Category: Blog

Introducing Harley Street Hearing’s London Theatre Hearing Guide

London Theatre Hearing Guide banner

At Harley Street Hearing we prioritise ensuring that our patients are hearing to the very best of their abilities in all environments, especially public spaces.

For hearing aid users, improving their hearing in public spaces will often begin with making adjustments to the hearing aid to improve the quality of sound, alongside utilising good communication tactics. However, we recognise that in some cases, this might not be enough and further assistance may be required.

hearing loop symbolHearing loop systems

You may have seen the hearing loop (also known as the telecoil) symbol in many public places which instructs customers that there is an assistive listening system available. In settings such as banks, supermarkets and places of worship, you’re required to own an assistive hearing device such as a hearing aid to be able to access the hearing loop for better quality sound.

However, in theatres and other performance spaces, there are ways for non-hearing aid users to benefit from the assistive listening devices during the performance (such as devices on loan with headphones, or the ability to connect your mobile to the system to use your own headphones).

We realise that this may not be common knowledge for everyone with hearing loss, so we have put together a comprehensive theatre hearing guide to share accessibility information on all London theatres.

theatre performance

Assistive listening devices in London Theatres

Due to the upgrade in technology since the hearing loop was first designed, we will be using the term assistive listening devices to allow us to include a whole variety of technology (and ensure we can include any changes we might see in the future) rather than focusing on the traditional hearing loop alone.

The set-up of the assistive listening devices can be slightly different for each theatre, so in our London Theatre Hearing Guide we’ve created a space where you can search through theatres to see what options are available, and how you should access it.

We hope that this resource can be used by our patients and anyone with hearing difficulties who wishes to attend performances in London theatres. From experience, we know that these systems are not always perfectly functional; the technology is often restricted by being retrofitted to listed buildings instead of being included in the initial design stages.

By ensuring you have the easiest access to the information in one place, we hope to highlight to theatres how important it is to have fully functioning equipment and are happy to collaborate with them to ensure everyone is appropriately catered for.

The exciting development and future roll-out of Auracast LE Audio (a design of new low-energy audio connectivity), should further enhance the quality of assistive listening devices for hearing aid users attending theatre performances.

If you have any feedback or updated information based on your experience at a London theatre, please do get in touch so we can update the details accordingly. Call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

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If you’d like to understand more about what a telecoil is please see this video below, as explained by Matthew Allsop, Partner at Harley Street Hearing. Matthew is the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on everything to do with hearing technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly-independent resource for hearing aid customers.

Best Hearing Aids for Background Noise 2023

Naida Lumity Hearing Aids

The number 1 issue for people with hearing loss is hearing in background noise. For the first time, hearing aids have been ‘independently’ tested with sound samples.

HearAdvisor has built an audio lab which allows for independent testing for all hearing aid technology and also allows for the comparison of products using a standardized test battery, which finally allows us to produce some comparable results away from the information we get from hearing aid manufacturers.

Tests have narrowed down the best different types of hearing tech that money can buy at the moment, which includes the prescription hearing aids available in the UK, Oticon Real and Phonak Lumity.

Feature comparison

This will help you to understand which may be the most suitable for your hearing loss and if you watch the video you can actually hear the difference between them.

Real hearing aids by Oticon

Oticon Real hearing aids

Oticon Real and Phonak Lumity are a receiver-in-canal style or RIC, meaning that the main housing sits behind the ear with a thin wire that comes over the front, and the receiver or speaker sits down your ear canal.

Phonak Lumity Hearing aids

These three pieces of tech can be coupled to your ears in a few different ways.

Firstly, and most commonly, with generic rubber tips which can vary in shape and size from an open fit to closed, or even with a power dome or your audiologist can take an impression of your ear to create a custom ear mould. The mould is then sent to the respective hearing aid manufacturer.

This process normally takes around about 2 weeks from start to finish. Your hearing loss is what determines whether a rubber tip or a custom mould is the most appropriate for you. The sound of a hearing aid will be completely transformed by changing this part of your hearing aid, and it can also have a significant impact on how your hearing aids will cope in a noisy environment. Your audiologist will diagnose and select the appropriate set-up for your hearing loss.

Hearing aid colours

The Oticon Real and Phonak Lumity hearing aids are both available in a wide range of colours, and they’re all produced to match different hair colours and skin tones.

They also have a matt finish so they don’t tend to catch the light, and blend in that little bit more.

At Harley Street Hearing we find that the most popular colours that patients tend to choose in clinic are the Chroma Beige with Oticon, and the Champagne with Phonak.

Suitability

All of today’s hearing aid technology has its own individual fitting range, which is essentially the level of hearing loss that they’re capable of dealing with.

Oticon Real’s are available in various power levels which are determined by the interchangeable receivers that can be changed by your audiologist in clinic depending on the severity of your hearing loss.

They’re available in either a 60, 85, 100, or 105 decibel receiver.

So, if your hearing loss falls within the marked area here, then these hearing aids will be suitable for you.

Similarly to Oticon, the Phonak Lumity is available with various power levels from standard, moderate, power, and ultra power, with the fitting ranges being demonstrated here.

phonak lumity power levels graph

This essentially means that both prescription hearing aids are suitable for either a mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss.

With the main theme being background noise, it’s definitely worth pointing out that Phonak has a very unique receiver-style called ActiveVent that at Harley Street Hearing we are huge fans of, and we’ve had a lot of success with in the clinic.

ActiveVent is a type of receiver with a built-in moving piston that changes its position depending on your specific listening environment, and it diverts either more or less sound naturally down your ear canal or on the contrary, via the hearing aids. In turn, this will change four different things: firstly, how you hear background noise; secondly, how your own voice can sound; thirdly, how clearly you can hear; and then finally, how music sounds when it’s being streamed from your phone.

If you’re wondering if this matters, absolutely.

There are both positives and negatives to having your ear canals either open or closed, and depending on your hearing loss, sometimes it’s beneficial to have a hearing aid that can do one or the other depending on your listening environment.

Which, until ActiveVent was released by Phonak, it wasn’t actually possible. For example, in a quiet environment, you may well want the vent to be nice and open, allowing sound in and out, giving you a nice natural feeling, connecting you with your environment. Yet, when in noise, it’s better to have your ears completely closed so that all of the sound that you hear is via the hearing aids, having been cleaned of background noise.

If you are tempted to buy any products from the internet we would strongly recommend getting your hearing properly assessed prior to ordering anything off the
internet.

Hearing aid programming

Being fitted with a prescription hearing aid involves visiting an Audiology Clinic to have your hearing tested by an audiologist. During the initial consultation, your audiologist will discuss the challenges that you face on a daily basis to understand exactly what the hearing aid needs to overcome.

They should then assess your individual hearing loss, including where along your auditory system your hearing loss originates from, and then recommend the most appropriate hearing aids for both your hearing loss and your lifestyle.

The final part of the process involves a fitting of your hearing aids, which should always include real measurements to ensure the correct levels of amplification are being delivered by your hearing aids, and there is a range of other tools to verify the function of your hearing aids, plus a thorough follow-up process.

There are also over-the-counter hearing aids and true wireless stereo technology. However with these, the set-up is all down to you.

Now, one super interesting thing that is really important to share with you is that when we tested today’s technology, these self-fit settings delivered far below the audibility that you’d get from a prescription hearing aid, which has been fitted by REMs, meaning from your perspective, that’s less amplification than you technically get from a set of professionally fitted hearing aids. This really reinforces the importance of an audiologist in the hearing aid fitting process.

Hearing aid user controls

Today’s tech has various different ways to adjust them, either via their respective apps and then a few of them can be manually adjusted by pressing the respective buttons on the devices themselves. One big question, however, is do you really want to be adjusting them?

The majority of patients at Harley Street Hearing want something that they can put in their ears in the morning, forget about, and then take them out when they go to bed at night-time.
On the other hand, if you do want to make adjustments, it’s good to have that backup.

Phonak and Oticon apps give you access to the volume, graphic equalizers for adjusting the bass, mid, and treble, and Oticon gives you access to their speech booster feature, which fully engages the hearing aid’s noise attenuation features.

Phonak takes the lead as far as the app goes by also allowing you to adjust the noise reduction features, directionality, and compression ratios. Plus, one particular feature with Phonak is that if you adjust the hearing aids for a particular scenario and you like those settings, you can press save. It will save your program, and then you can come back to it whenever you like.

The rocker switch on the back allows you to both increase or decrease the volume manually as well. Adjustability is a very personal thing. Some people like to be able to make adjustments to the settings on their hearing devices; others don’t want to have anything to do with them at all. Only you know what’s right for you and your lifestyle. Of course, it’s also important to take into account your understanding of technology and things like your manual dexterity too when making the right decision for you.

Hearing aid battery life

It’s also worth sharing some stats on a couple of other factors, such as battery life, to give you an understanding of how practical these devices can be for daily use.

One big factor is that they’re all rechargeable. So, this means that for the most part, there are no fiddly, wasteful disposable batteries to change every week. Both Oticon and Phonak boast 24 hours per charge. Oticon Real’s also have a disposable battery version if you’d like.

Battery life should definitely be something that you take into account when investing in this technology.

Listen to the sound samples

How was the lab testing  performed? They were all programmed to manage a mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. And for the purposes of keeping your criteria strict and comparable between the different technologies, we’ve not evaluated any device’s performance for more severe or significant hearing loss levels.

This has been done mainly as the OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aids and earbuds tested aren’t specifically designed for anything greater than a mild to moderate hearing loss.
It is something that we’ll be doing in the future, so do watch this space.

Now, Hear Advisor recreates realistic sound fields in their lab using a range of ambisonic environmental recordings and multi-talker scenes. The hearing aid recordings are then made through their industry-standard acoustic mannequin and processed using a Hearing Aid Speech Perception Index version two.

This cleverly models the impaired auditory system and predicts the speech intelligibility benefits that you may experience in the real world from each of the hearing aids. If you want to know more about the testing process or protocols, then you can find them over on HearAdvisor.com.

Almost 50 devices have been tested using this process with two scenarios. Firstly, a quiet office and then secondly, a busy cafe.

Now, for listening to these files, we recommend wearing a set of headphones or earbuds for the best listening experience. See on the video below at 17 minutes.

FYI: 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 Background Noise for 2023 below.

So which are better in terms of how natural they sound plus the clarity that they’re providing? Bear in mind that they may all sound a little bit tinny to your ears, as remember these are specifically programmed for a typical mild to moderate hearing loss, and all the tech that you’ve just heard is boosted by those high frequencies.

The Winners

The Oticon Real is coming out on top for all prescription hearing aids based on lab testing, and the Phonak Lumity is a very, very close second, both receiving the Hear Advisor Expert Choice Award for 2023.

Harley Street Hearing is London’s leading independent audiology clinic, offering private hearing consultations and expert advice from a team of highly qualified clinical audiologists. If you suspect that you or a friend or family member may be experiencing hearing loss, contact us to book an appointment.

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Resound’s new era of hearing with Nexia: Exclusively at Harley Street Hearing

Nexia hearing aids

Resound Nexia Hearing Aids

Harley Street Hearing are delighted to have Resound’s new Nexia range exclusively in the UK. If you want to be the first to trial these hearing aids, get in touch with us.

Resound have unveiled their latest family of hearing technology – Nexia. This next generation of hearing aids brings forth a range of innovative features and accessories, promising to revolutionise the way individuals with hearing loss experience sound.

Resound Nexia hearing aidsThe Nexia family introduces four brand-new premium hearing aids:

Nexia Receiver in Canal (RIC)

The hearing aid discreetly rests behind the ear, connected to the ear canal through a thin wire.

Nexia RIE 13

This model utilises a size 13 disposable battery and comes equipped with a built-in telecoil, enhancing its versatility in various listening environments.

Nexia 312

Powered by a size 312 disposable battery, this model lacks a built-in telecoil but excels in delivering high-quality sound amplification.

Nexia micro RIE

Resound‘s smallest and most comfortable rechargeable hearing aid to date, this model is 25% smaller than their standard RIC hearing aids. With a single charge, it offers an impressive 30 hours of battery life, ensuring extended use without the hassle of frequent battery replacements.

One of the ground-breaking features introduced in the Nexia family is the inclusion of accelerometers. These accelerometers intelligently adapt microphone direction based on whether the wearer is stationary or in motion. Additionally, wearers can conveniently answer phone calls with a double tap on their ears, similar to the functionality of popular wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods.

Nexia CROS

Specifically designed for individuals with single-sided deafness. This technology consists of a transmitter that detects sound on the deaf side and wirelessly transmits it to the better hearing ear, allowing users to access a full 360-degree soundscape. For instance, in a scenario where you’re seated on a train with your deaf ear facing a friend, the CROS system will transmit their voice to your hearing aid in your better hearing ear, enabling you to engage in the conversation.

 

Resound’s Nexia hearing aids excel in enhancing speech understanding in noisy environments, thanks to their signature combination of four-microphone binaural beamforming and omnidirectional listening. This powerful combination provides wearers with a perfect balance between environmental sound awareness and speech clarity, making conversations in challenging settings more effortless.

Auracast LE Audio

One of the most exciting features of the Nexia family is the integration of Auracast LE Audio, a new wave of low energy audio connectivity. With LE Audio, wearers can seamlessly connect their hearing aids to various audio sources, such as stadium announcers, train station announcements, or places of worship, all with remarkable clarity and distinction. This technology is set to replace century-old loop systems found in public venues, offering multiple hearing aid users the ability to connect simultaneously, while also improving sound quality and reducing battery consumption.

Resound’s TV Streamer Plus

Connects to your television and streams audio directly to both hearing aids using Auracast technology. This ensures that you can enjoy your favourite TV shows without disturbing others in the room, all while adjusting the sound to accommodate your specific hearing needs.

Resound Nexia Release Date

The ReSound Nexia family is set to launch in the US in mid-October 2023, with anticipation building for its release shortly in the UK.

If you’d like to find out more about this and all new hearing technology please contact us. See details so far for the best hearing aids of 2023.

Resound Nexia Hearing Aids Review

Matthew Allsop, Partner at Harley Street Hearing is the content creator for Hearing Tracker – the world’s first truly-independent resource for hearing aid customers on Youtube. He gives his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. See Matthew’s video on the new Resound Nexia hearing aids here:

Why musicians should protect their hearing

musician ear plugs

It’s crucial to understand that hearing damage is not only permanent but also irreversible. As a musician, your ears are your most precious asset. Your ability to perform and create music depends on the health of your hearing. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of protecting your hearing and introduce the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, which offers affordable custom-made hearing protection to musicians.

The Irreversible Nature of Hearing Damage

Hearing damage is unlike many other health issues—it’s permanent and cannot be reversed. Once your hearing is damaged, there’s no turning back the clock. As a musician, your livelihood and passion rely on your ability to hear and create music. Therefore, protecting your hearing should be a top priority.

The Role of Earplugs

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent hearing damage is by using earplugs. This applies not only to musicians but also to anyone exposed to loud noises regularly. Earplugs act as a barrier, reducing the intensity of sound entering your ears. This simple precaution can make a world of difference in preserving your hearing.

musician ear plugs

Custom-Made Hearing Protection

While generic-sized earplugs can offer some protection, custom-made hearing protection is the gold standard. These earplugs are designed specifically for your ears, ensuring a perfect fit. This means better comfort and superior noise reduction, especially important for musicians who need to hear accurately in different performance settings.

The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

Help Musicians and Harley Street Hearing have come together to offer the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. This program aims to make custom-made hearing protection accessible and affordable for musicians with clinics located across the UK.

Affordable Hearing Protection: The scheme offers a subsidised audiological assessment for just £50 (+ 25% discount for Musicians’ Union and ISM members). During this appointment, an audiologist creates moulds of your ears to make your bespoke custom pro musicians’ earplugs. These earplugs will be sent to you within a few weeks, allowing you to protect your hearing effectively without hindering your musical abilities.

Expert Advice and Support: If any hearing concerns arise during your appointment, you’ll receive expert advice on further steps and referrals for long-term hearing management.

Your hearing is a precious and irreplaceable asset as a musician. Protecting it should be a priority throughout your career. With the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, you have an affordable and accessible option to get custom-made hearing protection. Remember, preventing hearing damage now is far more cost-effective and essential than trying to recover lost hearing later. Don’t wait; protect your hearing and continue making beautiful music.

To find out more about our services call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

For further details about the scheme and how to apply see here

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Hear Here 2023 – A Night to Remember

Hear Here

A great night was had by all of the 100 attendees at this year’s Hearing Loss Network event, Hear Here. This gathering provided an amazing opportunity for individuals facing the challenges of hearing loss to come together and share their everyday experiences with others who understand their situations. For many attendees, this was the first time they had the chance to connect with peers; often, the only people they had previously spoken to about their hearing loss were their audiologists.

The event organised by Senior Clinical Audiologist Jaspreet Bahra at Harley Street Hearing, featured a line-up of guest speakers sharing their inspiring, personal experiences. Mona Bitar, UK&I Ernst & Young LLP Vice Chair, Sarah Petherbridge freelance disability awareness trainer at Sarah Petherbridge Associates, and Mark Wilson who leads Mental Health and Wellbeing for Ford in Europe.

 

Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with representatives from leading hearing tech manufacturers, including Medel, Resound, Phonak, and Widex. These experts were on hand to answer any questions and provide information about the latest advancements in hearing technology.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ernst and Young for graciously hosting the event at their impressive venue, 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF.

About Hear Here

Established in 2016 by London’s largest independent hearing clinic – Harley Street Hearing, Hear Here events offer a safe and supportive space for professionals with hearing loss to share experiences, triumphs, and tips on thriving in the workplace whilst having a hearing impairment. Exchanging invaluable insights with peers who have overcome similar obstacles and gain practical strategies to enhance personal and professional growth.

This community-driven initiative aims to celebrate the strengths and resilience of individuals with hearing loss, fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you’ll find inspiration, encouragement, and a network of peers who are ready to uplift and empower you.

“The idea for ‘Hear Here’ was inspired by a young patient with progressive hearing loss, who felt a sense of isolation and a lack of connection with others who shared her struggles. ‘Hear Here’ provides a welcoming environment for discussions surrounding the unique challenges and accomplishments tied to hearing loss in work settings. Through this platform, we seek to create a more inclusive professional environment, where individuals can come together to share, learn, and collectively strive for a workplace environment that embraces diversity and accessibility.” said Jaspreet Bahra, Senior Clinical Audiologist

If you are a professional facing the unique challenges of hearing loss and would like to join the Hearing Loss Network to receive invitations to future events like Hear Here, please don’t hesitate to email Hear Here here. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and sharing more enriching experiences in the future. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, provide support, and celebrate the resilience of those living with hearing loss.

What is ear wax removal?

what is ear wax removal

Ear wax is a natural substance that is produced by our ears in order to protect them from bacteria and germs, and keep them lubricated. It usually passes through the ear canal and falls out naturally, but this isn’t always the case for those who produce an excessive amount of ear wax.

If you’ve ever experienced a build-up of ear wax, you’ll know that it can lead to discomfort and sometimes hearing problems. Ear wax removal is the best solution for safely removing this build-up and alleviating these symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed insight into ear wax removal procedures and explain the do’s and don’ts of removing wax from the ear.

What can cause a build-up of ear wax?

Having excessive ear wax means that your ear is producing wax faster than your body can remove it.

There can be a number of different reasons why ear wax can build up, and a majority of the time this is down to the way your ears naturally function and is therefore typically unavoidable.

Some of the most common reasons for excessive ear wax are:

  • The ears naturally generate a type of earwax that is firm or dry in consistency, making it less prone to easy passage through the ear canal.
  • Having narrow or hairy ear canals which prevent the wax from moving through
  • Ageing, which can lead to producing drier ear wax
  • Certain health conditions and infectious diseases
  • Objects repeatedly placed inside the ear, such as cotton buds

It’s worth noting that in some cases, there may also be no definitive cause for ear wax build-up. However, it’s easily resolved with ear wax removal.

microsuction ear wax removal

Effective ear wax removal methods

Ear wax removal should always be performed by a qualified and experienced clinical audiologist. At Harley Street Hearing, there are two methods of ear wax removal which we perform on the basis that they are the safest and most effective, microsuction and irrigation.

Microsuction

Suitable for a majority of patients, microsuction is the most popular method of ear wax removal. The procedure is safe, gentle and effective when performed by a qualified audiologist.

During the procedure, a high-spec examination microscope with x20 magnifcation is used to provide full visibility of the ear canal and find the blockage. The ear wax can then safely be removed with the use of a gentle suction device.

Microsuction is a painless procedure, but should always be performed by fully qualified clinical audiologists.

Ear irrigation

In some cases, ear irrigation, also known as syringing, may be the preferred method of wax removal. Similarly to microsuction, this is a gentle and painless procedure that can successfully remove any excessive ear wax.

Using a specialised ear irrigation device, a controlled low-pressure flow of warm water is inserted into the ear to gently flush the wax out.

Ear Syringing

Ear syringing is an old-fashioned method of wax removal that is no longer considered to be best practice or safe. The modern alternative is electronic irrigation which uses a controlled, and variable, stream of water to gently dislodge and flush the wax out of the ear canal.

What not to do when you have a build-up of ear wax

When considering ear wax removal, it’s important to understand that not all methods are safe or effective. Attempting to remove ear wax at home or seeking the help of anyone who isn’t qualified to perform a procedure can be dangerous and lead to a series of complications.

Here are some things that you should avoid doing to prevent potential harm to your ears:

  • Avoid using cotton buds: This is one of the biggest mistakes we often see people make. Cotton buds can be used to safely clean the outside of your ears, but should never be inserted into the ear canal. This can push the wax further inside, potentially damaging the eardrum or causing impaction.
  • Don’t put sharp objects into the ear canal: Similarly, avoid inserting any at-home ear wax removal devices or sharp objects into the ear. Our ears are delicate and these types of objects can scratch the ear canal or puncture the eardrum – either of these injuries can lead to infection or further blockage.
  • Never use ear candles: Despite a rise in popularity, ear candling isn’t an effective ear wax removal procedure, nor is it safe. They can pose risks such as burns, ear canal obstruction and even ruptured ear drums.
  • Avoid excessive cleaning: Our ears are designed to clean themselves, and overcleaning them can disrupt their self-cleaning mechanisms. This can lead to dryness, irritation and even a higher rate of wax production.

ear wax removal appointment

Signs you might need ear wax removal

Ear wax build-up can sometimes produce no symptoms and go unnoticed, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms that you may need ear wax removal:

  • Hearing problems: A gradual decrease in your hearing abilities or the feeling of having hearing loss, especially in one ear, can be a sign of ear wax blocking the canal.
  • Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ear may be a result of wax pressing against the eardrum or causing inflammation.
  • Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in the ear can sometimes be linked to ear wax build-up. However, there are also many other causes of tinnitus.
  • Dizziness or vertigo: Excessive ear wax pressing against the eardrum or irritating the ear canal can lead to dizziness and balance issues.
  • Pressure in the ear: Feelings of increased pressure within the ear can be a symptom of accumulation of wax.

If you’re experiencing any of the above problems or similar, we would highly recommend booking an ear wax removal appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening. But you suspect that you may have an infection, please seek the advice of your GP.

What to expect at an ear wax removal appointment

It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy or anxious about your first ear wax removal appointment, but we can assure you that there’s nothing to worry about. Here at Harley Street Hearing, we make sure that all of our patients feel completely comfortable and at ease before the procedure begins.

Here are some of the steps you can expect to take at an ear wax removal appointment:

  • Visual assessment: Your audiologist will start by visually inspecting the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for an ear wax build-up and determine the extent of it.
  • Discussion: We will discuss your results and find out more about any previous medical history or symptoms to better understand your condition so we can tailor your treatment accordingly.
  • Procedure: The recommended procedure, microsuction or irrigation, will be explained to you and we will proceed to carefully remove the wax.
  • Aftercare: We will ensure you feel comfortable and aren’t experiencing any side effects before leaving the clinic, whilst also providing guidance on post-treatment care and preventative measures to avoid future wax build-up.

what is ear wax removal

Book an ear wax removal appointment

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic, offering effective and professional ear wax removal appointments at clinics across London.

To achieve the best results apply olive oil or softening drops a few times a day prior to your appointment. This makes it much easier to remove any hardened wax.

If you wear hearing aids please bring these along to your appointment and we can check and clean them for you.

We believe it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your ears, so if you feel like you’re experiencing anything unusual or uncomfortable, get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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Phonak Lumity NEW hearing aid models added to their platform

Naida Lumity Hearing Aids

Phonak announce new hearing aid models to add to their new Lumity platform:

Naida – behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid

Phonak’s most powerful hearing device, robust and reliable, allowing you to embrace all opportunities and navigate conversations with confidence.

Sky – behind-the-ear paediatric hearing aid

Children spend nearly 90% of their elementary school day exposed to speech in noisy environments. This is why Sky Lumity (L) hearing aids incorporate cutting-edge technology designed exclusively for kids, prioritising speech understanding in noise. Children can effortlessly engage with others, whether close together or on the move. Now available in a 14 different colours.

CROS hearing aid – to manage single-sided deafness

CROS Lumity is a solution for you if you have unaidable hearing in one ear and normal hearing or an aidable hearing loss in your better hearing ear. It will transmit the the sounds and voices from the ear you cannot hear in to the ear you can so your hearing ear can pick up sounds from both sides.

All of these types of hearing aids include the following new features:

SmartSpeech Technology which runs under their new automatic program, AutoSense 5.0. This scans your environment 700 times per second and automatically adapts to your unique listening situation.

Phonak Stereo Zoom 2.0 directional microphone technology gives you a greater awareness of your environmental sounds as well as the person in front of you when surrounding noise levels are a little bit lower. And then, if  the noise levels pick up, then there’s a gradual focus on the person in front of you.

Phonak Speech Sensor – a 360-degree speech detection algorithm designed to improve your hearing of conversations from the right, the left, or even behind you. Phonak state from their research that 80% of conversations generally come from in front of us, with the other 20% from either behind or the side. This new feature is designed to identify conversations happening close by from all other directions and then open up the beamformer in a noisy environment to a more omnidirectional setting, allowing you to pick up that speech without you necessarily needing to look at the person speaking.

Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more or book an appointment.

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Phonak new Lumity Hearing Aids 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 Phonak’s new Lumity hearing technology below.

 

Signia’s IX Hearing Aids Excel in Speech Clarity

2023 Signia IX 14

Signia’s New Charge&Go IX Hearing Aids Excel in Speech Clarity in Noisy Group Conversations – even when people move or change positions.

Unlike traditional hearing aids, with Integrated Xperience breakthrough technology these Signia IX hearing aids quickly adapt to multiple speakers, isolating and enhancing each person’s voice while reducing background noise, even when the wearer isn’t facing the speaker.

Conversations are essential to our well-being
Conversations and social interactions with our loved ones and friends are essential to our well-being and to keep our brains healthy.

“Integrated Xperience is about more than just hearing better. It is about giving hearing aid wearers the confidence to engage, interact, and contribute, especially in noisy group conversations. They don’t have to observe from the sidelines anymore. No other hearing aid can track and enhance multiple speakers in real-time,” explains Jens Moeller, Global Head of Signia brand.

How does it work?
Signia’s Integrated Xperience features an all new RealTime Conversation Enhancement technology that analyses, augments, and adapts to the dynamic flow of conversations. In a study investigating speech performance in a group conversation scenario, Signia Integrated Xperience provided a significant improvement in speech understanding for the hearing aid wearer. 95% of the participants showed better performance with RealTime Conversation Enhancement than without*1.

With Integrated Xperience, 192,000 data points are analysed and processed every second to create one live auditory space that adapts in real-time as the conversation evolves. This technology ensures that wearers can actively engage in group discussions with clarity and immersion.

Pure Charge&Go IX

The Pure Charge&Go IX hearing aid boasts up to 24 hours of runtime on a single charge and includes a wireless charging case for convenience. Hearing aid wearers can choose their preferred style in ten colours Black, Graphite, Dark Champagne, Silver, Pearl White, Fine Gold, Deep Brown, Sandy Brown, Rose Gold, and Beige.

The Pure Charge&Go IX also provides convenient connectivity to iOS devices and Android smartphones that offer Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids. The Pure Charge&Go IX is designed to fit snugly into the ear and pairs with a user-friendly mobile app that allows wearers to adjust settings unique to their hearing needs, making every conversation count.

 Silk Charge&Go IX – The Ultimate in Discretion and Clarity

As the world’s first and only ready-to-wear rechargeable Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid, Silk Charge&Go IX seamlessly integrates into hearing aid wearers’ daily lives. It is a small and unobtrusive option for hearing aid wearers looking for a virtually invisible hearing aid that fits instantly and can be ordered with custom tip options for the ideal blend of discretion and personalisation.

The Silk Charge&Go IX Charger, featuring a built-in power bank, provides on-the-go charging convenience. Wearers can enjoy uninterrupted hearing with 24 hours of runtime from a single charge. It is available in Black and Mocha exterior colours, with the option for Red Transparent or Blue Transparent shells.

Hearing Loss Facts

Today, more than 1.6 billion people worldwide are affected by hearing loss, with around 430 million experiencing a severe form that requires intervention. According to the World Health Organisation, the number of people with hearing loss is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with at least 700 million facing a disabling condition. Remarkably, less than 20% of those who require treatment have access to hearing aids, despite the significant negative impact (social isolation and loneliness, higher risk of developing dementia and higher risk of unemployment *2, that hearing loss has on both individuals and society as a whole.

*1 Jensen et al. (2023). Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement. Signia White Paper

*2 World Health Organisation, Hopkins Medicine

Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more or book an appointment.

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Signia new Charge&Go IX 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 Signia’s new IX  hearing technology below.

 

Revolutionary new hearing glasses

Hearing Glasses

It’s time for the dawn of a new era in hearing technology.

The majority of hearing aids are currently available from the big five hearing manufacturers like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey and Widex. 

Make way for the introduction of the global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of advanced lens technology and iconic eyewear Essilor Luxottica, who produce Oakley and Ray Bans. They’ve recently acquired consumer electronics company Nuance Hearing and have created a super audio division purely focused on hearing aid technology.

Hearing Glasses

Invisible hearing aids inside designer glasses

They are offering a product never seen before in the hearing aid market, having miniaturised their existing technology to fit within the frames of glasses, with all of the audio components being completely invisible.

The arms of the glasses are actually in the perfect position to place multiple microphones. Combining this with the directional beamforming technologies from Nuance Hearing, it will automatically  select who you want to hear in a noisy environment and even track them, delivering  the information at record speed to your ears.

This means that you could have two pairs of glasses in front of you, one pair with a built-in hearing aid and another which were an ordinary pair of glasses, and you would have no idea which was which, the audio component is completely invisible. 

Chairman and CEO Francesco Milleri at EssilorLuxottica said “As we did in the vision space, we will be the first to remove the stigma of traditional hearing solutions, replacing it with comfort and style.”

We look forward to seeing these stylish new hearing glasses launch in 2024. Click here to join a mailing list to find out as soon as the Nuance Hearing Glasses are available in the UK.

We have no doubt the big five hearing aid manufacturers will to also join in with their own new hearing glasses technology too so watch this space…..

If you’d like to find out more about new hearing technology please contact us.

See details of the best hearing aids of 2023 here.

Matthew Allsop, Partner at Harley Street Hearing is the content creator for Hearing Tracker – the world’s first truly-independent resource for hearing aid customers on Youtube. He gives his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. See Matthew’s video on the new hearing glasses technology here: