I'm finding it difficult to hear on the phone

Q: What is the best hearing aid model for me?

In general, any audiologist will always recommend to you the hearing aid model that best suits your needs . Here is a useful checklist to make sure that is the case. Audiologist's level of knowledge: The audiologist you have seen will hopefully have a wide knowledge of all available hearing aids ; however, some will only be familiar with a small number of brands and, therefore, may not really be in a position to know which model is the best for you. It is OK to challenge their recommendation and ask them to justify why this particular brand is the one for you. Do research: Read about the hearing aid that was recommended. Does it seem like it will suit your lifestyle? Does it have more or fewer features than you need? Be aware of sales targets: Many high street retailers have specific tie-ins to a particular manufacturer/brand. The hearing aid they have suggested may still be the correct one for you, but do your research so that you know why they might have recommended it.

Q: What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

For most people, the main benefit of a rechargeable hearing aid is simple convenience. We are used to plugging in our phones and other devices overnight for them to charge up. Here are some other pros and cons: For anybody with poor dexterity or issues with their fingers, having a rechargeable aid makes a huge difference, as normal hearing aid batteries are quite small and some people find them fiddly to change. One downside is that if you forget to charge your hearing aid , then it is a problem that can't be instantly fixed. For most, a 30-minute charge will get you at least two or three hours of hearing, but if you are the type of person who is likely to forget to plug them in regularly, then you're probably better off with standard batteries. Rechargeable aids are also a little bit bigger and are only available in Behind-the-Ear models. Finally, just like with a mobile phone, the amount of charge you get on day one is not going to be the same as you get a few years down the line. Be sure to ask what the policy is with the manufacturer's warranty when it comes to replacing the battery.

Q: Are Behind-the-Ear hearing aids better than In-the-Ear hearing aids?

For most people, the answer is yes. But it's never that simple. The majority of hearing problems affect the high frequencies a lot more than the low ones. Therefore, open fitting hearing aids sound a lot more natural and ones that block your ears up can make your own voice sound like you are talking with your head in a bucket. Therefore, in-ear aids tend to be less natural. However, the true answer is we can't tell until we have had a look in your ears to assess the size of your ear canal, and until we have tested your hearing to see which frequencies are being affected. People with wider ear canals tend to have more flexibility, also there are open fitting modular CIC hearing aids now that do not block your ears. There is also the age-old rule to consider, that a hearing aid will not help you if it's sat in the drawer gathering dust. If the only hearing aid you would be happy wearing is one that people can't see, then that's what you should get. Most people can adapt to any type of hearing aid , as long as they know what to expect. Have an honest conversation with your audiologist as to what your needs are.

Q: What are channels, and how many do I need?

Generally speaking, six or more. Unless it's none at all. The number of channels a hearing aid has is often a simplistic way an audiologist will use to explain why one hearing aid is better than another, but channels are complex, and it is really not that straightforward. Here are some reasons why: Hearing aids amplify sounds of different frequencies by different amounts. Most people have lost more high frequencies than low, and therefore need more amplification in the high frequencies. The range of sounds you hear is split into frequency bands or channels, and the hearing aids are set to provide the right amount of hearing at each frequency level. Less than six channels, and this cannot be done with much accuracy, so six is the magic number. However, a six-channel aid is typically very basic with few other features and is suitable only for hearing a single speaker in a quiet room. The number of channels is not what you should be looking at; it's more the rest of the technology that comes with them. As a final note, different manufacturers have different approaches. One method is not necessarily better than any other. For example, some manufacturers have as many as 64 channels in their top aids. Most tend to have between 17 and 20. One m anufacturer has no channels at all.

Q: What's covered in a manufacturer's warranty?

Manufacturer's warranties typically last between 2-5 years, depending on the brand and model, and cover defects in materials and workmanship. This includes repairs for component failures, electronic malfunctions, and manufacturing defects, but excludes damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear. Most manufacturers also include loss and damage insurance for the first year. We handle all warranty claims on your behalf, liaising with manufacturers and ensuring you get replacement devices quickly when needed. This comprehensive warranty coverage, combined with our lifetime aftercare, gives you complete peace of mind.

Q: How much does the hearing test cost?

Our hearing tests are completely free, whether at our clinics or in your home . Unlike other providers who charge £30-£100 for home visits, we believe hearing healthcare should be accessible without financial barriers. Our comprehensive assessments include examination by a registered audiologist, audiogram results, and personalised recommendations. All testing, future adjustments, and ongoing support are included at no extra cost. While NHS tests are also free, typical 6-week waiting periods often lead people to seek immediate private testing. We provide prompt, professional assessments that fit your schedule and budget.

Q: Do you offer home visits, and are they included in the price?

Yes, we offer completely free home visits throughout the UK, and this service is included in our prices with no additional charges. Home visits are particularly valuable for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who simply prefer the comfort and convenience of their own environment. Our audiologists can conduct full hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and provide ongoing support in your home. This service sets us apart from many providers who either don't offer home visits or charge extra for them.

Q: Why are your hearing aids cheaper than what I'd pay on the high street?

We can offer prices up to 40% lower than high street retailers because of our business model. As a network of 200+ independent audiologists , we don't have the massive overheads of large retail chains - no expensive high street premises, no sales targets pushing audiologists to sell the most expensive options, and no costly marketing campaigns. However, we maintain the same buying power as the big chains because we purchase on behalf of our entire nationwide network. This means you get access to the same premium hearing aids with professional service, but at genuinely competitive prices.

Q: How long do I have to try the hearing aids before committing to keep them?

We offer a comprehensive 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you twice the industry standard time to properly assess whether your hearing aids are right for you. This extended period recognises that adjusting to hearing aids takes time, and your brain needs several weeks to adapt to the amplified sounds. Unlike many providers who offer just 30 days, we believe 60 days gives you the confidence to test your hearing aids in all the situations that matter to you - from quiet conversations at home to busy restaurants and outdoor activities.

Q: Can I really buy hearing aids online without visiting a clinic first? Why can't I do this with your company?

While some companies do sell hearing aids online without professional involvement, we don't offer this service because we genuinely believe it's not in your best interests. Hearing aids aren't like buying glasses online - they require professional assessment, precise programming to your specific hearing loss pattern, and proper fitting to work effectively. Through our network of over 200 qualified independent audiologists across the UK, we ensure you receive a proper hearing test, expert guidance on the right device for your needs, and professional fitting. This approach means you're far more likely to be satisfied with your hearing aids and actually use them regularly.

I Find It Difficult to Hear on the Phone. Do I Have Hearing Loss?

Learn how to recognise the signs of hearing loss and what to do about it

Overview | What are the signs of hearing loss? | Causes of hearing loss | What to do next | Conclusion

Overview

Difficulty hearing on the phone can be an early sign of hearing loss. Phones lack visual cues, and issues like poor signal or background noise make understanding harder. Common signs include asking for repeats, muffled sounds, raising volume, and struggling in noisy settings.

Causes include age-related loss, noise exposure, ear problems, health issues, or genetics. Getting a hearing test is the best first step. Adjusting phone settings, protecting your ears, using hearing aids, or captioned phone services can improve hearing and phone conversations.

Struggling to hear on the phone?

Have you ever found yourself straining to hear someone on the other end of the phone during a call? Perhaps you’ve had to repeatedly ask them to speak up or have even missed parts of the conversation entirely.

If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering whether this difficulty is a sign of hearing loss.

For many people, the phone is the first place where hearing difficulties become obvious. The lack of visual cues and reliance on sound alone often highlights even subtle hearing loss that might go unnoticed in face-to-face conversations.

In this article, we'll explore whether the challenges you're experiencing could be related to hearing loss, what causes these issues, and what steps you can take if you’re concerned about your hearing.

Why is it hard to hear on the phone?

Firstly, it's important to understand why phone calls can sometimes be difficult to hear. Unlike face-to-face conversations, phone calls lack non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language.

This can make it harder to fill in the gaps when speech isn’t entirely clear. The quality of the call itself can also play a significant role.

Poor signal, background noise, or a low-quality connection can all impact how well you hear the person on the other end.

However, if you find that this difficulty is not just occasional or related to any externals, it may be time to consider whether there could be an underlying issue with your hearing.

Related reading: Hearing aids for background noise

What are the signs of hearing loss?

Hearing loss often develops gradually, and it can be hard to notice until it starts affecting your day-to-day activities. The following signs could suggest that hearing loss might be present:

Difficulty understanding speech: If you find it hard to follow conversations on the phone, especially when there’s background noise, it may indicate that your hearing is no longer as sharp as it once was.

This can become more noticeable when there are multiple people talking at once or when the speaker has a soft or unclear voice.

Asking people to repeat themselves: If you’re constantly asking others to repeat themselves during phone calls, or even in face-to-face conversations, it might suggest that you’re struggling to catch certain sounds or words.
Muffled or distorted sound: When listening to phone conversations, if the voice sounds muffled or distorted, it could indicate a problem with the clarity of your hearing.

This is usually a sign of high-frequency hearing loss, which affects your ability to hear higher-pitched sounds.

Increasing volume: If you find yourself turning the volume up on your phone or asking others to speak louder than usual, it may indicate that your hearing sensitivity has decreased over time.
Difficulty in noisy environments: Many people with hearing loss find it more difficult to hear in noisy environments, such as in a cafe, on the bus, or even in a busy office.

If you’ve noticed that it’s harder to hear over the phone in these situations, it could point to hearing issues.

Related reading: Types of hearing loss

What causes hearing loss?

There are several potential causes for hearing loss, some of which are more common as we age, while others can be due to lifestyle factors, injury, or health conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:

Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis): As people age, the structures in the inner ear can deteriorate, leading to gradual hearing loss.

This typically affects the high frequencies first, which may make it harder to hear consonants and certain speech sounds, especially on the phone.

Noise-induced hearing loss: Exposure to loud noises over time, whether through work, hobbies, or simply listening to music at high volumes on headphones, can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.

This can impact both the clarity and volume of sound, making phone conversations more difficult.

Ear infections or blockages: Sometimes, temporary hearing difficulties on the phone may be caused by an ear infection, fluid buildup, or wax blocking the ear canal. This can muffle sounds and make it harder to hear clearly.
Health conditions and medications: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, can affect hearing. Some medications, such as those used to treat cancer or infections, can cause hearing loss as a side effect.
Genetics: Some people are more prone to hearing loss due to hereditary factors. If hearing loss runs in your family, it's worth being proactive and monitoring for early signs.

Related reading: All about ear infections

What to do if you're worried about your hearing

If you find it increasingly difficult to hear during phone calls, there are steps you can take to address the issue:

Get your hearing checked: The best way to determine whether you have hearing loss is to see a healthcare professional or audiologist for a hearing test. They can assess the nature and degree of your hearing loss and provide recommendations for treatment.
Review your space: If you’ve noticed your hearing is only affected in certain environments, take note of where and when the issues arise. This can help you pinpoint whether external factors, such as background noise or phone signal, are contributing to the problem.
Improve the quality of your phone: Some phones offer settings that can improve the clarity of speech. You might want to try adjusting the volume, using a speakerphone, or investing in a specialised hearing aid-compatible phone.

There are also apps designed to amplify sound or enhance clarity during calls that you can access.

Protect your hearing: If you are concerned about future hearing loss, be mindful of the volume at which you listen to music or speak on the phone. Protecting your ears from excessive noise exposure can help slow down the progression of hearing loss.
Consider hearing aids: If your hearing loss is diagnosed, hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to hear clearly, including on the phone.

Modern hearing aids are highly sophisticated, offering features such as Bluetooth connectivity to allow direct audio streaming from your phone to the device.

Try captioned phone services: Captioned telephones or apps that transcribe speech in real time can be a great support when traditional calls become too difficult.

FAQs