Hidden Hearing vs Boots Hearingcare - Which one is better? How does the service they provide compare?

Boots Hearingcare vs Hidden Hearing

What are the differences between hearing aid retailers Hidden Hearing and Boots Hearingcare?

Overview    |    Who are Boots?    |    Pros and cons of Boots    |    Who is Hidden Hearing?    |    Pros and cons of Hidden Hearing    |    Conclusion 

Researching hearing aid providers in the UK - Boots vs Hidden Hearing, who's better?

When searching for a dependable hearing aid provider in the UK, investing time in careful research is both essential and advantageous. But where should you start? Begin by exploring reputable sources, like professional comparison websites and authentic customer testimonials, to find providers with a strong track record, such as those highlighted in the Which Report?

When choosing a hearing aid provider, it's important to assess their expertise, qualifications, and experience in the industry. Seek out providers that offer a diverse selection of hearing aid brands and models, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your needs. Also, pay attention to the quality of their customer service, including the level of aftercare support they provide.

By doing your research, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision and choose a reputable hearing aid provider. In this article, we’ll compare two hearing aid retailers in the UK, Boots and Hidden Hearing, to help provide some clarity and hopefully assist you in your decision-making process.

What are the disadvantages and advantages of both Boots hearing aids and Hidden Hearing?

From experience, quite a few of our customers usually ask how Boots Hearingcare compares to Specsavers, rather than Hidden Hearing.  However, we think the comparison with Hidden Hearing would still be a useful insight to those researching hearing aids - especially for the first time. 

The main thing is you have recognised and acknowledged your hearing loss and the need to hear better again – and that is the biggest hurdle to overcome.  

Boots vs Hidden Hearing

Who is Boots Hearingcare?

Boots hearing aids

If you were to ask people on the high street about where to buy hearing aids, many would likely mention Boots. The brand is widely recognised, particularly when it comes to health, eye care, and hearing services.  This familiarity is no accident – with over 400 locations, a robust marketing strategy, and a dominant presence in the audiology sector, Boots is hard to overlook.

But who owns Boots Hearingcare? The hearing aids offered in Boots stores come through the David Ormerod Hearing Centres franchise, which is part of the Sonova Group. Sonova is behind well-known audiology brands like Phonak and Unitron. In 2013, Boots Hearingcare acquired a 49% minority stake in David Ormerod Hearing.

So, why does this matter? The key takeaway is that the service you receive at Boots Hearingcare may be influenced by its connection to these specific brands. As a result, there's a strong likelihood you'll end up with a hearing aid from either Phonak or Unitron.

While these brands offer excellent hearing solutions, it's important to remember they are just two of many leading manufacturers in the market, each offering its own innovative technology, design, and style. This relationship may limit the range of options available to consumers seeking the best hearing aid to suit their needs.

What are the advantages of Boots Hearingcare?

• Based on consumer reviews, Boots is the second-highest-rated audiologist on the high street, trailing only independent providers.

• Customers consistently commend the professionalism, expertise, and empathy of Boots staff.

• The company is also recognised for delivering clear, accurate information and reliable follow-up services, including regular check-ups and appointments.

• Boots Hearingcare maintains a transparent pricing structure for its products and services.

• With more than 400 locations throughout the UK, Boots Hearingcare boasts a strong high-street presence, ensuring accessibility and convenience for a wide range of customers.

What are the disadvantages of Boots Hearingcare?

• Boots Hearingcare does not provide a home visit service, which may be a key consideration for individuals who depend on this option for their hearing healthcare.
• The company has gained a reputation for engaging in higher levels of pressure selling. Numerous customers have shared experiences of feeling compelled to purchase hearing aids during their visits to Boots Hearingcare stores.

However, this issue is not unique to Boots. Many large chains with strong ties to major manufacturers, high operational costs, and ambitious sales targets often experience similar pressures, leading to sales tactics that can feel more forceful.

• Boots Hearingcare occasionally offers discounts on selected hearing aids. Given that hearing aid manufacturers often introduce new models every few years, it's likely that these promotions are designed to clear out older inventory in anticipation of the release of newer models with enhanced technology.

Always be sure to confirm that the model being offered isn’t due to be replaced by a newer, more advanced version.

Other useful Boots Hearingcare articles:

• Do Boots offer home visits?
• An insight into Boots Hearingcare AudioNova hearing aids
• Which Report for hearing aid providers
• Boots vs Specsavers
• Boots vs Amplifon
• Information on Boots hearing aids

Hidden Hearing Versus Boots Hearing Aids

Who is Hidden Hearing?

Hidden Hearing devices

Based in Kent, with approximately 80 clinics and 200 hearing aid dispensers, Hidden Hearing ranks as the third-largest retailer in the UK. The company is part of William Demant Holding, the parent organisation behind well-known hearing aid manufacturers Oticon and Bernafon, two key players in the industry.

What are the advantages of Hidden Hearing?

• With its numerous clinics, this retailer is highly accessible, and you're likely to find one located on a nearby high street.
• They offer a home visit service that can be scheduled at a time that suits your convenience.

What are the disadvantages of Hidden Hearing?

• Since Hidden Hearing is owned by the same parent company as Oticon and Bernafon, it's likely that you'll be recommended hearing aids from one of these brands. This affiliation may lead to a biased recommendation, potentially limiting your options.

• Hidden Hearing also does not list their hearing aid prices online, making it difficult to compare costs with other retailers. For consumers, having access to this information is important as it saves time during research and helps in making informed decisions.

• Given that price is a major factor for many buyers, the lack of transparent pricing can be seen as a drawback. In fact, Hidden Hearing is one of the key retailers that withholds this information.

• According to the Which? Report, Hidden Hearing ranked lowest for pressure selling, with 45% of their customers reporting feeling coerced into making a purchase during their visits.

Other useful information when researching hearing aids:

• Best hearing aids 
• Hearing aid types
• Hearing aid brands
• Hearing aid prices
• Bluetooth hearing aids
• Rechargeable hearing aids
• AI hearing aids

What should you really be paying for your hearing aids?

We believe that hearing aids should be affordable and offer good value. While they are an important investment, the price should be fair and transparent, covering essential services like aftercare, warranties, and more - without any hidden fees.

There are many misconceptions surrounding the cost of hearing aids, with many people assuming they are unaffordable. However, the price can vary depending on factors such as the severity of your hearing loss, your budget, your lifestyle, and whether advanced features like connectivity and technology are a priority.

For instance, when we assess your hearing and review the results based on your specific needs, we may find that high-tech, feature-heavy devices aren't necessary. In such cases, we’ll recommend hearing aids that are better suited to you.

While the hearing aids you choose may not be the most expensive on the market, they will be the ideal solution for you, designed to improve your hearing, keep you connected, and enhance your quality of life. Finding the right hearing aid can truly be life-changing.

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