Independent Living & Hearing Avis 

I nor anyone I have taken advice from over the last while have ever heard of Independent Living and Hearing. My elderly mother found them on line. The attraction is that they come out to the house. I now know that a comprehensive hearing test has to be done in a soundproof booth, not in someone’s kitchen. I also now realise that she is too vulnerable to have strangers visiting her house when she is alone.
She had one set of hearing aids which didn’t work out so bought an upgraded set recently. These haven’t work out either. She felt that they made odd noises and when she turned up the volume on TV or radio although the sound was louder, there was no more clarity, meaning she still couldn’t hear. In fact, a piece of the hearing aid got stuck in her ear and she was waiting for someone from Independent Hearing to come out to remove it. But that day she had two falls and was hospitalised. They took out the detached piece of hearing aid while she was in there. Obviously, having something stuck in your ear wouldn’t help your balance. She lost all confidence in the hearing aids as she is very fearful it will happen again. So we asked for her money back as she is within the 30 day period. In fact, under legislation if the goods aren’t fit for purpose she is entitled to her money back. When I rang they said they would call me back. They didn’t. On ringing the next day, I was put on hold for 10 mins, then put through to a bizarre call centre where everyone is talking at the same time at the same volume and I found it impossible to communicate in any way with the call taker – and I have perfect hearing. How would someone with a hearing impairment manage?
Independent Living and Hearing Claim on their website that “if you’re not happy within 30 days of receiving your hearing aids then you can return them and have your money back”. One of its reviews says “money back guaranteed, no questions asked”. Joseph had plenty of questions to ask, I can tell you. Questions like:
• Why didn’t you know yourself that your mother was vulnerable and let her make appointments with us?
• Where is your medical evidence that your mother’s imbalance, falls and hospital admission had anything to do with the detached piece of hearing aid that was stuck in her ear that day?
Because my mother claimed from her PRSI, he tried to tell me that they work in partnership with Social Welfare and have to prove to Social Welfare that the customer has persevered with the hearing aids. When I said I would ring Social Welfare to confirm this, he completely backtracked.
Joseph told me that in my mother’s contract (which she signed alone) she must commit to three more service appointments. I said it would upset my mother and I don’t think she would consent to this. He said and I quote, “if she refused to cooperate her contract would be void”. I have since taken advice from the CCPC who have informed me that Independent Hearing cannot use this threat as under legislation my mother would be entitled to her money back and we can apply to the Small Claims Court if need be.
Before writing this review, I have emailed Independent Living and Hearing twice but have not received a reply. I am appalled at my mother’s treatment. Both of the people I spoke to that day could not disguise that they couldn’t care less about my mother’s situation or indeed her health and wellbeing. Avoid Independent Living and Hearing at all costs – or you may be left with the cost of an expensive set of hearing aids that don’t work and have to deal with Independent Living and Hearing’s most unpleasant staff to boot.

From the start my experience with this company has been excellent, Very good communication.
Had my hearing test this morning with Martina and what a very knowledgeable and friendly young lady she is, Every stage of the test was thoroughly explained and all questions fully answered.
All in all is was a pleasant experience.
Kind Regards
John

My grandfather had Albin out to fit some hearing aids for him and Albin explained everything very clearly and reassured my grandfather that if there was any doubts or questions that they are happy to answer and my grandfather was very happy to have it done

My wife was anxious about your visit today ,but your audiologist, J Costa put her at ease from the get go.
She explained to my wife each step of the way and generally made it a pleasant experience.
We were happy with her professional ,caring way.
Susan Smith.

Martina was very knowledgeable, thorough and professional throughout the consultation and fitting

Great service. Francez came to our house to do all of the tests and consulation. Was very helpful and knowledgeable explaining the newer models and I would be very happy to buy from her. Great product.

Your representative was very friendly, explained the whole process clearly and invited questions if I was unclear about anything. Overall a very easy and clearly understood experience. I would recommend this person to any potential client.

Both Albin and Jess were so kind to my father, very professional and polite.

Great staff.

Francez was excellent, friendly, helpful ,explained every step thoroughly and answered all my questions about the test. Looking forward to my new hearing aids. I really understand a lot more about how hearing aids work. To get everything done at home was a real bonus.

The consultant Jessy gave a very thorough explanation of the benefits of hearing aids with special reference to the latest technology. Her manner was friendly and courteous and that plus her explanation of how our hearing system works and fades over time gave me confidence to proceed with a trial
The hearing aid delivery and fitting was carried out by Alvin who like Jessy was polite and friendly. The technology is facinating and Albin explained it thoroughly.
This is a well run company with highly trained staff . I can confidently recommend them
David Faulkner ( Dublin)

Francis was amazing with my mother. She was so informative and made mam feel so comfortable. Would definitely recommend. Catherine & Anne

Albin was very patient and professional and explained everything clearly. He was very generous with his time and extremely courteous

Thankyou Albin. You were so helpful and professional.

My mother had a very thorough hearing test done by Frances in the comfort of her own home yesterday. It was a great experience and Frances was very friendly, informative and knowledgeable which put my mother at ease straight away. She gave her a set of hearing aids to demonstrate the difference compared to the ones my mother was using and there was such a huge difference. At no stage did my mother feel under any pressure to purchase any hearing aids. Frances just showed my mother her best options. The prices were very competitive compared to other companies and Frances explained that if my mother was not happy with her hearing aids after purchasing them, the company would refund her within 30 days, no questions asked. I would highly recommend this company and thank Frances for such a pleasant experience for my mother.

I was confident about the expertise displayed by Frances. I understood the information she demonstrated and explained.

Gary is a really lovely young man who explains everything clearly and takes time

Every thing explained and made it a very fast and efficient process with very helpful staff who were very knowledgeable and knew what they were talking about

Personal service at your own home with a helpful and knowledgeable expert.
Clear, concise explanation of the options available, pros and cons of each option with no pressure to pay anything at all.
Swift delivery and set up of the hearing aids, again in person.
Jemma couldn't come highly enough recommended. Excellent knowledge and explanations of the full process from hearing test analysis to choosing the right device.
Over the moon with the whole experience.

I’ve had a consultation and a fitting recently and I am delighted with the results It was done by a Jessie Roche (k) who was very supportive and helpful and explained everything to me

Much better hearing Martina did hearing test all good A very thorough test. A. Was explained very well cannot wait for new hearing aids