Category: Blog

At Harley Street Hearing, we are committed to keeping our hearing aid patients up to date with the latest news about hearing health. The 13th edition of our newsletter Hearsay shares professional insight and updates for our clinic and new state-of-the-art hearing technology. Including:

• State-of-the-Art Hearing Technology – Phonak Infinio
• Lipreading Discounts
• Testimonial from marine ornithologist Olivia Hicks – sharing her emotional experience and hearing journey with Harley Street Hearing.
• Hear Here event – our annual hearing loss network on Thursday 13th March 2025
• New on-demand clinics at Nuffield Health’s Highgate Hospital and The Phoenix Group’s One Hatfield Hospital
• Technical support service – our new on-demand clinic for all technical issues with hearing aids and accessories.
• Hearing Tips on hearing accessories that can enhance communication and productivity in professional settings.

To see the full issue click below:

To see our previous issues click here

If you or a loved one are having any hearing issues please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this you may be interested in some of our other articles:

Audiologist Insider: So You’ve Decided To Think About Hearing Aids

Can An Ear Infection Lead To Hearing Loss

Why Phonak Lyric Is The Best Invisible Hearing Aid

Help Musicians has launched a vital initiative to spotlight an often overlooked issue: the irreversible damage that noisy environments can cause to the hearing of musicians and those in the entertainment industry.

This new awareness campaign, in partnership with Musicians’ Hearing Services, highlights the importance of proactive hearing protection in both professional and everyday settings.

It’s a noisy job in a noisy world

The campaign highlights the critical risks posed by prolonged exposure to high noise levels, which is particularly dangerous for those working in the entertainment industry. While live performances and rehearsals may be obvious culprits, other common environments – like bustling or crowded social spaces – can also contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.

Why it matters

Noise-induced hearing loss is a silent yet permanent condition. The good news? It’s entirely preventable. By educating musicians on the cumulative effects of noise exposure and providing practical strategies, the campaign encourages the adoption of protective measures.

Harley Street Hearing’s Clinical Lead, Fiona Butterworth, emphasises:

“It’s not just the volume levels but the duration, and the duration is cumulative. It’s not like at midnight everything resets for the next day. Musicians have to take into account not just their musical exposure but what happens over the week. Day-to-day sounds, like being on a tube for example, can have an effect on a musician’s exposure.”

Proactive steps to take for hearing health

As part of the campaign, Help Musicians has shared six actionable ways to preserve hearing health, reinforcing that small changes can make a big difference. For a closer look, take a look at their campaign video below.

How we can help

Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services specialise in custom hearing protection tailored to the unique needs of performers and industry professionals. From comprehensive hearing assessments to custom-made earplugs, we help to ensure that musicians continue to create and enjoy music for years to come.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

You may be eligible for the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, created by Help Musicians, Musicians’ Hearing Services and the Musicians’ Union. The scheme is designed to give all professional musicians in the UK access to affordable hearing assessments and hearing protection.

Musicians can access the scheme for a one-off fee of £50 (£37.50 for MU/ISM members) which grants them access to an audiological assessment and ear check-up from one of our specialists in musicians hearing (value £100).

Additionally, those who join the scheme receive a set of custom-made, specialist musicians’ earplugs with colours and cords included, worth £149.

We have nationwide clinics to cater for all musicians in the UK. Click here to find out more about the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme.

If you’re interested in hearing about how we can help you, contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053.

Did you know, there are two different types of tinnitus? One of them originates from your ear, and the other one doesn’t.

In this blog, you’ll learn everything about both of them, along with the best tinnitus treatments for each.

Understanding tinnitus

So, what exactly is tinnitus? In its most basic form, tinnitus is the perception of sound or various sounds in one or both of your ears or even from somewhere within your head, which isn’t being produced by something present in the environment around you.

It is way more common than you realise, with 10 to 15% of the US population alone reporting that they have some form of tinnitus.

Whilst there are many different layers to tinnitus, if we break it down, it can be categorised as originating from one of two main places: either peripherally or centrally.

Peripheral tinnitus and its causes

Peripheral tinnitus originates in your ear and is specifically caused by issues within your auditory system, as far as the cochlea. It’s typically caused by issues that directly affect your ears, and there are four pretty common conditions that can cause it.

Ear wax

First of all, earwax. Yes, as ridiculous as it sounds, I regularly see a ton of patients who are experiencing tinnitus. Of course, the first thing that any audiologist will do when someone sits down in their room is thoroughly examine their ears. And you know what? I love it when I come across an ear full of wax with someone worried about tinnitus because it’s the easiest form of tinnitus to treat. A few minutes of performing either microsuction or irrigation and voila, this may well eliminate your tinnitus.

Ear infections

The second cause of peripheral tinnitus is infections in the outer or the middle ear, also known respectively as otitis externa and otitis media. It is possible, but not always the case, that they’ll cause pain, inflammation, and/or a fluid buildup behind your eardrum. As a result, this can also interfere with your hearing in either your outer or middle ear, which can again lead to tinnitus.

Hearing loss

This leads me to the most common cause of peripheral tinnitus, which is hearing loss. Other than hearing loss caused by infections, there are other causes too, such as age-related hearing loss, which is just general wear and tear known as presbycusis, or even noise-induced hearing loss, which, believe it or not, is 100% avoidable.

This is caused when you’re exposed to loud sounds and don’t wear any hearing protection, whether you’re partying, doing some shooting, or working in a particularly noisy environment.

Meniere’s Disease

For those of you who haven’t come across the condition before, it is a pretty horrible thing to experience. You’ll know if you’ve got it due to the very specific symptoms, which include vertigo and dizziness, hearing loss, and then the subject of today’s video, which is obviously tinnitus. It’s caused by endolymphatic hydrops, an abnormal buildup of fluid pressure within your ear.

Central tinnitus and its causes

Quite differently from peripheral tinnitus, central tinnitus is thought to originate from within the auditory centres when the tinnitus-related activity does not pre-exist within the cochlear nerve. These different types of tinnitus require different types of treatment, which I’ll come on to shortly.

One thought behind central tinnitus is that it appears due to the lack of stimulation that presents with hearing loss. The theory is that if the auditory system is deprived of normal input, the central auditory pathways undergo changes, with neurons in the auditory cortex becoming hyperactive and hypersensitive, leading to the perception of tinnitus.

Emotional impact on tinnitus perception

One of the fascinating things about this is that this hyperactivity is often exacerbated, making your tinnitus worse if you (A) focus on your tinnitus or (B) experience anxiety or stress. This demonstrates that tinnitus is worsened by your emotional state, with studies showing that the areas of the brain involved in emotion, such as the amygdala and also the limbic system, play a crucial role in central tinnitus.

This explains fully why stress and anxiety can intensify your perception of your tinnitus. There is some incredible research in this field demonstrating that central tinnitus can involve changes in the spontaneous firing rate and synchrony of neurons in the auditory pathways. This has been demonstrated using functional MRI and PET scans, showing increased activity in the auditory cortex and limbic system for those with tinnitus, again fully supporting the idea that tinnitus is not just an ear issue but also a brain issue.

Tinnitus treatment

Of course, when thinking about the best treatment for your tinnitus, it’s important to understand where yours originates from: is it central, or is it peripheral? For peripheral tinnitus, you have to start by treating your ear condition. For central tinnitus, it’s important to focus on managing your stress, anxiety, and cognitive response to the tinnitus, along with any other elements that contribute towards it in your life.

Now, that isn’t to say that this is a one-size-fits-all approach, and I will say that there’s definitely a crossover between these treatments too.

Treating peripheral tinnitus

It’s safe to say that these are the easiest issues to treat. For example, removing earwax if you have an earwax buildup, taking antibiotics or antifungal medication, or sometimes surgery if you have an ear infection, being fitted with hearing aids if you have a hearing loss, or managing a vestibular disorder with the most appropriate treatment for your particular condition.

Central tinnitus treatment

In my opinion, treating central tinnitus can be far more complex and may often involve a multidisciplinary approach. I personally have a team of audiologists specifically trained in this form of hearing therapy, and they focus on three key areas.

Stress management techniques

First of all, they start by focusing on stress management techniques, using cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, or even a combination of all of these. They are well-researched as being the most effective treatment for tinnitus, helping you manage the emotional aspects of your tinnitus.

Sound therapy treatment

The second area of focus involves sound therapy treatment, which can be done using different types of noises, whether that be white, brown, or pink noise, nature sounds, or even wearing hearing aids to fill the void associated with the hearing loss. All of these should technically help to mask the sound of your tinnitus.

Medication

Finally, in cases where the first two phases haven’t helped, medication may be necessary to treat your anxiety or depression and can help to suppress the negative impact that your tinnitus is having on you on a daily basis.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis to determine whether it is central or peripheral. Harley Street Hearing’s team of clinical audiologists can help, contact us online for an appointment or call us on 020 7486 1053.

Central vs Peripheral Tinnitus: What You NEED to Know Video

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

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

• What is pulsatile tinnitus? Why you should seek immediate treatment
• Gamers, the tinnitus ringing in your ears is permanent damage
• Most Effective Ways to Reduce Your Tinnitus

Here is a story on how one hearing aid manufacturer has changed the world forever. Phonak’s latest technology launch for the new Infinio family of hearing aids includes 16 new hearing aids in total, and that figure doesn’t include the plethora of colours and power levels available.

In this blog, we’ll break down the barriers and decipher this unnecessarily complicated world of hearing aids. So whether you’re just starting to explore the world of hearing aids, or perhaps you’ve had your hearing tested already and have been recommended the Phonak Infinio – or maybe you’ve had them fitted and you’re making sure they’re the right technology for you.

By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of which Phonak Infinio hearing aid is the best one for you.

Deciphering the Infinio hearing aid range

For years now, Phonak used the same names for their different styles of hearing aids:

• Audeo – the receiver-in-canal model
• Virto – their custom in-the-ear hearing aids
• Slim – their receiver-in-canal slimline hearing aid
• CROS – their receiver-in-canal model designed to manage single-sided deafness
• Naida – their power behind-the-ear hearing aid
• Sky – their behind-the-ear paediatric hearing aid

Currently, the Infinio is currently only available in three of these styles: that’s the Audeo, the Virto, and the CROS. Within each of these styles, there are various models too.

So, for example, whilst there is only one version of the CROS available, there are two different versions of the Audeo Infinio: from the standard Audeo Infinio to the Audeo Infinio Sphere. And then the Virto models are available as the Virto R, Virto NW O, and the Virto Titanium.

Rechargeable vs. disposable hearing aids

Let’s take a deep dive into the letters next to each of the various hearing aid models, such as “R”, “O” or “NW.” Starting with the “R,” which stands for rechargeable.

In practice, a rechargeable hearing aid from Phonak means that with a 3-hour charge overnight, this should give you a full day of battery life the following day. You’ll see that the majority of Phonak’s latest hearing aid technology is rechargeable, which includes both the Audeo Infinio, the Audeo Infinio Sphere, the Audeo CROS, and the Virto R.

Some of the Virto models are available with a disposable battery, and this is mainly due to these hearing aids being so small that it wouldn’t be possible for them to fit a large enough lithium-ion battery inside for it to be able to last a full day. With the size 10 batteries that they do take, you’ll need to replace them once every three to five days, which is pretty much the industry standard with any invisible-in-the-ear style of hearing aid.

CROS System for single-sided deafness

For those of you out there with single-sided deafness, this next model of hearing aid will make a huge difference. When, for example, if you’re a passenger in a car with your “unable ear” next to the driver, or if a waiter in a restaurant approaches you from one side and that’s the poor hearing side, then a CROS system would deliver their voice to a hearing aid in your better hearing ear, still allowing you to hear them.

This type of hearing aid is specifically designed for those with an unaidable hearing loss in one ear – i.e., no hearing at all – and either normal hearing or a hearing loss that requires a hearing aid in the other ear. Now, it’s worth noting that not all of today’s hearing aids work with a CROS device, so if you were looking at this solution to manage your single-sided deafness, then you’ll need to be fitted with an Audeo Infinio in your better hearing ear, not the Audeo Sphere or the Virto models.

Hearing in background noise

The number of microphones on a hearing aid should be a factor when it comes to choosing the right hearing aid for you. Very simply put, more is better.

Essentially, multiple microphones allow the hearing aid to utilise directional microphone technology, which can significantly improve your ability to hear speech in the presence of background noise. Unlike omnidirectional microphones, which pick up sound equally from all directions, directional microphones tend to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction, which would typically be in front of you.

In turn, this focus helps to reduce background noise, making it easier to hear conversations in noisy settings, such as restaurants.

All of the Audeo models plus the Virto R have dual microphones, and they will give you access to this directional microphone technology. However, the smaller custom hearing aids with the “O” next to them have a single omnidirectional microphone. Therefore, the discretion of these hearing aids does come at a cost, and if hearing in background noise is an area that you struggle with, you should be loading yourself with as many microphones as possible—well, okay, two microphones—but that’s the max that you can get from any manufacturer with 2024’s technology.

Phonak Infinio Bluetooth capabilities

This is a massive area to cover, with some of today’s models having Bluetooth and others not. And I can think of four major benefits of having hearing aids paired to your phone.

First of all, you can stream phone calls, music, and the radio or podcasts directly to both of your ears via your hearing aids.

Secondly, you’ll have access to the MyPhonak app, which allows you to make manual adjustments to the settings on your hearing aids if you want to override the automatic settings set by your audiologist. This can involve things such as increasing or decreasing the volume, changing the noise reduction settings, or making other minor adjustments.

The third benefit of Bluetooth is the remote care feature, which essentially means that if one day you can’t make it to the clinic, your audiologist can connect to your hearing aids via your phone when you’re sat in the comfort of your own home and make adjustments to the settings.

The final benefit of having Bluetooth enabled in your hearing aids is the introduction of the revolutionary LE Audio, meaning that some of today’s hearing aids are Auracast-ready and will be compatible with the pending Auracast transmitters that we’re likely to see rolled out in public venues over the next few years.

Of those listed earlier today, both the Audeo and Virto R hearing aids all have access to these incredible features. However, any model that you see that has “NW” next to it stands for non-wireless, and this means that they won’t have access to these Bluetooth connectivity features.

Understanding the Audeo Infinio Sphere

This particular hearing aid has got the world of audiology excited over the last few months. Why? Well, it’s the world’s first hearing aid to be powered by a dedicated real-time AI chip for speech-from-noise separation, with the main focus of this hearing aid being a better understanding of speech in background noise.

This noise cleanup is all performed by Phonak’s new Deep Sonic chip, which powers the artificial intelligence responsible for this improvement in speech understanding in noise, alongside their new ERA chip, which provides 21 times more memory and four times more power efficiency, in turn leading to 53 times more processing power than any existing industry chip.

All in all, this means that it’s capable of performing 7,700 million operations per second and achieves an unparalleled improvement in signal-to-noise ratio of up to 10 decibels. Now, whilst 10 dB doesn’t sound like a huge number, in relative terms it is massive and essentially means that you’re three times more likely to understand speech when you’re in a noisy environment compared to any other hearing aid out there to date.

As far as the models that have this feature, you have to go with the Sphere for the full benefit. There are, of course, improvements in the noise reduction settings for all of the hearing aids that I’m discussing today over and above Phonak’s previous family of hearing aids, the Lumity, yet in my opinion, if background noise is your biggest challenge, then the Sphere model is the one that you want to be trying.

Features

There are a few features that aren’t obvious from looking at the model of the hearing aid, which it’s still important that you’re aware of when choosing the right hearing aid for you.

Waterproof rating

Every model meets the industry standard of an IP68 rating. Now, to quickly bring you up to speed on waterproof ratings, because I know you’re interested in this, this technically means that they can be submerged in a meter and a half of water for 30 minutes, and they should still function afterwards.

Now, I have to share that, other than Starkey, Phonak are the only manufacturers where the IP68 rating is the minimum standard for protecting their hearing aids, meaning that they’ve set an even higher bar with one style of hearing aid that I’m reviewing today.

If you’re somebody who spends a lot of time in or near water, or perhaps you sweat a lot during exercise, or maybe you’re even just concerned about the reliability of your hearing aids, then there’s one style that’s been tested to the limits. This applies to all of the Audeo models.

They have added additional microphone protection, they have sealed the seams with silicone, they have coated the components with a Parylene coating and then they have brutally tested this technology in the lab to ensure that it works as promised.

So if you’re somebody who’s had moisture issues in the past or reliability issues, then the Audeo style may be right for you. While all this technology that I’ve covered today does have an IP68 rating (that you’ll find in the likes of your phone or your headphones), you might want to consider taking the most robust option based on your lifestyle.

Durability

Moving on to the Virto models, you’ll notice that some models have titanium in the model name, which means they’re made of the hard metal itself. And they’re not just titanium by name but they’re titanium by nature too. Phonak have uniquely gone down this manufacturing path because titanium is incredibly strong; in fact, these hearing aids are 15 times stronger than their acrylic counterparts.

This particular way of manufacturing hearing aids is beneficial for two different reasons. Firstly, they’re a lot tougher and they’re less likely to get damaged through being dropped or trodden on, and then secondly, it allows the hearing aid to be made smaller because the titanium is so strong that these shells can be made thinner than with their acrylic counterparts. Acrylic is the industry standard across all other hearing aid manufacturers so if you want the smallest, most invisible hearing aid possible, then titanium is the option that I would recommend that you choose.

Colour options

All the Audeo models are available in pretty much every colour that you could hope for, and they’re mostly matte nowadays, so they don’t tend to catch the light. Most of my patients tend to request a colour that matches their hair, and the most popular colour is champagne.

If, however, you’re looking at the in-the-ear hearing aids, as far as the acrylic Virto models go, my recommendation is to choose a colour that’s similar to your skin tone because of where the actual hearing aid sits. Unless you’re interested in the IIC models, of which I would recommend a black colour so that it looks like the shadow of your ear canal; then, if you choose the wrong colour, it can look like you’ve got a piece of chewing gum in your ear.

On top of that, I find my patients tend to love the Virto R style of hearing aid in black because they look like a cool set of headphones and nothing like a hearing aid. That is, however, all personal preference, and your audiologist should be able to show this to you in the clinic to help you make the right decision.

Suitability

As far as suitability goes, the degree of your hearing loss will also have an impact on which model of hearing aid is the most suitable for you, with each hearing aid having its own fitting range, which is the degree of hearing loss that it’s capable of dealing with. Each model has its own fitting range, starting with the Audeo models.

Your audiologist would recommend the most appropriate power of receiver based on your audiogram, choosing from either a standard, moderate power, ultra power, or active vent receiver.

So, if your hearing test results fall within the grey-shaded area on these audiograms, then they’re technically suitable for you.

The Virto R models, are available in moderate power, superpower, and ultra power receiver.

And then finally, we have the non-rechargeable Virto models, which can be built with a moderate power or superpower receiver. Each model has a pretty broad fitting range, so there should be something from this family of hearing aids that’s suitable for most people.

Technology levels explained

Each style is available in different technology levels too, which are represented by the number that you can see after the style of hearing aid.

Phonak’s grading of technology uses the numbers 90, 70, 50, or 30, with 90 being Phonak’s premium technology level, 70 is advanced, 50 is standard, and then the 30s are their essential tech.

So building on that, let me expand on how these different technology levels can affect your ability to hear. What every hearing aid manufacturer does (so this isn’t just limited to Phonak) is create the best possible hearing aid that they can with the latest research and development that’s available for that moment in time, and they brand this as their premium hearing aid, which in this instance is the Infinio Sphere 90.

This hearing aid tends to have the most automation, the most clarity, and then the best ability to cope in noisy environments. There are then various other technology levels beneath this with certain features stripped away, which happens in pretty much every industry.

Accessory options for Phonak hearing aids

Coming on to accessories, Phonak have been great at recognising where hearing aid technology alone will struggle to overcome hearing challenges, and as a result, they have
a huge range of accessories.

For example, their TV connector and their Roger range, such as the Roger On version 3, Table Mic 2, Touchscreen Mic, their Roger Select, and their Roger neck Loop. If you’re interested in more detail on Phonak’s accessories, then check out this video, which covers what I consider to be the best.

Historically, hearing aid manufacturers have needed an additional accessory attached to the hearing aids to allow streaming from microphones. However, Phonak have found a clever way to integrate this into the hearing aids themselves, and this can be programmed by your audiologist in clinic without the need for any additional components having to be physically attached to these hearing aids.

Whilst these accessories will work with all technology levels, it’s worth noting that they’ll only work with the hearing aids that have wireless connectivity, such as the Audeo and the Virto R models. So you’ll have to forgo all accessories if you opt for an IIC hearing aid.

Tinnitus Management Features

It’s worth noting that if you’re one of the 10% (or 25 million people in the US) that suffers from tinnitus, then you may also benefit from Phonak’s Tinnitus Balance feature, which is also available across all technology levels.

These are a selection of noises, ranging from being tailored to your hearing loss to white noise or pink noise, which can be further adjusted to help you overcome your tinnitus. In order to access these features, you’ll need to have an IIC hearing aid that has a program button or one of the behind-the-ear Audeo or Virto R hearing aids.

Which Phonak Infinio is the BEST Hearing Aid for You in 2024: Full Feature Review Video

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

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

• Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere Review: 5 Pros & 5 Cons
• Reviewing the Phonak Infinio family of hearing aids
• Oticon Intent hearing aids review: The pros & cons

Harley Street Hearing is excited to offer Lenire, a revolutionary at-home device designed to help treat tinnitus. Our expert clinical audiologists specialise in diagnosing and managing tinnitus, and we now have a new tool aiming to provide effective tinnitus relief for our patients.

What is Lenire?

Lenire is an FDA-approved tinnitus treatment that combines two therapies: sound stimulation and mild electrical stimulation on the tongue. This bimodal neuromodulation approach works by retraining the brain to manage tinnitus symptoms.

By targeting the auditory and neural pathways, Lenire helps reduce the perception of tinnitus over time. The treatment is personalised to your unique hearing profile, and its effectiveness is backed by clinical trials involving over 600 participants who showed significant improvements in their symptoms.

How Does Lenire work?

Lenire uses a combination of sound therapy and electrical stimulation to retrain the brain aiming to alleviate tinnitus perception.

1. Sound Therapy: Lenire provides personalised soundscapes through wireless headphones that are tailored to your hearing profile. These calming sounds help distract the brain from tinnitus by focusing on external stimuli.
2. Tongue Stimulation: The Tonguetip® device gently stimulates the tongue with mild electrical pulses. This stimulation activates nerves that support brain plasticity, helping to retrain the auditory and sensory systems.

For optimal results, you need to use Lenire for two 30-minute sessions each day of your treatment period. During each session, you will wear the wireless headphones and use the Tonguetip® device while following the guidance of the handheld controller.

Trial Lenire at Harley Street Hearing

During your initial Hearing Therapy consultation, we will assess your tinnitus and if Lenire is an appropriate form of management our audiologists will provide professional guidance to ensure that Lenire is used effectively and tailored to your individual needs.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Lenire and seeing if it’s the right fit for you, get in touch with us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to book an appointment.

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

• What is tinnitus?
• Gamers, the tinnitus ringing in your ears is permanent damage
• What is pulsatile tinnitus? Why you should seek immediate treatment

We have some exciting news to share, we have officially launched our brand new online booking system for ear wax removal appointments.

Harley Street Hearing has been offering professional ear wax removal services to the London community for over 25 years and now we’ve made it easier than ever to book an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.

Why use our online booking system?

We understand that not all of our patients are able to get in touch with us during office hours, so we wanted to make it accessible to anyone at any time. Our booking system is available 24/7, so you can book at your leisure in just a few clicks – whether that’s early in the morning or late at night.

Similarly, we know that not all of our patients can be fully flexible with their appointment times. Now, you’ll be able to see a detailed calendar showing all of the dates and times we’re available so you can work your appointment around all of your other commitments.

What appointments can I book?

Our online booking system is currently only available for patients looking to book an ear wax removal appointment. Other appointments may require more information from our highly qualified staff who can advise on the best course of action.

We offer microsuction or if preferred ear irrigation. Your audiologist will assess your ears when you arrive and advise on the most suitable treatment.

Find out more about our ear wax removal services here.

How to use our new online booking system

Just visit our ear wax removal booking calendar, book your appointment and get instant confirmation.

Why choose Harley Street Hearing?

As London’s largest independent audiology clinic, we take great pride in delivering the highest standard of patient care. We have a team of highly skilled clinical audiologists who specialise in all areas of hearing care.

We have four clinics across London and are normally able to cater to same-day appointments. If you’d like to make an ear wax removal appointment, book online now or give us a call on 020 7486 1053.

Agree or disagree: when you think of a hearing aid, is this what you imagine?

I thought not. Believe it or not, this isn’t an earbud; it is, in fact, the latest hearing aid being released by hearing aid manufacturing giant Signia in Autumn 2024. Today, I’m going to tell you everything there is to know about it.

Overview of Signia’s new hearing aid technology

Introducing you to the new Signia Active Pro IX, which has been a long time in the making. Signia updated the rest of its platform to the IX chip back in September 2023, so this update is long overdue.

This means they’ve now completed the set for their integrated experience hearing aids. So, if you’re looking for an up-to-date Signia hearing aid, you’ll need to choose between the Signia IX IIC, the Signia Silk IX, the Receiver-in-Canal Signia IX, the Styletto IX, and now the Active Pro IX.

Unique physical characteristics

If the black earbud style isn’t for you, Signia has the most diverse colour range for this style of hearing aid. In fact, they’ve pioneered this style, and none of the other “big six” manufacturers have a model like this at all.

Of course, there are similar models, but there are some unique physical and acoustic features built into these that I’ll cover with you now.

Starting off, the most obvious unique physical characteristic of this hearing aid is that it’s a generic in-the-ear style. This means, unlike Signia’s competition, no impression of your ear needs to be taken to make it.

Do I think there’s a need for this unique style of technology? Well, Signia seems to think the Signia Active Pro provides a modern, low-profile solution for people who need a hearing boost but aren’t ready to accept a traditional hearing aid just yet. I would agree with that statement.

If you’re someone who knows or suspects you have hearing loss but aren’t yet comfortable with the thought of wearing a hearing aid, you’ll be delighted to know that you’re not alone. In the U.S. alone, less than 30% of adults over 70 with hearing loss have even considered trying a hearing aid, which is a massive number in my opinion.

Yes, cost is partly to blame, but based on my daily conversations with patients, there’s no question that the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids is still a concern—and it may well be yours too.

Customisation options with silicone tips

Now, while these are not made from an ear impression like other hearing aids, they can still be personalised by choosing from a wide selection of medical-grade silicone tips that sit on the ends.

So, despite being generic, they can still be adapted to suit both your ear canal shape and your hearing loss profile.

Rechargeability features

Building on that, Signia has also been at the forefront of rechargeability for their in-the-ear hearing aids and continues that trend with this new technology.

I have to say, of all the hearing aid manufacturers, Signia’s chargers look the coolest. In my opinion, this is because they’re changing the conversation about what hearing aids should look like; they have more of an Apple AirPods-type look. Plus, they fit neatly in your pocket, without needing to carry a massive 70L backpack just to store your hearing aid charger like we’ve seen with some other hearing aid manufacturers.

In terms of usability, a single charge will give you 24 hours of life, and it’s worth mentioning that the charger itself stores up to three full days of additional charge. So, if you go away for a long weekend where your power supply might be limited, such as camping, you don’t need to worry about taking a power bank.

The downside is that Signia doesn’t have a disposable battery version of these hearing aids, and if history is anything to go by, I don’t think we’ll see one in the future either. Most manufacturers are heading in this direction, as it aligns with the majority of consumer demand.

Interestingly, Signia hasn’t only released the Active Pro in a single model. It’s also available in a budget-friendly Active model, which is the equivalent of Signia’s 1IX entry-level hearing aid. As you can see, there are tons of features, and I’ll cover the most important ones below.

Signia IX chip

So, is this hearing aid all about cosmetics, or is there more to the technology? Signia has made some bold claims, so let’s go through them now. This chip runs all the same features as its predecessor, the AX chip, but with a few key developments.

Realtime conversation enhancement technology

Firstly, these hearing aids will analyse 192,000 data points per second related to your specific environment, deciding on the best way for the hearing aids to react and deliver the most relevant sounds.

By building on directional beamforming technology, your hearing aid microphones work together in noisy environments to focus on what’s in front of you, avoiding sounds outside your focus. If you’re in a restaurant, for example, they aim to focus on the person in front of you.

While this isn’t a new concept, Signia’s development – new real-time conversation enhancement technology – analyses, augments, and adapts to the dynamic flow of conversations. This means the hearing aids not only focus the microphones forward in background noise, but they also pinpoint multiple moving speakers in real-time and adapt the microphones to follow conversations.

So, what does that mean for you if you’re wearing these hearing aids? Signia claims that with this faster processing, the hearing aids are not only detecting who you’re speaking to but also monitoring their movement. In fact, they lock onto them, updating the microphone position 1,000 times per second, tracking each speaker amongst background noise, and adapting to their movement.

In theory, this should allow you to follow conversations more easily with minimal effort.

Signia’s studies showed that 95% of participants showed improved performance with this feature enabled, and it provided a 12 dB improvement in a simulated noisy group conversation scenario. Additionally, 80% of participants preferred real-time conversation enhancement in real-world noisy conversations.

Bluetooth capabilities and streaming

You’ll be pleased to hear that, like the Receiver-in-Canal models, the Signia Active IXs are Bluetooth-enabled. This allows streaming of phone calls, music, radio, podcasts,

and more from your smartphone to both iOS and Android devices.

They’re also Auracast-ready, having included the latest LE Audio technology, which is the biggest advancement in Bluetooth streaming since the first Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid was released in 2014. This means improved Bluetooth capabilities, sound quality, and battery consumption.

Introduction to LE Audio and Auracast

Where this technology will truly take off is in public venues with built-in Auracast transmitters. This new transmitter design works specifically with newer LE Audio technology, sending audio directly to your hearing aids.

This could be for hearing commentary at a sports game, train announcements at a station, or sermons at places of worship. Over the next few years, we’ll likely see public venues installing Auracast transmitters, allowing multiple hearing aid users to connect simultaneously to audio in these spaces with enhanced sound quality and significantly lower battery consumption.

In my opinion, this will be a game-changer not only for those with hearing aids but for regular headphones, too. Now, while Auracast is built into this technology, it hasn’t yet been activated. This will be done in the future with a simple, free firmware update.

Does it matter that it’s not yet activated? In my opinion, no, not really, as, to my knowledge, no public venues have installed these transmitters yet.

Before you rush off to buy these hearing aids, stop immediately. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing any hearing aids until you’ve compared them with every other manufacturer’s models currently available. To do so, you must watch this video covering the best hearing aids available today.

Signia Active Pro IX Feature Review: Signia’s Coolest Hearing Aid Video

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

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

• Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere Review: 5 Pros & 5 Cons
• Reviewing the Phonak Infinio family of hearing aids
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Hearing loss may be a physical condition, but its impact on mental health is profound. Hearing is one of our most essential senses, and losing it can create a ripple effect, impacting many areas of life. This often leads to significant emotional challenges and can deeply affect overall well-being.

One of the most prevalent of these issues is social isolation, and many studies have found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. In this blog, we’ll explore the strong connection between hearing loss and isolation, and, more importantly, how to prevent this from happening to you or a loved one.

How hearing loss leads to social isolation

If we think about our interactions with others, these connections are built on communication and when our ability to hear is impaired, so is our ability to interact and communicate.

It’s not uncommon for those with a hearing impairment to notice that their relationships start to weaken as this level of communication begins to break down, and this can bring with it a whole host of challenges.

1. Struggles with communication

Struggling to follow conversations is one of the most common and frustrating challenges that many people with hearing loss face. Having a simple discussion requires more mental effort and can often result in misunderstandings or miscommunication which can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. Put this conversation in a noisy environment and this is heightened even more.

Over time, having a conversation can eventually lead hearing loss sufferers to experience communication fatigue, where talking with others becomes exhausting. It goes without saying that the natural response to this is to start avoiding social situations altogether so they can protect themselves from the frustration and stop the communication difficulties altogether.

2. Withdrawing from social activities

When communication becomes a struggle, this doesn’t just impact one-on-one relationships but can also take its toll on the social activities that an individual enjoyed pre-hearing loss.

Whether it’s a social event, family gathering, hobby or activity, it’s not uncommon for hearing loss sufferers to start skipping these events until they slowly phase themselves out of them altogether. This all stems back to the communication difficulties and the effort required to engage in these types of situations.

It’s a natural response and is generally the individual trying to save themselves from the embarrassment, frustration, or discomfort of not being able to keep up with conversations and those around them.

3. Impact on emotions

The emotional toll that hearing loss has on an individual can often be dismissed or simply misunderstood, but it’s really quite significant.

Combining communication difficulties and a general lack of social engagement can often lead to feelings of loneliness, as people become more isolated from their social circles. Loneliness can make people scared to engage in social situations and if this happens for long enough they can eventually feel completely disconnected from their surroundings, loved ones, and things they love the most.

Being lonely for a long time can lead to a negative spiral and have profound impacts on an individual’s mental health, sometimes escalating into feelings of depression or anxiety.

4. Hearing loss is invisible

Unlike visible disabilities, hearing loss is often unseen and can go unnoticed which can further complicate relationships. This is particularly true if an individual is suffering from undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss, as friends and family around them might not realise they are struggling to hear or understand them and may mistake this for simply being uninterested or disengaged.

This can cause further strain on relationships and the lack of awareness can make it even more difficult for those with hearing loss to stay socially connected, as they may feel misunderstood or isolated.

All of these things combined – communication struggles, social withdrawal, emotional impact and lack of awareness can ultimately drive an individual towards social isolation.

The science behind hearing loss and isolation

The link between hearing loss and isolation doesn’t just come from how a person processes their emotions, it’s backed by scientific evidence and is deeply rooted in the way our brains process information.

There is plenty of research showing that untreated hearing loss doesn’t just isolate individuals from their environment, but can also trigger a series of negative physiological effects.

Understanding cognitive load and brain health

When we experience a decline in hearing, our brain has to work harder to interpret speech and sounds which is known as an increased cognitive load.

In individuals with full hearing, their brain filters and interprets sounds effortlessly. However, when hearing is compromised, the brain is forced to dedicate more resources to understanding sounds leaving fewer resources available for other cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Over the years, research has shown a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, especially in older adults. This study by Johns Hopkins Medicine concluded that older adults with hearing loss were at higher risk of developing cognitive issues, including dementia, compared to those with normal hearing.

So, how does this relate to isolation? Well, the constant effort to process sound and the stress on our cognitive function can make it harder for individuals to socially engage and eventually lead to withdrawal from these types of situations.

How the brain processes sound

Our brain’s auditory system processes a wide range of sounds but for those with hearing loss, these auditory signals sent to the brain are compromised. This means the brain receives less information than it needs to properly understand speech, especially in noisy environments.

When the brain has to fill in these gaps, it increases mental workload which ultimately leads to frustration and fatigue. Over time, this can lead to auditory deprivation where the brain’s sound-processing parts become less active, making it even more taxing and difficult to engage in conversations, forcing individuals to avoid them altogether.

How to avoid isolation from hearing loss

With all of the above information taken into account, the connection between hearing loss and isolation is very clear but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

It’s important to understand that many of these complications arise when hearing loss is undiagnosed and untreated, so recognising the problem and seeking help is the first step.

Why early detection of hearing loss is crucial

With hearing loss, it doesn’t have to be too late to take action. Regular hearing tests are essential for early diagnosis, especially for individuals who are at a higher risk such as older adults or those frequently exposed to loud noise.

For many people, hearing loss can develop gradually which can make it easy to adapt to decreased hearing without even realising it. However, hearing loss can worsen over time so the earlier it is detected, the better the outcomes.

Untreated hearing loss can cause further damage down the line, as it only continues to place further strain on the brain and auditory system, ultimately leading to a higher degree of hearing loss and a greater chance of experiencing associated issues.

This is why we are so passionate about undergoing regular hearing tests because they are the only way to accurately diagnose hearing loss and devise a suitable treatment plan, such as the use of hearing aids.

Hearing aids are the most effective solution for most people as they help restore hearing to a certain level, reducing the amount of strain placed on the brain and therefore reducing the risks of associated side effects like loneliness and social isolation.

Booking a hearing test

At Harley Street Hearing, we are proud to have a team of highly qualified clinical audiologists offering professional, thorough hearing tests. Our hearing tests are designed to produce the most accurate results and our audiologists are here to ensure you receive the most suitable treatment.

As an independent audiologist, we can offer an extensive range of hearing aids from all major manufacturers and will always recommend the best option to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’ve noticed a change in your hearing or haven’t had a hearing assessment in a while, it’s important to book one as soon as possible. We have four hearing clinics across London and a team of specialists ready to help you hear to the best of your ability.

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

How often do you lose your hearing aids? If you’re ever frantically searching your house looking for them, then Phonak’s new state-of-the-art hearing aid tracking technology is going to be perfect for you. And here’s everything that you need to know about it.

MyPhonak “Find my hearing aid” app feature

Every hearing aid manufacturer has had a “find my hearing aid” feature since the dawn of time. Well, not quite that early, but certainly since the release of ReSound’s first-ever Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid way back in 2010.

Yet one manufacturer, Sonova, which encompasses leading brands Unitron and Phonak, hasn’t. And believe me, over the years, I have begged them for it on your behalf.

Why? Well, in a recent poll that I put out on YouTube, around 30% of viewers have lost a hearing aid in the past, and this could have been prevented with today’s new feature.

So, today’s big news is that the newest MyPhonak app update, version 6.9 – which coincides with the release of the Phonak Audeo Infinio, Audeo Sphere Infinio, and Virto Infino – will now give you access to Phonak’s brand-new “find my hearing aid” feature.

In practice, this means that if your hearing aid or CROS system falls out or is missing, the GPS on your smartphone will show you the last time your phone and your hearing aids were together. So, if you’ve lost one, you’ll be able to trace your steps and then find it.

How does it work?

There are a couple of things that are important for me to mention early on. Firstly, the app will now ask permission to use your location services. You have to allow this for it to work, and it must also be set to “always allow.” If you don’t take that step, then it won’t work.

Secondly, I have been assured by Phonak that Sonova does not have access to your location data, so panic not – they will not be tracing your every movement.

When it’s working, it will help you to find your hearing aids in two different ways: firstly, on a map if you’re far away from them, and then secondly, you’ll notice these little hot and cold bars which should get you within a few feet of your hearing aids.

The sad news

I can only assume that this is now possible with the introduction of LE Audio into these new hearing aids from Phonak; however, Phonak will neither confirm nor deny this. In reality,
it doesn’t matter how they’ve done it—the main thing is that they’ve caught up with the competition.

Sadly though, this feature is not backwards compatible, so it won’t work with your Lumity, Paradise, or Marvel hearing aids.

Before you go and do this update, I would thoroughly recommend checking out this video reviewing Phonak’s supercharged Audeo Sphere hearing aids.

Never Lose Your Hearing Aids Again With THIS MyPhonak App Update Video

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

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Tinnitus is a common condition which affects around 10 to 25% of adults. However, there are different types of tinnitus and certain criteria which means it’s important to get it investigated immediately – all of these criteria will be covered in this article.

So, what exactly is tinnitus?

Simply put, tinnitus is technically any sound that you hear in your ears or your head which is not being produced by an external sound source. In fact, it’s different for everybody.

In a recent poll that I put out on my YouTube channel asking about personal experiences with tinnitus, there was a mixed bag of descriptions which included pulsatile, tonal, roaring, electric buzzing, and ringing, to boiling kettle static sounds, warble sounds, and even the sound of people chanting in the forest.

I personally suffer from a high-pitched, continual tinnitus, which sounds something like this: it’s there 24/7, and I notice it the most if I’m lying in bed in the evening, or if I’m tired, stressed, or unwell. It gives me great solace to know that tinnitus is unbelievably common, with around 50 million people experiencing some form of tinnitus, and more often than not, it’s nothing that you need to worry about.

Tinnitus that requires a doctor

There are, however, certain characteristics with any of the tinnitus sounds that I’ve just mentioned that do require an immediate medical opinion.

For example:

• If your tinnitus is only in one ear
• If it’s changed in nature over a very short period of time
• If it stops you from sleeping or
• If it contributes to you experiencing anxiety or depression

But saying all of that doesn’t cover the subject of today’s topic, and the big question is: why is the type of tinnitus that I’m talking about today any different whatsoever? And why is it a little bit more serious than all of those that I’ve just listed above?

Firstly, it’s not as common. Research shows that pulsatile tinnitus affects around 5 million Americans, and to add to that, it isn’t just annoying like a lot of the other tinnitus we’ve discussed. However, it could potentially be a sign of an underlying health issue – hence my recommendation for immediate investigation.

Pulsatile tinnitus sound

If your tinnitus sounds a little like a heartbeat, swishing or whooshing, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a form of pulsatile tinnitus. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a bit different and potentially more serious than any other form of tinnitus.

Instead of a continuous noise, you’ll hear a rhythmic sound that can match your heartbeat, and unlike other forms of tinnitus, which are often a continual tone, pulsatile tinnitus beats in sync with your pulse.

What causes pulsatile tinnitus?

There are several causes of pulsatile tinnitus, some being benign and others which are a little more serious.

Atherosclerosis

This condition occurs when plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque hardens and causes narrowing, restricting blood flow. If this happens in the arteries near your ears, the turbulent blood flow can create a rhythmic sound that matches your heartbeat, which you may perceive as pulsatile tinnitus.

Blood vessel disorders

Certain blood vessel disorders can also lead to pulsatile tinnitus, with conditions such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations being key examples of this. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery, often due to weaknesses in the arterial wall.

Again, if this occurs near your ear, it can cause turbulent blood flow, leading to pulsatile tinnitus. Slightly differently, arteriovenous malformations are abnormal connections between the arteries and the veins, bypassing the capillary system. Again, if this happens, it can cause direct high-pressure blood flow from your arteries to your veins, creating this pulsatile sensation.

High blood pressure

Another cause for pulsatile tinnitus is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can result in an increase in blood flow force through your arteries, especially near your ear. Again, this turbulent flow can create a rhythmic sound in sync with your heartbeat, perceived as a thumping or whooshing noise.

Ear abnormalities

Ear abnormalities such as superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome which occurs when part of the bone near your semicircular canals in your inner ear is abnormally thin or missing, can also be a risk factor for pulsatile tinnitus.

In around 1 to 2% of individuals, this bone doesn’t mature and thicken properly and, in fact, can even become thinner with age. This is often accompanied by sufferers excessively hearing their own voice, and their footsteps, and it’s even reported that some sufferers can hear their own eye movements.

Tumours

Another cause of pulsatile tinnitus could potentially be a tumour, such as a glomus tumour, in your head or neck. These highly vascular tumours compress nearby blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow and creating a rhythmic sound, which you may perceive as pulsatile tinnitus.

Glomus jugular tumours, for example, can grow near the jugular vein and into your middle ear, causing this kind of tinnitus, which is sometimes accompanied by hearing loss too.

Myoclonus

As well as the conditions that can cause pulsatile tinnitus, there are also types of rhythmical tinnitus. For example, myoclonus is a condition that involves the rhythmic contraction of muscles within your middle ear, which can sometimes contract involuntarily. It’s a little bit like that strange feeling that you get when your eyelid twitches—we’ve all experienced that. When these muscles in your middle ear spontaneously contract, it can lead to a rhythmic sound, but it doesn’t necessarily follow your pulse like pulsatile tinnitus would.

Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction

Another pretty rare cause of rhythmic sounds inside your head is something called patulous eustachian tube syndrome. Normally, the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of your nose, remains closed and only opens briefly during activities such as swallowing or yawning.

However, with patulous eustachian tubes, your tube might stay open more often, which allows the sound of breathing and speaking to be transmitted directly to your middle ear, creating this rhythmical tinnitus-type sound.

How is pulsatile tinnitus investigated?

So, if you have pulsatile tinnitus how can you find out the most likely cause? If I come across anybody in the clinic who experiences pulsatile tinnitus, I will immediately refer them to an ENT to look into that cause.

Normally, they’ll start by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination which focuses on your head, neck, and ears. Believe it or not, they may even attempt to listen to your pulsatile tinnitus themselves using a stethoscope.

There are various tests that will help to pinpoint the exact cause of your pulsatile tinnitus, which is crucial for finding the right treatment for you. These can include imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan, which will provide detailed images around your head and neck, and even an ultrasound can be performed to check the blood flow in your neck.

What happens if pulsatile tinnitus is left untreated or uninvestigated?

It’s important to mention here that more often than not, pulsatile tinnitus is nothing that you need to worry about. But you should definitely head over to your doctor for further investigation so that they can rule out any dangerous causes.

In very extreme cases when it’s not treated and it’s an indication of something more sinister, there is the rare possibility that whatever is causing your tinnitus could also lead to blindness, strokes, issues with walking or talking, or even fatality.

So, as you can appreciate, this is why I recommend having it investigated as soon as possible, so a doctor can determine whether your pulsatile tinnitus is dangerous or not. Assuming that it’s nothing sinister, there are also a handful of lifestyle changes that you can personally make to reduce your own tinnitus, and I’ve outlined them in the video below.

If you’d like any further information about this or any other hearing query please call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below .

What is Pulsatile Tinnitus? Seek IMMEDIATE Medical Advice Video

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

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