Blackberry Hearing Partner With Special Olympics Ireland

We are delighted to announce our partnership with Special Olympics Ireland.

Almost 8,000 athletes from across Ireland participate in 15 sports through Special Olympics. 

Through sports, health and leadership programmes, athletes learn to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit while learning new skills.

Most importantly, they experience the joy of sport and make life-long friendships!

Our 2024 partnership with the Special Olympics Ireland as their first Audiology provider allows us to provide expert hearing care to their athletes & members.

Our team of Qualified Audiologists are always available to provide free expert advice and hearing consultations for athletes and members throughout Ireland.

You can learn more by visiting their official website: https://www.specialolympics.ie/

Blackberry opens third experience store

It has been a busy year for Blackberry Hearing as we open our third experience store.

We are delighted to be growing across Ireland and opening our experience stores in Mallow, Naas and Ballincollig.

Our journey started in January 2023 when we proudly opened our very first experience store in Mallow. This July, we celebrated the opening of our second store, which you can find in Tesco Extra in Naas.

We've topped it all off by opening our third store this September, located in the Tesco Superstore in Ballincollig.

At all of our three experience stores, you can expect:

• A warm welcome from our fully qualified Audiologists and team
• Free hearing tests
• Information about hearing health
• View and try on our range of hearing aids
• Ask our Audiologist for a demo
• Compare our models
• Microsuction wax removal

Each of our three experience stores has been designed to offer a range of services and experiences to our customers.

When you visit our stores, you’re not just coming for a product but you are coming for an experience that’s all about improving your hearing health.

Our team are here to assist you to better hearing and we are excited to see you all in Mallow, Naas and Ballincollig.

You can visit our stores in:
Mallow
Ballincollig – Tesco Superstore
Naas – Tesco Extra

Should I get my hearing tested?

Should I get my hearing tested?

Often, people are on the fence about whether they should get their hearing tested. Sometimes, people may feel embarrassed or unsure about what to expect.

Hearing loss is a common condition affecting more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hearing loss can also be diagnosed at any stage, from early childhood to our elderly years. 

Do you:

• Often, ask others to repeat themselves.
• Turn up your TV or radio louder than others prefer?
• Need help understanding conversations when there is background noise?
• Find people are mumbling in conversation?
• Need help with following conversations?
• Find it challenging to identify which direction a sound comes from.
• You find you need to turn your ear to hear a conversation.

You could benefit from a free hearing consultation if you answered yes to some or any of the above questions. An Audiologist can advise you on why you might struggle with your hearing.

The first step is to find a hearing clinic close to you. 

If you cannot attend one of our clinics, in most cases, we can provide you with free home visits.

The appointment will begin with a chat about your hearing and any concerns you may have. 

The Audiologist will examine your ear canals with a small torch called an Otoscope. This will allow the Audiologist to examine the ear drum and ear canal to identify any blockages causing hearing loss.

The Audiologist will then conduct a comprehensive hearing test. The test begins with placing a set of soundproof headphones to cancel an exterior noise. 

Secondly, the Audiologist will give you a button to push once you hear the sound. A series of low and high-pitch sounds are played to test your ability to hear at these frequencies. 

Once the hearing test is complete, your hearing test results are plotted on a graph. This graph is called an Audiogram. 

The Audiogram will allow the Audiologist to diagnose:

• If hearing loss is present
• What type of hearing loss is present
• Frequency or pitch
• If there is loss, the level of severity of the loss
• If you are a suitable candidate for a hearing aid or if there is a medical condition causing your loss.

Once the Audiologist has diagnosed your hearing, they can explain the results of your Audiogram and answer any of your questions.

If no hearing loss is diagnosed, the Audiologist may suggest a retest in 12 -24 months, depending on your Audiogram.

If the Audiologist feels you may be a suitable candidate for a hearing aid. They will explain the benefits and how the hearing aid may help you. You can try on a hearing aid to experience how it feels to wear a hearing aid. Remember, hearing aids are lighter and more discrete than ever before!

Our Audiologists can also provide you with a copy of your Audiogram and information about your results.

How To Maintain Your Hearing Aids

Your hearing aid needs to be handled with care. It’s always important to clean and maintain your hearing aid in order to get the best sound and keep it functioning for years to come. In general, it’s essential to handle your hearing aid carefully.

When To Change Your Receiver

You should change the receiver on your hearing aid if it is whistling, sounds are unclear, or no sound at all.
1: Pinch the receiver firmly at its closest point to the aid and pull away.
2: Push the new receiver into the same position (confirm it is for the correct ear)
3: Fit an ear-tip on the new receiver by gripping the whole ear-tip and pushing it into place over the receiver end.

When To Change Your Hearing Aid Dome

You should change the ear-tip as required. For further supplies of ear tips, please get in touch with us.

• Gently pull off the rubber ear tip attached to the wire of your hearing aid.
• Fit a new ear tip on the receiver by gripping the whole ear tip and firmly pushing it into place over the receiver end.

When To Change Your Hearing Aid Filter/Wax Guard

If your hearing aid stops working and it’s not the battery then it is most likely the filter/wax guard. The filter helps to protect your hearing aid against earwax. Check on a regular basis that your filter has not become blocked with ear wax, in the following way:

• Remove the ear-tip from the ear wire.
• Insert the removal hook into the used filter.
• Pull the filter straight out.
• Turn the holder around so that the new filter is in position to be inserted.
• Insert the new filter into the opening of the sound outlet.

When To Change Your Hearing Aid Battery

You should replace the battery if you have no sound coming from your hearing aids or if the sounds are unclear.

• Place the battery in the drawer so that the (+) sign on the battery is facing toward you when you hold the hearing aid as shown. You can use the battery magnet provided to steer the batter into place.
• If the battery drawer does not close easily, the battery is incorrectly inserted.
• When changing the battery it is a good idea to place the hearing aid over a table.
• Always place the battery in the actual battery drawer and not in the open space inside the hearing aid.

Looking after your hearing aids properly keeps them performing optimally for longer. In most cases, changing the batteries, receivers filters or domes fixes the vast majority of issues.

Kathleen Hassett – Customer Stories

Meet Kathleen, a vibrant and witty 99-year-old lady who has been profoundly deaf and bed-bound for several months. Despite her incredible sense of humour, Kathleen has not been feeling her usual self lately due to her lack of effective communication. However, thanks to Audiologist Claire Bolger, everything changed for her and her family.

In a heart-warming moment witnessed by her two daughters, Claire fitted Kathleen with a pair of hearing aids; her face lit up with joy and brought tears to her daughter's eyes as they could see the life-changing reaction of being able to hear properly again, "every one of us had tears in our eyes to see Kathleen's reaction to being able to hear again! "says Claire.

For months, Kathleen had relied on written words to communicate, but now, with the help of hearing aids, she could engage in conversations again. The hearing aids brought a connection with her loved ones again on a deeper level, bringing laughter, shared stories, and heartfelt moments back into her life.

Kathleen can now be more independent and enjoy hearing things again. We are dedicated to helping people with hearing problems, and our work has made a real impact on Kathleen and many others.

In a world where technology can make us feel alone, this touching story reminds us that it can also bring people closer and make us happy. Kathleen's story shows us how hearing aids can change someone's life.

Better Hearing & Speech Month

The Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists estimates that approximately one out of every twelve individuals are expected to develop permanent hearing loss in Ireland.
Hearing loss can negatively impact our routines and limit our engagement in personal and social interactions.

While natural hearing loss (presbycusis) commonly occurs as we age, there are instances where hearing loss can become present in life. Identifying hearing loss in early childhood stages can prevent future learning and speech development.

The main causes of hearing loss include:

• Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis)
• Trauma to the ear or head
• Prolonged exposure to loud or noisy environments
• Viral infections or constant ear infections
• Ototoxic medicines
• Delayed onset of progressive genetic hearing loss
• Cerumen impaction (impacted ear wax)

6 Ways To Protect Your Ears:

• Use earplugs in noisy places
• Avoid exposure to loud sounds
• Visit a Qualified Audiologist every 1 -2 years if you are concerned about your hearing
• Visit your Audiologist or GP if you have any concerns
• Avoid excessive volume from your TV, headphones or radio
• Wear your hearing aids regularly when prescribed

Common Questions- Unitron Rechargeable Hearing Aids

1: How do I know if my hearing aids are charging?

Flashing green lights indicate that your hearing aids are charging, Solid green lights indicate that your hearing aids are fully charged.

2: What does solid red lights on my hearing aid indicate?

Solid red lights on your hearing aid indicates that your hearing aids are not charging- Remove the hearing aids from the charging case, ensure that there are silver zinc rechargeable batteries in the hearing aids, clean the contacts and reinsert.

3: What does a flashing red light when trying to charge the hearing aids indicate?

A flashing red light on the charging base means that the charging base is outside the normal operating temperature range. Move the Charging base to a location where the temperature is within range, between 10°C to 40°C.

4: What should I do when the hearing aids emit a low battery warning?

When a low battery warning is emitted, place the hearing aids in the charging base or replace the silver-zinc batteries with non- rechargeable zinc air batteries until the hearing aids are properly recharged.  

Do not attempt to ‘reboot’ the rechargeable battery by opening and closing the battery door. While this may damage the rechargeable battery and shorten the battery life.

5: How do I clean my charging base?

To clean your charging base, use a dry soft tissue and/or provided brush to remove debris from the hearing aid charge contacts. Do not sterilize or disinfect the charger or use rubbing alcohol, or any other liquid.

6: Can my hearing aids be stored in a drawer until they are needed?

We recommend that the batteries are removed from your hearing aids while in storage, or that hearing aids are left on the charging base ( while  plugged in ), so they will be ready when needed.

7: Can my hearing aids be stored on the charging base if it is unplugged?

No. This will drain the existing battery charge.

8: My hearing aids that were placed on the charging base overnight only lasted a few hours. What happened?

Your hearing aids may not have been charged long enough to get to full charge, or the battery could be experiencing capacity drain as a result of inconsistent charging.  We recommend that hearing aids are kept on the active charging base when not on your ears, as well as every night. 

9: The battery charge on my hearing aid appears expanded and may be leaking, is this dangerous?

Unitron use silver-zinc batteries in all their rechargeable products, which are 100% recyclable, non- flammable and non-toxic so there is no danger. In the unlikely event this happens, please get in contact with one of the team and we will book you in for an appointment with our Audiologist.

Why are my hearing aids not working?

Looking after your hearing aids properly keeps them performing optimally for longer. In most cases, changing the batteries, receivers or domes fixes the vast majority of issues.

If your hearing aid is not working  check this list of possible problems first:

My hearing aids have no sound

• Ensure your hearing aids are turned on
• Replace your battery
• Hearing aids/domes are blocked with wax – Clean your aids with a cleaning kit or try changing the filter on your hearing aid
• Hearing aids are damaged or defective – Contact us

My hearing aids are not loud enough

• Ensure your volume is not set too low
• Ensure your hearing aids/domes are inserted properly
• Hearing aids/domes are blocked with wax – Clean your aids with a cleaning kit or try changing the filter on your hearing aid
• Your hearing has changed - Contact us as your hearing aid may need adjusting

My hearing aids are whistling

• Your hand or clothing are too close to your ear causing your aid to whistle
• Ensure your hearing aids/domes are inserted properly
• Hearing aids/domes are blocked with wax – Clean your aids with cleaning kit or try changing the filter on your hearing aid
• Battery is running low- replace the battery
• Change the filters, receivers & domes on your hearing aids

Sounds are unclear on my hearing aids

• Replace the battery
• Hearing aids are fitting poorly- contact us
• Hearing aid is damaged or defective – contact us

Performance of my hearing aid is inconsistent

• Replace the battery

If your hearing aids are still not working please get in touch with our team as you will need to have your aids serviced.

Partnership With Letsbuyhealthcare

We are delighted that Blackberry Hearing has become an approved provider with Letsbuyhealthcare covering our Audiology services.

Letsbuyhealthcare offers a unique solution allowing people to gain access to healthcare professionals while creating their personal healthcare fund. Letsbuyhealthcare provides the flexibility for individuals to purchase Healthcare coins to prepare for the cost of private healthcare.

Members can use these to purchase hearing aids or book in for our Audiology services, including Microscution Wax Removal.

You learn more by visiting their official websites: https://letsbuyhealthcare.com/

The Role of An Audiologist

The role of the Audiologist is to clinically treat persons who may be experiencing difficulties or have concerns with their hearing. An Audiologist can provide expert advice regarding Auditory disorders.

When people express concerns about their hearing, the first step is to book a consultation with a hearing care professional.

We will always recommend booking a consultation with a reputable Audiology company that employs fully Qualified Audiologists.

An Audiologist can advise you on:

• Discuss your concerns
• Provide you with Accurate information
• Test your hearing with calibrated auditory equipment
• Discusses your Audiogram and results
• Can accurately diagnose if hearing loss is present
• Provide unbiased advice
• Discuss & provide a treatment plan if needed

1: Discuss your hearing concerns

The first step of the consultation with be a friendly chat about your hearing and where you may be struggling. This information gives the Audiologist an insight into what may be causing the concern.

Below are just some of the symptoms a person may be experiencing.

• When you notice your hearing is struggling
• Any particular situations (crowds, busy environments)
• Ringing or buzzing in your ear (Tinnitus)
• Difficulties with high-pitched sounds (Hyperacusis)

2: Conduct a hearing test

The Audiologist will being by placing a pair of noise-canceling headphones over your ears to prevent any external sounds from distracting you. The Audiologist will also provide you with a button and make sure you are seated comfortably.

A series of sounds are played through the headphones that include high and low-pitched sounds. Each time a tone is heard, you press the button to indicate you have heard it. This indication is plotted on the graph of your Audiogram to record the measurement. A comprehensive hearing test normally takes around 45 minutes including an examination of the ears.

3: Discuss the results of your Audiogram

The Audiologist will diagnose and explain your Audiogram to identify if any Auditory issues are present. If the results of your Audiogram show loss is present, The Audiologist can provide you with detailed information on the type of hearing loss and why you might be experiencing these issues.

Conductive loss - hearing loss that is caused by something that obstructs the sounds getting through to the outer or middle ear.

Sensorineural Loss - hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem in the way the inner ear or hearing nerve works.

Mixed hearing loss - hearing loss that includes a mix of conductive loss & Sensorineural.

Quite often a person can experience hearing loss only in one ear. This is referred to as:

• Unilateral — this means that the hearing is normal in one ear but hearing loss is present in the other ear. Unilateral hearing loss is can occur in adults and children.
• Bilateral — this means that the hearing loss is present in both ears, Bilateral hearing loss can occur gradually over time-related (Presbycusis).

4: Discuss a treatment plan

Depending on the results of your hearing test, the Audiologist will discuss your hearing and if you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids.

The Audiolok the results of your hearing test against a decibel rating to help categorize your hearing loss.

Understanding hearing thresholds

• Normal hearing: (<25 dB) No symptoms of hearing loss
• Mild hearing loss: (26 - 40dB) Difficulty hearing in crows / noisy environments.
• Moderate hearing loss: (40 - 60 dB) Difficulty understanding conversations in a group setting.
• Severe hearing loss: (61 - 80 dB) Difficult hearing tv, people speak louder than they should.
• Profound hearing loss: (≥81) (Hearing is very challenging and tiring).

Combined with several factors including your age, hearing test, and difficulties you are experiencing the Audiologist can decide if you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids.

If the Audiologist feels that your hearing does not require a hearing aid at this time, they will provide you with a recommendation to possibly re-test your ears. If the Audiologist feels that you could benefit from hearing aids.

5: Try on hearing aids

The Audiologist will discuss the benefits of hearing aids and they could potentially benefit you.

Every hearing aid company provides a different range and styles. In some instances, a particular brand or style may benefit your hearing loss more.

The Audiologist will always encourage you to try on a variety of hearing aids so you can experience the different sound qualities and features.

For example, people suffering from Tinnitus may benefit from a Tinnitus masker being switched on. Each hearing aid can have a variety of features and quality differences.

The Widex Moment 440 offers the best-in-class sound quality, the Moment 440 uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to learn your hearing pattern and dynamically switch from one sound environment to another.

An example of this feature would be sitting in a noisy restaurant and then moving to a quiet room. The Moment 440 uses Adaptive sound technology that tailors a program to adjust the sound levels to match the environment surrounding you, so there is no need for manual adjustment.

The purpose of a hearing aid is to improve a person's quality of life and help them communicate more easily. Our Audiologists will always provide clear, unbiased advice on your hearing.

10 tips from an Audiologist

• Ensure the person testing you have the relevant qualifications
• Bring a friend or family member to the test if it makes you feel more comfortable
• Ensure a copy of your Audiogram is available on request
• Ensure your results are explained in detail
• You should never feel pressured to purchase hearing aids
• You don’t have to pay €5,000 - €7,000 for hearing aids, high quality options are available for less
• Hearing aids are expensive, so ensure you know the returns policy
• Make sure you are made aware of the PRSI hearing aid grant & how to understand how the grant works
• Ensure your new hearing aids come with a minimum of a 4-year warranty
• Your hearing aids need to last until you qualify for your next grant
• Ensure you're follow-up appointments are free!

If you are interested in a career in Audiology, please visit our careers page.