Understanding all the facets of your hearing loss help us to provide better solutions and outcomes for you.

We believe that the hearing test is a hugely important part of choosing a solution for someone with hearing loss. It seems obvious, the hearing test forms the basis of everything moving forward. The question though, is how comprehensive should that test be? What test processes should we do and what information will that give us. In the next few paragraphs, I will explain what we do, why we do it and why it matters to you.

Pure Tone Hearing Testing

The basic pure-tone test, the beeps and whistles, the one everyone is familiar with, tells us about your ability to hear a sound. While that is the defined starting point for the prescription of amplification, it doesn’t tell us anything about how you hear speech or more importantly speech in noise.

Speech Testing

In a more comprehensive hearing assessment, we always undertake speech testing. Speech testing helps us understand how you process and understand speech. Speech testing in quiet allows us to understand your speech discrimination at different levels of sound. Speech in Noise testing which is called QuickSIN or quick speech in noise testing tells us a lot about how you process and understand speech in noise.

We have always believed that your ability to understand speech in noise is key information when it comes to choosing a hearing solution. That was brought home to us recently again with one of of our customers.

Typical Hearing Loss

We had a customer in recently who reported the typical problems associated with hearing loss. One to one conversation was okay once the person was within their field of vision. It could get a bit difficult if the person was behind them though. However, once there was any noise present, it became almost impossible to hold a conversation.

Upon pure-tone testing, we found that he had a not untypical presbyacusis (age-related) hearing loss. While his ability to hear low-frequency sounds were good, he had a moderate hearing loss in the high-frequency area. Taking this information only, it would appear that a relatively decent level of hearing aid technology would do the job quite well.

Real Problems With Noise

The customer particularly liked to eat out with his wife, he also loved to attend a local active retirement group. The active retirement group would often have quite interesting presenters give talks on different topics. He said that he had almost given up on these activities because his ability to hear and understand was almost nil.

Upon undertaking the speech testing and speech in noise testing we discovered that he had a  huge problem with understanding speech in noise and that his speech discrimination was worse than could be expected considering his hearing loss.

A Better Solution

This latest information changed and formed our thoughts about the solution that would help him re-engage in his life. It also better formed our explanation of the outcomes that he could expect. Let me explain, his speech discrimination score meant that amplification would help him quite a bit. However, it wouldn’t completely, 100% increase his ability to hear every sound in every word.

His speech in noise scores meant that he needed more than just hearing aids to hear well in noisy situations. He would also need some sort of assistive device to give him an extra boost of speech intelligibility in order for him to get the best out of these types of situations.

He decided to go with a set of hearing aids with a remote microphone. The remote microphone in question could act as both a simple remote mic, clipped to someone’s collar and a desk or table mic. This offered the best versatility and met his needs well.

The Restaurant

When going to restaurants with his wife, she can wear the rather discreet remote microphone around her neck. This allows him to clearly hear her voice directly in his hearing aids, giving him the optimum chance to understand what she says. When he is with a group, he can put the mic on the middle of the table and it helps him to understand the conversation.

The Active Retirement Group

In the active retirement group situations, the remote mic can be used in the same manner. The presenter can wear it clipped to their collar during presentations and during a group conversation, the mic can be placed on the middle of the table.

Why it Matters

These are important areas of his life, they are important for his social activity and therefore his general well being. They allow him to feel active and relevant, something that is important to everyone. The use of his hearing aids combined with the remote mic has successfully allowed him to do the things he loves to do.

He now can hear quite well in many situations, sometimes he still has problems (considering his speech discrimination, that isn’t unusual), but generally, he gets on well. He is active and happy, more importantly, he feels engaged.

A Comprehensive Test

We wouldn’t have seen the need to provide a complete solution for this customer if we did not truly understand his ability to hear. That is why a comprehensive test involving speech testing is important. It allows both us and you to completely understand your hearing and your needs. That way, we can offer a solution that really works for you.

In finishing, it’s always important to have a comprehensive hearing test, it will give complete clarity on your hearing and your needs.

There are several solutions for TV listening for people with hearing loss, even without hearing aids

We often hear from people we see that hearing the TV at a normal volume level can be difficult at best. It is a source of real frustration for everyone involved. If the person with hearing loss turns the volume up in an effort to hear better, everyone else in the family finds it far too loud. It may seem like a small thing, but watching TV is a family social situation and it brings people together.

Direct Connection Makes it Easy

New direct connection Bluetooth hearing aids make listening to the TV so much easier. Nearly all of the hearing aid brands have their own TV connector box. You simply connect it to your TV audio out, plug it in and it streams audio directly to your hearing aids in crystal clear stereo.

The new devices mean that you can hear the TV direct in your hearing aids, giving you the optimum clarity. It also means that you can control your own volume while others in the room can listen at the volume that they are most comfortable with.

The new system doesn’t cut you off from the people who are with you, your hearing aids can be set to mix the sound you hear with audio from the TV and your surroundings. That means you get to hear your favourite programmes with ease and comfort while still being able to converse with your family.

No Hearing Aids? Try This

If you are having problems hearing your TV but you don’t wear hearing aids, there are a couple of things you can try. The first thing is to look at the audio set up on your TV. In your sound menu there should be an audio pre-set that is weighted towards clear speech. It can be called many different things but will probably include the word speech.

If your sound menu has a type of graphic equaliser or just bass and treble, lower the bass a bit and higher the treble. In essence, this is what we do with hearing aids, although it is a little more complicated than that. If neither of these strategies help, look around for a good soundbar.

Soundbars & TV Speakers

Most modern flat-screen TVs have the speakers facing backwards, the idea is to gain a bit more sound by bouncing it off the wall. In general, most flat-screen TVs have pretty rubbish speakers one way or the other. A good soundbar facing out towards the room can help direct the sound better, they usually have some pretty good pre-sets for speech clarity as well.

Still Having Problems?

If you are still having problems understanding the TV even with menu changes or a soundbar, it really is time to get a hearing test. Often not being able to hear the TV clearly at normal volume is a clear sign that there is a problem with your hearing.

If you are interested in the latest direct connection hearing aids and their accessories, or if you are worried about your hearing, call us on 01905 617803 to book an appointment, we are happy to help.

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The Marvel In The Ear Hearing Aids are Finally Here

As reported by our friends in Hearing Aid Know in their article, Phonak Introduces Marvel Custom Hearing Aid at CES. Although Phonak focused on one specific product at CES, Hearing Aid Know also reported that they are going to introduce the full wider Marvel Virto range. CES is the largest consumer electronics show in the world and in the recent past, hearing aid brands have used it to announce some of their outstanding new products. The Marvel has been a hugely successful product for Phonak at we have had some outstanding results with the hearing aids in Worcester. Let's take a look at what we know so far.

Why The Virto Black?

The Virto Black was announced at CES as a flagship device to garner attention on hearing loss and modern hearing aids. The Virto Black is a pretty exciting device and Phonak see it as an opportunity to begin breaking down the last vestiges of stigma around hearing aids. It has been designed to look similar in nature to the Hearables that we are seeing more and more across the world. It isn't a stand-alone device though, it is just one part of a wider launch of Virto Marvel products.

In The Canal

Phonak say that the Virto Black device is an In The Canal size device, although that may change based on the size of the ear canal and ear. The lads at Hearing Aid Know have said to be safe, consider it a half shell and if it isn't, that's a bonus. I would concur with them on that. But what about the rest of the range?

Full Range, Four Technology Levels

The Virto Marvel range will be a full range of ITE products available in the usual four levels of Phonak technology, that's the 90, 70, 50 and 30. The showstopper Virto Black will be also available in those tech levels and it will be powered by a 312 battery.

Hands-Free Calls

As with the rest of the Marvel range, you will be able to take hands-free calls with most of the Marvel Virto devices. You will also be able to stream audio from most Bluetooth enabled devices to the hearing aids. Unfortunately, the Marvel CIC and Marvel Titanium won't offer the same level of connectivity which is to be expected. The model types are too small to fit the hardware in.

Roger Direct

The Virto Black and larger Marvel Virto models will also avail of the outstanding Roger Direct system. It means that Virto Marvel users can connect directly to a Roger Pen or Roger Select and enjoy the amazing benefits of that technology. We expect the Virto Marvel range to be introduced sometime in February and we will keep you updated.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing issues, you can book your hearing test today.
Please call Worcester Hearing Centre at 01905 617803 or e-mail us at worcester@wshearing.co.uk

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Going the extra mile to deliver real success for our Patients.

Mr Henderson came to Worcester Hearing Centre after years of struggling with his hearing. He had been through the process with other audiologists and not got the positive outcomes he was looking for.

Music, an Important Lifestyle Need

As a church organist, his hearing one of the most important factors in his life. Modern hearing aids include a variety of programs for everyday life, such as TV, car, social gatherings and music. But for a musician, the music program was still limited.

Tom, our director of audiology, fitted him in our practice with Phonak Audeo 90 Rechargeable hearing aids which were the best devices with high tech capabilities for Mr Henderson’s needs at the time. Tom knew that to get as near as possible to complete success for Mr Henderson he would have to go the extra mile though.

The Extra Mile

After the fitting, he went with Mr Henderson to his church to hear him play and experience what he goes through while playing the organ. He did a fitting and ran some tests on the devices to customise them to work their best for Mr Henderson’s particular needs.

Nobody had ever done that for him before.

Incredible Results

The results were incredible. Mr Henderson said that all the distortion he had struggled with before with other hearing aids was completely gone. For the first time in years, he was able to play and hear the organ like he was supposed to, the immense difficulty of playing with the distorted sound is a thing of the past.

“It has revolutionised my life. I now have the ability to play and enjoy it, it’s no longer a chore. Hopefully, the congregation enjoys my playing too” said Mr Henderson about how it has impacted his life.

We have been able to help a lot of people in difficult circumstances just like Mr Henderson. There is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ in the world of hearing aids. Each hearing solution is as unique as its wearer; this is because not two cases of hearing loss are the same, just like no two people are the same.

At Worcester Hearing Centre, we pride ourselves in delivering outstanding bespoke solutions and hearing care.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing issues, you can book your initial assessment today.
Please call Worcester Hearing Centre at 01905 617803 or e-mail us at worcester@wshearing.co.uk
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The different types of ear wax

Earwax lubricates and cleans the outer ear canal, kills bacteria and traps foreign objects such as dust and fungal spores. So it isn’t actually a bad thing. Unfortunately, sometimes it builds up to the point that it blocks the ear canal, that’s when you have a problem. The thing is, not all ear wax is the same,  earwax comes in two varieties: wet and dry. The type you have is determined by your genes.

Ear Wax Removal

The best ear wax removal process for you is based on the type of ear wax you have and the consistency at the time of removal. Let’s take a look at the types and the ear wax removal methods we use in Worcester.

Wet earwax

Orange-brown, sticky and smelly. Made up of the waxy secretions of the ceruminous glands – specialized sweat glands, which are found in the outer ear canal – plus dead skin and an oily substance called sebum.

Wet earwax removal methods

The best ear wax removal methods for wet ear wax is irrigation, instrumentation or microsuction. In some cases, it may well be a combination of two or all three processes.

Dry earwax

White-beige, flaky and odourless. It is dry because it contains less of the waxy secretion and so is largely composed of dead skin. Dry earwax is caused by a mutation in a gene called ABCC11. There do not appear to be any ill effects.

Dry earwax removal methods

The best ear wax removal method for dry ear wax depends on the consistency. For instance, if it is flaky, well then microsuction will often take it out quickly. However, if it has compacted and it is solid, well then a course of olive oil, followed by microsuction and instrumentation is best.

A Case in Point

Anthea has been a Worcester Hearing Centre patient for a few years now and during this time; she has had a few earwax removal appointments. Anthea’s earwax type is wet, so she needs a combination of micro-suction and irrigation, depending on her wax build-up.

Microsuction is a safe and comfortable method of earwax removal, no liquids are introduced during the procedure which is undertaken with a microscope and a finely balanced medical suction device. The fact that we can clearly see the ear canal and what we are doing makes it exceptionally safe. With no liquids involved, it is especially comfortable for a Patient and it is usually undertaken in a few minutes.

Ear irrigation consists of pumping water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate, to dislodge and flush out ear wax. As the water runs out, a metal basin is placed beneath the ear to collect it and any ear wax it has flushed out.

Earwax removal has become increasingly difficult over the years to access.  Some surgeries provide this service and some don’t and there doesn’t appear to be any reason why it is different from one surgery to another. Upon attending our centre, our Team of Experts will show you your ear using the latest techniques, video otoscopy, where you will see for yourself the condition of your ear canal.  We will then determine the best method for removal of your wax, and show you again the result at the end of the consultation

To book your earwax removal appointment today, please call Worcester Hearing Centre at 01905 617803 or e-mail us at worcester@wshearing.co.uk
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We have had some great success with this fantastic lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid

Oticon is one of the leading hearing aid brands we offer in Worcester and we have had a lot of success with them. Before the launch of the Opn, we didn't actually think that much of Oticon hearing aids. However, the original Opn was a real game-changer in the hearing aid world. It launched a whole new strategy for dealing with sound inputs in noisy situations. A strategy that has been described as almost natural. The Opn was hugely successful for them and we were pleased with the devices.

New Rechargeable Hearing Devices

The one thing that was missing from the original Opn range was a rechargeable lithium-ion device. However, Oticon fixed that with the introduction of the Opn S range. The Opn S range is Oticon's latest range of hearing aids. It is basically an upgrade on the Opn as opposed to something dramatically new. The range offers three Receiver In Canal hearing aid types, one of which is a rechargeable device and a power Behind The Ear hearing aid model.

Great Success

The Opn S range has been a great success for us in Worcester, but the Opn S miniRITE-R which is the new lithium-ion powered slimline rechargeable hearing aid has really stood out.  The device is pretty discreet, can fit hearing losses down to sever and it has a telecoil. Like the Opn before it, the Opn S is a Made For iPhone hearing and the battery pack offers 16 hours of use with five hours of audio streaming from Apple devices.

Oticon has been really intelligent with the design of the hearing aid, the lithium-ion battery pack is easily replaceable in the clinic. That is an excellent feature, it means that when the battery is coming to the end of its life, it can be simply replaced in the clinic.

Our Customers Love It

Our customers love the devices, it is a combination of the outstanding hearing ability delivered combined with outstanding convenience. The Opn S really is a very good hearing aid, in particular, in noisy situations. It offers a very natural experience that gives you a good awareness of the voices around you while ensuring that you can hear the voice that is important to you.

They love the experience it delivers while they move through their day. It provides effortless hearing in nearly every situation. It also means that they don't have to worry about hearing aid batteries. They don't have to worry about buying them or changing them.

Rechargeable hearing aids offer convenience and ease of use combined with modern features to help you hear better. That is why our customers truly love them.

Call us on 01905 617803 to book your free consultation now

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