This article is sponsored by The Hearing Suite.
Hearing aid technology has improved drastically over the last few decades.
Many of the devices now boast Bluetooth technology, come with mobile apps or compatible gadgets and some are even invisible to the naked eye.
Emily Balmer, founder and lead audiologist of The Hearing Suite, Harrogate, explained why the modern hearing aid is “out of this world”.
She said:
“A comfortable, clear listening experience is always our top priority. But today’s hearing aids are designed to fit in with your life, rather than you fitting in with them.”
Ms Balmer said hearing aid programs are now able to adapt to your surroundings.
She said:
“Instead of hearing all around you or pressing a button to hear in front of you, hearing aid programs blend seamlessly all by themselves. If you are in the car, they even detect and reduce road noise. Or if you have an echoey kitchen, they compensate for that too.”
However, Ms Balmer said some people still wanted to change the volume, program or even create their own bespoke program for a specific environment.
She added:
“That’s easy too, with the use of an app – and the bluetooth features don’t end there.
“You can track the location of a missing hearing aid and stream music and phone calls directly into your ears. You can even track your steps and heart rate and alert people if you have had a fall.
“And gone are the days of worrying about a spot of rain if you are wearing one, as there are even hearing aids you can swim in.”
Ms Balmer said rechargibility had made the use of hearing aids much easier, with handy charging points and battery lives of up to 24 hours.
She continued:
“Then there’s the gadgets that work with hearing aids, taking them to even greater heights.
“For example the remote microphone that cuts out background noise in a restaurant, or the TV streamer; a tiny box behind your TV that takes the sound instantly and wirelessly into your ears.”
Ms Balmer also praised the benefits of modern extended-wear hearing aids.
She said:
“These are fitted 4mm away from your ear drum every eight weeks and are invisible to the naked eye. These allow you to forget you even have a hearing loss.”
To book a consultation and hearing aid assessment at The Hearing Suite, click here. You can also call 01423 429 222 or email enquiries@thehearingsuite.co.uk
Successful first month at The Hearing Suite’s new Ilkley practice
This story is sponsored by The Hearing Suite.
The Hearing Suite’s new clinic in Ilkley is proving to be a major success following its launch last month.
Located at No 6 The Grove, the state-of-the-art practice has a dedicated wax removal room on the ground floor, along with a full testing suite on the first floor.
Founder Emily Woodmansey set up the Ilkley site following rapid growth at the Harrogate branch on East Parade.
The business has continued to expand and now offers a team of three audiologists and an ENT consultant.
Emily Woodmansey, managing director of The Hearing Suite.
Having grown up in Ilkley, Ms Woodmansey recognised that many of the town’s residents were making the journey to Harrogate and a closer practice would be more convenient.
She said:
“Our Harrogate practice is thriving. Our ethos is firmly grounded in having a small group of very happy people, and I thought it was about time Ilkley had its own full-time, dedicated audiology practice.
“The pandemic has reminded people how precious communication is and it has been exciting to share our brand of audiology with the people of my home town.
“Since opening a few weeks ago, we have been quite overwhelmed with the number of people wanting help with their hearing. The local business community has been really welcoming too. We are just so grateful for everyone’s support.”
The Hearing Suite’s employee Olivia, a former NHS senior audiologist, has been appointed as the practice’s head of audiology.
The new branch offers the same services as Harrogate, including wax removal, hearing consultations, tinnitus management and hearing aids.