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Hearing Loss

(31 Posts)
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loopylou Sat 19-Dec-15 08:45:24

I'm another very happy NHS hearing aids wearer, I'd never go private!

I've heard absolute horror stories about private hearing aids from my patients- one lady paid £6000 then had to take out a direct debit for new batteries every month (£60) and there are extortionate charges for any repairs etc.

I totally agree with mrsmopp, go NHS. I've been assured that you'll get the top of the range through them, whereas private companies sell the ones the NHS discards, so be warned.

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mrsmopp Sat 19-Dec-15 00:46:30

I would not go to a private hearing aid clinic unless I had been to the NHS first. A referral from your GP to the Audiology dept who will issue you with digital hearing aids free of charge, plus your batteries will be free. Why pay £6,000 when you don't need to? I know so many people who have bought aids then not been happy with them.
Years ago the NHS hearing aids were very basic, but now they are up to date and lots better than they used to be. Another point to consider, is, if your hearing should deteorate (heaven forbid, but it might) then the NHS will update your aids, again, free of charge. It's no contest is it?
I am profoundly deaf and I rely on my aids 100% as without them I hear nothing at all. It's not much fun I can tell you.

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Synonymous Sat 19-Dec-15 00:22:20

£6000! Definitely shouting! shock

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Synonymous Sat 19-Dec-15 00:20:50

Thank you for the warning! Perhaps I should just keep shouting or develop a deep voice! grin

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rosequartz Sat 19-Dec-15 00:09:22

DH had his hearing checked by one of these firms that then sell you hearing aids; they said he definitely needed one as he has lost the higher register of his hearing apparently. (He can't hear high-pitched bird tweeting for instance.) The surgery thought he was fine, however, and he decided not to buy a hearing aid for the time being.
The same firm kept phoning every six months until one time they phoned and said he could be due for compensation for hearing loss due to industrial injury, so he went along and when he was tested they said there was not enough hearing loss to claim for compensation.

So enough loss to sell him £6,000 of hearing aids but not enough to claim for compensation
So be a bit careful.

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Synonymous Fri 18-Dec-15 23:55:53

DH seems to have lost the higher register of his hearing. I have thought so for some time but DH vehemently denied it - as if he had done it deliberately! confused
Today a friend, who is deaf, was with us and he noticed that DH wasn't hearing very well and with reassurance DH eventually became accepting of it.
He doesn't hear the oven timer pinging away unless he is in the kitchen or fairly close. He hasn't been hearing me for some time unless I am next to him so at his last health mot at the surgery I mentioned this to the nurse. She then clapped her hands right by his ear and said his hearing was obviously fine when he indicated he could hear that! Really helpful as Dh already thought it was an attack on, or criticism of, him. Perhaps I should have demanded proof that he was just ignoring me. grin

Assuming DH's doctor refers him on to a hearing specialist it would be helpful to know what he should expect so does anyone have any recent experience please?

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