Phonak Virto B30

“I have been wearing hearing aids since my mid fifties and have a moderate loss in both ears. Over 20 years, I have had NHS aids periodically replaced, and also hearing aids purchased from a well known high street chain. During that time, I would describe the hearing improvement provided by most of the aids to be “at the low end of my expectancy level”.

Generally, NHS aids are “OK” and always “behind the ear”. Their main problem is the difficulty in obtaining appointments for problems, adjustment, etc, and life is desperate when my hearing aids are not functioning correctly. As a result, I have always had a pair of privately purchased aids, with my NHS aids providing backup.

Appointments with the high street chain were not generally a problem, but there was very little proactive action from the audiologists, so I was never confident that the supplied aids were operating at their best with regard to my particular hearing loss, and I always felt I was a “customer” rather than a “patient”.

In July 2017, I decided it was time for a change. Coincidentally, that month, I took delivery of a new pair of NHS Phonak aids, which were much better than I had ever had previously, and this convinced me there must be a better solution for me out there somewhere! Also, coincidentally, RJ Donnan had opened a branch in York where I live, and it was just a 5 minute cycle ride away. I researched them on the internet and there was enough positive information out there to suggest a visit might be worthwhile.

It’s now October 2017 as I write this and the process for acquiring my new aids is coming to a successful close – and all thanks to Robert Donnan for that. During the last 3 months, I have tested four pairs of hearing aids and from the initial appointment, which was spent exploring my hearing history and checking my hearing, Robert has been patient, encouraging and adept as we finally arrived at my choice of aids. I know I will never find hearing aids that will restore my hearing to A1, but at last I have some that provide a good level of hearing in a mix of environments.

It’s a matter of fact, that the quality of service received will be largely determined by the audiologist you deal with, and as a founder of the company, and from my experience with Robert, I would expect and hope his ethos, his standards, and his commitment, have been implemented throughout the company.

One final point, my choice of hearing aid was a Phonak Virto B30 and although I also tried the top-end B90 in the same range, I found the latter, for me, did not offer any useful improvements over the B30….so bigger isn’t always better!”