Category: Blog

Untreated hearing loss can have a profound impact on cognitive function, and recent studies have shown an alarming correlation between hearing impairment and an increasing risk of dementia.

We’ve previously explored the connection between hearing loss and dementia, explaining how even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of developing dementia. However, we also touched on the potential pivotal role that hearing aids could play in reducing the risk of dementia.

Ahead of the upcoming Dementia Awareness Day (21st January), we wanted to dive deeper into the topic and look into the science behind this relationship, and the cognitive benefits of wearing hearing aids.

Can hearing aids delay dementia?

Researchers are continually uncovering evidence that places hearing loss as a high risk factor for developing dementia, confirmed through various studies. In recent years, they’ve also discovered that the likelihood of developing dementia is lower for those who wear hearing aids.

What the studies say

Study 1

The PROTECT Study, conducted by the University of Exeter and King’s College in London in 2019, was carried out on 25,000 participants aged 50 or over.

The participants were separated into two groups and undertook annual cognitive tests over the course of two years. The results showed that the group who were wearing hearing aids performed better in measures assessing working memory and aspects of attention, compared to those who weren’t wearing hearing aids. The group wearing hearing aids showed faster reaction times which reflected their ability to concentrate better.

PROTECT lead Dr Anne Corbett, from the University of Exeter, said: “Previous research has shown that hearing loss is linked to a loss of brain function, memory and an increased risk of dementia. Our work is one of the largest studies to look at the impact of wearing a hearing aid, and suggests that wearing a hearing aid could actually protect the brain. We now need more research and a clinical trial to test this and perhaps feed into policy to help keep people healthy in later life.”

Study 2

A 2021 study was carried out on 2,114 patients over the age of 50 with a hearing impairment. They found a third who wore hearing aids had not developed dementia five years after their mild cognitive impairment (MCI*) diagnosis.

This figure was only a fifth for those who did not wear hearing aids.

The experts said their findings were an ‘important first step’ to encourage those with hearing loss and at risk of dementia, to wear hearing aids.

Interestingly, the use of hearing aids was linked with a two-year slower conversion to dementia which would have substantial economic and societal effects.

Research shows that the onset of dementia in people with hearing loss could be delayed by up to 5 years if hearing aids are worn.

* MCI affects 5–20% of people over the age of 65. It manifests as problems with memory and thinking that do not interfere significantly with daily life. Individuals diagnosed with MCI are more likely to go on to develop dementia later in life.

The conclusion

Of course, there are more studies on the relationship between hearing aids and dementia than the two mentioned above, and likely many more ongoing. However, what we can clearly see is that hearing aids can have a drastic impact on an individual’s likelihood of developing dementia.

Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Although the effects of using hearing aids are notoriously difficult to unravel, because researchers cannot be sure if people use them consistently, there is building evidence suggesting that using them can help reduce the impact of hearing loss on dementia risk.”

How can hearing aids reduce the risk of dementia?

Taking into account the above studies, it’s important to note that if you do have hearing loss this doesn’t mean you are destined to develop dementia. Similarly, it doesn’t mean that if you wear hearing aids you won’t develop dementia.

However, the evidence is there that hearing aids can significantly reduce the chances of developing dementia, and delay the onset of it. But, how exactly do hearing aids help?

Hearing aids don’t just address hearing loss, they can also contribute to:

Improved auditory function

The primary function of hearing aids is to amplify and clarify sound, providing individuals with a clearer auditory experience. By restoring the ability to hear and understand speech, hearing aids alleviate the cognitive load placed on the brain. This, in turn, may help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.

Brain stimulation

Research has shown that the more the brain is stimulated, the less likely an individual will develop dementia. Hearing loss significantly reduces cognitive function which impacts the stimulation of the brain. Hearing aids when worn regularly can help to increase cognitive function and therefore keep the brain stimulated.

Improved quality of life

Hearing aids help to improve an individual’s communication skills which plays a crucial role in engaging in social interactions. Reduced social activity has been linked to cognitive decline, and therefore a greater risk of dementia. Hearing aids can be valuable in increasing an individual’s social skills and preserving overall cognitive well-being.

Taking a proactive step towards reducing your dementia risk

Managing hearing loss is the most effective solution to prevent it from worsening over time, and reducing the risk of associated health concerns such as dementia. Even if you don’t think you have any hearing difficulties, it’s still important to get your hearing checked regularly.

Harley Street Hearing offers private hearing tests in London, which include a thorough assessment of your hearing and impartial, independent advice on the most suitable treatment for you. We can provide an extensive range of hearing aids from industry-leading manufacturers and fit you with a tailor-made solution.

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

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

• Hearing loss & cognitive decline
• The importance of a hearing test
• Signs and symptoms of hearing loss

This blog post was last updated on 12/01/2024

New year, new hearing technology. Over recent years, we’ve seen many manufacturers releasing incredibly advanced and discreet hearing aids, and this year is no different so we’re here to share our top picks with you.

Here is our review of the best hearing aids available in the UK for 2024.

Hearing Aid Review index

• Oticon Real
• Starkey Genesis AI
• Resound Nexia *UK exclusive availability at Harley Street Hearing*
• Phonak Lumity
• Signia IX
• Widex Moment Sheer

Oticon Real

Building on the legacy of Oticon More, the latest edition to the Oticon hearing aid family has several unique features that stand out against other hearing aid manufacturers. The Oticon Real is available in various colours and three different technology levels; Real 1, Real 2 and Real 3, with Real 1 being the most technologically advanced.

The Oticon Real is available with a lithium-ion rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery option, both of which are visually similar and benefit from a telecoil system built in. The rechargeable battery option comes at a higher price, however you quickly reap the benefits of not needing to purchase batteries regularly.

Oticon Real hearing aid features

The new Oticon Real hearing aid family are packed full of features, two of which are exclusive to these hearing aids alone, and work seamlessly to support existing features, giving you an authentic hearing experience that is clearer than ever before.

Oticon’s deep neural network

One of Oticon’s standout features is its built-in deep neural network which tells the hearing aid how to react to sounds to offer clear, true-to-life hearing.

Oticon state they are the first manufacturer to use 12 million sound scenes recorded from real life to train the hearing aids’ deep neural network on how sounds should sound to the human brain. This helps the hearing aid accurately decide how to react to specific noises, focusing on delivering the sounds that you want to hear, whilst cancelling out the sounds you don’t.

The Oticon Real hearing aids have been designed with two new features that enhance this feature further; SuddenSound Stabilizer and Wind & Handling Stabilizer.

SuddenSound Stabilizer

The SuddenSound Stabilizer, which runs under the MoreSound Amplifier 2.0, provides dynamic and balanced amplification that reacts to the nature of the sound scene and adapts its resolution to bring you a natural listening experience without overwhelming you with environmental sounds.

SuddenSound Stabilizer is designed to detect both soft, loud and sudden sounds and control them so they’re audible without being uncomfortably loud, intrusive or unnatural.

Wind & Handling Stabilizer

The Wind & Handling Stabilizer feature, which runs alongside MoreSound Intelligence 2.0, makes following and engaging in conversation easier, especially whilst in noisy environments.

This intuitive feature scans your sound scene 500 times a second and organises and delivers the sound based on how the deep neural network determines is the clearest and most accurate to life. And, as the name suggests, the Wind & Handling Stabiliser feature also combats unwanted noise caused by wind sounds and from handling the device.

Bluetooth and intuitive mobile app

Bluetooth is built into many modern hearing aids, including the new Oticon Real hearing aids, and although this feature alone isn’t something that’s groundbreaking, their updated mobile app certainly is. With these new updates, the Oticon mobile app gives users greater control over their hearing aids and customises their experience to suit their needs.

If you’re unfamiliar with the benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids, they allow you to stream phone calls and entertainment such as music, radio and podcasts straight to your hearing aids, as well as adjust their settings using apps as previously mentioned.

Tinnitus SoundSupport

Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport is a sound generator that seamlessly integrates into the day-to-day functions of your hearing aid. This program allows you to play various sounds, such as crashing ocean waves or white noise, to distract your attention away from tinnitus-related ringing.

Oticon Real features breakdown:

• 3 different technology levels
• Non-rechargeable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery options
• Telecoil system built-in
• Intelligent deep neural network for true-to-life sounds
• 2 new features; Wind & Handling Stabiliser and SuddenSound Stabiliser
• Built-in Bluetooth and mobile app
• Tinnitus SoundSupport technology

Starkey Genesis AI

Starkey released their Evolve AI family of hearing aids exactly three years ago now, and they’ve been drip-feeding us various models using the Evolve AI technology ever since then.

So, the big question is, is the new Genesis AI a big deal? There are occasions when hearing aid manufacturers bring out a new hearing aid and update an existing chip with a few additional benefits, and it’s safe to say that whilst this is a positive step in the right direction, it’s not always a huge leap in terms of technology. And this was the case with the Evolve AI’s.

However, this isn’t the case with the Genesis AI’s, which are brandishing a brand new chip, a brand new style, and a brand new app. But that’s not all. Starkey are boasting that it’s a whole new patient experience, and also a brand new fitting software for audiologists, which hasn’t happened from Starkey in a long time.

Starkey Genesis AI design features

This entirely new family of hearing aids from Starkey looks very different from their predecessors, including both receiver-in-canal and custom models. Based on some of their claims, it sounds like they’ve also supercharged them.

RIC RT

Their receiver-in-canal RT is rechargeable with the telecoil, and Starkey are boasting that it will be the longest-lasting rechargeable receiver-in-canal hearing aid on the market, holding up to 51 hours on a single charge.

mRIC R

This will be a smaller hearing aid which is also rechargeable, providing 41 hours on a single charge.

Custom Genesis AI hearing aids

In true Starkey fashion, they’re also releasing a host of custom hearing aids. These range from the invisible-in-canal non-wireless, completely-in-canal non-wireless, in-the-canal or half-shell, and in-the-ear rechargeable for which Starkey are claiming another industry record for a rechargeable custom product with a battery life of 36 hours on a single charge.

Neuro Sound Technology

In the Genesis AI range, the new processor called the Starkey Neuro Processor is the smallest they have ever made, and it’s also the fastest – processing information four times faster than their previous technology. And it does so more efficiently, leaving more capacity to process speech and process any background noise around you.

This also feeds into what Starkey are calling their Neuro Sound Technology, which automatically adjusts the hearing aids over 80 million times per hour, which is more than 22,000 times per second, to provide optimal hearing for any listening situation.

They’ve also developed a more advanced compression system, with the aim of this being to reduce listening effort so rather than trying to find the sound you want to hear, the hearing aid should be able to clean up the signal in front of you and present you with a nice clean piece of information.

New Starkey app

Starkey has also announced that they will be launching a completely redesigned app to be far more intuitive for hearing aid users.

All of the great features from the Evolv AI are used as a foundation for this new technology, including various unique features such as their Edge Mode Plus which uses the deep neural network to prioritise clearer speech or listening comfort, or even their language translation which they’ve now boosted from 27 to 77 different languages. They’ve also kept their built-in 3D sensors for health and wellness tracking.

Further Starkey Genesis AI features

There are a whole host of other features accompanied by impressive numbers that work together to significantly enhance speech and suppress noise, resulting in a transparent and natural listening experience whether you’re in either noisy or quiet environments. These features are:

• 600 more transistors
• Five times more computational memory
• 10 times more non-volatile memory compared to the Evolv AI
• 10 times faster noise reduction

Starkey Genesis AI features breakdown:

• 4 different technology levels across 2 models
• Neuro Processor technology
• Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
• Edge Mode Plus; an improvement on Edge Mode AI

ReSound Nexia

Danish hearing aid giants, ReSound, recently announced their next generation of premium hearing aids: the ReSound Nexia family. The range includes four brand new premium hearing aids, plus the beginning of an entirely new family of hearing aid accessories.

*** Harley Street Hearing are delighted to have Resound’s new Nexia range exclusively in the UK***

You can trial first with us call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below.

Nexia hearing aid range

Initially, the new Nexia hearing aids are all available in a receiver-in-canal style, with the hearing aid itself sitting behind the ear and a thin wire running down into the ear canal.

The Nexia RIE 13 uses a size 13 disposable battery and has a built-in telecoil.

The Nexia RIE 312 uses a size 312 disposable battery and has no built-in telecoil.

Then we have the Nexia micro RIE which ReSound boasts is their smallest and most comfortable rechargeable hearing aid to date, coming in at 25% smaller than their standard receiver in canal hearing aids, with a single charge giving 30 hours of battery life per charge.

Then finally, ReSound have a brand new CROS system developed for anyone with single-sided deafness.

ReSound’s updated technology

With this new range, ReSound have caught up with their competition. For example, Phonak, Unitron, Starkey, and Signia have introduced accelerometers into their micro RIE hearing aids.

Accelerometers have been used in hearing aids for years now, firstly to identify if you’re either stationary or moving, adapting the direction of the microphones accordingly towards the most likely direction of speech, and then secondly, allowing you to answer phone calls with a double tap of your ears, similarly to a set of Apple AirPods.

The second new feature that ReSound have introduced into their hearing aid portfolio is a CROS system. This technology is specifically designed for somebody with an unaidable hearing loss on one side (no hearing at all), and either normal hearing or a hearing loss that requires a hearing aid in the other.

A CROS system is a transmitter that detects any sound that arrives to your poor hearing side and then wirelessly transmits it to the better hearing ear, giving you access to the world of sound in 360 degrees. For example, if you’re sitting on a train with your unaidable ear towards a friend, a CROS system would transmit their voice to a hearing aid in your better hearing ear, allowing you to hear them.

So, while accelerometers and CROS systems aren’t new technology, they are to ReSound so it’s great that they’ve closed the gap between themselves and the competition.

Nexia new hearing aid features

ReSound claim that they have developed their hearing aids for better speech understanding in background noise, which is all down to their signature combination of four microphone binaural beamforming and omnidirectional listening, providing you with a perfect balance of environmental sound and speech clarity.

Their research shows an improvement over and above their Omnia family of hearing aids when it comes to hearing in background noise.

Their second new feature installed in the Nexia hearing aids is called LE Audio, developed in readiness for Auracast installations to roll out. In the next few years, we’ll start to see Auracast broadcasted audio replace the century-old loop systems that are currently built into public venues and will allow for multiple hearing aid users to simultaneously connect to audio in public space, all with an improvement in sound quality and significantly lower battery consumption.

Finally, ReSound has also announced their brand new TV Streamer Plus. This TV accessory connects to your television and streams the TV audio utilising this Auracast technology directly to both of your hearing aids, reproducing the television sound taking into account your hearing loss. This all happens without disturbing the television for anybody else watching, so you shouldn’t struggle to watch your favourite TV show again.

Phonak Lumity

The Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aid range is available in three different models; The Audéo Lumity R, which is rechargeable; the Audéo Lumity RT, which is rechargeable with a telecoil; and the Audéo Lumity RL, which is their Life version which is waterproof using the same technology as NASA use for their spacecraft and is also rechargeable. All of these models come in the Reciever-in-Canal (RIC) style of hearing aid, making them an ideal choice for those with dexterity limitations.

Each Audéo Lumity model is available across all of Phonak’s technology levels; Essential, Standard, Advanced and Premium. As the technology levels advance, so do the number of features and level of automation.

New to the range is Phonak’s Audéo Lumity Slim hearing aid, which benefits from all the features listed here, but in a modern and sleek slim design.

Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aid features

The latest Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aids are built using the same computer chip as its predecessor, the Phonak Paradise, and because of this, the Audéo Lumity benefits from many of the same features as the Paradise but with a few additional advantages.

AutoSense

The Audéo Lumity hearing aid family benefits from improved background noise handling capabilities in comparison to the Paradise hearing aids in a number of unique ways. With the Audéo hearing aid comes the debut of Phonak’s AutoSense 5.0, an environmental classifier which scans the environment 700 times per second.

This intelligent feature automatically detects and changes your hearing aid settings to suit the sound scene. These settings can also be fine-tuned to your exact hearing needs by your audiologist, offering you a bespoke hearing experience unlike any other.

Once the hearing aid recognises the environment, it then chooses from 200 different setting combinations to optimise itself specifically for the environment you’re in at the time. Phonak states that with the new AutoSense 5.0 feature, both background noise handling and speech understanding is vastly improved.

StereoZoom

The other new function to feature on Phonak’s new Audéo Lumity hearing aids is StereoZoom 2.0, which is their directional beamforming setting. This smart feature is designed to focus the microphones of the hearing aids directly in front of the wearer in a noisy environment, allowing them to hear only the sounds they want to hear whilst cutting out those they don’t.

According to Phonak, the advantage of StereoZoom 2.0 over the original StereoZoom, is that it’s far more reactive to the environment around the wearer, providing greater awareness of environmental sounds, as well as the person in front of them.

SpeechSensor

The final new addition to debut with the Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aids is the SpeechSensor feature. The SpeechSensor is a 360-degree speech detection algorithm that allows the wearer to hear more conversations that aren’t coming from the front.

Older hearing aids are designed to aggressively focus on conversations that are happening in front of the wearer, whereas an estimated 20% of conversations happen from the side or behind the wearer; this can lead to a bubble-like feeling during conversations. With SpeechSensor, this bubble effect has been addressed with an omnidirectional setting that detects conversation from any angle without needing to turn your head.

Further Phonak Audéo Lumity features

Phonak isn’t playing around when it comes to improving the wearer’s hearing experience with their hearing aids and has added some unique and helpful features:

• Built-in motion sensors detect the direction in which the wearer is walking and thus the direction of the hearing aid microphone.
• ActiveVent Receiver is a unique adaptive speaker that identifies when you’re in a noisy environment and isolates you from that sound and improves sound quality when listening to music.
• Traditional Bluetooth capabilities mean you can connect to phones, laptops or computers, and other Bluetooth devices; it even allows you to have hands-free phone calls.
• An overhauled mobile app that gives wearers greater control over their hearing aid settings, including creating custom programs and offering a hands-on approach to adjusting settings

Phonak Audéo Lumity features breakdown:

• 4 different technology levels across 3 models
• All models are rechargeable
• Telecoil and waterproof versions available
• Improved background noise-handling
• 3 new features; AutoSense 5.0, StereoZoom 2.0 and SpeechSensor
• Traditional Bluetooth to connect with any Bluetooth device
• myPhonak app for ultimate control

Signia IX

Signia have a history of designing hearing aids that are unique in their attempt to break the stereotypes associated with hearing aids, and the Signia IX range is no different. These unique features are available across four Signia IX models; the Pure Charge & Go IX, which is their rechargeable model; Pure Charge & Go T IX, which is their rechargeable model with a built-in telecoil; the Pure 312 IX, which is a disposable battery option; and the Styletto X, which we believe is the most stylish of the range.

The Pure Charge & Go hearing aid comes in five different technology levels; 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7IX which is the most advanced.

Signia IX hearing aid features

The new Signia IX hearing aids benefit from a wealth of game-changing features that make them stand out against their competitors, as well as improve on their predecessors.

Built-in dual processors & Augmented Focus

The main selling point of the Signia IX models is their dual processor technology. This allows the aids to process the sounds that are in focus, such as speech, whilst also focusing on the environmental sounds without processing too much acoustic information at the same time. Thanks to the dual processors, each signal is treated differently, with the speech receiving more linear amplification whilst unwanted noise is given greater levels of compression.

This is where the Augmented Focus comes in. With Augmented Focus, the hearing aids have the power to differentiate the sounds and control how these sounds are combined, prioritising the speed of each and creating a great contrast between speech and background noise.

The end result leads to clearer speech and higher levels of clarity within the details of speech whilst minimising background noise in situations such as groups, crowds or noisy listening environments.

Signia Assistant Artificial Intelligence

AI is all the rage right now, and Signia hasn’t fallen behind on this innovative new advancement in technology. With the Signia Assistant Artificial Intelligence features available on their app, you can type in any hearing issue you may be experiencing and it will respond with a list of potential solutions for you to choose from.

It will then analyse the parameters in your acoustic environment and will enhance the settings on the hearing aids to suit your requests. Ultimately, this means that with your feedback, the hearing aids are in a constant state of evolution and learning.

Another benefit to this tool is that any feedback you provide to the app is accessible by your audiologist, and they can remotely track the interactions that you have with the Signia AI Assistant. As a result, your audiology appointments have greater value and should, in theory, help you reach your optimal hearing settings quicker.

Tinnitus support & Signia Tinnitus Notch Therapy

For those with tinnitus, these hearing aids offer three distraction different strategies that are unique to Signia. Firstly, they have their static noise tinnitus therapy signals, in which you choose from five preset noise signals, with options to customise the sounds. Secondly, they have four different ocean wave therapy signals which are designed to mimic the sound of the sea. And then finally, they have the Signia Tinnitus Notch Therapy.

This method of tinnitus therapy is designed for those experiencing tonal tinnitus, which is commonly known for ringing, whistling, or buzzing within the ear. This approach is quite different from using a masking sound, and Signia claims that the concept behind Notch Therapy isn’t to drown out tinnitus like it is with masking but to teach the brain how to completely ignore it.

Signia IX features breakdown:

• 5 different technology levels across 4 models
• Rechargeable and telecoil versions available
• Dual processors for more intelligent sound awareness
• Augmented Focus for better sound contrast
• Signia Assistant Artificial Intelligence
• Tinnitus support, including Signia’s Tinnitus Notch Therapy

Widex Moment Sheer

The Widex Moment hearing aid family was initially released in 2020 and Widex have since been gradually adding to their Moment hearing aid range with hearing aids that boast unique features.

The Moment Sheer is available in three different Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) models across four technology levels; the RIC 10, which is the smallest of all the hearing aids mentioned in this review; the RIC 312 and the S RIC RD, which is their Sheer model.

The RIC 10 uses disposable size 10 batteries, and there is one drawback; this model as it doesn’t come with Bluetooth. However, if size is important for you, it’s still a worthy hearing aid to consider. The RIC 312 model uses disposable size 312 batteries, but with this model, you get the added benefit of built-in Bluetooth. Finally, the S RIC RD is rechargeable and features built-in Bluetooth.

Widex Moment Sheer hearing aid features

These small-but-mighty hearing aids are packed full of unique features and benefits, some of which we haven’t seen in other hearing aids mentioned so far in this review.

Widex PureSound

This program has been built with mild hearing loss in mind and uses Widex’s zero-delay technology which processes sounds between 8 to 20 times faster than other Widex hearing aids.

What this means for the wearer is clearer, higher quality sounds, improved speech understanding and more natural sound compared to other hearing aid technology currently available.

Intelligent AI technology

Widex has a unique way in which they utilise AI technology and understanding. With the Bluetooth compatible Moment Sheer hearing aids, using their smartphone app, you can adjust the settings to teach the hearing aids when to automatically adjust to specific preferences while in the appropriate environments.

With the aid wearer’s input, the hearing aid’s decision-making process becomes more in tune with the wearer’s preferences, giving greater listening comfort and subjective sound quality.

Fractal Zen Tone Therapy

Widex is well-known in the industry for its unique Fractal Zen Tone Therapy. This feature plays chime-like tones that can be used for relaxation and for making tinnitus less noticeable. This is individualised according to a user’s hearing loss and also takes background noise into account.

There are various tones to choose from, so the wearer can choose a tone that provides them with the best relief from tinnitus. If tinnitus is a bothersome issue, even without hearing loss, this form of therapy can make a significant difference.

Widex Moment Sheer features breakdown:

• 4 different technology levels across 3 models
• One of the smallest hearing aids on the market
• Rechargeable option available
• Intelligent AI technology using their app
• Built-in Bluetooth available
• Remote, professional hearing aid adjustments
• Fractal Zen Tone Therapy feature

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 when this and all new hearing technology is available in the UK contact us below or call 020 7486 1053.

Reviews on the best hearing aids for 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 latest hearing aids for 2024 below.

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Are you guilty of ignoring your hearing concerns and neglecting to get your hearing tested? If so, you’re amongst a worryingly large percentage of the population who are also in this position.

In a recent survey, more than 60% of Londoners were found to have never had their hearing tested. This is despite the fact that 40% of them admitted to struggling with hearing conversations in busy areas, and an extra 42% revealed that they often have to ask people to speak louder or repeat themselves.

Some of the reasons behind not getting their hearing tested included not feeling like it was needed (39%), being too busy (16%) and because no one else they know gets their hearing checked (17%).

Despite hearing tests in London being highly accessible, these statistics raise huge concerns that more awareness and education about hearing loss needs to be raised, and we need to alleviate any worries surrounding the stigma of wearing hearing aids.

Interestingly, the study revealed that 34% of people polled could be persuaded by family and friends to get their hearing tested and almost a third (32%) said that if hearing health was to be talked about more publicly, it would encourage them to seek help.

At Harley Street Hearing, we’re passionate about ensuring that people are well-informed on how important it is to keep their hearing in check and make sure they know what treatment options are available should they need them. We have clinics in Harley Street, Golders Green and Swiss Cottage.

Why hearing tests are important

Many people aren’t aware of how hearing loss affects overall quality of life. Once your ability to hear starts to diminish, so does your confidence and ability to participate in everyday activities and conversations.

The Specsavers study revealed that 12% have avoided social gatherings due to their hearing challenges. Whilst this may not seem like a large percentage in the grand scheme of things, it’s huge. For so many people to be worried about socialising due to hearing loss is sad and unnecessary considering there is help out there.

The impact that this can have on a person’s well-being is astronomical. Avoiding social situations can lead to social isolation, and over time possible feelings of depression and anxiety. Booking in for a hearing test can help to avoid these types of situations, as with the correct diagnosis a suitable treatment can be provided to help boost the individual’s quality of life.

Hearing aids really do work. Those polled who had already received treatment for their hearing loss said they’d rediscovered some of their favourite sounds including nature sounds (23%), TV and radio (30%), and music (26%).

So, why are so many people unwilling to get their hearing tested? When individuals are reluctant to undergo a hearing test, we often find that this is rooted from a fear of the diagnosis they may receive, alongside the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids and the social perceptions that come with that.”

Stigmas around hearing loss

It’s no secret that even in 2024, many people still believe that there is a stigma attached to having hearing loss and wearing hearing aids. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Incredible advancements in hearing technology mean that hearing aids aren’t what they used to be. Where they used to be unsightly, uncomfortable and bulky, they are now sleek and stylish with thousands of different styles and colour options available.

Not only do modern hearing aids look better, but they work better too. Packed with lots of incredible features they can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth, come with rechargeable batteries and offer specific features tailored to your individual needs such as background noise reduction technology.

For those who feel extremely uncomfortable at the thought of wearing hearing aids, there are even invisible options which are so discreet nobody would even notice you’re wearing them.

When it comes to wearing hearing aids, the pros massively outweigh any cons. With the correct device adjusted to your hearing needs, they can provide a drastic improvement in your ability to hear which can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life.

Book a hearing test

If you believe you’re struggling with a decline in your hearing, we urge you to book a hearing test as soon as possible. Undiagnosed hearing loss worsens over time and the damage is irreversible. However, with early detection, you can get fitted with the perfect hearing aid to prevent any further strain or damage to the ear.

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic. We have a team of highly experienced clinical audiologists offering in-depth and accurate hearing tests followed by impartial, tailored advice.

Fill in the form below to book an appointment or get in touch with us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more.

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

• What happens at a hearing test?
• What is hearing loss?
• How is hearing loss related to dementia?

Hearing is a fundamental sense that we can often take for granted but it has a substantial impact on our quality of life. If our ability to hear gets impaired this can cause huge complications which can be even more detrimental in children. If a child has hearing loss, it can affect their overall development and abilities to develop language, speech and social skills.

As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to receive the diagnosis that your child has a hearing loss, but with correct care and treatment the impact that it has on their development and quality of life can be drastically reduced.

In this blog, we’ll provide you with all of the information you need to know about hearing loss in children and shed some light on the advancements in treatment options that are available.

Causes of hearing loss in children

Hearing loss can occur at any time during our lives and some risk factors are present from before birth, which can increase the likelihood of a child being born with hearing difficulties. However, there are also external factors that can contribute to the onset of hearing impairment.

Some of the most common factors include:

1. Genetic factors: Hereditary factors can play a huge role, and as much as 50-60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. Children born to parents with a history of hearing impairment are at an increased risk due to gene mutations, and others may be born with hearing loss due to the presence of other conditions such as Down’s syndrome or Usher syndrome.
2. Congenital factors: Some babies are born with hearing loss due to maternal infections like rubella or cytomegalovirus, or complications during birth such as low birth weight or premature birth.
3. Ear infections: If a child has recurrent or severe ear infections this can lead to hearing loss due to damage over time. Some children may have chronic otitis media, a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity which causes a perforation of the eardrum.
4. Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises whether environmental or due to activities such as listening to music at high volumes can contribute to hearing loss in children.
5. Trauma: Any severe head injuries that required a hospital stay or traumas to the ear can put children at risk of hearing loss.

Signs of hearing loss in children

Unlike adults, children can struggle to communicate their hearing difficulties, but some telltale signs can indicate hearing loss in children depending on their age. These include:

Signs in babies

• Appears to hear some sounds but not others
• Doesn’t startle at loud noises
• Doesn’t turn to the direction of sounds after 6 months
• Doesn’t say single words such as ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ by the time they turn 1 year old
• You only get their attention when they see you, but not when you call their name

Signs in children

• Talks too loudly
• Speech is delayed or not clear
• Often grumpy, tired, frustrated or overactive
• Struggles with reading, spelling and phonics
• Has difficulty hearing in background noise
• Has the TV at a high volume
• Doesn’t respond when called to
• Often misunderstands what is being said
• Often appear inattentive or as if they’re daydreaming

Recognising these common symptoms is crucial for any parent or primary caregiver, as early detection and diagnosis are crucial to receiving the correct treatment and preventing the hearing loss from worsening.

How hearing loss affects a child’s development

Beyond affecting their ability to hear, a hearing impairment can have profound impacts on a child’s growth and development.

Hearing sounds and words is a vital aspect of helping children learn to communicate and understand. For a child with hearing loss, whether partial or complete, they can miss out on these sounds which can contribute to delays in certain aspects of their development such as:

• Speech and language development: Hearing loss can impede a child’s ability to develop language skills and can therefore create a communication barrier, affecting their social interactions and everyday life.
• Academic performance: Hearing loss may impair a child’s ability to perform to a high standard in school. They may face challenges in academic settings, particularly when it comes to following along during lessons or participating in group discussions.
• Social and emotional well-being: Communication difficulties can impact a child’s self-esteem as they recognise that they may be different from their friends and classmates. This can lead to social isolation and emotional struggles due to their inability to participate in activities or engage in conversations.
• Cognitive development: Auditory skills are crucial for performing various cognitive processes such as memory and problem-solving, so having a hearing impairment can affect their development in these areas.

What to do if your child suffers from hearing loss

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from hearing loss it’s important to act quickly as undiagnosed hearing loss can progress over time, leading to further complications.

A hearing test is the most effective way to diagnose if your child has a hearing loss and detect the type and severity of it to inform the most suitable treatment plan.

Paediatric hearing tests

Harley Street Hearing’s paediatric clinical audiologists offer private hearing tests for children aged 2 years* and above. All hearing tests are painless and offered in a comfortable setting, with the following types of tests available:

• Play audiometry (2-6 years old) – During this test, sounds will be played through headphones and the child will engage in a game each time they hear a sound. This allows us to detect if there may be a problem with sound transmission through the ear, or with the inner ear.
• Pure tone audiometry (5+ years) – Similar to an adult hearing test, the child will be presented with a range of sounds through headphones and asked to respond by pressing a button each time they hear the sound.
• Tympanometry – This is a quick and simple test that involves placing a soft rubber tip into the child’s ear and applying light pressure to test for any middle ear issues.

*Please note: Paediatric testing is carried out following referral by an ENT surgeon, no referral is required for 4 years +. 2-4 years olds can be seen at our clinic at North London Hearing in Golders Green by referral only. At our Harley Street clinics, we can see children from 4 years old. We can advise you on ENT surgeons who specialise in paediatrics.

Children’s hearing aids

Hearing aids are the most effective solution for managing hearing loss symptoms, and huge advancements in technology have led to incredible developments in children’s hearing aids.

Designed to be discreet, comfortable and highly effective, a wide range of manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Signia and more produce extensive ranges of child-friendly hearing aids in an array of fun colours and designs.

Children can greatly benefit from the use of hearing aids, whether their hearing loss is temporary or permanent. A hearing aid will work to amplify the everyday sounds and speech that they may be missing out on, enabling them to improve their communication skills and learning abilities.

Hearing loss will be different for each child, and a hearing aid must be tailored to their individual needs to ensure they’re getting the most suitable device.

As an independent hearing clinic, Harley Street Hearing can offer a wide selection of hearing aids from industry-leading manufacturers with many styles and colours to choose from. Through a hearing test with one of our paediatric clinical audiologists, we will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis of your child’s hearing loss and recommend the best hearing aid for them.

Assistive Listening Devices

For children with profound hearing loss, Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) may also be considered. They can be used with or without hearing aids, and work to separate sounds such as speech from background noise.

This can be particularly useful for children in classroom environments to help them better understand the lesson, by focusing in on what the teacher is saying without being distracted by conversations around them.

There are many different types of receivers and transmitters available, and different factors will be taken into account when deciding on the best ALD for your child.

Book a children’s hearing test

We understand how challenging it can be to learn that your child has a hearing loss, but our specially trained paediatric audiologists are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

We offer fast-track access to personalised hearing services for both children and teenagers, with unrivalled aftercare and guidance to support your child’s individual development. Our children’s hearing tests are available at various hearing clinics across London.

Click here to book a consultation or get in touch with us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more about how we can support you and your child.

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Embrace Crystal-Clear Audio: Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your PC

In the fast-paced digital world we live in, high-quality audio is no longer a luxury but an essential part of our everyday life. From virtual meetings to binge-watching your favourite shows, audio plays a crucial role. For individuals with hearing aids, ensuring that this audio is seamlessly delivered to their ears is paramount.

Widex SoundConnect

Enter Widex SoundConnect™ – a revolutionary USB dongle that bridges the gap between your computer and your hearing aids, providing an unparalleled audio experience. Let’s explore how Widex SoundConnect works and how it can elevate your digital interactions.

How Does Widex SoundConnect Work?

Widex SoundConnect is a compact USB dongle designed to effortlessly plug into your computer. Acting as a bridge, it streams audio directly from your computer to your Widex hearing aids, delivering a superior sound experience. Here’s what sets SoundConnect apart:

• A Seamless Experience – Whether you’re engaged in a conference call or immersed in the latest blockbuster, SoundConnect ensures crystal-clear sound. Enhancing your digital interactions, it makes every moment more immersive and enjoyable.
• Effortless Usability – Say goodbye to complicated setups and technological headaches. With Widex SoundConnect, all you need to do is insert the dongle into your computer’s USB port, and you’re ready to experience premium sound. It’s a plug-and-play solution designed for simplicity.
• Personalised for You – Tailor your audio experience with the Widex Moment and Magnify apps. These applications allow you to fine-tune your sound settings, ensuring that your online activities sound exactly the way you want them to. Personalisation is key, and SoundConnect puts you in control.

How to Pair Widex SoundConnect

Pairing your Widex SoundConnect with your hearing aids is a straightforward process. Your audiologist will guide you through the initial setup. Here’s a simple guide for when you receive your device:

1. Insert the SoundConnect Dongle: Plug the SoundConnect dongle into your computer’s USB port.
2. Restart Your Hearing Aids: Initiate the pairing process by restarting your hearing aids.
3. Press the SoundConnect Button: Hold down the button on the SoundConnect until you see a blue light flash, indicating that the pairing process has begun.

With these three easy steps, you can seamlessly connect your hearing aids to your computer, opening up a world of premium sound for all your digital activities.

Embrace the future of audio connectivity with Widex SoundConnect. Say goodbye to audio barriers and hello to a world of crystal-clear sound.

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• What is hearing loss?
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Widex SoundConnect Review

See Matthew Allsop’s review for Widex’s SoundConnect below. Matthew 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.

If you’d like to book an appointment for anything hearing-related please don’t hesitate to call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form.

Harley Street Hearing Partner, Matthew Allsop, not only has a passion for audiology and helping others but also a huge passion for skydiving.

He recently shared his love for the adrenaline-filled sport in this Hearing Tracker article, but he does have concerns for the safety of skydivers in the UK.

In this article, Matthew will cover the risks of hearing loss after skydiving and why hearing protection is essential yet often overlooked.

Skydiving safety measures

As you’re standing in the pen getting ready to jump, for your own safety British Skydiving enforces the following checks (which need to be signed off by another jumper before you can jump):

1. Legs straps
2. Hook knife
3. Small ring, middle ring, big ring, yellow thing
4. AAD on
5. Happy with your pull?
6. Helmet
7. Alti set to zero
8. Audible (if you’re a freefly hero)
9. Chest strap
10. Positive attitude (OK that’s only if I check you)

…and as a result, the safety record in the UK is exemplary, right?

However, there’s one critical safety check that isn’t made…

11. Hearing protection

Hearing risks associated with skydiving

Without protecting your ears, there’s the chance of developing permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, AND as a result (believe it or not): cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and dementia.

Recently I measured up to 105 dB in the plane on the way to altitude. Answer me this, why is the ‘Action level’ for noise exposure on the ground 80dB (meaning that hearing protection should be made available), yet nothing is enforced to protect skydivers’ ears when the levels can reach more than 25dB above this?

Due to the logarithmic scale that sound is measured, for every 3dB above the ‘action levels’, you can half the duration that you can be exposed to those levels before it will cause permanent damage to your hearing. In theory, this means that after around 2 minutes in a plane on the way to altitude you will exceed your daily ‘noise allowance’ and cause irreversible damage to your hearing.

Yes, there is an argument for ‘personal responsibility’. Those of you thinking “If people want to look after their ears they can do it themselves.” Yes, I get it, but there are another 9 checks outlined above that British Skydiving makes mandatory, so why not add another? There is ZERO education on hearing loss during skydiving training, so how should skydivers know about hearing protection and the dangers of noise exposure?

Working with those with hearing loss every day, I get to see the impact that it has. Let me tell you, it’s not pretty, and one of my missions is to protect the hearing of skydivers so they don’t end up sitting in my clinic room one day.

Matthew’s #hearforyears campaign

This is the beginning of my #hearforyears campaign. I’m pushing for the flight line check to include hearing protection before a jump and I’m reaching out to anyone at British Skydiving to lead the World on this and take our safety standards to the next level.

Get custom hearing protection

If you’re a keen skydiver or participate in any sport that may cause damage to your ears, investing in hearing protection is crucial. Custom hearing protection is superior to off-the-shelf products as they are moulded to the shape of your ear, therefore offering tailored protection.

Harley Street Hearing can offer custom hearing protection for any individual need. Concerns about your hearing? Get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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• What is hearing loss?
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