independent, impartial and ... - hearing solutions uk...the only rechargeable hearing aid with a 360...

Independent, impartial and professional advice for a hearing solution that’s right for you

Open up your world

Contents

For a FREE consultation and hearing assessment in the comfort and privacy of your own home

Call FREEPHONE 0800 810 6760

Ten million people in the UK - one in six of us - have some degree of hearing loss.

The main causes are hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear diseases. And, of course, there is age. More than 40% of people over 50 years of age have some degree of hearing loss, rising to 70% of those over the age of 70.

The great news is that amazing developments in both hearing performance and physical size mean that there are better, discreet and more affordable solutions now available to open up your world.

Hearing Solutions UK - Our mission 4

What makes us different? Discretion, comfort and reliability 5

Signs of hearing loss 6-7

Does this sound like you? 8-9

Our customers always come first. The right qualifications 10

In-depth understanding of what happens during your hearing assessment 11-12

Hearing is central to your health and quality of life 13

Listening environments. Technology that works for your benefit 14-15

The great value Hearing Solutions UK product range 16-17

Technology from some of the world’s leading manufacturers 18-19

The only rechargeable hearing aid with a 360 degree sound experience for better speech understanding 20

Hearing care wherever you are 21

Stay connected to your world with the latest Bluetooth enabled hearing aids. Introducing ConnectClip 22-23

What to expect from hearing aids 24-25

Your next step. Warranty and delivery 26

Service and aftercare 27

Hearing Solutions UK - Our mission

• Help you hear speech clearly even in a noisy environment

• Clearly identify where sounds are coming from

• Be able to talk with different people and respond appropriately

• Feel confident and comfortable as you go about your daily liferegardless of the circumstances

• Use your telephone/mobile telephone with ease

• Allow you to enjoy music the way you used to with rich, clear andvibrant tones

• Connect wirelessly to a range of lifestyle devices (TV, mobile phone,IPad etc.) so that you can transmit the sound you want to hear directlyto your hearing aid

• Provide an excellent back up and customer support service viaour team of highly qualified and personable audiologists by eitherpersonal visit or telephone.

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What makes us different?

At Hearing Solutions UK we appreciate that hearing loss can be a sensitive subject. Accepting that you may need help with your hearing can be difficult so we aim to keep the process of selecting the right option for you simple and jargon-free as possible.

We come to see you in the comfort of your own home so you don’t have to worry about car parking or public transport so the whole experience becomes so much more enjoyable.

We also like to make your experience discreet and personal. This is because we understand that our customers have different needs and requirements so at Hearing Solutions UK we take the time to fully understand your hearing issues and needs.

Fully independent

Rather than being tied to one manufacturer part of our mission has been to select the very best and latest styles and technology so that we can offer exciting new hearing solutions, as soon as they become available. Plus we can often test, supply and fit in the same day so you get all the benefits at the earliest possible opportunity.

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Discretion, comfort and reliability

We’re proud to offer a fantastic and technologically advanced selection of hearing aids and sound amplification devices.

From initial assessment, customer discussion and prescription, to your aftercare and product maintenance, we strive to provide the highest standard of care to each and every one of our customers.

Our range includes super-discreet, virtually-invisible devices from the world’s leading manufacturers and we’ll make sure we provide you with the best and most comfortable solution possible with the appropriate level of technology. Our bespoke service means the solutions we offer you are completely suited to your lifestyle.

We may recommend the simplest ready-to-wear, low-cost sound amplification device or another solution with amazing connectivity to your television, computer or mobile phone. We want what’s best for you and your lifestyle!

Signs of hearing loss

The incredible gift of sound allows us to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. It also allows us to enjoy television, music and all manner of entertainment.

As we grow through life’s journey many people experience hearing loss and this is a perfectly natural part of life. Exposure to loud noise may also have an adverse effect on our hearing so it’s quite possible to experience some hearing loss at any age, depending on lifestyle.

Signs include

• Frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves

• Having trouble hearing when there’s a lot of background noise

• Misunderstanding conversations

• Perceiving that others are mumbling

• Music doesn’t sound as clear as it used to

• Having to increase the TV or radio volume

• Struggling to hear what children and grandchildren are saying

If any of the above sound familiar it’s a good time to have your hearing properly assessed by one of our hearing professionals.

They will confirm if you have any hearing loss and what the cause might be. Your dedicated professional will then advise you of the correct course of action and fortunately this is usually a simple process designed to get you back to enjoying life to the fullest.

Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies.

• Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damageto the sensitive hair cells inside the inner earor damage to the auditory nerve. This occursnaturally with age or as a result of injury.

• Conductive hearing loss happens when soundsare unable to pass from your outer ear to yourinner ear, often because of a blockage such asearwax or glue ear.

For further information on the causes of hearing loss please visit the website: www.hearingsolutionsuk.com

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You frequently mishear what others say, or

you only get part of the conversation?

Having trouble hearing when there’s background noise?

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Does this sound like you?

If you have difficulty hearing in various situations call us for a completely FREE hearing assessment by one of our highly qualified audiologists in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

They will advise on the most appropriate hearing solution to suit you and your personal lifestyle, design preference and budget. In many cases we can prescribe, program and supply your hearing aid on the same day!


You can’t hear other people very well at dinner

or in large groups?

Can’t hear the TV, others talking around you and you have to turn up the TV loud?

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If so we can help

FREE consultation and hearing assessment with our hearing specialist in the comfort and privacy of your own home



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Our customers always come first

We treat our customers in the same way as we’d like our friends and relatives to be treated whilst offering the best possible hearing solution to ensure you get the best hearing experience possible.

We take the time to fully understand your needs because you are unique and then prescribe the most suitable hearing solution carefully matched to you and your lifestyle.

The right qualifications, consumer code and protection

At Hearing Solutions UK, all of our hearing aid audiologists and dispensers are HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered and members of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists.

This guarantees each one of our trustworthy team members know the true value of adhering to our professional body’s standards.

This assures our clients they will be getting the most accurate diagnosis and solution possible. It also means that we’ve signed up to the Professional Body’s consumer code and stay completely up-to-date with the latest developments in hearing technology, and follow a structured industry plan of CPD (continuous professional development).




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Your hearing appointment

If you have never been visited by an audiologist, you probably don’t know what to expect. You are in for a pleasant experience that is interesting, informative and a great start on your path to better hearing. You will have the opportunity to better understand your hearing needs and explore possible solutions.

What to expect

Once they arrive for your appointment, your audiologist will discuss your hearing history to understand what factors have influenced your hearing and also to get more information on your personal hearing needs. In addition, a hearing examination will be conducted. The visit may also include a listening experience with hearing devices, when appropriate. After your audiologist has interpreted the results of your hearing evaluation, he/she will explain them to you clearly. It will then be time to develop a plan for the next steps. If you have a hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended. We’ll also discuss your lifestyle, work, hobbies and leisure pursuits to ensure that we can deliver the best and most appropriate solution for you.

Have someone with you

Most people find it very helpful to have a spouse, family member or friend during the visit. You will typically get more out of your visit if someone close to you can share in the experience. The audiologist will also benefit from learning about your hearing abilities from someone close to you.

When the assessment is complete

We’ll discuss your results straight away. If we detect some hearing loss, we’ll explain the causes and consequences, so you’ll know how it could affect you in different situations. We’ll also let you know if your type of condition can be improved by wearing a digital hearing aid or a sound amplification device. Assuming we can help you, we’ll explain the full range of choices, from tiny earpieces to hidden in the ear canal to more contemporary sound amplification devices. Each type has its virtues, so we’ll consider your diagnosis - along with your work, hobbies and lifestyle - to help you make the right choice.

SAME DAY SERVICE*

Comprehensive hearing assessments are provided entirely at our expense followed by first class advice from fully qualified and HCPC (Health Care Professional Council) registered audiologists on the most appropriate hearing aids to suit your personal lifestyle, design preference and budget. In many cases we can prescribe, program and supply your hearing devices on the same day!

*Subject to hearing assessment and if in stock.

In-depth understanding of what happens during your hearing assessment

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It’s your brain that hears not your ears

Your hearing serves many purposes such as keeping you safe, locating where sound is coming from, and helping you follow conversations. Your ears and brain form a system and work together. Your ears funnel information into the hearing system and your brain processes the information into sound and meaning.

Your brain constantly takes in a wide variety of cues from your ears, and automatically and effortlessly identifies the sounds and locates where they are coming from. Imagine you are about to step into traffic. It is your brain that let you know whether or not it is safe to proceed. Therefore, it is crucial that you can hear all the sounds around you from both ears to understand where a sound is coming from. In noisy environments, your two ears work together to improve speech understanding by providing access to the important details in the environment. The more detailed the information your brain receives the easier it is to identify and follow what is being said.

Living with a hearing loss is tiring and can affect your ability to remember

Getting through the day with a hearing loss can be hard work. Everyday situations require more effort in order to follow and understand what is being said.

When you have a hearing loss, your ears lose their ability to pick up certain sounds. Your brain has to work much harder to ”fill in the gaps” and guess what is being said.

Both of these tasks require more mental resources and can leave you feeling exhausted. Using more mental resources to hear leaves you with fewer resources to perform other important brain functions such as remembering what was said. So even if you manage to follow the conversation you may struggle recalling what has been said. To reduce the load on your brain, it is important that you hear all speakers clearly, especially in noisy environments.

Did you know?

Untreated hearing loss makes it difficult to follow conversations and is often

very exhausting.

Untreated hearing loss makes it difficult to stay connected to communication and

entertainment devices like TV and phones

Untreated hearing loss often leads to reduced contact with family, friends and colleagues, which can turn into feelings of

isolation and depression.




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Hearing is central to your health and quality of life

Using hearing aids helps reduce mental decline

As hearing loss increases people become increasingly frustrated and socially isolated. Now new studies show, that untreated hearing loss is associated with a greater risk of dementia*. While no hearing aids can cure dementia or restore your hearing, they do go a long way in helping to keep your brain fit.

When you wear hearing aids you will find it easier to communicate and participate in social activities. This stimulates your brain and helps decrease the risk of accelerated mental decline related to untreated hearing loss.** Taking care of your hearing is one of the important keys to maintaining an active intellectual and social life.

Risk of developing dementia with untreated hearing loss

MIld loss: 2x more likely

MOdERatE hearing loss: 3x more likely

SEvERE hearing loss: 5x more likely

* Source: Lin et al. (2011). Compared with normal hearing, increased risk of dementia:1.89 for mild hearing loss, 3.00 for moderate hearing loss, and 4.94 for severe hearing loss.

** Amieva et al. (2015). Self-Reported Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Adults: A 25-Year Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Volume 63, Issue 10; 2099–2104.

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Listening environments

HomeConversations

Private 1:1 TVMobile/

Streaming Ear-to-Ear Parties

Theatres CarCrowds

10+ peopleOutdoorsRestaurants

4-6 peopleMeetings2-4 people

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Essential StandardProgrammable hearing aid with 6

channels allowing fine tuning. May be compatible with remote control.

Programmable hearing aid with 10 channels. Packed with higher levels of technology for an improved hearing

experience.

Technology that works for your benefit Technology/performance above all else determines the cost of any hearing aid system.

This has nothing to do with the severity of the hearing loss, it’s about how well you want to be able to hear in varied hearing situations and is bespoke to your requirements.

Wind noise reduction. If you spend a reasonable amount of time outdoors, gardening, golfing, walking or enjoying other outdoor activities one of our models featuring wind noise reduction may be important to you. The wind noise reduction system operates automatically when a specific strength of wind is detected. It works when needed!

Background noise management. By utilising state of the art noise management systems with the latest technology it’s now possible to separate the sound spectrum, extracting the important speech, therefore suppressing any background noise present.

Loud and soft sound identification. Your hearing aid can detect between loud and soft sounds and compensate automatically. Loud sounds are reduced to provide comfortable listening in noisy places.




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HomeConversations



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High PremiumProgrammable hearing aid with 12 channels. Increased features

such as music mode and iPhone compatibility so phone calls and

music may be streamed directly to your hearing aids

The ultimate in current hearing technology with 17 channels for super-

fine personal tuning. Includes all the features available on other models.

Feedback control. Models available from Hearing Solutions UK offer the best feedback management systems available designed to prevent the unpleasant whistling often associated with less sophisticated products. Some models in the Hearing Solutions UK range have accessories that can be purchased.

These include wireless devices that enable the sound from a television, telephone or other device to transmit sound directly into the hearing aid, no wires! Your audiologist will explain the options available to you during your hearing assessment.

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The great value Hearing Solutions UK product range

The two main categories are ITE (in the ear) and BTE (behind the ear). The advanced technology offered by Hearing Solutions UK means that these devices are now smaller, lighter weight and more powerful than ever before.

The main devices are as follows:

Invisible in the canal (IIC). A custom fit device that is virtually invisible when worn.

Programmable with remote control available.

In the ear (ITE). Similar to the IIC device with a larger part of the unit visible.





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Behind the ear (BTE). The BTE device has all technology housed in a shell that fits directly behind the ear. Amplified sound is fed into the canal via a thin tube. Programmable and highly practical with larger,

easy-to-replace batteries.

Behind the ear pre-programmed (BTEPP). Small and discreet pre-programmed with excellent technical specifications. Lower

cost and suitable for most types of hearing loss.

Receiver in the canal (RIC). A small and discreet device that fits behind the ear and has a speaker right in the ear canal.


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Technology from some of the world’s leading

manufacturers




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The only rechargeable hearing aid with a 360 degree sound experience for better speech understanding

Oticon™ Opn’s proven technology scans the environment 100 times per second to give you a complete 360 degree listening experience, unlike traditional hearing aids, that only amplify the sounds directly in front of you.

Now you can regain the enjoyment of life’s greatest pleasures.

Recharge at night. Open to your world all day!

Oticon™ Opn’s hearing aids are now available with long-lasting rechargeable batteries.

Simply charge them overnight in the convenient and easy-to-use charging block and they’ll last you all day long – even if you use direct streaming.

Wake up to a full day of wonderful sound experiences. If you forget to charge them, Opn will function just perfectly with standard disposable batteries too.




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YOU HEARING CARE

Request assistance anywhere

If you need improved settings for a listening situation, it can be hard to describe the particular sound. We help you create accurate information so your audiologist can make precise adjustments.

The information consists of:

• A diagnostic assessment

• Your subjective description

• An automatic record of your hearing aid settings.

Hearing care wherever you are

Help when you need it.

As good as the first fitting of hearing aids is, sometimes the hearing aid settings you like in the clinic perform differently in the wild. Up to now, that has meant a trip to the clinic for fine tuning.

With the introduction of Resound Assist, instead of trying to explain the situation at your next clinic visit you can ask your hearing care professional for help right from an app on your phone.

Request assistance via app

Receive request

Send updated settings and/or message

Receive updated settings and/or message

Receive updated settings anywhere

You get a notification when your hearing care professional sends you new settings. Just place your hearing aids close to your smartphone, tap install and try them out.

If you don’t like the way they sound, you can always go back to previous settings.

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Until quite recently hearing aids were limited to their original intended use, that of amplifying an individual’s sound frequencies that are impaired to help that individual enjoy a full spectrum of sound.

But now, with the advent of improved connectivity even those who don’t wear hearing aids can see the astonishing benefits the latest hearing aids present.

Hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity allow you to stay connected to a number of devices, including mobile phones, televisions, computers and more, so keeping in touch with friends and family is easier than ever before.

Traditional hearing aids can often limit the way you connect to many other electronic devices. Telephones, sound systems and headphones can all create situations where it’s necessary to remove your hearing aids if you wanted to listen. However, with the latest technology, it’s possible to get connected and stream sound directly through your hearing aids.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices such as mobile phones, computers, and peripherals to transmit data or voice wirelessly over a short distance. The purpose of Bluetooth is to replace the cables that normally connect devices, while still keeping the communications between them secure.

The “Bluetooth” name is taken from a 10th-century Danish king named Harald Bluetooth, who was said to unite disparate, warring regional factions.

Like its namesake, Bluetooth technology brings together a broad range of devices across many different industries through a unifying communication standard.

Bluetooth Technology

Developed in 1994, Bluetooth was intended as a wireless replacement for cables. It uses the same 2.4GHz frequency as some other wireless technologies in the home or office, such as cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers. This short-range network allows you to send a page to your printer in another room, for example, without having to run an unsightly cable.

Stay connected to your world with the latest Bluetooth enabled hearing aids



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Who benefits from Bluetooth hearing aids?

The short answer is virtually everyone!

Once you’re connected, which takes just a matter of seconds, you have access to your mobile phone, music library and more. So whereas non hearing aid wearers have to put their headphones on or ear buds in you’re already there! Hands-free calls and music on the move are at your almost permanent disposal!

Introducing ConnectClip

ConnectClip transforms your Oticon Opn™ hearing aids into a wireless stereo headset

Get the sound from any modern smartphone, tablet or computer directly into both of your ears with ConnectClip. It uses Bluetooth low energy to connect your hearing aids to your electronic devices and is also a microphone for capturing your speech. This makes your hearing aids into a wireless headset with all the benefits that come with the hands-free experience.

The high-quality audio capability lets you stream music from any of your devices straight into your ears. The sound is in stereo, which gives a richer sound where you can hear more details, for a quality experience that is less strenuous to listen to.

The ConnectClip also functions as a remote microphone, which means you can give it to someone who is speaking and then hear their voice clearly and directly in your hearing aids.

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What to expect from hearing aids

1 Getting used to hearing aids

Most people gradually lose their hearing over the course of time. On average, people experience hearing difficulties for 5-7 years before seeking help. So it may have been some time since a person has heard certain sounds, such as birdsong, soft music or children’s laughter. Once someone purchases a hearing aid, an adjustment period is needed to become comfortable hearing all of these wonderful sounds again.

2 One’s own voice will sound different

Along with other peoples’ voices and environmental sounds, hearing aids enhance one’s own voice. Therefore, one’s own voice may sound different, so there’s a whole new world of sound to re-discover.

3 Hearing aids are not “new ears”

Most hearing loss is unfortunately permanent affecting nerve endings. Hearing aids cannot correct permanent damage, nor can they restore a person’s hearing to normal in the same way that eyeglasses restore sight. Instead, hearing aids provide assistance to help one hear sounds better.




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4 The clarity vs. loudness issue

Hearing aids are cleverly designed to amplify sounds and frequencies in the speech spectrum of hearing. For most people, this increase in volume also increases the ability to understand speech. Just making the sound louder doesn’t make it clearer, otherwise merely increasing TV volume would work. Giant strides in technology however are making sound clearer than ever.

5 Help from friends and family

Hearing loss can develop over a long period of time making it possible to forget sounds easily heard by others. It poses difficulties for the hard of hearing person as well as their friends and family members. Ask people to speak from the same room, get one’s attention before speaking, and eliminate distracting noise (i.e. TV, water running in the sink, radio). The more help they give, the less frustration one will experience.

6 Have realistic expectations

Remember, in a noisy restaurant or at a party, most people, even those with normal hearing, cannot hear perfectly. At the cinema, some dialogue is missed by normal hearing people. People shouldn’t expect to hear everything perfectly, as it can take time to re-learn to hear speech sounds that haven’t been heard for many years.

Your next step, book your hearing assessment at home

We understand that it may not always be possible to attend a hearing centre to get your hearing assessed, and it is for this reason we offer our free home visit service.

The assessment will be carried out by a highy qualified member from our team of audiologists. All our audiologists are HCPC registered. It will last around one hour and we always recommend you have a family member or close friend with you for your appointment, as they may be able to give other important information about your hearing.

It may be necessary to take an impression of your ear canal if a custom-made hearing aid is required. Fortunately this a quick and comfortable process.

Which hearing solution is best for me?

Our audiologist will discuss your individual needs and requirements during the completely free assessment process. They will take into account all factors to determine which is best for you dependent on personal preference, ear shape, lifestyle needs and budget.

Supply

In many cases a hearing aid or sound amplification device can be personally tuned and fitted on the same day, immediately after your hearing assessment.

In the case of very specific or custom-made devices the ear canal impression taken will be sent to the laboratory where your hearing aid will be made to suit. This process can be carried out typically in under 10 days. Imagine that, a perfect fitting and discreet device made to order and fitted within 2 weeks!

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Warranty and delivery All hearing aids and sound amplification devices supplied by Hearing Solutions UK come with a minimum of a 2 years, 5 years in some cases. Comprehensive parts and label warranty.

The warranty period can be extended at little extra cost.

Total freedom guarantee

If you’re not totally satisfied with your purchase you can exchange it within 30 days for any other product in our range.




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Service and aftercare

In the same way it is important to get your ears checked regularly, hearing aids also need routine attention to keep it operating at peak efficiency.

Check for wax. Most hearing aids supplied will have a replaceable wax filter and this must be replaced when the performance of the hearing aid reduces noticeably.

Volume control. Not all digital hearing aids will have one but where there is one it is usually the part of the device that gets handled the most, and so needs regular testing for wear and tear.

Microphone. To get the very best from your hearing device, the receiver/speaker and microphone have to be free from obstructions.

Battery. The battery compartment needs to be checked, the contacts may need to be cleaned and adjustment may need to be made.

Clarity. We test your hearing device to make sure that the sound quality it’s giving is as clear as possible. To keep your hearing device in top condition, we check everything that can affect its performance.

We offer different service packages during which we’ll take this opportunity to:

Test your hearing to ensure your hearing threshold has not changed since your last visit. If it has, nine times out of ten we can re-programme your hearing aid to your latest test results as required.

Discuss your current lifestyle situations to ensure your hearing aid is supporting you where and when you need it. For instance, we may ask if you use a mobile telephone.

Many people are not aware that hearing aids available today can connect wirelessly to mobile phones.

Keep you up-to-date with the latest hearing innovation and technology.

Reasons like these are further examples of why it is important to regularly see your audiologist.

Hearing Solutions UKAiredale House, 4 Cranwell Road, Locking Parklands, Weston-super-Mare BS24 7GF Tel: 01934 756 445 www.hearingsolutionsuk.com Hearing Solutions UK is a trading style of The Mobility Furniture Company Ltd.

Company Registration No. 07934534 VAT No. 129 3905 02 Registered office: Westbury Court, Church Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3EF

independent, impartial and ... - hearing solutions uk...the only rechargeable hearing aid with a 360...

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