Private hearing aids

People often ask, “What are the best hearing aids?’ or ‘Are private hearing aids better than those provided by our health service?

The answer to the first question really depends on two factors. The quality of the hearing aids and the expertise of the audiologist fitting the devices. Poorly fitted hearing aids, even if they cost thousands of pounds, are no better than less expensive devices that are fitted well. However, the level of technology available in private hearing aids is more advanced than the NHS models. Thus, in theory, an audiologist has more options to choose from, and potentially better outcomes with hearing aids provided privately.

From our North Leeds audiology clinic, we use the latest equipment and follow best practice guidelines. We use REMs (real ear measurements) which are the gold-standard for fitting hearing aids. This involves placing a thin, soft tube in the ear which is connected to a microphone to measure precisely how much sound is provided by the hearing aids in the ear. Not all providers of hearing aids perform these measurements, however here at The Hearing Space, Leeds, we carry out this as standard.

Serving Leeds, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Moortown, Shadwell, Adel, Alwoodley, Horsforth and West Yorkshire in general, our goal is to offer to highest level of hearing healthcare.

We provide all types of hearing devices from almost invisible in-the-ear hearing aids to small discreet devices which sit behind the ears. 

Digital hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are essentially minicomputers with a microphone and a loudspeaker. Sound waves arriving at the microphone are converted into digital signals which are then digitally processed by the device before reaching the output stage of the hearing device.

The goal of these devices is to provide the listener with an improved ability to hear in as many situations as possible. To achieve this, most private digital hearing aids contain sound processing strategies which change, depending on the environment that the listener is in.

For example, in a quiet environment the digital hearing aid will allow sounds from all directions, whereas in a noisy environment, the hearing aid will focus on sounds to the front of the wearer.

They also allow several different listening strategies, for example, for listening to music compared to listening to speech.

Most private hearing aids are now ‘connectable’, which means they can integrate with smartphones and entertainment systems (TV, PC, Hi-fi), enabling the streaming of high-quality hearing audio from these devices.

At our audiology clinic in Leeds, we will carefully assess your hearing test results, alongside your lifestyle requirements and from our wide selection of hearing aid providers, we will source the best hearing aids for your needs.

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