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FAQs

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Hearing

Hearing loss can range from mild to very severe and there are a number of causes.  Exposure to loud noise, natural age related degeneration, infections and head injuries are common causes, as are genetic conditions, certain diseases, tinnitus and exposure to certain chemicals or medications.  In some cases, hearing loss might be temporary, for example, if wax or a foreign object is blocking the ear canal. 

Hearing loss can occur at any age, not just when we grow older.  As soon as you start to experience hearing loss it’s absolutely vital to have a hearing test so you can get help managing your symptoms and benefit from advice on how to minimise any future hearing loss.

We’re all used to knowing that we should have regular dental and eye checks and it should be the same for our hearing.

When booking in for a hearing test or advanced hearing assessment at Cathedral Hearing, our audiologist will talk through your hearing concerns, carry out a full ear examination and help determine appropriate treatment and management of any identified issues. Please talk to us if you have any concerns or queries and we will be happy to advise.

You can book a hearing test or advanced hearing assessment directly with a qualified audiologist without needing a GP referral.  Please note however, if you plan to access NHS hearing aids, you will need to contact your GP as we don’t provide NHS hearing aids.

Laura, our audiologist previously worked for the NHS and has extensive knowledge of what is available.  At our hearing test or advanced hearing assessment, she can advise on how choosing an independent clinic provides a different experience to the NHS.  For example, a wider range of hearing aids can be offered to patients along with personalised aftercare which demonstrate the benefits available.

We like to start by saying, although not essential, do bring someone with you if you would like to when you come for your hearing test if it make’s you feel more comfortable.  It can be useful too, as someone else can give their thoughts on how potential hearing loss is impacting you and those around you.

In terms of timing, you will be with us for 60 minutes for a Hearing Test or 90 minutes for an Advanced Hearing Assessment which includes a demonstration of suitable hearing aids, if required.  Please contact us if you need further information about hearing tests and assessments or visit our hearing test page for full details.

Yes, we can. We know it can be useful to have a report in case you need to show your GP or you could need the report if processing a noise induced hearing loss claim for example. Or, you may just want a copy for your own records. Our audiologist can provide a full report on request.

The effects of tinnitus can be temporary, intermittent or constant and whilst the condition cannot be cured, there are different ways the effects can be positively managed to help patients cope better with tinnitus symptoms . Our audiologist can offer advice and support and, if required, demonstrate any suitable hearing devices which have special features to help relieve tinnitus symptoms. Please contact the clinic for further details. There’s also lots of useful information from the registered charity, Tinnitus UK on their website at this link:

https://tinnitus.org.uk/

In some cases it can be classed as a disability, depending on the individual and the severity of the hearing loss. You can find very useful further information about this on the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) website at this link:

https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/your-rights/

Assisted hearing devices, listening devices and assistive listening technology are the main descriptive terms for these devices. Whatever the device, they are are all designed to help people with hearing loss communicate better and stay connected. This could be in public settings like theatres or an airport where there may be hearing loop systems. Or, in the home, devices range from specially adapted door bells and vibrating fire alarms (also known as alertive devices) to amplified telephones and vibrating baby monitors. Please contact the clinic with for advice on assisted hearing devices that we can offer.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aid prices vary greatly depending on many factors like the features and style of the aids, the make and model and the technology involved. At Cathedral Hearing you can expect to pay within the range of £1800 - £4950 for hearing aids. We appreciate that whilst there are hearing aids offered elsewhere at lower costs, we can guarantee our price range covers the device/s, fitting, personalised aftercare and device warranties. Helping each patient find the best hearing solutions to suit their needs and budget is the most important thing to us and offering full aftercare support and advice is key to what we do.

Probably the best way to answer this is to consider both providers and what they can offer. The NHS tend to provide Behind the Ear (BTE) aids and they offer them for free on a long term loan basis, plus free batteries. Aftercare appointments are also free but you may be charged a fee if you break your hearing aids and need a replacement. As an independent, family owned practice we can offer a wider range of hearing devices including the latest digital, invisible and Bluetooth compatible aids. We can dedicate the time to give you the best personal service and ensure you get the advice, support and aftercare you need along with devices that suit your lifestyle, budget and preferences.

It’s fair to say that best does not always have to be the most expensive. In fact, whatever the brand, the best hearing aids are the ones that fit your ears well, are robust and offer a quality hearing experience. Hearing aids and their capabilities vary which is why advice from a qualified audiologist is important to guide you to the best solution to suit you as an individual and your lifestyle, preferences and budget. Cathedral Hearing offers a full range of hearing devices including leading brands such as Phonak and Signia. Technology is changing and developing all the time and we keep updated to make sure the devices we provide offer the best solutions.

Yes, we can advise and offer a range of loop compatible aids. Hearing loops are offered in a number of public places including theatres, reception desks, places of worship and lecture halls so if you use these types of setting often, it’s worth having a hearing aid that can link up to any available loop system to help you hear better.

Hearing aids help you connect with the world around you but there are certain settings where you need to take them out to prevent damage. Examples include when taking a shower, swimming and when sleeping. Our audiologist will explain fully at fitting stage when to wear and when not to wear your hearing aids how to clean them.

If driving a car or motorcycle in the UK you don’t necessarily need to declare that you wear hearing aids. We advise clients to always check with the DVLA as each individual’s circumstances are different and the DVLA can give a definitive answer.

If you plan to use NHS hearing aids please contact your GP as we don’t provide NHS hearing aids. However, as Laura, our audiologist previously worked at the NHS, she knows what the NHS can offer and can advise on all options available to you when you book a hearing test or assessment with us.

Earwax Removal

The common feelings experienced with earwax build up include a blocked or pressured sensation, buzzing or ringing in the ears or a dull, pressurised ache which can sometimes be accompanied by dizziness. At an earwax removal appointment, our audiologist will fully check your ears and advise on whether wax removal is required. If no wax is found, the charge is £30 instead of the £55 fee.

Our earwax removal procedures are very gentle and should not cause any discomfort. There is a level of sucking noise if microsuction is used but very few patients say it is too noisy to bear. The audiologist will stop treatment if at any point you feel uncomfortable. Things may feel strange in your ear but there shouldn’t be any pain.

We say to allow about an hour to include the full check of your earwax profile and the wax removal procedure. One ear will take less time than both ears but advising it may take an hour is especially helpful if you are using a local pay car park.

This totally depends on each individual. Some people may need to have wax removed every few months whereas others once a year or less frequently than that. If experiencing discomfort in your ears, we recommend you always get them checked by a qualified audiologist or your GP.

We absolutely don’t recommend this! Ears are delicate and you should never stick any object in your ear to try and remove wax build up as it could cause a lot of damage. As many ear, nose and throat surgeons say, never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear! The only exceptions are prescribed ear drops or medical grade Over the Counter (OTC) olive oil which can be used to help soften ear wax before ear wax removal by a qualified professional.

You should ONLY ever use medical grade olive oil provided by a pharmacy or recognised pharmaceutical company to help gently loosen earwax. Olive oil used for culinary purposes is absolutely not suitable.

Yes, but unfortunately we can’t help at Cathedral Hearing. We offer earwax removal to adults over 18 only. However, we are happy to recommend a local audiology specialist who can assist with earwax removal for children. Please contact the clinic for further details.

Hearing Protection

Yes, there are, and probably the types of hearing protection you may have heard of include ear plugs, earmuffs and noise cancelling headphones. It depends on why you need ear protection and the environment you will be using the protectors in as to what will be best for you. Please contact the clinic for further details of how we can help.

Yes, we are an approved supplier of ACS custom made earplugs. ACS provides a wide range of ear plugs covering activities such as sport, music, sleep and work environments with high levels of noise. If you are interested in ACS earplugs, we will arrange everything for you from taking and sending an impression of your ear to ACS to fitting your custom made plugs when they are ready. Please contact the clinic for details or you can book a hearing protection assessment here.

Ear plugs don’t directly cause ear infections however, if reusable plugs are not cleaned or maintained properly, they may carry a build up of bacteria and germs which could cause an infection. Disposable or foam ear plugs also need to be replaced regularly to maintain optimum hygiene.

Some ear plugs are specially designed for sleeping in and most often they are custom made to ensure the best results for light sleepers. We recommend always checking with a qualified audiologist first if you already have ear plugs and are not sure whether they are suitable for sleeping in.

General questions

Yes, we can. We know it can be useful to have a report in case you need to show your GP or you could need the report if processing a noise induced hearing loss claim for example. Or, you may just want a copy for your own records. Our audiologist can provide a full report on request.

Yes, our clinic is based on the ground floor and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Whilst we don’t have a dedicated car park, there are two pay and display car parks close by, one on Sandford Street, which is 2 minutes’ walk away and The Friary Inner car park around 4 mins walk.

Please always book an appointment for all services offered at Cathedral Hearing. We can’t accept walk-ins and would not want anyone to be inconvenienced if turning up at the clinic only to find they cannot be seen. It’s easy to book an appointment online at this link or you can call our friendly team on 01543 319641. Phonelines are open Mon – Wed 9.00am – 5.00pm, Thursday 9am – 7.00pm and Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm. Lines are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Our clinic telephone number is 01543 319641 and phonelines are open Mon – Wed 9.00am – 5.00pm, Thursday 9am – 7.00pm and Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm. Lines are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Yes absolutely! Fortunately there are many organisations and groups that can offer support and advice for people with hearing loss and for people who are deaf. Here are some examples:

RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf) www.rnid.org.uk. A national charity supporting more than 18 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Hearing Link www.hearinglink.org This charity is part of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. They offer personalised hearing support services that provide emotional and practical help for people, whatever their hearing level.

Online lip reading class – contact tom@deafnable.uk Tel: 07396 885908. Tom runs a Friday two hour class on ZOOM and has participants from the local area.

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Our Clinic

Lichfield

Cathedral Hearing

6a Sandford Street 

Lichfield
WS13 6QA

Email
hello@cathedralhearing.co.uk

Phone
01543 319641

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