Category: Blog

Harley Street Hearing is incredibly proud to announce that we are extending our services to two new hospitals in London.

Along with four full-service clinics in London, we provide audiology services in London’s most prestigious hospitals and medical centres. Recently, we have expanded these services to both Nuffield Health’s Highgate Hospital and The Phoenix Hospital Group’s One Hatfield Hospital.

This is alongside our existing support of Phoenix Hospital Group Harley Street, HCA Healthcare UK Outpatients & Diagnostics Centre in The Shard & Golders Green, and The Wellington Hospital.

Supporting ENT consultants

Our role within all hospitals mentioned is to provide on-demand diagnostic ENT support. If you would like to book an appointment to see an ENT consultant, please contact the hospitals directly – all contact details can be found on our clinic locations page.

If you are a medical professional and would like to refer a patient find out more here.

Book an appointment at Harley Street Hearing

We accept self referrals so for any of our audiology services such as hearing tests, ear wax removal and hearing aid consultations, please book an appointment at one of our clinics by calling 020 7486 1053 or filling out the contact form on this page.

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

• Can an ear infection lead to hearing loss?
• Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids in 2024
• Why Phonak Lyric is the best invisible hearing aid of 2024

Ear infections are a common issue that mostly affects children, but this doesn’t mean that adults are immune from them. In fact, adult ear infections may be more serious and pose greater health complications.

One of the common complications associated with ear infections is hearing loss. Whilst this isn’t something that necessarily will happen, it’s important to understand the connection between the two to effectively manage any ear infection-induced hearing loss and maintain good hearing health.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ear infections and hearing loss in both children and adults.

Do ear infections cause hearing loss?

In short: yes, ear infections can cause hearing loss. However, there are a few different things that can contribute to this including the type of ear infection and how serious it is.

Understanding the types of ear infections

The ear is made up of three parts – the external (outer ear), (middle ear), and internal (inner ear). Any part of the ear is susceptible to infection and each will pose their own symptoms and risk level of developing hearing loss as a consequence.

Outer ear infections and hearing loss

An outer ear infection (otitis externa) affects the canal portion of the outer ear and is usually caused by bacteria. It’s estimated that around 1 in 10 people will be affected by it at some point in their lives

It’s often referred to as swimmer’s ear as one of the main causes is the remnants of water in your ear which creates a moist environment for bacteria to grow. However, outer ear infections can also be caused by:

• Damage to the ear canal by using objects such as a cotton swab or finger to remove ear wax
• Excessive ear cleaning which results in not having enough ear wax to protect the lining of the canal
• Improperly fitting or unclean hearing aids or earplugs
• Hot and humid climates
• Allergies or sensitivities to certain products like hair care
• Chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

Outer ear infections will typically only affect one ear and can result in some hearing loss in this ear. However, this is usually temporary and will likely resolve once the ear infection has cleared.

Middle ear infections and hearing loss

An infection in the middle ear (otitis media) is most common in young children and can often be a result of something else such as a cold, throat infection or allergies.

Within the ear, we have Eustachian tubes which are thin tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. If an infection causes these tubes to swell, this blocks mucus from draining into the throat which leads to fluid being trapped behind the eardrum. This can then create a breeding ground for viruses or bacteria to grow.

Most hearing loss associated with middle ear infections is temporary and hearing will typically return to normal once the fluid drains and the infection clears. However, there may be some severe cases that can lead to permanent hearing loss if untreated.

Inner ear infections and hearing loss

Infections in the inner ear are less common but can have more serious consequences impacting hearing and balance, potentially leading to sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Inner ear infections can take two different forms:

• Labyrinthitis: This is an infection of the labyrinth, a complex system in the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. Viral infections that cause colds, flu, and respiratory infections are typically the most common causes as they can spread to the inner ear. However, it can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
• Vestibular neuritis: This is an infection of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. This can cause prolonged vertigo but unlike labyrinthitis, is unlikely to cause hearing loss.

Typically, labyrinthitis will clear up in around 2-4 weeks but in severe cases, it may cause damage to the inner ear and blood vessels. This may cause temporary or permanent sensorineural hearing loss, depending on the severity of the infection and the extent of damage to the inner ear structures.

Hearing loss caused by labyrinthitis is more likely to be permanent if the infection is bacterial or if treatment is delayed. In these cases, the use of hearing aids may be required. However, it’s always recommended to seek treatment from your GP for inner ear infections as soon as possible to prevent reaching this stage.

Ear infections and hearing loss in adults vs children

As we mentioned earlier, ear infections are more common in children but adults can develop them, too.

Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections due to two key reasons:

• Children’s eustachian tubes are smaller, less developed and more horizontal than those in adults. This means they’re less effective at draining fluid, making them more susceptible to infection.
• Children’s immune systems are also still developing, making them more vulnerable to catching infections with more difficulty fighting them off.

As we get older, our eustachian tubes start to angle which helps to improve fluid control, and our immune systems develop over time making it easier to fight off potential infections.

If you develop an ear infection as an adult, you’ll likely be able to pinpoint some of the most common symptoms such as earache, muffled hearing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. However, some signs to look out for that may indicate an ear infection in young children include:

• Poor sleep
• Tugging at or rubbing the ear
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Crying when lying down

How long will hearing loss last after an ear infection?

Most ear infections get better on their own within 3 to 5 days and do not need any specific treatment, but a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by your GP if symptoms don’t subside during this time.

Usually, when the ear infection starts to clear your hearing will also return to normal but this could take a few weeks or more in certain cases. Post ear infection hearing loss is almost always temporary, but severe cases may lead to a perforated eardrum which can result in permanent loss of hearing if this perforation does not heal.

If you are concerned about your own or your child’s hearing following an ear infection, always visit an audiologist for a thorough assessment and advice on the best course of action to prevent any further damage.

Managing post ear infection hearing loss

Following an ear infection with associated hearing loss, it’s highly recommended to make an appointment with your audiologist to monitor your hearing and ensure that any residual issues are addressed.

You may have a build up of ear wax which can be removed quickly and safely by microsuction.

A hearing test can provide an in-depth assessment of your hearing abilities and identify any potential problems. If you are found to have permanent hearing loss as a result of an ear infection, there are ways that this can be managed.

Harley Street Hearing offers private hearing tests and hearing tests for children in London. Our team of clinical audiologists can accurately diagnose any hearing issues and advise on a suitable treatment plan.

Hearing aids are the most effective solution for almost all cases of hearing loss, helping to restore some of your hearing ability. We work with all leading hearing aid manufacturers and can offer an extensive range of modern, discreet and stylish hearing aids tailored to your individual needs.

If an ear infection has also affected your balance, vestibular diagnostics could help. Our team of specialised clinicians offer vestibular assessments and work alongside specialist ENT consultants who provide diagnosis and treatment plans.

If you feel like you’re experiencing hearing loss, whether as a result of an ear infection or not, get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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Recently, Phonak revealed their tech updates for 2024 and within that, they announced something quite unexpected.

I knew that we were seeing an update to their Receiver-in-Canal and Behind-the-Ear hearing aids with the introduction of the Audéo Lumity 312, the Naída Lumity SP, the Sky Lumity M, plus the Sky Lumity SP, but what I wasn’t aware of was this: Phonak are also updating their Lyric Hearing Aid, which for some reason has gone under the radar.

Phonak’s Lyric is the world’s only truly invisible hearing aid, and there are genuinely no other hearing aids that rival it in terms of discretion, but that discretion does come at a cost.

In this blog, I’ll cover all the reasons that my patients love this hearing aid, including if it’s suitable for you and all the reasons that sometimes people don’t get along with it.

What is unique about the Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid?

The Phonak Lyric is in a category of hearing aid in itself as it’s the world’s only extended-wear hearing aid. Since its launch in 2007, there have been several iterations, all with very minor changes – some physical and some acoustic.

Firstly, we saw Lyric 1, which was revolutionary as the world of audiology hadn’t seen anything like it before. However, sadly, it only fitted in around 50% of the ears that it was tried in. In 2012, the Lyric went through a complete overhaul with its components being miniaturised, which positively increased the fit rate to around 75%.

Then in 2017, Phonak introduced Lyric 3 with adjustments to the compression ratios, a new lower power circuit, and a broader range of sizes ranging from XXS to XXL, further improving comfort and feedback issues. Finally, in 2020, Phonak released Lyric 4 with a redesign of the speaker protection system to improve their longevity and a reduction in the size of the module to improve comfort

What are the Phonak Lyric 2024 updates?

Lyric 4 is officially having an update in the summer of 2024, depending on where you are in the world.

Due to the nature of Lyric and how it works from a subscription point of view, if you’re already a Lyric user, you’ll be upgraded to your next version of Lyric at your next insertion at no extra cost. This is due to their brand-new membrane chip.

Key benefits of Lyric

There are five reasons why I’m a huge fan of Lyric:

1. Discretion:

Phonak Lyric is inserted into your ear canal using a microscope and a Phonak specialist insertion tool. Before this, two measurements need to be taken by a Lyric specialist. Firstly, the depth of your ear canal is measured using a silicone tool, which tells us how far down we need to insert your Lyric. The optimum depth is around 4mm from your eardrum, so it’s incredibly close to your eardrum. The second measurement looks at the width of your ear canal, dictating which of the seven Lyric sizes is the most appropriate for you and your ears.

If it’s too big, it may be uncomfortable, and if it’s too small, it may migrate, or you may hear feedback or whistling in your ears. In practice, we tend to do this with a dummy Lyric, starting off with the smallest size and then gradually increasing the size until we find the right fit for you. Once I find the correct depth and size of Lyric for you, I would then insert a live programmed device, which has been set up based on your hearing test results and the difficulties that you face on a daily basis. It sits 4mm from your eardrum, which makes it the first reason that Lyric is a great product—its discretion, as it really is the only hearing aid out there that’s truly invisible once inserted.

2. Convenience:

No matter the style of hearing aid you’ve been looking at, there is always some degree of maintenance needed to keep it working. However, Lyric has no batteries or filters to change, and the battery lasts a lengthy 2-3 months.

In that time, there’s nothing you need to do. It can be worn 24/7 with no maintenance required aside from visiting your audiologist to have the old one removed and the new one inserted every couple of months.

3. Comfort:

You may think having something sitting in your ear canal from your eardrum 24/7 would be uncomfortable, but it’s quite the opposite. After a week or so of wearing Lyric, the sensation of it being in your ear completely disappears.

Despite all the technology it packs in it’s small, light and incredibly comfortable. Building on that, if you’re doing any strenuous activities which may cause a moisture buildup, such as working out or doing any gardening, or if you’re travelling on a plane and experiencing a pressure equalisation, the foam seals allow for moisture and air to travel from within your ear canal to the outside world using Phonak’s open-cell technology.

It’s also coated with silicone which gives it some degree of resilience.

4. Sound quality:

These hearing aids are digitally programmable analogue devices, which has its pros and cons.

Being analogue means that it produces a very clean and natural sound with very little processing going on, meaning no digital manipulation of the sound whatsoever. As a result, I have a huge number of musicians wearing Lyric over and above any other digital hearing aid technology.

However, this also means that it doesn’t have the same degree of technology as a digital set of hearing aids, so you may be missing out on features such as Bluetooth, an active feedback manager, or even noise reduction settings. If your degree of hearing loss warrants any more specialist features, then Lyric may not be the right solution for you.

The only way to find out is to find an audiologist who provides Lyric, as it’s a specialist service. Harley Street Hearing is the original UK Lyric clinic and the number 1 Lyric clinic in Europe with locations across London and Greater Manchester. To find out more or book an appointment, get in touch with us.

5: Tinnitus management

Reason number five is that if you’re like me and you’re one of the 15% of the population that suffers from tinnitus, then you’ll agree with me when I say that the time I notice my tinnitus the most is that very moment that I climb into bed and the noise of the world has stopped, and there’s pure silence.

However, that’s not because all I can hear is this ringing. It just so happens that this is the moment that most hearing aid users will remove their hearing aids from their ears, meaning that the tinnitus masking which happens when you’re wearing your hearing aids will obviously stop.

Suitability for Phonak Lyric

As the Lyric is worn 24/7, you’ll spend no time without it in your ears, and it should continually mask your tinnitus 24 hours a day. Lyric is suitable for those with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, and if your hearing loss falls within this shaded area, then it’s technically suitable for you.

When Phonak Lyric isn’t suitable

It’s also worth noting that there are a few factors that require medical approval before Lyric can be fitted, such as:

• If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes,
• If you’re on blood-thinning medication
• If you have some form of immunodeficiency
• If you have any bleeding disorders
• If you have an implantable medical device
• If you’re under the age of 21

On top of that, there are also some other contraindications to wearing Lyric. For example if you’ve had any head or neck radiation therapy, or if you’ve got any active middle ear issues such as tympanic membrane perforations, cholesteatoma, or grommets.

Lifestyle considerations

Your lifestyle is also something to bear in mind when considering Lyric, as yes, it’s designed as a fit-and-forget hearing aid. However, there are a few occasions when you don’t want to be wearing it. If you regularly participate in these activities, Lyric might not be suitable for you.

Firstly, swimming. They’re treated to have some degree of water resistance; however, if you get them wet, they’re going to break. Some of my patients have custom-made earplugs so that they have a bit more freedom when they’re in the shower, when they bathe, or when they go swimming, but you still have to be careful.

If you’re a daily swimmer, I personally wouldn’t recommend that you wear Lyric due to the potential of a pressure buildup between Lyric and your eardrum. Phonak also recommends removing Lyric if you’re going scuba diving or skydiving to avoid barotrauma.

If you’re having an X-ray or a CT scan, your Lyric can technically stay in. However, it’s still worth mentioning it to the doctor, and if you have an MRI scan, it definitely needs to be removed due to its metal content.

Adjusting the Lyric

Aside from this hearing aid being programmed by your audiologist, it is also possible to change the mode that it’s in using the SoundLink, which comes with your Lyric. This allows you to change the volume, turn the Lyric on and off, or even enable the sleep mode, which is essentially an acoustic transparency mode somewhere between the hearing aid being switched off fully and being switched on.

Looking for the right hearing aid for you can be an absolute minefield, and there are tons of hearing aids out there claiming to be invisible. However, in my opinion, the Phonak Lyric is the only one that is truly invisible.

If you’re interested in seeing if the Phonak Lyric is suitable for you, get in touch with us for a risk-free Lyric hearing consultation and a no-obligation 30-day trial.

Phonak Lyric: 5 Reasons it’s the BEST Invisible Hearing Aid of 2024

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 Lyric below.

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• Best Bluetooth hearing aids in 2024
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When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, you’ll find that Bluetooth is now pretty much an industry standard across most modern hearing aids.

The integration of Bluetooth technology in hearing aids gives you the ability to stream phone calls, music, radio or podcasts directly to both of your hearing aids. On top of that, every Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid has its own app, which allows you to manually adjust the settings of your hearing aid straight from your device.

However, it’s important to note that there are also different types of Bluetooth connectivity, which we’ll cover in this blog. Each type of Bluetooth has its own pros and cons based on the different protocols that are used, and each hearing aid has its own level of Bluetooth compatibility.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid models on the market for 2024.

Hearing aids with classic Bluetooth

Classic Bluetooth is what we would consider the more traditional platform that we all know and use across our devices. For the best hearing aid with classic Bluetooth, we’re looking at the Phonak Lumity range of hearing aids.

One of the key advantages of classic Bluetooth is that it can connect to any phone with Bluetooth streaming capabilities. This means it doesn’t matter if you’ve got an old or new smartphone or otherwise, or even a landline phone with a built-in Bluetooth function, you’ll already be set up and ready to go with Phonak Lumity.

Hearing aids with LE Audio

The next group of hearing aids use something called LE Audio. This is a low-energy form of Bluetooth and was the original way that hearing aids connected to the iPhone back in 2010.

Best hearing aids with LE Audio integrated:

• ReSound Nexia
• Oticon Real
• Signia IX
• Widex Moment
• Starkey Genesis AI

LE Audio works well, but there are some limitations. For example, there is no bidirectional Bluetooth for Android devices meaning that with iPhones, you can have completely hands-free phone calls. There are also some limitations on which phones will allow for LE Audio Bluetooth streaming.

Hearing aids with Auracast ready LE Audio

As we get more advanced with Bluetooth connectivity, this next group of hearing aids have the newest version of LE Audio which makes them Auracast-ready:

• ReSound Nexia
• Oticon Real
• Signia IX

Auracast is the future of connectivity which, once fully rolled out, will allow public venues to stream any sound with a higher quality and lower battery consumption than we’ve seen from any streaming technology in the past, directly to both of your hearing aids.

In the next few years, we’re likely to see Auracast broadcasted audio replacing the century-old hearing loop systems built into public venues which will allow for multiple hearing aid users to simultaneously connect to audio when they’re in public spaces.

What are the downsides of this? It’s only going to be as good as how many public venues have it installed, but at the moment it’s still in the development stage. Regardless, it’s great to see hearing aid manufacturers getting ready for the rollout of this Auracast transmission.

Read more: What is Auracast? The Bluetooth technology revolutionising audio

Hearing aids with no Bluetooth connectivity

We mentioned at the start of this blog that most modern hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity, but not all of them. The Widex Moment RIC 10 doesn’t have access to either Bluetooth or a telecoil feature.

There are plenty of options when it comes to connectivity so it’s hard to imagine a world without Bluetooth being built into hearing aids, but this is something to be aware of when choosing the right hearing aid for you.

Which Bluetooth hearing aid is best for you?

This may or may not come as a surprise, but the phone you have can directly impact the features you’ll get from your hearing aid, with iPhones being the most versatile.

As you’re doing your research, each hearing aid manufacturer has a compatibility list on their website that details which phones are compatible with their particular hearing aid. So, it’s worth checking that out or speaking to your audiologist to ensure you’ve got access to all of those features before choosing any particular hearing aid.

Of course, the best way to determine the right hearing aid for you is by working directly with an audiologist who can accurately diagnose your hearing loss and make recommendations accordingly.

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic, with four locations across London. Our team of clinical audiologists can advise on the best hearing aid for you and as a completely independent audiology company, we can offer a wide range of hearing aids from all major UK manufacturers. Get in touch with us to book an appointment.

Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids 2024 Reviewed

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 best Bluetooth hearing aids for 2024 below.

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Harley Street Hearing are proud to be working with the cast of Magic Mike Live in London, to provide them with custom-made Musicians’ Hearing Protection.

Romy Cohen, Clinical Lead, recently headed to the Hippodrome Casino in London to take ear impressions of the Magic Mike Live cast.

See below for some images of the cast members having their ear moulds taken, ready to be turned into custom-fit musicians’ earplugs.

Protecting musicians’ hearing

Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services are passionate about education and strategies to manage the risks of exposure to loud sound within the music and entertainment industry. For the past 25 years, we are proud to have been providing many organisations within the sector including numerous West End musicals, the Royal Opera House and English National Opera to name but a few, with personalised advice and tailor-made solutions to protect their hearing on stage.

In partnership with Help Musicians, Musicians’ Union and the Institute Society of Musicians, we are also the providers for the nationwide Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme which gives all professional musicians in the UK affordable access to specialist hearing assessments and hearing protection. Click here to find out more.

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Today, I’m sharing the incredible story of Opal Sandy, an 18-month-old in the UK who recently received gene therapy just before her first birthday. Now, six months on, she can hear without hearing aids.

This could be a beacon of hope for the 1.5 billion people across the world who are affected by hearing loss. So, let’s see what this means for you and your hearing.

Developments in hearing loss research

Perhaps you suffer from hearing loss yourself, or maybe you know somebody who’s recently been diagnosed with hearing loss. No matter how you’ve ended up here, there’s definitely no denying that hearing loss is a widespread issue affecting one in five people globally and for every 500 babies born, one of them will have some form of hearing loss.

Despite this, historically both research and funding for a cure have been pretty scarce. But, in recent years, there has definitely been a surge in attention and clinical trials, signalling a promising shift towards finding a solution. This is where the CHORD clinical trial comes in.

What is the CHORD clinical trial?

A team from the University of Cambridge and University College of London have completed the world’s first gene therapy trial aimed at restoring hearing. This treatment, named DB-OTO, developed by biotech leader Regeneron, was administered to 12-month-old Opal Sandy, offering a new horizon for those with a genetic form of hearing loss.

Opal and her older sister both share a mutation in the OTOF gene, which is thought to affect up to 20,000 people in the US and the EU5. This gene is crucial for the production of a protein called otoferlin, which is responsible for transmitting auditory signals from the ear to the brain. Without it, individuals may pass hearing tests but still experience something called auditory neuropathy, which is a condition that disrupts these signals.

Now, this CHORD trial involves a three-part process with children receiving varying doses of gene therapy. Opal underwent a 16-minute procedure under general anaesthetic where a modified harmless virus was infused within her cochlea, delivering a functional OTOF gene to the cells within her inner ear, replacing the faulty DNA and effectively enabling communication along her auditory pathway between the ear and the brain.

The awesome news is that early results from this trial are already exceeding expectations, with Opal’s hearing having significantly improved. This groundbreaking research paves the way for a new era of treating deafness. Opal is one of 18 children undergoing the trial, with more deaf children being recruited over a five-year period to measure the success of this treatment.

Professor Bance, an ear surgeon at the Trust and chief investigator for the trial, said that the initial results were better than he’d hoped and expected and that this has the potential to cure patients with this type of deafness. He also reported that this trial is just the beginning of gene therapies and marks a new era in the treatment of deafness.

The future of gene therapies in treating hearing loss

In my opinion, whilst it’s too early to say for certain, the hope is that gene therapies in the future could eventually replace hearing aids and other technologies, which will potentially be game changers in treating hearing loss.

At the moment, this cure is only possible for this very specific niche and particular type of hearing loss. Of course, when I start to think about the other advances that this may result in, I get incredibly excited about the thoughts of continued exploration in this field, and my hope is that this will expand to find a tinnitus cure too. For the moment, sadly, it’s still being trialled, but of course, I will be the first to let you know as soon as there are any further developments in this field.

Hearing loss cure that ACTUALLY works discovered…

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 gene therapy for curing hearing loss below.

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Imagine this now: You’re in a bustling airport waiting for your flight. You look over and see a group of people huddled around a television watching a thrilling sports match, but you can’t hear anything. Now, what if you could tune into that audio directly on your headphones?

Welcome to the future of audio technology, where this is possible with LE Audio and Auracast.

Understanding LE Audio and Auracast

LE Audio, which was introduced in the new Bluetooth 5.2 and 5.3 standards, is a low-powered version of Bluetooth technology designed specifically for when you’re streaming audio.

Along with this, we have the introduction of Auracast, which is a feature that allows an audio source transmitter to broadcast either a single or multiple audio streams to an unlimited number of audio receivers, which in reality could be your Bluetooth earbuds or even Bluetooth hearing aids.

Now, the big question is…

Why is this an improvement on classic Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology dates way back to 1999 and was designed initially for high bandwith wireless data transfer applications. This happened to include streaming audio, but that isn’t what it was originally designed for.

On the other hand, LE Audio uses a codec called LC3 which stands for Low Complexity Communication Codec, and this supports:

• A wide range of usable bit rates, with bit depths of 16, 24 and 32 bits
• Unlimited channels
• Sampling rates of 8, 16, 24, 32, 44 and 48 kHz

If you’re wondering why bit rate is so important, it’s essentially the number of bits that are conveyed or processed per unit of time. In simpler terms, it’s how much information your audio sends out per second from your device in an online platform. The higher the bit rate, the better the audio quality.

In practical terms, if you’re listening to your favourite song on your headphones using classic Bluetooth, of course, the quality of that sound isn’t going to be that bad – especially if it’s what you’re used to. But when you switch over to LE Audio, you’ll notice the sound is a lot clearer, which is all down to the magic of this LC3 codec built into this LE Audio.

Streaming audio directly to hearing aids with Auracast

Remember the airport scenario from the beginning? With Auracast, you can tune into the audio of the TV broadcasting that sports match directly to your headphones or even your hearing aids, with no more straining to hear over the noise of the crowd that surrounds you. The awesome news is that this goes for hearing aids too.

LE Audio introduces broadcasting of signals to any hearing aid user who is in the range of the transmitter that has a compatible hearing aid, meaning that with the press of a button or using the app for your hearing aids, you can activate the Auracast and you’ll be able to connect to the Auracast transmission.

LE Audio adds lower latency, lower power consumption, and a better quality signal to Bluetooth hearing aids too, and this allows developers to offer more features without impacting the battery life. In my opinion, this is going to have a hugely significant impact on the next generation of hearing aids being built.

We’ve already got Signia, ReSound, and Oticon who’ve got LE Audio built into their hearing aids ready for the global rollout of this Auracast transmission.

If you want to know more about the hearing aids that have this tech built in, then read our review of the best hearing aid technology of 2024.

LE Audio & Auracast DESTROY all existing Bluetooth headphone audio…

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 LE Audio & Auracast below.

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Hearing aids are small yet powerful devices that have the ability to transform the lives of anyone suffering from hearing loss.

Whether you’re thinking about getting hearing aids or are simply curious about how they work, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how they pick up sounds, make them louder and process them to help you understand conversations and enjoy everyday life.

How exactly do hearing aids work?

The technology that goes into making modern hearing aids is incredibly advanced, but the mechanism behind how they work is relatively simple.

The basic function of most hearing aids involves three main components and a straightforward three-step process:

1. Microphone: All hearing aids have a microphone that picks up sound and speech from the environment around you
2. Amplifier: These sounds are then converted into an electrical signal and sent to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the strength of the signal, therefore making the sound louder and clearer
3. Speaker/receiver: These amplified signals are then converted back into sound by a speaker (also known as a receiver), and directed straight into the user’s ear.

Of course, these are the fundamental workings of a hearing aid but many of today’s devices have more sophisticated features that help to improve the user’s listening experience. These may include features that reduce background noise or help you to distinguish specific sounds, but we’ll cover more on this later in the blog.

It’s also worth noting that most hearing aids operate on disposable zinc-air batteries which can last anywhere from 3 to 22 days before needing to be replaced, depending on usage and the type of hearing aid. However, rechargeable hearing aids are now more common than ever with many manufacturers recognising the importance of easy on-the-go charging.

Do hearing aids give you full hearing?

Hearing aids aren’t a cure for hearing loss. They won’t make your hearing perfect, but they do have the ability to help you hear better than you could without them.

They are the most effective solution for many people with a hearing impairment, regardless of the severity or type of hearing loss.

Hearing aids work to improve hearing through a few different ways:

1. Amplification: Hearing loss can make speech and sounds difficult to hear, but hearing aids work to amplify these sounds making them louder and easier to hear. This helps users to better understand speech and sounds around them.
2. Sound quality: Modern hearing aids use advanced technology such as digital signal processing, noise reduction, and feedback cancellation to improve sound quality and deliver clear, concise listening experiences.
3. Personalised listening profiles: Hearing aids can be programmed to amplify specific frequencies more than others, making them tailored to the user’s specific hearing loss and listening environments.

Whilst hearing aids don’t restore hearing to ‘full’ or normal levels, they significantly improve it for many people. They are most effective when implemented as soon as possible, as they can help prevent the worsening of hearing loss over time.

Undiagnosed hearing loss leads to prolonged periods of strain on the auditory processing system. This can lead to further degradation of auditory processing abilities and can eventually make the brain less efficient at processing sounds, even when using hearing aids later on.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for supporting your auditory and brain health, so if you suspect you may have a hearing loss it’s important to book a hearing test as soon as possible.

Hearing aids vs cochlear implants

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are both devices used to improve hearing, but they serve different purposes and types of hearing loss.

Generally speaking, hearing aids are suitable for most individuals with mild to profound hearing loss who have a good level of speech understanding. If an individual has moderate to profound hearing loss with poor speech understanding and hearing aids prove to be of little benefit, cochlear implants may be an option.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are surgically inserted into the cochlea. They are designed to bypass damaged parts of the ear (sensory hair cells) and directly stimulate the auditory nerve to provide a sense of sound.

The key difference between both is that hearing aids are non-surgical (auditory stimulation) and cochlear implants are surgical (electric stimulation). The choice between the two is typically down to necessity as opposed to preference, with cochlear implants sometimes being the only solution for those with profound deafness who do not benefit from hearing aids anymore.

If you have been wearing hearing aids for a while and feel you are not benefiting from them and would like to discuss the possibility of cochlear implants, then get in touch with our clinic.

Features of the different hearing aid styles

There are several different styles of hearing aids, each with its own set of features, benefits and mechanisms.

Earlier, we explored the basic mechanics of how hearing aids work, but let’s take a look at the individual styles and how they differ:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids consist of a small case worn behind the ear which is connected to an earpiece via a clear plastic tube. The case contains all the electronic components such as the microphone, amplifier, and battery.

How they work:

1. The microphone picks up external sounds and converts them into electrical signals
2. The amplifier increases the strength of the electrical signals
3. The amplified signals are then delivered through the clear plastic tube to the earpiece, where they are transmitted into the ear canal

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and can accommodate additional features such as wireless connectivity, telecoils and directional microphones.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-In-Ear (RITE) hearing aids

These are similar to BTE hearing aids but with a smaller casing behind the ear, and the receiver sits inside the ear canal instead of in the main housing.

How they work:

1. Sound is collected by the microphone and processed by the electronics in the housing behind the ear
2. The processed sound is transmitted through a thin wire to the receiver inside the ear canal
3. The receiver converts the electrical signals back into sound and delivers it directly into the ear canal

RIC or RITE hearing aids usually provide a more natural sound quality and reduce the occlusion effect (the sensation of sounds being blocked due to an obstruction in the ear). They are suitable for many individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit comfortably within the ear. They are available in different sizes, from full-shell to Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC).

How they work:

1. A custom-moulded shell houses all electronic components including the microphone, amplifier, and battery
2. The microphone picks up sound, and the amplifier processes and amplifies the signals
3. The amplified sound is delivered through a speaker located within the shell, directly into the ear canal

In-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss, and can accommodate additional features such as volume controls and directional microphones.

Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids

This is the smallest and most discreet style of hearing aid which is virtually invisible when worn. Custom-made to fit deep inside the ear canal, IIC hearing aids are less visible to others around you.

How they work:

1. Similar to ITE models, all components are housed within a custom-moulded earpiece that sits deep inside the ear
2. Sound is picked up through the microphone, and the amplifier works to process and amplify the signals
3. The amplified sound is delivered directly into the ear canal through a tiny speaker, positioned close to the eardrum

IIC hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, and are ideal for users who want the most discreet hearing solution.

If you’re looking for a completely invisible hearing aid we recommend the Phonak Lyric, the world’s only truly invisible device. Harley Street Hearing is the original Lyric clinic in the UK and the number one Lyric clinic in Europe, and we offer a no-risk Lyric hearing assessment and no-obligation 30-day trial.

Additional features of hearing aids

Beyond their basic functions, many modern hearing aids are now fitted with advanced features designed to improve usability and listening experience.

Hearing aids can be customised to suit an individual’s needs and preferences, but some of the most common features that can be found include:

• Telecoils: This enables the hearing aid to pick up sound from compatible sound systems such as those found in theatres or churches, providing a clearer listening experience in public places.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Most modern hearing aids can connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, TVs and other devices, allowing users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids.
• Directional microphones: These microphones can focus on sounds coming from specific directions which is particularly useful in noisy environments.
• Feedback cancellation: This feature minimises the whistling or feedback sounds that can occur with hearing aids, providing a clearer listening experience especially outdoors.
• Tinnitus masking: Some hearing aids offer tinnitus masking features, which generate soothing sounds to help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus.

The importance of getting the perfect hearing aid for you

Not every advanced feature will be necessary for everyone, which is why it’s important to get a hearing aid tailored to your requirements. The best way to do this is to book a hearing test with an audiologist.

A hearing test will accurately diagnose your type of hearing loss and the severity of it, which will help to inform the choice of hearing aid. Your audiologist will also take the time to understand your individual hearing needs based on lifestyle and preferences, and will then be able to recommend the most suitable device for you.

Harley Street Hearing has a team of fully qualified clinical audiologists who specialise in helping patients on their journey to better hearing. We listen and we understand, and we take great pride in providing all our patients with personalised care. Our hearing aid patients are patients for life, with complimentary annual checkups to ensure they are getting the most out of their device.

As an independent audiology company, we work with all major UK hearing aid manufacturers and can choose from an extensive range of devices with unbiased advice.

We have hearing clinics across London and you don’t need a GP referral to book a hearing test with us. To find out more or to book an appointment, contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053.

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