RAF Benevolent Fund - Journey to Better Hearing

TYPES OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS Hearing instruments come in a variety of sizes, from tiny, invisible-in-the-canal models to those which sit behind the ear.

BTE

RIC

ITE

ITC

CIC

IIC

Behind-the-ear (BTE) instruments rest behind the ear and house the device’s technology. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmould inside the ear canal. BTE instruments are often the most durable hearing devices - some are even waterproof.

One of the most popular hearing aid styles available today, the Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) device is small, discreet and incredibly quick-to-fit and perfect for many first-time wearers. A RIC places the miniature speaker directly in the ear canal, enhancing both comfort and sound quality.

In-the-ear (ITE) instruments house their technology components in a custom-formed earmould that fits within the outer portion of the ear. ITEs are appropriate for wearer’s with a mild to severe hearing loss and feature easyto-use controls which are ideal for those with limited manual dexterity.

In-the-canal (ITC) instruments are smaller still, featuring an earmould that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear. They are discreet, yet partially visible within the outer ear and accommodate a mild to mildly severe hearing loss.

These devices fit Completely-in-the-canal (CIC). Only the head of a tiny plastic line with which you insert or remove the instrument shows above the canal. Although CIC instruments offer aesthetic appeal, the structure of some individuals’ ears may make this style unsuitable for them.

how’s your hearing?

Your journey to better hearing starts here...

JustHear and Starkey Hearing Technologies are very excited to be a chosen partner of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. We are very proud to support the people that have served and are currently serving our country.

Many military veterans are affected by hearing-related issues and tinnitus, but don’t seek advice or treatment until up to seven years after they notice the first loss. During this time, the loss can become worse and has probably had an impact in social situations.

Preferential service for hearing problems - Do I qualify?

We warmly invite current and former members of the RAF. Families and friends of current and ex-servicemen also benefit from our exclusive hearing services.

Why choose us?

As a global leader when it comes to hearing solutions, we are proud to support those who have served our country with the best in hearing innovation. We have already helped millions of patients experience more with groundbreaking hearing aid technologies.

Call us today FREE on:

0800 068 3533 email: info@justhear.co.uk website: www.justhear.co.uk

The Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) is 100% invisible and sits comfortably inside the second bend of your ear canal. The IIC is custom fit and appropriate for a range of hearing losses.

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YOUR JOURNEY

TO BETTER HEARING

STARTS HERE

TAKING THE FIRST STEPS TO BETTER HEARING...

UNDERSTANDING HEARING LOSS

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

According to Action For Hearing Loss, hearing loss affects nearly 9 million people in the UK and is a natural part of the ageing process. It is estimated that 55% of people over 60 are deaf or hard of hearing.

This type of hearing loss occurs when the external and middle ear can no longer conduct sound into the inner ear. One of the most common causes of conductive hearing loss is blockage in the external ear canal, typically caused by earwax build up or infection which stops sound entering the middle ear. Most cases are temporary and can be corrected with proper treatment.

Even a slight hearing loss can have a negative impact on your ability to work, socialise and enjoy life. Hearing loss treatment is a simple process that can quickly get you back on track and enjoying life to the fullest.

COMMON SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS • Do you ask other people to repeat themselves?

• Do you turn up the TV/radio volume to levels others find too loud?

• Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places?

• Do you feel other people are always mumbling?

• Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, we recommend you book a FREE initial consultation with one of our Hearing Care Professionals.

CONDUCTIVE

SENSORINEURAL

Sensorineural is the most common type of hearing loss and generally can be easily aided.

It is caused by withering of the hair cells in the inner ear generally due to age, noise damage or medications. Without these hair cells the ear cannot detect sounds properly. Sensorineural hearing loss can often be successfully treated with hearing aids.

MIXED

This type of hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This type of loss may be successfully treated with a combination of medical assistance and use of a hearing aid.

HEARING CONSULTATION, WHAT TO EXPECT HEARING HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

An introductory discussion on both your general health, and hearing health.

EAR EXAMINATION

Using an Otoscope (a special torch-like device), our hearcare professional will be able to examine the outer area of your ear, checking for any blockages or abnormalities.

HEARING TEST

The hearing test is performed using an Audiometer, which will play a series of tones through headphones. Your response to these tones will be plotted on a graph called an Audiogram.

EXPLANATION OF RESULTS

Using the results from all of the stages above, the hearcare professional will recommend what action, if any, is needed to improve your hearing.