inFrequently Asked Questions
There are many questions you should ask a hearing aid centre before deciding on hearing tests and equipment – but people rarely do. So here’s our list of infrequently asked questions to help you get the most out of tests and consultations, and find the best modern equipment to make your hearing the best it can be.
Are they selling every make I’m entitled to, and why do some centres push certain brands?
Hearing aid businesses large and small are often geared to make a profit. The more hearing aids of one particular make they buy, the more discount they get from the supplier or manufacturer. Unfortunately this means in most cases they will try and sell you what is best for them, not what is best for you. We belong to Hearbuy – a buying group comprising Digitone and around 200 other independent hearing centres. This gives us greater buying power, as we get a volume discount without committing to buying large numbers of one type of hearing aid. This means we can offer completely impartial advice on the hearing aids that best match your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget.
How long have they been in business and how much experience do they have?
Hearing aid fitting is very subjective. People can suffer the same kinds of hearing loss in very different ways, so the audiologist’s experience can make all the difference.
Digitone was the first digital hearing aid centre in the UK, and with 15 years’ unrivalled digital experience, we’re experts in solving complex hearing problems, and recognise the many different ways people can experience the same symptoms. For Digitone, it’s as much about you and your lifestyle as the diagnosis and treatment.
How do I know a hearing aid is right for me?
There are many hearing aid manufacturers, all offering different models for different types of hearing loss and lifestyle requirements. To find the brand that’s right for you, we examine the results of your audiogram, and factor in your lifestyle, cosmetic requirements and budget. We use all this information to help you decide which hearing instrument is best suited to you. You can try our hearing aids for free and without obligation, so you have peace of mind you’re making the right choice on every level.
Why do hearing aid prices differ so much, even when they look the same?
Hearing aids can look very similar, but it's usually the technology they use that affects the price. Technology varies from basic single channel hearing aids to the latest top-specification models with up to 33 channels. How much of this technology you actually need will depend on the type and extent of hearing loss you’re experiencing.
What happens if I don’t get on with the aids?
At Digitone, we work with you to achieve the best results, so if we need to try different models or readjust your equipment frequently in the first few months, we’re happy to do this until you are completely happy with your hearing aid and the improvements it brings. If you decide a hearing aid is not for you, we offer a money-back guarantee within the trial period.
We can’t guarantee that hearing aids will restore normal hearing, but they do offer substantial benefits to most people with hearing loss, and can help you achieve a much more enjoyable, happier life.
What if I have a problem, and how long will this hearing aid last me?
Continuous improvements in digital technology mean modern hearing aids can offer quite remarkable results, and users can expect to enjoy greatly improved hearing for years to come. Over time, your hearing may deteriorate, but with our dedicated aftercare team, there’s no reason we can’t keep the same hearing aid performing well year after year.