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Private Hearing Aids

Book a hearing aid fitting today

Flexible Appointments

Highly Qualified

Personalised Care

HEARING AID BRANDS

Our hearing aids

There are six main hearing aid brands. These are Phonak, Oticon, GN Resound, Starkey, Widex and Signia. They each provide a portfolio of products with some variation in the style, colour and also technical ability. Some of these hearing aid brands are also available on the NHS but the choice is limited to one type-the ones that go behind the ear, and quite often, one colour, too. 

When you choose private hearing aids you have a choice of colours but you also have a choice of style. If you want an in ear hearing aid you can. If you want your hearing aids to notify a loved one of a fall, then Starkey hearing aids offer this. You can also get rechargeable hearing aids, which take away the bother of small batteries, particularly if you have limited dexterity. 

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TYPES OF HEARING AID

In ear or behind ear?

Hearing aids come in various styles and designs, each catering to different degrees of hearing loss and personal preferences. Here are some of the most common types: 

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Invisible In Canal Hearing Aid (IIC)

One of the smallest types of hearing aid that sit inside the ear canal. Similar to the in-the-canal and in-the-ear hearing aids, these are usually custom made.

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In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC)

One of the smallest types of hearing aid that sit inside the ear canal. These are usually custom made. They are suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses

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Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (CIC)

One of the smallest hearing aid devices that sit neatly inside the ear canal. 

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In Ear Hearing Aid (ITE)

The largest of the custom hearing aid types as it fills the concha (bowl) of the ear and is suitable for more severe hearing losses. 

FEATURES

How hearing aids work

The main components of a hearing aid are the microphone, digital signal processing (DSP) chip and receiver.

  1. The microphone picks up the acoustic sound around you and sends it to the signal processing chip where the sound is analysed and converted to a digital signal.

  2. Once the sound has been analysed it then passes through different frequency channels in the hearing aid. It is here that sounds are filtered and for example, speech is separated from noise.

  3. At the end of the processing, the digital sound is converted back to an acoustic signal via the receiver, resulting in the correct level of amplification passing into your ear.

 

This is all based on your hearing prescription which is calculated by using your audiogram.

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FEATURES

Common hearing aid features

There are many options available when choosing a hearing aid. Most of them offer a range of features and it's worth thinking about any personal aspects that are important for you, such as technology, comfort and budget.

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Feedback Cancellation

You may be familiar with the whistling sound that is often associated with hearing aids, particularly the older analogue hearing aids. This whistling sound is also known as feedback and feedback cancellation is the ability of the hearing aid to counteract this feedback. Feedback usually occurs when sound leaks out of the ear, this can happen with an ill-fitting earmould or if you have ear wax. All digital hearing aids have their own method of dealing with feedback and this can be adjusted by the audiologist. If you feel your hearing aids are whistling because of ear wax, we can provide professional ear wax removal by microsuction.

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Noise Reduction

When we are in a noisy environment such as a party, our ears and ultimately our brain is able to filter out all the sound that isn’t important and still focus on a single conversation. This phenomenon is known as the cocktail party effect. This situation can be challenging for someone with a hearing loss and that is when noise reduction in a hearing aid becomes important. The pattern of speech and the pattern of noise is different and the hearing aid works to separate the two so that you can focus on speech. The noise reduction levels can be made to work more vigorously in different listening environments and this is something your audiologist can tailor.

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Directionality

The structure of our ears (the pinna), their shape, position and that we have two plays a big part when it comes to picking up sound around us. A tiny adjustment to our head position can help us to localise sound. This is why hearing aids can’t entirely replace your ears and hearing but can aim to mimic as closely as possible ‘real-life listening’. This is something to consider when it comes to hearing aid styles. Directionality in the hearing aid is how the hearing aid monitors the sound around you, this can be continuous or fixed. If it is continuous it will monitor the sound around you constantly before focusing on important sounds (omnidirectional). If it is fixed, you are able to focus on the sound in front of you. This is largely dependent on the number of microphones and their positioning.

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Apps & Bluetooth

With the majority of us owning smartphones, having greater control over your hearing aids could not be simpler. With hearing aids specifically made for iPhone (MFi), they can be easily paired with your hearing aids via Bluetooth so that you can adjust programmes, loudness levels and even create your own favourite settings without ever having to touch your hearing aids. Android compatible hearing aids offer similar functionality to MFi hearing aids making hearing aids more user friendly than ever before. Because of these advances in technology, you can also find your lost hearing aid by using these apps. If that isn’t enough, there are a whole host of wireless accessories from personal microphones to TV links to give you a holistic approach to your hearing loss management.

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Rechargeable

Hearing aids require a battery source for them to function. The smaller the hearing aid, the smaller the battery, but depending on your hearing levels a smaller battery will most likely need replacing more often. A lot of hearing aids today also come as a rechargeable option, which means you can charge your hearing aids overnight ready to use the next day. Find out more about our custom and behind the ear rechargeable hearing aids.

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Compression

As listeners we have a dynamic range of hearing; this is the quietest audible sound up to the most comfortable loudness level, any sounds beyond this become uncomfortably loud. Compression is the ability of the hearing aid to prevent louder sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud. This is quite often the case for people suffering from the balance condition Meniere’s Disease

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Wind Supression

This is a similar feature to compression and is an important feature for those of you that spend a lot of time outdoors, for example, if you are a golfer.

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Telecoil Loop System

Public building such as banks and libraries have a loop system in place for those of you with hearing aids and a loop or T setting. Loop systems can be portable such as a neck loop or active around an entire room, such as meeting rooms. If your hearing aid has a loop system it allows you to switch onto this setting wherever you see a loop system sign. The hearing aid picks up the wireless magnetic signal from the loop system and processes this signal. The benefits are that there is no other sound except that which is directed to the loop system, which can be great in places like the theatre. There are again size limitations when it comes to hearing aids; the smaller the aid, the less space there is to accommodate for a loop system, which is often the case for invisible in the canal (IIC) hearing aids.

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Remote Care

This option allows your audiologist to provide remote care; it is particularly useful if you can’t make it to an appointment, for example, during times of a pandemic. Settings can be adjusted via live video call or forwarded to you to download directly from your smartphone hearing aid app. If you would like a consultation, please call 03302 23 25 27 or book a hearing assessment today to find out about the best hearing aid solutions for you.

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Don't know which hearing aid is right for you? Talk to us

Get your ears examined by a trained audiologist as soon as possible. Our experienced audiologist will be able to talk you through your options with unbiased recommendations. Get in touch

YOUR HEARING

How the ear works

Our ears or pinna are organs that allow us to pick up sound around us which is then processed by our brains for us to make sense of. We generally take our hearing and ears for granted, and changes to our to our hearing and balance can be a cause for concern. Find out how your hearing works...

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ONLINE HEARING TEST

How well do you hear?

Take a simple online hearing test that you can complete in 5 minutes. This test isn't a replacement for seeing an audiologist but it offers a good place to start. 

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HEARING AIDS

Are Cheap Private Hearing Aids Worth It?

There are some private hearing aids available to purchase that are relatively cheap and might be more aesthetically pleasing to you than NHS ones, however, you will be compromising on quality with this type of technology.

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Meet the audiologist

Unlike larger chains, we focus solely on your unique needs, ensuring unbiased recommendations and tailored solutions that truly suit you.

20 Years of

clinical experience

Licensed and certified with First Class BSc (Hons) in Audiology

Trained in microsuction earwax removal & behavioural therapy for tinnitus 

Experience working within the NHS and private sector

Rated Excellent

Very professional service, I had a lot of ear wax and also a funny sensation in one ear which Hafiza took the time to explain and show me what was going on. Professionally cleaned, my ears and I are very happy 🙂

Raneesha Manoharan

Rated Excellent

Great service, well explained, well delivered, very pleased with outcome. I would recommend to anyone.

Lee Goulden

Rated Excellent

Very happy with the service at Pinnaclear. Hafiza was absolutely lovely and explained everything clearly before, during and after the treatment. Extremely pleased with the result and can now hear clearly again. Thank you

Tracey Carey

Why our customers choose us

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An PinnaClear we aim to provide an audiology service that offers a personalised and holistic approach to hearing health. We combine cutting-edge technology with experienced professionals to provide accurate treatment plans to empower individuals to fully engage in their daily lives with optimal hearing clarity.

  • Why do I get ringing in my ears?
    Ringing in ears (or head) is also known as tinnitus. This is a sound that usually occurs inside, without an external sound source. Tinnitus can occur for a number of reasons but the most common reason people experience tinnitus is due to reduced hearing levels. The first step would be to arrange a hearing assessment.
  • Do I need to soften my earwax before getting them cleaned?
    Unlike syringing, most people don't need soft wax for microsuction earwax removal to be successful. However, using a softening agent such as olive oil can mean a quicker and more comfortable microsuction earwax removal procedure.
  • What are the common hearing loss signs and symptoms?
    Patients usually report difficulty in hearing conversation, particularly in busy social settings. Quite often, family and friends notice hearing difficulties first. If you feel your hearing is deteriorating, then a hearing assessment will indicate the degree of hearing loss. The audiologist will then advise on the best treatment plan for you.
  • Can I get an invisible hearing aid?
    Hearing aids have advanced massively over the years; they are available in a range of colours and sizes. The type suitable for you will depend on a number of factors such as the shape of your ear canal and the degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will advise on the best type of hearing aid for you, book an appointment today.
  • What is microsuction earwax removal?
    Microsuction earwax removal is the removal of stubborn earwax using a suction device. The procedure is performed by trained professionals and involves wearing some magnifiers to make it easier to view the wax and eardrum.
  • Do I need to soften the wax with olive oil before microsuction?
    Unlike syringing, softening earwax the same way isn’t necessary. However, it can mean the procedure is more comfortable, particularly if the wax is stuck against the ear canal.
  • What is the best way to clean your ears?
    Ears will naturally withdraw any earwax. If you do not have any pre-existing medical ear conditions you can use a little bit of olive oil to help soften any earwax and clean your ears. If you have earwax that is causing your hearing aid to whistle or cauging you discomfort then it is best to get your ears cleaned professionally.
  • How much does ear cleaning cost?
    The current charges at PinnaClear are £50 to £70, depending on the location and whether it is one or both ears that need cleaning. Home visits vary depending on the distance needing to be travelled.
  • Is microsuction earwax removal safe?
    As with any medical procedure, there are always risks involved. These risks are minimised by providing an accurate medical history and booking in with an experienced, fully trained professional.
  • What is the difference between going to Specsavers and coming to PinnaClear?
    The main difference is the level of training and experience. Quite often, the staff at Specsavers are minimally trained as hearcare assistants or hearing aid dispensers and will usually work off a checklist. At PinnaClear, all services are offered by a senior audiologist with several years of NHS and private audiology work.
  • Will the wax come out by itself if I just use olive oil?
    Olive oil ear drops can help to soften any ear wax so that it can naturally work its way out. If there is too much earwax or the wax is hard and impacted against the ear drum, the olive oil will soften the wax and help with professional microsuction ear wax removal.
  • Do hopi ear candles work?
    There is a misconception that hopi ear candles help to draw wax out of the ears, however, several studies have shown that this is not the case and instead hopi candles leave residue inside the ears, increasing risk of infection. There is also an increased risk of burning the ear with incorrectly performed procedures. This is also an unregulated procedure which means the risks can vary greatly.
  • Is it ok to use cotton buds?
    The skin inside our ears is very sensitive and cotton buds peel away at the protective layer in our ears. If there is wax it can become impacted as you push wax deeper against the ear drum. This can reduce your hearing and cause pressure inside your ears.
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