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Had hearing aids from local hospital about 15 years ago. I persevered for months but couldn't get used to them. Went back for adjustments a number of times but still no better. In the end gave up. Two years ago my GP suggested I try again. Appointment for hearing test came through and when I got there was most surprised to find it was Specsavers. My immediate reaction was how could they possibly be as qualified as the hospital? Had hearing test and walked out with new hearing aids. Slightly smaller than original hospital ones and slightly more comfortable. More perseverance and eventually I more or less got used to them although still not all that comfortable especially when wearing glasses. After eighteen months of wear I phoned Specsavers to see what they were doing about further check ups but found they don't do any. At least the hospital had regular recalls for check ups, maintenance etc. I expressed surprise Specsavers did not do recalls and they said I could just go in any time I wanted. I made an appointment and they replaced the small tubes and that was it. No check to see if my hearing had deteriorated further or anything else. I think that is certainly the downside of farming out care from the NHS services. Also surely the more options that are farmed out to private organisations the more the NHS will be able to close departments down, Saves them money but its always the patient who suffers.

Why is it that deafness, more than any other disability, is so very misunderstood? People have so little patience or understanding and if you ask for something to be repeated, they often can't be bothered and say, Oh never mind, it doesn't matter!
I have been profoundly deaf most of my life and feel continually excluded from general chat. I can only understand one to one so social occasions can be a nightmare. Hearing aids do help but they do not restore normal hearing, and people cannot be heard if they don't face me, if they put a hand over their mouth, if there is not enough light, if there is background noise, if they mumble, if they have an accent of some kind - the list goes on and on.
To have to put up with this and then have a family with little tolerance is so hurtful. I've had people moaning because I need subtitles and they don't like them. My response to that is to turn off the sound and say "see how you like it then."
Any other disability and you would find people understanding and sympathy and help, but with deafness you are a nuisance and an irritation.