Eryri Hearing HealthCare

Hearing Aids

PLEASE NOTE, We do not sell hearing aids.

How We Hear

There are four parts to the ear that work together to help you hear and interpret sound. The outer ear collects the sound waves and by means of the ear canal, sends the sound to the eardrum. The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin membrane, almost like the skin on a drum, which serves as a seal between the outer and middle ear. Once sound waves reach the eardrum, it vibrates and set a chain reaction off.

As the eardrum vibrates, the vibrations are sent to three bones: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes (stirrup). These bones work together to send the vibrations from your eardrum to a snail-shaped part in the inner ear, called the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, there are thousands of haircells of which the top portion moves when the cochlea vibrates. These movements lead to the production of nerve impulses, which are carried to the brain via the auditory (acoustic) nerve. It is in the brain where the signal is interpreted as sound.

The haircells will move differently according to different incoming sounds, thus allowing the brain to distinguish between a variety of sounds in terms of pitch (frequency) and loudness (intensity).

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused due to a problem to the outer and middle ear (conductive hearing loss), in which case it is mostly medically and surgically treated. Hearing loss can also be caused by problems to the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss). This type of hearing loss is irreversible and it is only by means of high-technology digital hearing aids that listening and quality of life can be improved.

In some instances the hearing loss can be mixed, in which case it has both a conductive and sensorineural component. The most common of these three hearing losses, is sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing loss can be placed into four categories depending on the degree of impairment:-

Mild hearing loss: Inability to hear soft sounds; difficulty understanding speech in background noise.
Moderate hearing loss: Inability to hear soft and moderate sounds; considerable difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise.
Severe hearing loss: only certain loud sounds can be heard; considerable effort is needed to follow speech in group conversation.
Profound hearing loss: only certain very loud sounds can be heard; conversation is impossible without hearing devices.

Anyone can suffer from a hearing loss, although it generally tends to happen later in life. It can gradually worsen with age, making it difficult to realise and notice the subtle changes. The following questions can help you identify whether you or a relative might present with a level of hearing impairment.

Do you find it difficult to follow speech in noisy environments, e.g. bar/restaurants?
Do you experience that you can "hear" but not "understand" what people are saying?
Do you have the television volume louder than other members of your family?
Do you find it difficult to hear when the person speaking is at a distance or not facing you?
Do you feel isolated when you can't hear properly?
Has any other person close to you suggested you might have a hearing loss?

If you have answered 'yes' to two or more of the above questions, or if you are in doubt and suspect you might need a hearing test, it is advisable and in your best interests to contact us. We will gladly explain the difference between an NHS and a Private assesment and assist in the arranging of which-ever you prefer. It is also possible, for a small fee, to carry out a screening audiogram to give you an idea of what your hearing is like.

Hearing Tests

During your first consultation with the Audiologist, you will be taken through the whole process step-by-step and well informed of what will happen next. In total, it shouldn't
take longer than 90 minutes. We recommend that someone accompanies you during
this session.

First of all he/she will discuss and take notes on your listening experiences, needs and medical history.
Next he/she will examine your ears externally and internally to ensure there are no problems and your ears are wax-free.
He/She will then proceed to the hearing assessment, using an audiometer (specialised and calibrated equipment used for hearing assessment). You will be requested to listen to sounds at different frequencies (pitch) and intensities (loudness) by pressing a button every time you hear it. Special sound-treated headphones will be used to eliminate background noise. The hearing test will allow him/her to establish any hearing impairment, with the main focus on the degree and type of the impairment.
After the hearing test, he/she will continue to discuss the audiogram (record chart of your hearing thresholds) with you, ensuring that you understand and are happy with the results. Best management options, depending on your audiogram and specific needs, will be recommended.
Where appropriate, hearing devices will be discussed, including the different styles and features, along with prices, payment options and guarantees (private consultation). The hearing aid fitting will take place in approx three weeks from the first consultation during which the use and management of the devices will be discussed. The first follow-up session will take place four to six weeks after the fitting to review your progress with the new hearing devices and to ensure you are happy with the results.
He/she will obviously be more then happy to help you at any other given point, should you need further assistance or support.

Hearing Aids

We are an independant hearing healthcare practice. We are not involved with the selling and programming of hearing aids; we can however offer a full range of hearing aid accessories and an all make repair service at competitive prices along with a full range of assistive hearing devices.

Technology: Digital hearing aid technology aims to maximise speech perception in difficult listening situations.

Style: Digital hearing aids range in style from the tiniest discreet in the ear instruments to more powerful behind the ear instruments. Traditional hearing aids have made way for state of the art hearing aids, which incorporate stylish designs and advanced technology.

The different styles are:

Eryri Hearing Healthcare

Financial: The cost is largely dependent on the level of advanced technology. Our aim is to customise a solution that is both affordable and appropriate for your listening needs.

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