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Better hearing
Better value
Specsavers Opticians is renowned for value for money, quality and service.
We have built this reputation over 25 years in optics, and now you can expect
the same superb standards from Specsavers Hearing Centres.
We believe passionately in providing value for money hearing care for all our
customers and we dispense more hearing aids than any other high street retailer.
When you visit Specsavers, you will only ever be tested by a professional hearing
aid audiologist, who will advise on the products that could help you most and
give you all the support and aftercare you need, completely free.
We supply the UKs best selling range of digital hearing aids. Our advance range
features the latest technology from world leading manufacturers and ofers
amazing value, whatever your hearing requirements.
Inside this booklet youll nd out more about hearing loss and what it means to
you, including sections on how the ear works, a detailed guide to what happens
in a hearing assessment and details on our latest digital hearing aids. And if you
need any more information, just call 0800 023 2949.
Many people take hearing for granted, but the ear is an extraordinary, complex
organ. Our ears pick up sound waves and translate them into information that our
brains can understand.
1 THE OUTER EAR
is the part outside the
skull. The intricately
shaped pinna (or auricle)
collects and funnels
sound waves into the
ear canal and onto the
eardrum. The 2.5cm-long
ear canal secretes wax
which helps protect the
ear against infection and
moisturises the air in
the canal. The eardrum
is a taut membrane,
like a drum skin, which
vibrates in response
to sound waves. The
vibrations pass from the
eardrum to the bones in
the middle ear.
2 THE MIDDLE EAR
is an air-lled cavity that
contains a chain of three
tiny bones, or ossicles,
known as the hammer,
anvil and stirrup. These
transfer sound from the
outer ear to the inner
ear. The stirrup, the third
in the chain, vibrates
against a membrane
separating the middle
ear from the inner ear.
3 THE INNER EAR
When the membrane
vibrates, it sends
pressure waves through
the cochlea in the inner
ear. The cochlea is about
the size of a pea and is
shaped like a snail shell.
In the cochlea thousands
of hair-like cells, linked
to nerve bres, change
the sound waves into
electrical signals, which
travel along the auditory
nerve to the brain.
These tiny hair cells can
deteriorate over time.
So, as we get older they
become less responsive
to sound waves - making
it more difcult to hear.
HOW THE EAR WORKS
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THE EAR HAS THREE WORKING SECTIONS:
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Hearing changes gradually, so you may not
even realise it is getting worse. To nd out
whether you may have a problem, just answer
these questions:
1 Have you been told that the TV is too loud?
2 Do you nd it difcult to hear dialogue at
the cinema or theatre?
3 Is it hard work having a conversation on
the phone or in groups?
4 Do you hear better with one ear than
the other?
5 Do you often misunderstand what others
say or ask them to repeat themselves?
6 Has anyone close to you suggested that
you might have a hearing problem?
7 Is it harder to hear when there is
background noise?
HEARING LOSS -
THE GRADUAL CHANGE
HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU ANSWER YES?
Once
you may have mild hearing loss
Two or three
you may have moderate hearing loss
Four or more
you may have severe or profound hearing loss
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Almost everybody
sufers from
hearing loss as
they get older,
but it doesnt have
to change the way
you live your life.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HEARING
If you have any doubt about your hearing, it is sensible to
seek professional advice. In any case, you should have a
hearing assessment every year if you are over 40, or every
two years if you are under 40. And at Specsavers, we know
how important hearing is to enjoy life to the full, so all our
hearing assessments are free.
The hearing aid audiologist will ask about your
occupation and jobs you have done in the past,
your medical history, current or previous hearing
aids worn, leisure activities and any current
hearing problems.
The hearing aid audiologist will look into your
ear through an instrument called an otoscope.
They will examine your outer ear for any
signs of infection, damage to the eardrum
and any abnormalities.
To test your hearing, you listen through
headphones and push a button each time you
hear the sounds played to you at diferent
pitches. These are played to each ear in turn.
This test measures how well you can hear sounds
that are transmitted to the ear through the air.
The hearing aid audiologist will assist you to
put on a headband, and you complete the same
test as before. This measures how well you hear
sounds through the vibrations it makes in your
skull bones.
At Specsavers Hearing Centres,
we can test your hearing and
advise on the best solution to
your hearing problem. One
simple visit could help prevent
years of frustration. Your rst
appointment at a Specsavers
Hearing Centre usually takes
around an hour. If you would
like to bring a friend, or family
member with you to your
appointment, they will be very
welcome. The hearing aid
audiologist will answer any
questions you have about any
stage of the test.
EASIER HEARING FOR ALL
Hearing aids wont necessarily
give you back perfectly clear
hearing, but they will allow you
to hear more easily. It may take
a short time to adjust to your
new hearing aids, but you will
still notice a diference almost
immediately. We are always
happy to answer any questions
you might have about your
hearing aids or their use.
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One simple visit could help
prevent years of frustration.
YOUR HEARING TEST EXPLAINED
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The hearing aid audiologist will explain the
results of your hearing test, using a chart called
an audiogram, which shows how well you hear at
diferent frequencies. They will explain the type
of hearing loss you are experiencing and suggest
why this has happened and what can be done
to help improve your hearing.
If you have hearing loss that can be helped with
hearing aids, the hearing aid audiologist will
explain the range of aids that are suitable for
you, including the diferent designs, materials
and costs. There are many diferent types of
hearing aids available today, and your hearing
aid audiologist will recommend which type would
suit you best.
The hearing aid audiologist may take a mould
of your ear canal, so that your new aid ts
properly. First a piece of spongy foam is put
in your ear to protect it, then liquid silicone is
gently introduced into the ear. This is completely
painless and after about ve minutes the mould
is set and is carefully removed from the ear. It is
used to make a hearing aid that ts comfortably
in your ear canal.
It can take up to two weeks for your hearing aids
to be made for you expertly and delivered to the
store. Your tting appointment will take about
45 minutes. The hearing aid audiologist will
programme the hearing aids to suit your needs
based on your audiogram. They will t the new
hearing aids and adjust them if necessary,
and ask you about the diference they make.
The hearing aid audiologist will make sure that
you know how to use and adjust your aids before
you leave the store. Some aids automatically
change how much they amplify diferent types
of sound to give you comfortable, clear hearing
in diferent situations. Others have a discreet
remote control that you can use to adjust your
hearing aid without other people noticing.
You will have a follow-up appointment after four
weeks to check that everything is well,
and to ne-tune the programming. It may
take a short time to adjust to your new
hearing aids but most people quickly nd a big
improvement.
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Hearing well is a natural function of both ears,
so sounds heard with both ears actually appear
louder and clearer than sounds heard with
just one ear. Two hearing aids, therefore, will
help you hear more clearly - which is why we
ofer 2 for 1* across all our advance range of
digital hearing aids.
The advance range is exclusive to Specsavers,
and features the latest technology from world-
leading manufacturers. They ofer amazing
specication and value, and whats more, prices
start from just 495 for a complete digital
hearing aid package. That includes two digital
hearing aids for the price of one, a four-year
guarantee, four years worth of batteries and
aid enhancements.
And if you choose an open t style, you
could even walk out with your hearing aids
professionally tted and programmed on the
same day as your hearing test. We dispense
more hearing aids than any other high street
dispenser and we provide hearing care in over
400 of our stores.
All digital hearing aids are suitable for mild,
moderate and severe hearing loss. Our
products range from a basic digital aid to
the most sophisticated currently available.
advice, tting and aftercare are
all absolutely free.
You can nd out more in our
product brochure, or just
ask one of our hearing aid
audiologists. They are fully
trained to help you choose the
hearing aids that best meet
your needs, your lifestyle and
your budget, and are always
happy to answer any of your
questions. So whatever your
hearing needs, our wide choice
of products brings you more
features for better clarity,
comfort and style.
Each level is clearly priced and
the price is determined by the
type and number of features,
not the severity of your hearing
loss. Simpler, less highly
featured products cost less
than those with more features,
but all provide good quality
digital sound and all come with
a full four-year guarantee.
At Specsavers, the price you
see is the price you pay
we dont charge extra for
the smaller in the ear, in
the canal or our new
open ear styles. Our
comprehensive hearing
service, including impartial
SPECSAVERS ADVANCE
DIGITAL HEARING AIDS
*2 for 1 ofer subject to promotional dates ask in-store for details. 11 10
At Specsavers, the price
you see is the price you pay.
We dont charge extra for the smaller
in the ear, in the canal or our new
open ear styles.
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YOUR NEXT STEP
TO BETTER HEARING
The next step to clearer,
sharper hearing is to make
an appointment for a hearing
test. Simply call your nearest
store, and our friendly staf will
arrange a convenient time for
you to visit. You will only ever
be seen by a qualied hearing
aid dispenser who will carry out
a thorough and comprehensive
test. In some areas of the
country we can also arrange to
visit you at home if you prefer.
Buying digital hearing aids
from Specsavers Hearing
Centres is totally risk-free.
Our hearing aids come in a
complete package including
a four-year warranty,
four years worth of batteries,
and aid enhancements such
as directional microphones
and telecoil/auto telephone.
So complete peace of mind is
assured. Youll also benet from
free support and aftercare.
CALL 0800 023 2949
TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
FOR YOUR FREE HEARING TEST
THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH MY HEARING.
You may think that your hearing is perfect, and it could well be. But your hearing can fade
gradually, without you really noticing. So if your family often complain because they have
to repeat everything twice, if you nd yourself constantly saying pardon, or you nd it
hard to distinguish one voice in a crowded room, it could be worth having a consultation
with a Specsavers hearing aid audiologist.
MY HEARINGS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE, BUT THATS BECAUSE IM GETTING OLDER.
Loss of hearing is something that is associated with getting older, and its a natural part of
the ageing process. But your family and friends will notice hearing loss - whereas in fact,
if you wear a hearing aid, no one will notice at all. And for most people wearing a hearing
aid enables them to get on with their life.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT IM VISITING A SPECIALIST?
At our Hearing Centres, you can expect the same level of expertise, the same friendly,
jargon-free approach and the same care and attention as you enjoy in our opticians.
And in our Hearing Centres you will only ever be seen by a professional hearing aid
audiologist, whose aim is to nd you the best solution to your individual hearing loss.
IM WORRIED THAT IF I HAVE A HEARING TEST IT WILL DEFINITELY MEAN A
HEARING AID.
We will never sell you a hearing aid if you dont need one, because were a company that
has built its reputation on looking after its customers and providing them with the best
possible care. And just as going for an eye test doesnt always mean youll need glasses,
having your ears tested doesnt automatically mean that the best solution will be using
hearing aids.
I REALLY DONT LIKE WHAT I HEAR ABOUT HEARING AIDS.
We all have preconceptions about hearing aids: how much they cost, how big they are,
how uncomfortable they are to wear and what other people will think of us for wearing
one. But the truth is, hearing aid technology has developed so much in recent years that
most of the things we know, or think we know, are simply not true.
ARENT HEARING AIDS UGLY AND UNCOMFORTABLE?
Look at a mobile phone, or a digital camera and its easy to see how much technology has
moved on. Hearing aids are no diferent. Todays models are slimmer, lighter and more
discreet than ever before. In fact, some people wear them without their partners knowing,
because theyre so small. As for being uncomfortable, a hearing aid should be custom
made for your ear. At Specsavers, we will make sure your aid ts you perfectly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS