FAQs: Amplifon answers to your questions

To get a 14-day trial hearing aid follow these steps:

• Book a consultation: make an appointment with our qualified experts
  
• Discussion of needs: during the consultation, discuss your specific needs to identify the most suitable device.
• Device delivery: select the device, it will be delivered to you for a 14-day trial period, allowing you to experience it in your daily environment.
  
• Trial period: use the hearing aid to assess its impact on your hearing. Our team is available to answer questions during this period.
• Final decision: at the end of 14 days, if satisfied, proceed with the purchase. Otherwise, you can return the hearing aid without obligation.

A visit to Amplifon is an essential step in ensuring your hearing health. 

The first step can be an indicative online test, followed by an audiometric examination at one of the more than 150+ Amplifon centres. This non-invasive and rapid examination uses advanced instrumentation to assess the state of your hearing and provide clear and free guidance. During the audiometric examination, sounds are sent at different frequencies and intensities, and the person responds by indicating the lowest audible intensity. The results are shown on an audiogram, which illustrates the hearing threshold frequency by frequency.

In case of hearing loss, a bone audiometry is performed to identify the cause. Further examinations, such as impedance testing, can be performed at the specialist doctor's office to provide further information on the motility of the tympanic membrane and the presence of stapedial reflexes. 

Amplifon's free Lifetime Aftercare programme looks after your hearing and your hearing aids for life. 

This unrivalled programme of support includes: 

• A regular assessment and evaluation of your hearing
• Expert help, advice and demonstrations of new hearing aid technology 

Once your hearing aids have been fitted, your hearing aid audiologist will arrange your programme of free Lifetime Aftercare to make sure you are getting the maximum benefit from your aids and that they continue to work at maximum efficiency. The hearing aid audiologist will also advise you on how to take daily care of your hearing aids to maintain their performance and what to do when batteries need replacing. 

During your regular six monthly Aftercare appointments, we offer expert help and advice, new technology demonstrations and a 5 Star Service check which includes: 

• Cleaning or replacing tubing  (excluding electronic Receiver in the Canals/Ears) and adjusting your hearing aid 
• Cleaning the hearing aid casing and microphone duct
• Checking for acoustic feedback 
• Checking your hearing aid performance
• A free pack of hearing aid batteries 

We will also assess your hearing on a regular basis to monitor changes in your hearing aid to ensure your hearing aids continue to give you the best possible hearing improvement.

To optimise the use of your hearing aid, download the Amplifon app by following these simple steps. Simply visit the App Store if you use iOS or Google Play if you use Android.  The app gives you easy volume control and the choice between various listening programs to ensure an optimal hearing experience in different situations. Take advantage of advanced features such as noise reduction, wind and speech focus to customise your hearing experience. Monitor the daily use of your device in real time through the app to maximise benefits. Receive detailed cleaning and battery replacement instructions directly from the app. 

Our experienced hearing care professionals, with instalment payment options, will help you choose the ideal solution. We offer a wide range of hearing aids from the world's leading manufacturers at prices to suit everyone's budget. The cost of a hearing aid depends mainly on the type of hearing loss you have and the variety of different situations that your hearing aid will need to cope with. The more varied the situations and lifestyles, the more sophisticated the hearing aid's technology needs to be. At your hearing test we will advise you on the various options available to you and the most appropriate level of technology required for your individual hearing loss and lifestyle. The price varies according to technical specifications such as noise reduction, connectivity to external devices, sound reception quality, and environmental sensing functions. For detailed information, please consult our Amplifon experts directly.

The battery life of Amplifon hearing aids depends on several factors, including battery size, the specific model and daily use and streaming. 

However, it is important to consider that the actual service life may vary depending on the specific functions used, which may require more energy. To ensure optimal continuity, it is recommended to always have a spare battery on hand. 

Our hearing care professionals will be able to offer more specific battery times based on your usage patterns and needs.

If you experience hearing loss in both ears, wearing a hearing aid in each ear is the recommended choice. Wearing hearing devices in both ears not only contributes to improved hearing quality but also allows for a more accurate perception of the surrounding sound environment. Adopting this practice promotes a complete hearing experience, optimising your ability to detect and interpret sounds in a balanced and natural way. 

No. Despite considerable technological advances, waterproof hearing aids are still not a reality. Therefore, it is essential to remember to remove hearing aids before diving into exposing them to water, whether during a swim or shower. This precaution is essential to preserve the integrity of hearing aids and ensure their proper functioning over time. Although technology continues to evolve, taking care of your hearing aids during water activities is a necessary step to maintain the quality of your hearing and prolong its life.

During an ear infection, it is advisable to avoid wearing hearing aids. When the ears are inflamed and sensitive, wearing the device may intensify the sensation of pain. In addition, the hearing aid could impede proper ventilation of the ear during the healing process of the infection. Taking a break from wearing hearing aids during this period allows the ear to recover and promotes better management of the infection, preventing potential additional discomfort. Prioritising ear health during infection is a conscious practice, contributing to the overall well-being of the user and the timely healing of the affected ear.

Hearing aids play a crucial role in human sound perception by detecting and enhancing a wide range of frequencies that are essential for hearing. This includes not only speech sounds, but also environmental noises such as birdsong or the sound of the telephone. In short, a microphone captures sound, which is then digitally amplified and reproduced through a loudspeaker. Their amplification functionality varies according to the levels and frequencies of the sounds, adapting to the type and pattern of hearing loss. With the advancement of technology, modern hearing aids are fully digital and increasingly sophisticated in discriminating between speech and background noise, ensuring superior sound quality. This technological advancement contributes to a more advanced hearing experience, improving speech understanding and providing clear sound even in noisy environments.

Yes! Thanks to technological developments, hearing aids are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and accompany you during every activity. Modern technology allows optimal comfort and a secure fit during physical activity, ensuring that the hearing aids stay securely in place.  You can immerse yourself in the world of sport, knowing that hearing aids can be your faithful companions on adventures, offering crisp, uninterrupted listening quality at all times.

Upon purchase, you will receive a kit containing wipes and a specific spray to ensure the daily cleaning of your hearing aid. It is advisable to perform this procedure regularly to keep the device in optimal condition. Periodically, you should check the condition of the two micro-batteries, replacing them promptly when they run out to ensure continuous operation. A convenient indicator light will always be active, providing clear visual feedback on the power on and proper functioning of your device. This simple monitoring system gives you the peace of mind of knowing the operational status of the device at all times, ensuring reliable performance and long life.

At Amplifon, we have products dedicated to the disinfection and thorough cleaning of hearing aids. We offer detergents in stick and spray format, effervescent capsules and wipes specifically designed to ensure complete and effective disinfection. Whether you prefer the convenience of sticks or the precision of sprays, the comfort of effervescent capsules or the versatility of wipes, you will find the ideal solution to keep your hearing aids in optimal condition. Your hearing health is our priority, and our cleaning products are carefully designed to ensure maximum hygiene and durability of your devices.

Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, may present as ringing, hissing or buzzing, often related to temporary situations, but in some cases it may persist. There are several causes of tinnitus, including loud noises, earwax build-up, ototoxic medications, sinusitis, allergies and ear infections. Psychological factors such as stress may also contribute. In some cases, the symptom can be managed with measures such as taking foods rich in melatonin and zinc. 

The feeling of clogged ears can result from several causes, requiring appropriate identification and treatment. One common reason is the accumulation of earwax, which can clog the ear, causing symptoms such as otitis, ringing and hearing loss. Improper use of cotton buds can contribute to this problem. Also, changes in altitude, such as during scuba diving or air travel, can cause temporary blockages due to changes in air pressure. Another possible cause is a blockage of the Eustachian tube, often related to infections or allergies. In the presence of symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and an inflamed throat, it is advisable to unblock the Eustachian tube to prevent ear infections. In addition, prolonged exposure to water can lead to infections, the most common of which is known as swimmer's ear. 

To alleviate the symptoms of persistent colds and plugged ears, nasal washes with physiological solutions are recommended. This is a simple and effective method of keeping the nasal cavities clean, reducing mucus production, and can help prevent pressure build-up in the Eustachian tube and alleviate the sensation of ear muffling. In addition, maintaining proper nasal hygiene can help prevent further complications such as otitis. Consulting your doctor for an ear examination is still essential to identify targeted therapies, but adopting these daily practices can be a first step in managing and relieving the discomfort associated with colds and earaches.

The treatment of otitis is driven by a thorough evaluation of the eardrum and middle ear with different approaches depending on age. Generally, a wait-and-see strategy is adopted, assessing the evolution for a couple of days and, if there is no improvement, proceeding with antibiotics. For the treatment and prevention of otitis, remedies such as nasal washes with physiological solutions and sleeping on a high pillow to reduce pressure on the eardrum are recommended. In the case of sero-mucosal otitis, expectorants and decongestant nasal drops are used. If the otitis is of bacterial origin, antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed. Acute inflammation of the ear canal is treated with cleaning by an ENT specialist and anti-inflammatory ear drops. 

In order to keep the ears clean and prevent earwax plugs from forming, it is essential to adopt safe practices and avoid the use of objects such as cotton buds, as they can push earwax deep into the ear, causing damage. Alternatively, it is advisable to gently clean the outer ear with a cotton ball, taking care not to insert anything into the ear canal. Regular consultation with a specialist for professional cleaning and personalised advice on hearing hygiene will help keep your ears healthy.

Labyrinthitis is a painful ear condition involving inflammation of the bony labyrinth in the inner ear, which includes the cochlea and the balance organ. This issue can affect both the ability to hear and the sense of balance, but symptoms can be complex to interpret. Common symptoms in adults include dizziness with nausea, ear pain, hearing loss and tinnitus, which causes the perception of noises in the ear such as ringing, buzzing or rustling. Uncontrolled eye movements are a further sign. Recognition of labyrinthitis can be complicated for the non-expert, as the symptoms may overlap with other ear conditions. If labyrinthitis is suspected, it is recommended to consult an ENT specialist, as a decrease in symptoms does not necessarily indicate the end of the infection. 

The sensation of reduced hearing in a specific ear, known as unilateral hearing loss, can be a common experience for both children and adults. This condition can manifest itself in various intensities, from temporary to permanent. In the context of unilateral hearing loss, one ear preserves normal hearing ability, while the other may be subject to a hearing reduction. Although the body is naturally predisposed for binaural hearing, challenges may arise in the presence of unilateral hearing loss, such as difficulty in locating the source of sounds, especially in noisy environments. Speech comprehension and hearing clarity may be impaired, with sound sometimes being perceived muffled and at a lower volume.

The handling of hearing loss varies depending on its causes. In the case of a temporary difficulty caused by obstructions such as foreign bodies or earwax plugs, the solution often consists in removing the obstruction. Ventilation-related problems, such as swelling of the ear canal (Eustachian tube), can be treated with medication. However, a permanent difficulty in sound transmission, such as damage to the ossicles of hearing or severe impairment of the tympanic membrane, may require delicate surgery. As for a permanent difficulty in sound perception, often related to inner ear problems, healing may not be possible. However, therapies such as the use of hearing aids and hearing training can help improve the situation. 

It is undeniable that postponing the wearing of hearing aids every year results in a delay in familiarisation with these devices. it is important to emphasise that early use of hearing aids is essential medical advice. Fitting such devices is recommended to preserve hearing health and improve the overall quality of the hearing experience.

Amplifon's free online hearing test is an innovative and accessible experience for assessing hearing health from home. Guided through interactive steps, the test uses advanced technology to simulate everyday situations, assessing the perception of a full range of sounds through standard headphones. The customised and immediate results include specific recommendations to address any hearing issues. However, it should be noted that the online test does not replace the advice of hearing care professionals. In case of doubt, Amplifon offers a direct connection to qualified specialists for customised hearing solutions. 

Everyone's hearing starts to deteriorate from an early age but especially from 50 onwards. So if you are having any hearing difficulties at all, it is worth having a free hearing test with one of our qualified hearing aid audiologists. During the test we can establish whether your hearing problems are due to medical reasons or simply 'wear and tear' (age or having worked in noisy environments are the usual causes of wear and tear). If you have not already seen a specialist and your hearing problems are due to medical reasons, we will refer you to an appropriate medical specialist, usually your doctor, for further investigation. If they are due to wear and tear we will discuss the results of the hearing test with you and discuss the options available.

Due to the thoroughness of the test and the complexity of your hearing system, the full consultation usually takes up to one and a half hours.

We recommend somebody attends the hearing test with you because: A loved one may assist us in understanding the situations where you experience hearing difficulties Some people find it more comfortable to have a family member or a friend with a familiar voice with them Hearing a familiar voice can often demonstrate the difference a hearing aid may make to you During your assessment your hearing aid audiologist will give you a great deal of information and discuss with you the best hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle - having someone with you can help you to remember all this detail afterwards.

While it is beneficial for someone to attend with you, please don't worry if there isn't anyone available. You can still come for a hearing test and we will explain the results and discuss the options with you.

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