Hidden Hearing Brochure

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Three simple steps to better hearing... and getting the most out of life

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Can you hear as well as you used to?

Hearing loss can strike anyone, at any time of life. For some, it’s triggered by a condition, like nerve damage or tinnitus...but often as not, it’s just wear and tear as a few more years roll by.

Strangely though, you might not be the first to notice the loss. It’s true that some people sense a difference just as soon as it happens - but for others it’s more gradual, and it takes a friend or family member to spot the early signs.

Why does our hearing get worse?

The human ear is like an orchestra! Tiny hair cells work together, each making their own noise. And the finished output is a single sound that’s carried through to the brain.

Over time, some cells wear out - and some of the sound fades away. As a result, you’ll start to hear some sounds and pitches better than others.

For you, it could mean you hear the TV or radio perfectly, but things get harder when you have to contend with background noise. Or maybe you can hear low voices, but struggle with higher pitches - so it’s hard to hear your children or grandchildren. Everyone’s hearing is different.

The good news is, you don’t have to live with it Thanks to some incredible technological advances, there’s a simple solution now for most types of hearing loss. And over the next few pages, we’ll tell you the whole story step by step.

If you’re worried about your hearing, find a pen and circle below: Yes or No? I find myself turning up the TV volume more often

YES

NO

I sometimes have to ask people to repeat themselves

YES

NO

I struggle to hear in busy places because of background noise

YES

NO

I sometimes feel that people are mumbling

YES

NO

I have problems keeping up with some conversations

YES

NO

I find it hard to tell where sounds are coming from

YES

NO

I avoid going out or mixing with people because I’ll find it hard to hear

YES

NO

If you answer ‘Yes’ - even once - then you might have some hearing loss.

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Step 1

Book a free hearing test If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing, it’s important to get some answers. So the first step is an assessment by a hearing care professional - much the same as going for a check-up with your dentist or optician.

Hidden Hearing takes care of everything If you’ve seen us on TV or in the press, you’ll already know us as the UK’s leading supplier of discreet, high quality hearing aids. But did you know, we also run a network of hearing test centres, located in towns and cities right across the country?

There’s a centre near you. So we can offer you a free, no obligation assessment - and explain your results in full, so you can reach an informed decision.

We’ve been helping people this way for over 40 years now. And we’re sure that we can help you: either by finding a solution to your hearing problems, or simply by answering questions and laying your fears to rest.

Why wait?

The sooner you’re tested, the sooner you can get things back to normal. We can arrange your test at a time to suit at your local hearing centre. Or if you can’t make the journey, we’ll come to you. There’s still no charge.

For a free no obligation assessment, make a quick free call: 0800 731 6499 Or pop into your nearest Hidden Hearing Centre

STEP

1

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Step 2

Discover the best solution You won’t have to wait too long for your free hearing test. And it won’t eat up too much of your time - an hour is more than enough for us to make a thorough assessment and explain the best options available.

What does the test involve?

Our assessor will use the latest equipment to measure your hearing at different noise levels and frequencies.

They’ll also ask about your day to day hearing and any problems it causes…and listen carefully to all your questions or any concerns that you voice.

At the end of the test, they’ll show you the results and explain what it all means. There’s no jargon and no blinding with science - just clear, honest advice.

If the test shows that your hearing is fine, we’ll happily tell you so.

And if we reveal some hearing loss, we’ll help you find a solution. Something practical, that fits in with the way you live your life.

Problems detected? You’re not alone Hearing problems are far more common than you’d think. A healthy person aged 55 has a 1 in 5 chance of full or partial loss. And from 65 upwards, the chances are as high as 2 in 5.

So if you find that your hearing has changed, there’s no need to worry. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. And in most cases the problem can be treated quickly and easily.

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Forget ‘one size fits all’ Let’s say that your assessment picks up some hearing loss. The question is, what happens now? How do we put things right?

Well importantly, you have choices. Hearing technology has come a long way in the space of a generation, so you won’t have to make do with a solution that doesn’t feel right.

You can choose a tiny in-the-ear piece - no bigger than a fingertip - or a snug behind-the-ear device, tailored to match your hair or skin tone.

Or if you prefer, there are ‘stealth’ devices that fit into your spectacles!

It’s all about comfort and fitting in with you, your budget and lifestyle.

And fitting is just the beginning Your device will be tuned into a personal setting, to match your type of loss. In other words, it will amplify selectively, when it has to.

It could even be programmed to reduce loud or unwanted sounds. So in the end, you’ll hear a perfect balance - just like hearing naturally.

“Can a hearing aid really help me?”

For most people with hearing loss, the answer is yes. Modern aids can usually make a difference - even if you’re struggling with any of these problems:

Background noise Hearing aids are designed to improve the ear’s fine tuning. They’ll never be as sophisticated as the human ear, but with the right prescription you’ll certainly notice the difference.

Inner ear deafness When nerve damage stops you from hearing high tones, including some voices and music, it’s likely that a hearing aid can compensate for the loss.

Tinnitus This common problem usually leaves people with mild hearing loss, or worse. But more often than not, a hearing aid can help to reverse the impact.

Infection If you’ve had a middle-ear infection, you might have been advised to keep alien items away from the ear. Don’t worry though - there are still safe and comfortable options available.

STEP

2

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Hearing aids to fit inside the ear...

Hearing is a breeze with SoundLens SoundLens is a unique digital hearing aid that fits deep into the ear canal - so for most users, it’s 100% invisible.

SoundLens allows you to: ●

Hear without interference, even on the phone

●

Understand speech and other sounds without the usual effort

●

Choose and store a range of settings for different types of use

●

Adjust memory and volume settings with a touch-tone phone

●

Live life on your own terms, enjoying a healthy, active routine

How does it work?

SoundLens is designed to filter out background noise and dramatically reduce feedback. Buzzing and whistles are virtually eliminated, leaving just a clear sound.

So listening becomes a pleasure again, instead of a chore.

“Forget your hearing problem.

It’s out of sight and out of mind”

Our hearing care professionals will tell you more about SoundLens - including the special memory settings. You can quickly switch from one type of environment to another, like adjusting a digital camera to get the most from the light!

Hidden away from view but easily removed

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...or behind the ear

STEP

Enjoy incredible sound quality with Plus Plus is a technical breakthrough that mirrors all the natural instincts of the human ear. The result is a rich combination of clear, distinctive sounds that envelop and surround you. Like High Definition for the ears.

How does it work?

The Plus system is a twin set of digital hearing aids that fit discreetly behind the ears. The two devices work together, passing signals back and fore, and relaying the sounds around you in a natural arrangement.

It’s a whole new hearing concept, known as Spatial Sound - designed to improve your hearing in the most authentic way.

A two-piece set that fits behind the ears

With Plus, you’ll be able to: ●

Enjoy clear, crisp sound quality

●

Pick up subtle distinctions between voices

●

Hear with a sense of direction and distance

●

Keep up with fast flowing conversations

●

Enjoy music to the full - even at higher pitches

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Feel like yourself again. You’re finally hearing the way you should.

“No-one will notice you’re wearing it.

But you’ll notice the difference immediately”

Ask about Plus when you visit us for your free hearing test. We’ll tell you more including how you can tune the system into your TV or Hi-Fi and set your own personal volume. So no more arguments...

2

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Micro technology keeps your solution out of sight

Spectacle hearing aids Finally, a chance to solve two problems at once For all the advances in design and comfort, we know that some people still won’t like the idea of wearing a hearing device - whether it fits behind the ear or neatly inside it. So for some types of hearing loss, there’s now a third option: a hearing aid that’s tucked away inside the frame of your spectacles.

How does it work?

The arm of the frame contains a tiny but complex hearing instrument that you control with a small dial hanging just above the ear.

Sound is picked up by microphones, then passed onto the brain.

Spectacle hearing aids will help you to: ●

Improve your hearing and correct your vision all at once

●

Hear better with little effort: as easy as putting on your glasses

●

Control the volume with a simple touch, to suit any situation

●

Keep hearing problems to yourself. Noone has to know

●

Look your best. We might even be able to adapt your own frames

If the hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear, the sound is usually passed on through Bone Conduction. This works by applying pressure to the head behind the ears, creating sound vibrations that you hear through your skull.

“Years ago, a hearing aid was seen as a stigma. Ironically, today it can be a stylish accessory”

For other types of loss, there’s Air Conduction. Sound is transmitted through a tube to a custom-made mould inside the ear.

Spectacle hearing aids are great for some people, but not for others. Ask your hearing care professional if your type of loss can be treated this way.

Either way, the result is a sharper, beautifully amplified sound.

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Step 3

Enjoy a lifetime of better hearing Whatever your circumstances, your hearing aid will be a new lease of life. Whether it means enjoying more quality time with your family, or an active social life, or just an easier time at work...it’s going to transform the way you live from day to day.

Just ask Marion Gaskell, who told us: “It was such a struggle to hear my family and keep up with my grandchildren. I stopped joining in conversations at family gatherings, and before long I felt isolated - like an old grandmother sat in the corner! My hearing aids changed all that. I’ve got my confidence back now, so I can join in again…I can enjoy my life again.”

Or ask Caroline Batey, who says: “My hearing became a serious problem when I started my job as a nurse, working in a busy environment filled with background noise. It was embarrassing, trying to keep up and asking people to repeat themselves. But since having my hearing aids, I can hear far more easily.

I can keep up with my colleagues at work, without the stresses I’ve been used to.”

Then there’s Adam Taylor, who recalls: “Within a week of having my hearing aids fitted, I didn’t want to take them out! Before the test, my hearing was affecting every part of my life – and it was especially hard to be sociable and join in properly with friends. But life is very different now. I’ve got more choices available to me.”

Every life is unique.

So every hearing aid tells a new story...

STEP

3

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Our commitment to you When you buy a new car your dealership offers you a package, with maintenance and servicing to keep you on the road. And it’s just the same with a hearing aid - with one major difference:

You’ll have a lifetime of care from us, totally free of charge.

Our 5-Star Service Programme is designed to keep your hearing aid in peak condition. We’ll test it, keep it clean and make sure it’s fitting comfortably. And to make sure it’s the best it can be, we’ll re-test your hearing every year...and if anything has changed, we’ll adjust the settings to match your prescription.

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Our Guarantee Your new hearing aid comes with a full 24 month warrantee. We also guarantee your satisfaction - so if you decide it’s not the right solution for you, just return it within 30 days and your investment will be refunded in full.

We also promise that we will always: ●

Put your interests ahead of ours

●

Care for you professionally

●

Respect your right to privacy

●

Behave with honesty and integrity

We want you to be pleased with our service and tell your friends about us. So we’re not here to sell you a hearing aid - we’re here to give you honest answers, and make sure that you enjoy the benefits of clear hearing, for life.

Graham Lane Managing Director

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You can switch life on again...just as soon as you’re ready You’ve seen the three steps to better hearing, and it really couldn’t be easier. Our experienced hearing care professionals are standing by, waiting to help. All you have to do is make an appointment at your local hearing centre.

London

South West

Baker Street Bexleyheath Bromley Croydon Finchley Hatch End Kensington Loughton Streatham Wigmore Street

Barnstaple Bath Bournemouth Cheltenham Exeter Plymouth Salisbury Truro Yeovil

South East

Barnsley Bradford Leeds Sheffield York

Canterbury Eastbourne Guildford Hove Kingston Upon Thames Maidstone Margate Reading St Albans Southampton Tunbridge Wells Worthing East

Remember, your hearing test is free and there’s no obligation. We can even carry out the test in your own home if you prefer.

Just call us free on 0800 731 6499 and speak to our customer services team. They’ll be happy to answer all your questions and book you in without delay.

Bedford Brentwood Cambridge Clacton High Wycombe Ipswich King's Lynn Leigh-on-Sea Northampton Norwich Peterborough West Midlands Hereford Lichfield Rugby Shrewsbury Stafford Stratford-Upon-Avon Wolverhampton East Midlands

www.hiddenhearing.co.uk Registered office: Hidden Hearing Limited Medway Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1H Registered in England & Wales No. 1990227

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