Care advice for your hearing aids in the hot weather
Care advice for your hearing aids in the hot weather
A very hot and humid Summer has meant at times it has been really difficult to keep cool. We have put together some helpful tips on how to care for your hearing devices in hot weather.
Keep them clean
Hot weather means we perspire more so try to keep your hearing aids as dry as possible. If you do sweat extensively try and wipe your hearing aids often and particularly at the end of the day before you put them away. It is a good idea to change your filters or wax guards more regularly.
Keep them dry
If your hearing aids get wet from perspiration or if you get caught out in a down pour we recommend using a drying pot and capsules or an electric dryer which you can leave your hearing aids in overnight. Please contact us if you would like details on drying products.
When swimming
It may sound silly but you can easily forget you are wearing your hearing aids before venturing into the sea or a swimming pool. Don't worry if you do get your hearing aids wet. Make sure you remove the battery straight away and let the hearing aid dry out. Don't try and turn the hearing aid on until you are confident the hearing aid has dried out (contact us if unsure). After showering and bathing make sure you are fully dry before putting your hearing aids back on to avoid the chance of water getting into the device.
Make sure you know where they are
If you do take your hearing aids off make sure you remember where you put them. Try and keep them in a secure place like a carry box and not loose in a bag.
Don't get sunscreen or sand on them
If you are out in the sun and using sunscreen make sure you remove your hearing aids before applying lotion. Suntan lotion and sand will clog the microphones, receivers and filters.
Avoid sweat
If you do suffer with excessive perspiration think about removing your hearing aids before activities where you get hot. Perspiration can seep into the microphone ports, tubing and wires leading to possible malfunctions so it is important to try and keep them moisture free. If you wear a behind-the-ear hearing aid you can look to use a product such as Ear Gear which act like a mini sweat band for your hearing aids.
If you do have any problems please let us know and we will help resolve any issues that you are having.
The latest hearing aids with great new features
If you are interested in new hearing aids there has never been a better time, whether you are a first time user or looking to upgrade. The last few years has seen new features such as rechargeability, smartphone connectivity, direct streaming and health monitoring. By choosing our hearing care service, you can rest assured knowing Keeley will fit and program your hearing aids to maximise your hearing ability. All new hearing care packages come with our two-year home visit inclusive service.
The industry's first custom rechargeable
If you like the idea of customised hearing aids, or you already have a pair but have difficulties changing your batteries, then a custom rechargeable model might be right for you. These models feature the most advanced technology and are handcrafted and customised to fit your unique ear anatomy. You will never have to worry about fiddly battery changes as when not worn, the hearing aids are placed on your own charger where they can be kept until you are ready to wear them again. The devices automatically turn on when removed from the charger. Customised rechargeable hearing aids are proving very popular and the feedback we have received from clients has been great.
Connectivity to smartphone
Nearly all of the latest hearing aids now have direct connectivity to smartphones via Bluetooth. Dependent on your smartphone model you can have conversations on your phone streamed directly into your hearing aids. Hearing aid apps also allow your smartphone to be used as a remote control for volume and program changes. You can even make small, fine-tuning adjustments for specific locations you frequently visit and some apps even offer a find my hearing aid feature in case of loss.
Health and fitness
With a strong link between healthy hearing and general well-being some of the latest hearing aid models are now able to record your steps and even monitor your heart rate. Other new features include fall alert messages that can be sent to a loved one's mobile phone in emergencies.
Water-proofing
We now have a waterproof (up to 50cm) rechargeable hearing aid in our portfolio. Ideal for those of you who love being by or on the water or who have particular difficulties with sweating and moisture.
Music to your ears
As hearing aids are designed for speech this can sometimes conflict with the enjoyment of music listening. Many of the latest hearing aids have improved sound quality when listening to music. Keeley can also help to set up a customised music program specifically for those who play or like listening to music.
Still happy with your existing devices?
If you're not looking or ready for new hearing aids then you might be interested in having your hearing aids sent away for a full manufacturer service and repair if required. Please contact us for further details.
COVID-19 – Update on our hearing care service
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 20 Jul 2021
Further to the release of COVID restrictions in England on 19th July, Key to Hearing will continue to follow our professional body guidance with the correct precautions, infection control, social distancing advice and Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
At your home visit appointment Keeley will continue to wear a Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask, gloves and apron. If you are a customer of Key to Hearing, we would be grateful if you would wear a face mask or covering when Keeley visits if at all possible. Both Keeley and Will have received both of their COVID-19 Vaccinations.
As a hearing care professional Keeley comes into close contact with a few clients each day in their home environments. The use of Personal Protective Equipment helps to minimise the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
At this time your health, the health of our clients and ourselves will continue to be of the utmost importance as we continue to give you the best hearing care possible whilst minimising risk.
Thank you for your understanding and support and do let us know if you have any questions.
Contact us for help
Email: info@keytohearing.co.uk
For general advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) click here for the latest information available from NHS.
Best wishes, Keeley and Will
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 19 Apr 2021
Keeley, our hearing care professional, has now received her second coronavirus vaccine. As a registered hearing aid dispenser with the Health & Care Professions Council, Keeley is categorised as a Priority Group 2 key worker (that includes Frontline Health and social care workers).
Audiology services continue to be classed under government guidelines as an essential service. We will continue to follow the government and professional body guidance with the correct precautions, infection control, social distancing advice and Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
Contact us for help
Email: info@keytohearing.co.uk
For general advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) click here for the latest information available from NHS.
Best wishes, Keeley and Will
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 02 Feb 2021
Keeley, our hearing care professional, has received her first coronavirus vaccine. As a registered hearing aid dispenser with the Health & Care Professions Council, Keeley is categorised as a Priority Group 2 key worker (that includes Frontline Health and social care workers).
Audiology services continue to be classed under government guidelines as an essential service. We will continue to follow the government and professional body guidance with the correct precautions, infection control, social distancing advice and Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
Contact us for help
Email: info@keytohearing.co.uk
For general advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) click here for the latest information available from NHS.
Best wishes, Keeley and Will
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 03 Nov 2020
Following the latest government announcement on the 31st October we will continue to provide our home visit hearing care service during the upcoming lockdown in England from Thursday 5th November. Audiology services are classed as an essential service and we will continue to follow the processes and protocols that we put into place when we resumed our hearing care service in July. Our service continues to follow the guidelines outlined by the government as well as the professional bodies that we adhere to.
At this time we are still minimising face-to-face appointments unless of an urgent nature. Examples of an urgent nature would include struggling to hear your family on the phone or that you can't always make out what is being said on the TV. Also if you are an existing client please feel free to contact us if your hearing has changed since we last visited.
For existing clients we continue to operate a door-to-door collection and postal service for hearing aid repairs, batteries and filters. We hope to be able to resume routine hearing checks and servicing in the new year.
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 01 Jul 2020
We're back - Resumption of our home visit hearing care service
We are pleased to advise that in the coming days we will be resuming our home visit hearing care service.
Be assured that we have the right precautions and safety measures in place. Therefore please feel free to contact us if you have a hearing problem that can only be resolved with a face-to-face appointment.
Please don't forget we are still offering a hearing aid repair (door-to-door collection and return if necessary) and a consumable postal delivery service. Please do let us know if you need any help.
Consumables
If you need consumables including batteries, domes and wax guards, let us know and we can arrange for them to be posted.
Faults and Repairs
If your hearing aid is broken or has stopped working, please contact us. We can talk you through potential issues and resolutions. In the situation that your hearing aid needs to go for repair we will give you further guidance. Options include posting your hearing aid to us, posting directly to the manufacturer or if circumstances prevent you from leaving home we can arrange to collect.
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 05 Jun 2020
Hi
We hope you have been enjoying the sunshine and that you have had the opportunity to see some of your loved ones and friends again for the first time in a few months.
Update on our service
The guidance for Audiology services is unchanged and whilst we are allowed to be open as per Government guidelines the UK's audiology professional bodies deem that face-to-face appointments are only to be carried out when an audiological need cannot be met remotely.
We now have the right precautions and safety measures in place to meet the guidelines for us to begin urgent/essential home visit hearing care appointments for those with ear or hearing symptoms from July. Therefore, please contact us if you have a problem that needs to be resolved with a face-to-face appointment and we can arrange for Keeley to visit in July.
If restrictions are eased further during July and August we are hoping to restart our review and service appointments. However, at this time we would completely understand that some of you might not want an appointment until later on in the year .
In the meantime please don't forget we are still offering a hearing aid repair and consumable delivery service. Please do let us know if you need any help.
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 14 May 2020
Audiology services are allowed to be open as per Government guidelines, but the UK's audiology professional bodies deem that face-to-face appointments are only to be carried out when an audiological need cannot be met remotely.
We are hoping that the COVID-19 virus infection rate will at least reduce in the next few months so that we can get to see family and friends and start to see a relaxation in social distancing rules.
When this time comes, we will hopefully be able to resume our hearing care service. At this stage there will be added safety protocols that we will be following regarding health, hygiene and protective personal equipment (PPE). Your and our health is our priority and we will make sure that we are taking the correct precautions to run a safe service.
When the time comes, we will let you know when we are ready for face-to-face appointments and advise you of any new safety protocols that we will be undertaking during your appointments.
New clients are welcome to register their interest in our service and we will get back to you once we are able to safely conduct face-to-face appointments.
In the meantime, Keeley is working one day every few weeks to make sure that we can send out any consumables you need. Please know that we are both here to help, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 22 April 2020
We are temporarily closed but are looking forward to getting back to providing home visit hearing care as soon as the current restrictions have been relaxed and most importantly when it is safe to do so.
In the meantime new clients are welcome to register their interest in our service and we will get back to you when we're back in the office.
Existing clients please email or call us and we will provide you with further instructions.
COVID-19 - Latest update on our service - 31 March 2020
Due to the Coronavirus we are temporarily closed. New clients are welcome to register their interest in our service and we will get back to you once we are able to safely able to conduct face-to-face appointments. Existing clients please email or call us and we will get back to you with further instructions and advice.
For new clients who are looking for hearing aid repairs we would recommend the service of the Hearing Aid Repair Shop.
For customers looking for hearing aid consumables including batteries and filters we would recommend looking on Amazon, eBay or HAB hearing.
We hope to be back up and running as soon as possible and will provide further updates when our situation changes.
Best wishes
Keeley and Will
COVID-19 – Update on our service - 18 March 2020
We have looked very carefully at all the information that has been given regarding COVID-19 and at this time we have decided to suspend and postpone face-to-face appointments.
Whilst originally, we thought we would provide a limited service, based on the evidence from the health professionals we believe it is in the best interests of you, ourselves and others that we currently stop all appointments. We will review this position on a weekly basis.
Contact us for help
If you have any issues with your hearing and or hearing aids, please call or email us and we will give guidance. As normal we will be available via phone or email during normal working hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Consumables
If you need consumables including batteries, domes and wax guards, let us know and we can arrange for them to be posted. Payment can be made by cheque or BACS or credit card via the internet (not over the phone).
Faults and Repairs
If your hearing aid is broken or has stopped working, please contact us. We can talk you through potential issues and resolutions. In the situation that your hearing aid needs to go for repair we will give you further guidance. Options include posting your hearing aid to us, posting directly to the manufacturer or if circumstances prevent you from leaving your home we can arrange to collect.
Further Updates
The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing so we will keep you updated. We know how important your hearing is, but we hope you understand why we are currently taking these precautionary measures.
We hope you are keeping well and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes
Keeley and Will
PS - Please take the time to watch this video.
Discover a new world of hearing with Unitron Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit
Unitron Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit - Discover Hearing Aids You'll Love - Available at Key to Hearing - Bournemouth Based - Home Visit Service - Learn more now
Looking for a stylish, discreet and flexible hearing aid with impeccable sound quality? Bournemouth-based audiologists, Key to Hearing, are now offering the state-of-the-art beind the-ear Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit from leading manufacturer, Unitron. With the unique Discover platform and FLEX:TRIAL TM program we can tailor your hearing experience to meet your personal lifestyle and listening needs.
Battery-powered or rechargeable?
The Moxi Fit is a battery-powered hearing aid that’s designed for convenience and ease of use. If you’d prefer a rechargeable device, Moxi Jump R offers a full day of hearing, including streaming, from a single charge. Both hearing aids are available in a choice of 10 colours and can be adjusted to comfortably fit any ear.
Discover a truly flexible hearing solution
The Discover platform offers four options to provide a high quality hearing experience in a range of environments, from simple conversational needs to listening to music and dealing with background noise. Our qualified audiologist, Keeley Salmon, will take the time to understand your individual requirements before recommending the best option.
Hear like your 20 year old self again!
The Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit have been designed to offer a genuinely natural hearing experience. The powerful SoundCore TM signal processing system means your hearing aids can classify and stream sounds as precisely as a 20 year old with normal hearing! (1)
You’ll be able to enjoy all the things you love again – from chatting on the phone to watching films and going to concerts and shows. Life in the workplace will also be easier, as you’ll be able to focus on speaking to colleagues without worrying about background noise.
Seamless connectivity
For ultimate convenience, Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit both offer hands-free phone and video calls, and music streaming, directly to your hearing aids from almost any type of smart phone. With the TV Connector, you can also enjoy wireless volume control over your TV and other devices such as laptops and stereos without affecting anyone else’s enjoyment.
Your hearing care is a two-way conversation, so you can send us feedback using the Unitron Remote Plus app. We can then further personalise your devices, helping you benefit from optimum sound quality wherever you are.
Putting you in control with FLEX:TRIAL TM
Unitron’s FLEX:TRIAL TM program makes it quick and easy for you to discover how a Moxi Fit hearing aid could change your life. It’s a simple three step process that means you can try out your new devices with no obligation to buy (2) if you decide they’re not for you. You can find out more here.
Future-proof your hearing with FLEX:UPGRADE TM
The FLEX:UPGRADE TM scheme gives you peace of mind that you can upgrade your Moxi devices without having to buy new one if your hearing needs change. Ask us for more details.
Like to know more? Contact Key to Hearing today
For more information about the Moxi Jump R and Moxi Fit hearing aids, or to arrange a hearing evaluation in the comfort of your own home, please get in touch. You can call us on 01202 511 386, email info@keytohearing.co.uk or complete our online form.
Notes
(1) Source: Dr. David A. Eddins, WCA October 2018 Cape Town, South Africa.
(2) Please note that charges will still apply for hearing evaluation and programming your devices.
Introducing the Oticon Opn S – the nearest you can get to normal hearing
Oticon Opn S Hearing Aids - Superb Connectivity - State of the Art Sound Management - Available from Key to Hearing, Bournemouth - Home Visit Service - Learn more
Key to Hearing, the Bournemouth-based audiologists have unveiled the latest addition to their range of hearing aids: the Oticon Opn S. Billed as offering the ability to ‘Enjoy speech understanding on par with normal hearing’, the device offers excellent sound quality even in the noisiest of environments.
A 360 degree sound experience
Unlike traditional hearing aids which only let you focus on a single sound – normally the person you’re talking to – Oticon Opn S gives you a 360 degrees hearing experience so you can hear and enjoy all the different sounds going on around you.
The device’s cutting edge BrainHearingTM technology constantly scans your environment and supports your brain in hearing and interpreting sounds. This makes it easier to understand speech and join in conversations with multiple people, so you’ll find busy social occasions less challenging 1.
Superb connectivity
With the ConnectClip accessory you can make and receive hands-free phone calls using any modern smartphone. You can stream music directly to your hearing aids using an iPhone, iPod or iPad, or using ConnectClip with other types of device. ConnectClip also acts as a remote microphone and remote control.
Using the ON app, you can also access a range of other features, including volume adjustments, a booster function for on-demand support and HearingFitnessTM – a new feature that offers advice on how to hear better, protect your hearing and improve your health.
Via IFITT.com, or ‘The Internet of Things’, you can even connect your hearing aids to all kinds of other devices, for example, to tell you when someone’s ringing your doorbell or has sent you a text message. And using the Oticon TV Adapter, you can stream sound from your TV straight into your ears.
Superfast three hour charging
Known as the miniRITE R, the Oticon Opn S’s rechargeable device comes with its own stylish contact-free charger, taking away the hassle of buying, changing and disposing of batteries. Your hearing aids will be fully charged for the day in just three hours, including streaming, and there’s a special 30 minute quick recharge function that gives you another six hours of use.
State of the art sound management
Whistling and feedback are two of the most annoying side effects of traditional hearing aids, making it hard to put the phone to your ear or even give someone a hug without triggering interference. The Oticon Opn S uses cutting-edge technology to detect and stop feedback before it even happens, giving you a more comfortable listening experience.
Other sound management features include:
Spatial SoundTM LX – focus your attention on the sounds that interest you the most
Speech GuardTM LX – keep up with the conversation in busy environments
Speech RescueTM LX and Soft Speech Booster LX – hear high and low frequency sounds without adjusting your volume control
Wind Noise Management – does what it says on the tin!
Tinnitus SoundSupportTM – relief sounds for people with tinnitus
Find out more
If you think Oticon Opn S could be the hearing aid for you, please contact Key to Hearing today for your no obligation hearing check and consultation or download the Oticon Opn S brochure to find out more.
Reference
1. Juul Jensen 2019, Oticon Whitepaper