_Comprehensive

Hearing aid service

Are you concerned about your hearing? Chime’s Hearing Aid Service is here to help.

_Getting Started with our
 

Hearing aid service

If you are worried about your hearing, Chime’s Hearing Aid Service is here for you. From your first hearing test, through assessment, product selection and longer term maintenance, our dedicated team of qualified professionals will be with you every step of the way.

You can rest assured that you are in the very best hands. All of our ISHAA registered audiologists and experienced technology team undertake continuous training and development, their focus is on you and your comfort, so they are here to help, listen and guide you in whatever way they can.

 

_What will happen at
 

Your hearing assessment

You may feel anxious about your first hearing assessment, but there is no need to worry. We invite you to bring a friend or family member along with you for the consultation, to put you at ease and help with additional information about how you are managing day to day.

Once you have been welcomed to your initial assessment and have been introduced to your audiologist, we will ask you some simple questions about your hearing. Have you noticed any difficulties, how long has this been happening, have you a history of any ear problems?

We will test your hearing levels in a sound treated space. This gives us the best opportunity to discover your hearing levels and then we will chart your results on an audiogram as a record. Once we have these results we will be able to discuss them with you and help you to understand what they mean.

_We provide the following
 

Services

  • Hearing assessment and hearing screenings
  • Hearing aid prescription and hearing aid fitting
  • Custom-made earmoulds and noise protection
  • Hearing aid repair service
  • Dedicated follow up and aftercare service
  • Wax Removal Service* (€50 charge)
  • Paediatric hearing screening service (Limerick-based)
_Your questions
 

Answered

  • Anyone over 50 should consider having their hearing checked once a year. If you are under 50, have a history of hearing loss or tinnitus, once a year is a good idea too. Anyone who is concerned about their hearing should consult your GP or book a hearing test.

  • Chime is an independent hearing aid provider. We are not tied to any one brand of hearing aids. We offer a range of hearing aids including Bernafon, Oticon, Starkey and Unitron.

  • A difficult question to answer! Although many people experience similar hearing difficulties, there are many different factors to consider when deciding which hearing aid brand might be best for you, such as, the pattern of your hearing loss, the depth of your hearing loss, your budget, your dexterity, and your lifestyle needs.  Our audiologists can recommend the best hearing aid through consultation with you.

  • No. It is not possible for your hearing aids to make your hearing worse. However, once you begin to wear hearing aids, because you are likely to feel an improvement in how easily you can communicate with others, in your listening skills, and in your ability to hear and understand the speech of others, you may feel like you have disimproved hearing when you are not using your hearing aids. This is because the brain is eager to work with the improved sound information it receives through your hearing aids.

  • A small number of people may struggle to get used to living with hearing aids.  However, hearing aids work very well for the vast majority of people.

  • Hearing aids can appear very expensive at the outset. However, modern digital hearing aids are a sophisticated cutting edge technology and it is important to understand that  you are not solely paying for your hearing aids but also for the benefit of an important and continuous follow up care service.

    At Chime, we are guided by Fair Pricing and Ethical Selling policies and will work hard to get you the best value possible out of the hearing aids that you select.

  • Yes. Many people are entitled to a PRSI grant which can cover €1000 of the cost of a pair of new hearing aids. Your audiologist can check your eligibility for this grant once you provide your PPS number and written consent to do so. Also, hearing aids are listed as medical devices, which means that you can apply for tax relief on the cost as a part of your overall medical expenses. Lastly, at Chime we have partnered with humm.ie to provide a place for our clients to explore payment plan options that may be available.

  • Yes. At Chime we offer a 60 day no quibble return or exchange period on all hearing aids that we provide. Please do talk openly with your audiologist about any problems you may be experiencing with your hearing aids.

  • Yes. Hearing aids are tiny machines. And like all machines, they require regular maintenance. Your audiologist will teach you how to take care of your hearing aids at your follow up visits.

  • Hearing loss has been identified as one of the modifiable risk factors for dementia. This means that it is important to treat hearing loss, at the earliest opportunity in order to support the brain as best you can for your future.

Hearing aid & technology service principles

At Chime we will always put you first. Our service is built around principles that ensure that we do everything we can to help you in your hearing journey.

  • It’s your life, your journey. Our job is to make it easier for you to get what you need. We’ll give you the time and space to make the decision that’s right for you.

  • Our goal is help you live your life to the full. Our passion is to provide you with the best solution possible.

  • We understand everyone’s journey is different, that’s why we support you all the way. Our holistic approach means we are always happy to link you with other Chime or external services. Whatever it takes to help you get what you need.

  • We want to connect you with the latest technology available, empowering you to communicate more easily with family and friends. Our extensive product range means we’ve got everything covered.

  • From testing and assessment right through to product selection and design, our team of dedicated, qualified professionals are with you every step of the way. All our ISHAA registered audiologists and experienced technology team undergo continuous training and development to ensure you receive the highest standards of expertise and care.

  • We prioritise offering value for money and will work with you to identify the best options available. We facilitate flexible payment plans, access to government grants and a no-quibble refund policy.

  • We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. We offer a wide variety of supports to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. By choosing to purchase your equipment from us, you help us provide crucial services to others.

_Meet new people

Get connected

Chime’s social groups are a great way to meet people who are on the same path as you, share stories and experiences and feel inspired and empowered. Find out more about our Hard of Hearing social groups here.