The Government has recently called for the elderly to be given the opportunity and be encouraged to have access to the Internet. Martha Lane Fox has been administered with a role to encouraging Internet activities. As technology has altered the way we live, so too have our buying patterns been affected. Over the last few decades we have seen the emergence of PayPal, bacs transfers, on line banking and there are signs that cheques will become a thing of the past.
It is estimated that in 2011 the Internet industry turned over around £60 Billion in 2011 and that figure is set to increase by 110% to a staggering £123 Billion by 2020.
We can even now order our shopping and pay our bills on the Internet, without leaving the comfort of our own homes. No one likes change but because things are moving so fast, many of the elderly people have opted not to move with the times because they are generally not computer literate. This means that simple things like buying online is an option that doesn’t exist for most. The new term “silver surfer”, or a person more mature in their years and going onto the Internet, is a growing and definite trend that we should not ignore. However as the new generation of older people come to the age of 65 plus, those people will have that computer literacy and this is where the growth will occur.
ELDERLY ARE MISSING OUT ON INTERNET BARGAINS
A spokesman for a National web based hearing aid Company “Hearing Aids at Trade” said “Our research shows that the average age of clients who make enquiries to our company, with the intention of buying hearing aids are aged between 45 -65 years of age. This means that the over 65′s who are more likely to have issues with their hearing are potentially missing out on savings of up to 50%, compared to high street prices”. Our source went on to say “Although the Internet is a growing trend that doesn’t mean that clients should not still be vigilant when buying on line. Some Internet hearing aid companies are not all that they seem and as with buying on line with any company, there are pitfalls and certain companies that should be avoided”. For advice please follow these tips;
1. Always make sure that you are not just buying the hearing aids but also a total after care package which includes free hearing test, fitting, servicing and all the aftercare you need for the life of your hearing aids.
2. Never pay for your hearing aids on line.
3. Ensure that the dispenser who tests your hearing personally is qualified and registered with the H.P.C. (Health Professions Council).
4. Always only pay the price quoted and do not pay any extra. ( one dispenser once tried to charge 500.00 extra for petrol).
5. Before you commit to buying your hearing aids, check the terms and conditions for cancellation claw-backs, should your hearing aids or service provider not come up to your expectations.
A premium quality pair of hearing aids can cost as much as £7,500, where as the exact same product can be bought on line with a total after care package included for as little as £3,200. Our transparent hearing aid prices can be seen at www.hearingaidsattrade.co.uk. Hearing aid batteries are also available from Hearing Aids At Trade at very competitive prices.
Unlike many hearing aid high street chains that are owned, partly owned or have agreements to buy from certain manufacturers, Hearing Aids at Trade offer the full range of products available by all the major manufacturers, including Phonak, Widex, Oticon, Resound, Siemens, Starkey, Bernafon and Unitron. This means that not only will you get a far better deal on your hearing aids but you will also get a greater choice of available hearing aid products because the advice you get will be more impartial.
The hearing aid industry is ever changing and so too are the buying trends of their customers. The Internet hearing aid movement is growing daily, to the disapproval of the National Companies.
In an attempt to over throw the growing number of on line independent Internet companies, National companies are using devious tactics, such as re branding and offering misleading 50% offers to confuse and trick the general public into thinking that they too have hearing aids as low in price.
As people live longer and longer there is more need for the elderly to make their savings last even longer. As hearing aids tend to last only 5 years on average, there is a likelihood that you will need to budget for more than one pair of hearing aids in your lifetime. More and more people are looking to the Internet for bargains, more so at present due to the difficult economic times we are having to live with at the moment and with more Internet support from buyers, hearing aid prices are likely to be even cheaper in the future.
Hearing Aids at Trade also offer a 60 day full money back guarantee for peace of mind. As our overheads are very low compared to high street hearing aid companies, our hearing aid prices have been slashed without any need to compromise on service. At Hearing Aids At Trade we also offer the assistance of your own Personal Advisor who is there to make sure that you are totally satisfied. As part of our promise to you, our advisor will ring you within 3 months after your fitting to make sure that you are happy with your purchase and that you were dealt with courteously and professionally.
Many people with a hearing loss are unaware that they have a problem and only a hearing test can determine if there is a problem. The RNID have been campaigning for free hearing tests to be offered at local surgeries or centres to highlight any hearing issues people may have and may not be aware of. With this in mind Hearing Aids at Trade are growing their portfolio of hand picked dispensers to keep up with the growing demand. All dispensers are checked and monitored to ensure that they meet the highest standards demanded by H.A.A.T.
A hearing loss whilst not regarded as life threatening, can threaten the lifestyle of an individual due to communication becoming more difficult, especially in back ground noise. The assumption of people who have a hearing loss is that others tend to mumble or seem to be quietly spoken. Until a hearing loss is restored as close as possible with a prescription built pair of hearing aids, the user can be totally oblivious to their hearing loss. With more and more people using the Internet to research and buy products, it seems unfair that those who need hearing aids the most do not have access to the Internet.
We are always looking for feedback from clients who have bought and worn hearing aids privately or have even had N.H.S. hearing aids fitted, so we can help to assist any problems that people may have. This is to educate others to achieve what we believe is a service and after care package second to none. We would therefore welcome any feedback you have either on products, prices or services.
For more information call us on 0800 0304 542
