Monday 23 November 2009

"NATIONAL Companies????"

Quite often you will come across companies claiming NATIONAL coverage, or that they have a representative in the area, or that they offer NATIONAL advice --- etc etc.
TOP SECRET for 2009: There will be a mass of hearing aid sites springing up, offering NATIONAL coverage. HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS TYPE OF COMPANY:

1, check the website for an exact head office and name of hearing aid dispenser. AVOID COMPLETELY ANY SITES THAT HIDE THEIR IDENTITY.

2, Mostly, NATIONAL stands for nothing at all. hearingaidsecrets' view is that in the main, it is better to deal with an independent that is local to you, who is recommended and - of at least 3 years' standing.

3, In today's volatile and changing market, the only national I could possibly recommend is BOOTS, ALTHOUGH, YOU MUST STILL GET AT LEAST 2 OPINIONS/PRICES - we can save you around £1500 right now.

Bogus "Research" and "test" adverts

Please do not participate in such offers. The idea is that the likes of 'speech mapping' (real response measurement) or trials and tests of new hearing aids for 'research' is offered... this is a despicable marketing idea being used at the moment - both to encourage direct responses and also to encourage visits to so-called exhibitions or open days. PLEASE DO NOT ENQUIRE ABOUT PRIVATE HEARING AIDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, unless you realise the following:
1. Anything to do with private hearing aids ALMOST ALWAYS involves a private profit-seeking company
2. Any such approach, where hearing aid prices are not stated up front is bogus and to be avoided.

Monday 9 November 2009

How to be an expert consumer

  1. Do your research. The Internet is the quickest route. Ask a relative if you don't have a computer. Avoid sites that don't list all their prices. You could use a name you trust like Boots or Specsavers. But you must also check the price offered on a like for like basis.
  2. Recommendations are very important. But you should pay a fair price too. Prices for exactly the same products can vary wildly.
  3. Therefore, a recommendation to a company that also lists all the prices is obviously the best route.
  4. Always have a close family member with you at the test and subsequent meetings OR communicate with them by telephone to discuss your meetings.
  5. Understand and compare at least 3 hearing aid models.
  6. Have realistic expectations, especially if your hearing loss is long term, is of complicated history or you have had problems with hearing aids before.
  7. Get as long a trial period as possible.
  8. Use the aftercare provided. Be VERY fussy, test the hearing aids in all environments and strive for the best possible result. Don't give up, do complain if the hearing aids are not completely comfortable to wear, ask your friends to share their experiences.
  9. carry out routine checks to ensure the hearing aids are working to 100% capacity...