Category: Blog

Noise-induced hearing loss through music is prevalent, as highlighted by this recent article on famous musicians with hearing loss.

The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme aims to support and educate musicians nationwide, safeguarding their hearing health. Founded by Musicians’ Hearing Services, in collaboration with Help Musicians UK (HMUK), the Musicians’ Union (MU), and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), it’s committed to making a difference in the lives of musicians everywhere.

It’s been eight years since the launch of the scheme, and so I thought now was a good time to reflect on some of the remarkable work we’ve done so far.

What we’ve achieved so far

In just eight years, the scheme has helped over 18,500 musicians across the UK, from guitarists and drummers to DJs and singers.

Here’s an insight into what the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme offers:

Comprehensive hearing assessments tailored specifically for musicians

Conducted by our expert audiologists at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians Hearing Services, these assessments are designed to detect early signs of hearing damage and provide personalised recommendations for protection and preservation.

Heavily subsidised hearing protection

The scheme is committed to ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to safeguarding the hearing of musicians, recognising the financial restraints they may face. Through our partnership with industry-leading manufacturers, we offer top-quality earplugs and custom-made ear moulds at accessible rates, empowering musicians to protect their most precious asset: their hearing.

Education & raising awareness

Education lies at the core of our initiative. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss and empowering musicians with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their hearing health. Workshops, seminars, and online resources serve as invaluable tools in this endeavour, equipping musicians with practical strategies for mitigating risk and promoting long-term auditory wellness.

The importance of the scheme

The dangers of excessive noise exposure have been highlighted in recent news articles where renowned musicians such as Dave Grohl have shared their battles with hearing loss and tinnitus, serving as a reminder that no musicians are exempt from poor hearing health.

Reflecting on our achievements so far, we find inspiration in the profound impact of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Behind the statistics, we have helped to safeguard the careers of countless numbers of musicians, preserving their passions and securing their futures. We couldn’t have done this without the unwavering dedication of our team and the support of our partners.

Thank you for your support

Our journey continues, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing the hearing health of musicians nationwide. Together, we can ensure that future generations of musicians continue to share their gifts with the world, unencumbered by the looming threat of hearing loss.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Your support, dedication, and advocacy are the driving forces behind our mission, and it is through our collective efforts we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of musicians everywhere.

Matthew Allsop, Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Why musicians should protect their hearing
• Musicians’ Union – Hyperacusis Case Study
• The interview all musicians should see

Welcome to the latest edition of Hearsay, your gateway to the latest advancements in hearing technology and insightful articles. At Harley Street Hearing, we’re dedicated to keeping all of our hearing aid patients informed on news on everything to do with hearing and our hearing clinics. In this edition, we have an array of exciting updates and resources tailored just for you. Including:

• State-of-the-Art Hearing Technology
• Rail User Discounts
• Our very own Theatre Hearing Guide
• Testimonial from Musician Alison Beck – sharing her hearing journey to overcome the taboo of hearing loss in the music industry.
• Hearing Health Seminars – discover how our seminars and workshops can empower you and your team with valuable knowledge on protecting and managing sound levels and promoting hearing health in your organisation.

To see the full issue click below

Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be delighted to discuss any issues with you.

If you’ve found this interesting please see some of our other blogs click here.

Protect Your Ears, Skydivers: A Call to Action from Matthew Allsop

Matthew Allsop, Partner of Harley Street Hearing, and a passionate advocate for audiology, is thrilled to see his #hearforyears campaign gaining momentum. This initiative aims to safeguard skydivers from noise-induced hearing loss, a risk that currently lacks sufficient awareness in the skydiving community.

A few months ago, Allsop began his crusade to enlighten skydivers about the dangerously high noise levels they encounter during their thrilling descents. The #hearforyears campaign, born out of a brainstorming session with Kevin Dynan, the Safety and Training Officer for British Skydiving, targets skydivers first, with plans to gradually reach higher authorities.

This month, Allsop’s first awareness-raising attempt was featured in the British Skydiving publication, reaching 6,600 UK-based skydivers and 60,000 students.  You can read the full article here.

Join the campaign here #hearforyears and contact us for your own custom made hearing protection.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Skydiving and Hearing Loss
• Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
• What is Tinnitus

Have you ever wondered if having a hearing loss means you’ll suffer from dementia? And can hearing aids help to prevent it?

Today’s blog is a deep dive into a topic that’s both concerning and intriguing: the connection between hearing health and cognitive wellness. And let me start off by saying, I’m no expert in dementia, but I’m passionate about sharing evidence-based information in a way that’s easy to understand.

Alzheimer’s fake news

Recently, a patient came to my clinic after a distressing experience at a national chain in the UK. They’d been told that if they didn’t wear hearing aids, they would, in no uncertain terms, develop Alzheimer’s.

This is a claim that’s not only misleading but downright infuriating. In my opinion, hearing loss alone and the disability that people experience due to having a hearing loss is a big enough reason to warrant wearing hearing aids.

So, let’s set the record straight.

What the evidence says on hearing loss and cognitive decline

There is growing evidence in the media linking dementia and hearing loss, which is becoming harder and harder to ignore, that is, if it’s interpreted correctly. Let’s take a look at some actual evidence:

• In 2011, Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins concluded that a mild hearing loss will potentially double the risk for cognitive decline, a moderate hearing loss will triple the risk, and a severe hearing loss will quintuple your risk.
• A huge 25-year study involving almost 4,000 people with hearing loss by Dr. Hélèna Amieva and her colleagues in France concluded that there is a strong link between hearing status and the risk of disability, dementia, and depression.
• More recently, in The Lancet in 2020, it was indicated that hearing loss is the number one modifiable factor for preventing dementia for people in their mid to later life.

These figures are alarming, but it doesn’t mean hearing loss guarantees dementia.

Globally, around 55 million people suffer from some form of dementia. However, while we all lose some degree of brain processing power as we age, it’s relatively rare or unlikely that you’ll experience dementia or Alzheimer’s, with only around 2% of the population between the ages of 65 to 69 actually suffering from dementia. This figure does increase to about 33% by the age of 90.

So, while cognitive decline is a natural part of ageing, it doesn’t have to lead to dementia.

How hearing aids can help with dementia prevention

There is a lot of time, energy, and resources being poured into this subject, with evidence continuing to grow around how you can improve your chances of keeping your brain sharp throughout your entire lifetime. And guess what? Maintaining good hearing health is one of them.

HearingTracker recently recorded an interview with four experts on cognitive decline, dementia, and hearing loss. Two of the researchers, Dr. Victoria Sanchez and Dr. Julia Sarant, are currently working on some pretty groundbreaking studies revolving around how hearing aids can improve your chances of staving off the effects of cognitive decline as you get older.

The first study, ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders), found that using professionally fit hearing aids cut in half the rate of cognitive decline for the less healthy group. For both groups, hearing intervention was found to improve communication, social functioning, and to reduce loneliness, which other studies have shown are all factors that have been tied to cognitive status.

The second study, ENHANCE (Evaluation of Hearing Aids and Cognitive Effects), supports those from the ACHIEVE study and suggests that hearing aids may be able to forestall cognitive decline by as much as 3 years.

Both of these studies are ongoing, meaning that in reality, 3 years isn’t much time to study an ageing and mental health status, and there’s a lot more research to be done and questions that need to be answered.

Why you should prioritise hearing health

Moreover, hearing intervention improves communication, social functioning, and reduces loneliness—all factors tied to cognitive health. So, hearing aids aren’t just about improving hearing; they’re about preserving cognitive wellness.

However, addressing hearing loss isn’t solely the responsibility of audiologists. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in identifying hearing issues and referring patients for appropriate care. It’s a two-way street that requires collaboration and awareness.

Now, in the age of advanced technology and heightened awareness, there’s no excuse for neglecting hearing health. Modern hearing aids offer incredible benefits, from improved functionality to sleek designs. And with ongoing research and discussions, the stigma surrounding hearing loss is gradually eroding.

So, if you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or cognitive abilities, don’t wait—seek help. And remember, taking care of your hearing isn’t just about hearing better; it’s about safeguarding your cognitive wellness.

Harley Street Hearing offers professional hearing tests that can effectively diagnose hearing loss, and our clinical audiologists can devise suitable treatment solutions such as hearing aids to prevent further decline in your hearing abilities.

To learn more about the latest advancements in hearing aids, be sure to check out our video on the best hearing aids of the year.

Until next time, take care of your ears and your brain!

Does Hearing Loss Cause Dementia? The Evidence Explained…

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video on hearing loss & dementia below.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• What is hearing loss?
• Hearing wellness: Protecting your ears in 2024
• Best hearing aids available in the UK for 2024

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that our hearing shouldn’t be taken for granted. Hearing is a vital sense that can decline as we age, and hearing loss is more common than you might think.

Taking proactive measures to protect yourself against hearing loss and seeking the right treatment if it does happen to you is the best solution, but with so many hearing care specialists offering different services where do you start?

There are various types of hearing professionals, from audiologists to otolaryngologists, and each of them plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating hearing-related issues. Some may use the term hearing doctor to refer to this group of professionals, but it is important to understand the difference between the specialists. The professional you should see will depend on your individual issues, so we’re here to help you understand the differences between them.

Whether you need treatment for hearing loss or specialist insight into an underlying audiological disorder, here’s an in-depth guide on which hearing professional to see and when.

The different types of hearing professionals

Audiologists

While audiologists are not doctors, they are highly trained professionals specialising in assessing, diagnosing, and managing disorders related to hearing and balance. They hold advanced qualifications in audiology and are licensed to perform a wide array of diagnostic tests to evaluate hearing loss.

These tests may include audiometry, tympanometry, and speech discrimination testing to evaluate an individual’s hearing abilities. From the results, an audiologist can conclude if the patient has a hearing loss and identify the type and severity of it, and also diagnose tinnitus where this may be the issue.

Beyond hearing tests, audiologists also provide rehabilitation services such as fitting hearing aids, assistive listening devices and tinnitus treatment therapies. Advising on hearing aid selection is a critical service delivered by audiologists, as these devices must be highly tailored to each individual’s hearing requirements in order to be effective. An audiologist will recommend the most suitable hearing aid depending on the hearing loss diagnosis, program the device to suit the hearing needs of the user and provide long-term aftercare to ensure that the hearing aid continues to serve the patient’s changing needs.

Some audiologists, like ourselves at Harley Street Hearing, may also specialise in ear wax removal, auditory processing disorder treatment, paediatric hearing services and balance disorders.

When you should see an audiologist

Audiologists cater to a variety of hearing needs, so you should seek their help if you are:

• Experiencing symptoms of hearing loss such as difficulty understanding speech, struggling with background noise or hearing the TV/radio at an acceptable volume level
• Considering hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, whether this is for the first time or a device upgrade, and for hearing aid repairs or adjustments
• Experiencing symptoms of tinnitus such as continuous buzzing, whistling or ringing in your ears
• Experiencing an ear wax blockage
• Seeking a hearing assessment or evaluation for balance disorders
• Looking to maintain your hearing health with a routine check-up

The importance of seeing an audiologist for ear wax removal

Ear wax removal is a service that should only be performed by qualified doctors and certified professionals including ENT consultants and audiologists who are registered with the HCPC or RCCP/AHCS with degree-level audiological qualifications.

However, it’s becoming increasingly common for inexperienced individuals to undertake brief ear wax removal training courses and begin providing it as a service. With a lack of regulation, underqualified ear wax removal providers can pose a serious health risk so we urge you to do your research.

Seeking a fully qualified clinical audiologist to perform ear wax removal is crucial to ensuring that it’s performed with the right equipment and in a completely safe way.

Harley Street Hearing offers both microsuction and ear irrigation wax removal methods, carried out with precision and accuracy using industry best practices.

Hearing aid dispensers

Hearing aid dispensers, or hearing instrument specialists, are professionals who are trained to conduct basic hearing tests and fit hearing aids. They typically work under the supervision of an audiologist or otolaryngologist and focus primarily on selecting and adjusting hearing aids to meet individual needs.

When you should see a hearing aid dispenser:

A hearing aid dispenser may be able to help if you are:

• Seeking assistance with selecting and fitting a hearing aid
• Requiring adjustments or maintenance for existing hearing aids

Otolaryngologists (ENTs)

Otolaryngologists are commonly known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors/consultants as they are specifically trained in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.

They have extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and can treat a broad range of conditions including balance disorders and ear infections. They can perform complex head and neck surgeries and prescribe medications.

When you should see an Otolaryngologist

You should contact an Otolaryngologist if you:

• Have dizziness, vertigo or balance problems
• Have hearing loss that comes on suddenly
• Have chronic ear infections
• Require a cochlear implant for profound hearing loss
• Require surgical interventions for complex ear-related problems

ENTs often work with audiologists, and an audiologist may refer you to an ENT specialist if you are seeking rehabilitation for a balance disorder. Harley Street Hearing supports the ENT clinics at the HCA hospitals and Phoenix Hospital Group to provide our patients with the best care possible.

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, our specialised clinicians can provide comprehensive audiovestibular diagnostic services and refer you to an ENT specialist if required.

Otologists

Otologists are sub-specialists within the field of otolaryngology who focus specifically on disorders of the ear.

They undergo additional training to become experts in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ear, including hearing loss, ear infections, and tumours of the ear and skull base.

When you should see an otologist

Seek the help of an otologist if you:

• Are dealing with complex or chronic ear-related conditions
• Require specialised surgical interventions for ear conditions

Neurologists

Neurologists specialise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, specifically those affecting hearing and balance.

Whilst they don’t directly treat hearing loss, they can play a significant role in diagnosing underlying neurological conditions that can impact auditory function, such as multiple sclerosis or acoustic neuromas.

When you should see a neurologist

You should visit a neurologist if any of the following apply to you:

• Experiencing hearing loss along with neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or numbness
• Suspecting underlying neurological conditions affecting hearing or balance

Finding a hearing doctor near you

When seeking help for any hearing issues you may be experiencing, it’s important to do your research and find a qualified, reputable specialist. Whether it’s an audiologist for routine hearing assessments or a neurologist to diagnose a neurological condition, enlisting the help of a trusted clinician will ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

Harley Street Hearing is a London-based independent hearing clinic and has been serving the hearing needs of the community for over 25 years. Our highly trained clinical audiologists offer professional, thorough hearing tests to effectively diagnose hearing loss and advise on suitable treatments.

We can also provide support for tinnitus management, balance disorders, auditory processing disorder and ear wax removal.

As an independent hearing clinic, we can offer hearing aids from all of the leading UK manufacturers with completely unbiased advice on the most appropriate device for you.

We have hearing clinics across London and a team of specialists here to help address your hearing concerns and support you on your journey to better hearing. Click here to call us or fill in the contact form below and we will get back to you.

Measure your tinnitus

You may be surprised to learn that hearing aids are one of the best, if not the best, forms of treatment for tinnitus. Yet, most of you out there suffering from tinnitus today won’t have even considered them as being a solution for you.

I’m going to show you the different styles of tinnitus hearing aids, explain how they’ll help you and whether or not you’re suitable for them.

See the video below for measuring your own tinnitus with a frequency sweep.

Hearing aids and tinnitus

So, how can hearing aids help, and are they the best possible treatment for you?

Now, I say treatment because, sadly, there is no known cure for tinnitus. However, there are plenty of proven ways to make it less intrusive and transform it from being at the forefront of your mind all the time and something that you struggle to escape from, to being something that’s just there in the back of your mind but has no negative impact on your life on a daily basis.

Hearing aids help to reduce tinnitus in two main ways:

1. If you have a hearing loss, the hearing aid should be programmed to that loss and, therefore, fill the void of sound that’s not being sent from your ear to your brain. This filling in of missing sound will mask your tinnitus, and works for around 60 to 70% of the patients we see at Harley Street Hearing with tinnitus and hearing loss combined.
2. Hearing aids can be used for sound enrichment therapy or masking, and this is where each hearing aid manufacturer has their own types of sound enrichment to mask your tinnitus. These sounds can range from different types of noises to nature sounds.

What each hearing aid manufacturer offers

Widex Moment tinnitus hearing aids

Widex has historically been a strong forerunner as the best hearing aid for tinnitus for years now, and this all started when they introduced their Zen sounds back in 2012, and have recently continued to add to their tinnitus features with the introduction of a feature called SoundRelax.

The Widex Moment hearing aid is available in a range of different styles. The style of hearing aid that you’re comfortable wearing is a very personal thing, and some patients prefer a behind-the-ear model, while others prefer an in-the-ear hearing aid.

You must remember that the suitability of a hearing aid is also determined by your hearing test results, so your audiologist should recommend the most appropriate style for you, based on three factors:

• Your preference
• Your hearing test
• Your lifestyle

The different hearing aid styles can give you access to different features. Widex’s tinnitus features are available across all of their technology levels, from their 440s, 330s, 220s, and 110s, with the 440s being the most advanced of all of their technology.

Now, while you can choose from a white noise sound, which is similar to other hearing aid manufacturers, Widex is mainly known for its Zen and SoundRelax sounds, which all need to be activated by your audiologist.

The Zen therapy concept is unique to Widex and involves using fractal tones, which are random, harmonic, and melodic tones that sound a little bit like wind chimes. As they’re unpredictable, your brain doesn’t associate the sound with any other conventional music or sounds to which you may have been exposed. In itself, this encourages overcoming the negative effects caused by your tinnitus.

Widex recently introduced their newest SoundRelax sounds, which Widex claims will help you regain your inner peace with a great new world of relaxing sounds. Not only is Widex’s SoundRelax designed to help all hearing aid wearers, both with and without tinnitus, but Widex states that they will also help you deal with anxiety, they’ll soothe your mind and also boost your concentration levels.

Oticon Real tinnitus hearing aids

Oticon calls their tinnitus feature Tinnitus Sound Support. Oticon’s latest hearing aid to feature these tinnitus features is available in a range of different styles, full details are in the video below.

Oticon’s Tinnitus Sound Support features are available across their different technology levels, so from level one, two, and three, again, with the former being the most advanced of their tech. To activate your tinnitus settings, you’ll need to work with your audiologist to ensure the correct settings for you.

Phonak Lumity tinnitus hearing aids

Phonak approaches its tinnitus treatment in a very similar way to Oticon, with fewer options but a little bit more flexibility. They call their tinnitus feature Tinnitus Balance, and it’s available across Phonak’s family of up-to-date hearing aids, which is incredibly vast, with a few exceptions. (see the video for full details)

As with all other manufacturers, the tinnitus feature needs to be enabled by your audiologist on Phonak’s Target hearing aid fitting software. Yet, differently from all other manufacturers, Phonak focuses on providing you with broadband sounds, rather than nature sounds that we saw with the likes of Oticon.

In my opinion, their selection of three is a little bit disappointing. However, as I mentioned before, there’s a lot of tailoring that can be done to those sounds. Clicking on the tinnitus section in the Target software, you can see that the first option is to set their masking sound to hearing loss, which is similar to the shaped tinnitus feature from Oticon, matching your specific hearing loss.

We do tend to find that patients prefer this option to the others. We then have the white noise, and then finally, pink noise. While the hearing aid software will estimate the most appropriate intensity of masking for your hearing loss, it’s possible to increase or decrease it further still.
Taking this one step further, Phonak also allows further customisation of the frequency response using the graphic equalizer to add more or less bass, mids, or treble according to your needs.

Starkey Genesis AI tinnitus hearing aids

Starkey’s tinnitus program is called Multiflex and is available in all of their newest Genesis AI family of hearing aids. Starkey has a huge selection of styles to choose from, plus it’s built into all technology levels.

Again, the settings need to be activated by your audiologist in the Starkey Profit fitting software, and you have the choice of three different types of masking to choose from: audiogram-shaped, white noise, or customised, which allows the shaping of the Multiflex tinnitus stimulus for a personalised signal with an even greater degree of precision.

Signia IX tinnitus hearing aids

Signia’s tinnitus therapy features are available in all styles, although you do have to take a step back in technology for you to be able to access some of them. For example, it’s available in their Pure Charge&Go IX, their Pure Charge&Go T IX, and their Silk X, which are their most up-to-date family of hearing aids, plus their Motion BTE hearing aids, and the Insio NX IIC, CIC, and ITE, which are older technologies.

Again, Signia’s tinnitus therapy is available in all styles and all technology levels and needs to be programmed via their Connexx hearing aid fitting software. They offer three different strategies against tinnitus, depending on which is the most appropriate for you: static noise therapy, ocean wave therapy, and then Signia’s unique tinnitus Notch therapy.

The static noise tinnitus therapy signals include five preset noise signals, plus the ability to personalise the sound to meet your specific needs. With Signia, you can choose from white noise, pink noise, speech noise, high tone noise, or Brownian noise.

Secondly, Signia has four different ocean wave therapy signals, which are designed to mimic the sound of the sea, including Boulder Beach, Rocky Beach, Pebble Beach, and Paradise Beach. Most of our tinnitus patients do tend to find them very relaxing and also less annoying than some of the standard white noise sounds that are out there.

Finally, and uniquely to Signia, you can access their tinnitus Notch therapy. I found that this method of tinnitus therapy can be pretty effective, depending on the individual. The TNT technique is designed for those experiencing a tonal, such as a ringing, whistling, or buzzing, and it’s different to using any of Signia’s masking sounds, as the concept behind TNT therapy isn’t to drown out the sound with other sound but actually to teach your brain how to ignore it completely.

Signia says that the frequency of your tinnitus is targeted, and amplification of the sound is turned down and relegated to background noise, making it easier for your brain to ignore your tinnitus.

In theory, this means that you don’t waste your energy on your tinnitus, and your stress level should be reduced, as you’re not actively trying to shut it out. Unlike ocean wave and static noise sound therapies, this method is done completely inaudibly, so you might not even realise that you’re going through sound therapy when you’re experiencing it.

The setup process for tinnitus Notch therapy is unique to Signia and, similarly to the tinnitus match and mask diagnostic tool, this process allows your audiologist to identify the specific frequency of your tinnitus. The process works by presenting two different signals, of which you have to choose the closest match to your tinnitus, with the process being repeated until the tone of your tinnitus is matched, which is then the basis of Signia’s tinnitus Notch therapy.

Resound Nexia tinnitus hearing aids

ReSound’s tinnitus sound generator is without question one of the most versatile out there, putting you, the hearing aid user, in the driver’s seat when it comes to adjusting the settings on your hearing aids. The tinnitus features are available for all technology levels and need to be activated through ReSound’s SmartFit hearing aid fitting software.

ReSound has two categories of tinnitus masking sounds. Firstly broadband sounds, with four different types of noise to choose from. This includes high-frequency noise, white noise, speech noise, and pink noise.

The second type of sound enrichment has their selection of nature sounds, which are again, different types of ocean waves, similar to that of Oticon and Signia. Now, there are six in total, ranging from breaking waves, water creeks, calming waves, beach surf, ocean, and then finally, shoreline.

The very first place that you should start looking into overcoming your tinnitus is by getting your hearing tested. So, get yourself booked in with an audiologist who knows about tinnitus and also specifically optimising hearing aids related to tinnitus, which is, in fact, quite specialist. So, make sure you do your research first.

Hearing aids alone can be a huge help in terms of treating your tinnitus, and employing tinnitus retraining therapy can increase the chances of helping you overcome your tinnitus even further.

The best thing for you to do is to work closely with your audiologist to identify which masking sound is the most effective for you. However, if you don’t think that you’re ready for hearing aids just yet, then you might want to look at this pretty mind-blowing alternative tinnitus treatment.

Comparing the best hearing aids for tinnitus in 2024

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and a content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he shares his opinions on the best hearing aids for tinnitus in 2024 below.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• Phonak NEW Lumity hearing aids
• Hearing Wellness: Protecting your ears in 2024
• Best hearing aids available in the UK for 2024

New Phonak Lumity hearing aids for all ages and hearing loss levels

Phonak have released an additional four brand new hearing aids on their highly advanced Lumity technology platform, addressing the primary concern of hearing aid users – improved speech understanding in noisy environments.

Phonak Lumity Suitability

When they’re in your ear, they’ll all look pretty neat, tucked behind your ear. But if discretion is very important to you, then the new Audeo Lumity 312 comes in smaller than any of the other receiver-in-canal models available from Phonak, and therefore might be the right choice for you.

Audéo L-312

The Audéo L-312 introduces a new replaceable battery option to meet the needs of users while featuring SmartSpeech Technology for improved speech understanding and reduced listening effort. Universal connectivity ensures users can stay connected to the world around them.

Naída L-SP: Super Power

The Super Power (SP) version of Naída is the most popular form factor. Designed for those with severe hearing loss, these Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids feature an IP68 rating, ensuring both durability and dependability. Offering exceptional performance, the Naída L-SP provides unmatched functionality for those seeking cutting-edge hearing solutions.

When paired with Roger™ technology, Naída Lumity presents a formidable combination for better hearing in challenging settings and at a distance, with a 61% improvement in speech understanding in group conversations.

Sky L-M and SP

Children’s Hearing Aids for the Next Generation. Sky Lumity, with now the M form factor for infants and the most popular Super Power (SP) version. Sky Lumity is designed for children and teenagers, prioritising speech understanding in noisy classroom environments. Children who use Sky hearing aids, in conjunction with Phonak Roger technology, experience 34% better speech understanding, compared to using hearing aids alone. The myPhonak Junior app empowers children and allows parents to monitor wearing time, schedule remote consultations, and set parental controls. (The app is the winner of the Hearing Technology Innovator 2023 award in the Mobile Apps for Hearing Devices category).

New Phonak Lumity Features

They all have the standard Lumity features, such as Classic Bluetooth, AutoSense 5.0, StereoZoom 2.0, and Speech Sensor.

And now including their ‘Motion Sensor Hearing’, which detects if you’re moving and having a conversation at the same time. They will also automatically adjust the direction of the microphones to focus on the direction of speech that’s coming from around you. For example, if you were sat down at a table, you would normally want to hear the sound in front of you. However, as soon as you stand up and start walking you would want to hear the person by your side. The motion sensors help the hearing aid recognise this and adjust the direction of the microphones accordingly. This is all happening automatically without you needing to make any adjustments to the settings on your hearing aids.

Find your perfect hearing aid with Harley Street Hearing

We appreciate that understanding what you want, and more importantly, need from a hearing aid can be difficult – especially with so much choice on the market. That’s why our expert audiologists can help you choose your perfect hearing aid.

Book your hearing test and consultation where we can test your hearing capacity and create your bespoke hearing aid. If you’re interested in finding out more about these hearing aids and all new hearing technology available in the UK contact us below or call 020 7486 1053.

Review for New Phonak Lumity Hearing Aids 2024

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and a content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he shares his opinions on the new Phonak Lumity hearing aids for 2024 below.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others: 

• London Theatre Hearing Guide
• Common hearing aid problems & how to fix them
• Best Hearing Aids of 2024

Oticon’s latest innovation – the Intent miniRITE R Receiver In Canal hearing aid

Have you ever wondered how the artificial intelligence built into hearing aids actually works?

Were you even aware that some hearing aids have AI built into them?

Oticon have built on their previous hearing aid technology, Oticon Intent. So stick around to learn about its new features and if it’s suitable for you and your hearing loss.

A Look Back at Oticon’s Evolution

Oticon has been consistently innovating in the field of hearing aids. Their last major release was the Oticon Own in September 2022, which included a variety of models like the IIC, CIC, ITC, and ITE. These were followed by the receiver in canal style of hearing aids in March 2023, which included the miniRITE R and miniRITE T, the Mini BTE R and Mini BTE T, and a CROS system design for those with single-sided deafness.

When the Oticon Reals were launched, they brought some advancements over their predecessor, the More family of hearing aids. However, the changes were minor, focusing on wind and noise handling and the introduction of a sudden sound stabiliser. Despite these improvements, the technology was largely similar to the Oticon More family.

New Oticon Intent Design

Based on user feedback, the most sought-after features in a hearing aid are improved hearing in noise and enhanced speech clarity. Oticon’s latest innovation, the Oticon Intent, aligns perfectly with these needs.

This new design is a little shorter than their previous hearing aid technology which is ideal if discretion is important to you. It is also Oticon’s smallest ever Bluetooth receiver in canal hearing aid to date.

It is however a fraction bulkier, so I do wonder how that will feel when it’s sat behind your ear, especially when competing for space for anybody wearing glasses out there.

Oticon have also removed the rocker switch that they had on the Oticon Real and they’ve replaced it now with a single button on the back of the hearing aid.

There are nine colours including a new sky blue. You’ll notice that they’re all matted nowadays, so they don’t tend to catch the light. The most popular colour that Harley Street Hearing patients tend to choose is chroma beige.

Oticon Intent’s New Features

Starting with a brand new chip called Sirius, with three key features for a better understanding of speech clarity in the presence of background noise.

Artificial Intelligence in Hearing Aids

So, firstly, with the improvement of their deep neural network. Oticon use artificial intelligence to train their hearing aids to recognise the environment around you and then decide on what you’re most likely to want to be able to hear, giving you better access to speech sounds, whatever listening environment that you’re in.

Hearing In Background Noise

Oticon’s collection of noise reduction features are designed to make it easier for you to follow and engage in conversations in more complicated listening situations, such as groups, crowds, or noisy listening environments, say a restaurant, for example. Your hearing aids will constantly scan your environment and then organise and deliver the most appropriate sound highlighting the sounds that will be of interest and reducing the sounds that you’re less likely to want to hear.

4D Sensor Technology

Oticon have added motion sensors that monitor both conversational activity, your head and your body movement, plus the environment around you. These hearing aids are the first in the world to recognise when your needs change and adapt the settings accordingly, improving speech comprehension by 15% when this feature is enabled.

So, imagine being in a restaurant, which is exactly where Oticon state that this 4D sensor technology would shine, and their previous technology would have reacted the same for all of these three scenarios.

• A waiter walking around would need to hear sound coming from all directions, as they were taking care of different tables and in conversations with multiple people.
• Somebody greeting customers entering the restaurant, their hearing aids would need to work differently again.
• A group of people sat around a table, the hearing aid would need to react differently again.

The hearing aid monitors their conversations, head and body movement, and environmental noise. Three scenarios, with each person surrounded by the same background noise, but all with different needs.

Oticon Intent suitability

Whether you have a mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss, Oticon Intent can be adapted to suit your needs, which is something that your audiologist should choose for you (depending on your specific hearing test results). The receivers are interchangeable between either a 60, 85, 100, or 105 decibel power level. They’re available in four different technology levels, the Intent 1, 2, 3, or 4, with the former being  the most advanced of all four hearing aids.

Oticon Intent LE audio Connectivity

New LE Audio Connectivity is included. In the future, we will start to see this new broadcast audio replace the century-old loop systems built into public venues. This will allow for multiple hearing aid users to simultaneously connect to audio in public spaces, all with an improvement in sound quality, with significantly lower battery consumption. So you’ll be able to walk into concert halls, conferences, train stations, and lectures, and the sound of whoever’s speaking will be sent directly to both of your hearing aids, all with a press of a button.

Oticon Intent Telecoil

Now, until this broadcast technology takes off and is installed in public venues, Intent hearing aids have a built-in telecoil, which is essentially a 20th-century version of LE Audio. The telecoil allows for the streaming of sound in a public venue directly to both of your hearing aids, anywhere that you have seen this sign in the past, and it can make a huge difference at the likes of the theatre, church, or any other public venue.

Rechargeability Updates

Oticon have made improvements to their rechargeability by increasing the size of their batteries. A single charge will now only take 2 hours rather than the three that we’ve seen in previous hearing aid technology from them. And if one day you fall asleep on the sofa and forget to put them on charge, the next morning you can supercharge them for 15 minutes, and that will give you 4 hours of usage, or if you make it 30 minutes, they’ll last for 8 hours. Oticon are pretty confident that with the development of their new battery technology, there should be an improvement in its capacity, lasting for between 4 to 5 years.

The Oticon Intent represents a significant leap in hearing aid technology, offering features that align with user needs and expectations. However, it’s important to remember that the best hearing aid is the one that meets your specific needs. Therefore, it’s crucial to compare Oticon’s technology with other manufacturers to find the best fit for you.

If you’re interested in trialling this or any new technology please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

Oticon Intent Review

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and a content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video where he shares his opinions on the new Oticon Intent hearing aids below.

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