Hearing aids

I’m a bit late to the party here, loopyloo, but I just wanted to add my two pen’orth.

In my experience, a hearing aid is only as good as the skills of the audiologist who programmes it (and that to some extent also depends on your being able to convey to the audiologist exactly what you are (or are not) hearing. That can be harder than you think, and it’s worth keeping a diary/list of what you experience daily with your hearing aids to take with you to an appointment).

With regard to music, hearing aids’ programmes are generally designed to optimise speech, which is what most of us need help with most of the time. Music is a very different thing and requires very different programming. Voices in speech have a lot more in common with each other than, say, the different instruments in a band or orchestra, or the different sound levels through a piece of music.

Most good quality hearing aids these days can have a music setting included – but you do have to ask for it. A good audiologist will ask what sort of music is your most common preference. It does improve things, but in my experience doesn’t quite restore music to its natural sound. Always worth trying though.

So I would say to your husband, go back to your audiologist and ask for a music setting, and tell him/her what you listen to most. And if, when you have a music programme, you aren’t happy with it, try to pin down what is wrong and go back and ask for it to be adjusted. Trial and error.

Incidentally, NHS hearing aids are well worth a try – these days health trusts buy good quality middle range hearing aids, all with bluetooth, and some of the audiologists I have met have been brilliant. But you do have to be a bit assertive.
Best of luck to your husband. Losing your hearing is the pits.

Me C swapped from the hospital to Specsavers for his NHS aids after covid as the hospital service became difficult to access. His hearing loss is currently suitable for blue tooth enabled hearing aids, very small and unobtrusive. Batteries can be collected from any Specsavers branch, he’s always been able to have adjustments from the prescribing store without an appointment. I think we’re fortunate as a friend tells us Specsavers in her area is not contracted to offer the an NHS service.

Apologies loopyloo, I’ve not answered your query at all. Hopefully someone will have a more precise response for you.

My husband and I both have hearing aids but hubby needs to go to the hospital for tests as his hearing is very bad.
Specsavers said they couldn't prescribe for his hearing loss.
I on the other hand am ok with Specsavers.
All depends on how bad his hearing loss is.

My Dh has just swapped from Specsavers to NHS hearing aids and my goodness, what an improvement! These are blue tooth, although he’s not activated that yet, they don’t constantly fall out, as the SS’s ones did and the sound is much clearer. He’s hearing sounds he hasn’t heard for years, even with the SS aids.

He was on the waiting list for almost a year but it’s been worth it. The follow up service is so much better, too, with a variety of walk-in places to go for batteries, spare parts etc unlike SS’s one-day-a-week-booked-two-weeks-in-advance-service..

I have recently had private ones from Specsavers . I’m very pleased with them. They are small and unobtrusive and blue tooth. You can alter the settings by adding the app to your phone so automatic is for most situations but there is also one for watching television, in noisy/party situations, or outside/traffic. They were not cheap just under £2000 but I can go back in an unlimited way if there are any problems or they need adjusting . The audiologist was young and enthusiastic and very patient and helpful. I would recommend.

I’m using nhs ones and there fine. I don’t have anything to compare with but night before Christmas Eve one broke. I rang audiology at my local hospital at 9am thinking I’d get an appointment for next week or the one after. They asked if I could 2pm on Christmas Eve was there and back for 3-30 excellent service. New hearing aid sorted!

Boots Hearing Care is excellent

I started off with NHS ones, but I am partially sighted and found them too fiddly to change the batteries.

I have Specsavers "best," which are fine when they work, but mine manage for a few days and then pack up.

My branch of Specsavers certainly does not do blue tooth anything. The only good thing is for private ones is for 4 years I can return as frequently as I want without charge. I am almost on the staff now!

Still finding my nhs ones (Oticon Engage) don't help in busy situations like parties or dinners. I just can't distinguish voices,despite the 'voice' program. At work I struggle as we are open plan and everyone whispers. I wish they'd just TALK CLEARLY!

Some are apparently better at different frequencies.
And some hearing centres stock multiple brands too.

My mother-in-law has had hers adjusted recently and is doing much better. He may just need an adjustment.

I find that my NHS ones are brilliant. They are blue tooth enabled, and any phone conversation goes straight to the Aids.

Have had NHS ones for 20 years now.

Mum has both private and NHS, and there doesn't seem to be much difference between them.

Is he not happy with them?

Interesting . That's where he's been going.

My husband is a drummer, loves music
He struggled for years. Only realised how bad his hearing was during covid when everyone was wearing masks
He went to Hidden Hearing
Excellent service
Word of advice, take out insurance as they are tiny and he stood on one after just a few weeks