of direct connection is looking brighter.
    • Made for Any Phone hearing aids: This, at the moment, only applies to the Sonova groups hearing aids like the Phonak Marvel and the Unitron Discover. These connect to any mobile phone with Bluetooth capabilities and pretty much any Bluetooth device.

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