Over-the-counter (otc) hearing aids

NonGrannyMoll

I remember at my NHS hearing aid assessment, I asked whether buying a simple one at a well-known hearing-aid outlet would be a good idea, to alleviate the NHS's bills. The assessor laughed and said, "You can waste a 4-figure sum on something not much better than an ear trumpet if you like but you'd be better sticking with the NHS." His salary was safe no matter what, so I don't think he was trying to influence me!

If you have to wait months/years for an initial audiology appointment getting a cheap pair otc is a godsend.

I have NHs ones my husband private rechargeable ones. They are good but when he forgets to put them on charge he has to wait while just swap the batteries out.

I remember at my NHS hearing aid assessment, I asked whether buying a simple one at a well-known hearing-aid outlet would be a good idea, to alleviate the NHS's bills. The assessor laughed and said, "You can waste a 4-figure sum on something not much better than an ear trumpet if you like but you'd be better sticking with the NHS." His salary was safe no matter what, so I don't think he was trying to influence me!

I could go more frequently for tubes, but 6 months seems to be ok for me.

NannyJan53

I will stick with my NHS ones as they are tailored to my hearing test. Also blue-toothed enabled to my phone, so calls go straight to my hearing aid.

Also, they change the tubes for me every 6 months and I have free batteries.

Interestingly the RNID suggest 3-6 months for changing tubes, l can get them done as often as necessary, though often just do it myself, also buy batteries when I'm abroad fir long periods but rechargeable would be far simpler.

Lathyrus3

I don’t understand how that would work unless they just magnify all sound.

If you read the article l posted upthread it clarifies why this us happening. With developments in AI it is possible to use an app that will tune the hearing aid to optimally perform to suit the user. These aids are not for people with substantial loss. To have the choice is a huge benefit, even if it's just to get you through the wait until you can see an audiologist (2 years in my health authority). The link l posted upthread describes the reasons and benefits for this changen

I don’t understand how that would work unless they just magnify all sound.

I will stick with my NHS ones as they are tailored to my hearing test. Also blue-toothed enabled to my phone, so calls go straight to my hearing aid.

Also, they change the tubes for me every 6 months and I have free batteries.

I do wear NHS hearing aids, the latest pair are not great so at least l have a reasonable alternative. I also want rechargeable, not available on the NHS for me.

Available on Amazon. Excellent idea. Getting a NHS appointment for first time hearing aids in my health authority is nearly two years. We do not have access to independent providers so forced to wait.

The prices are certainly affordable to me (from £60 up). Should bring the prices down on the high street too.

www.baaudiology.org/uk-government-gives-greenlight-to-otc-products-in-the-uk/