Hearing Aids

[malana3]

I have just been diagnosed as having mild hearing loss and told I should have a hearing aid and I am currently awaiting a NHS fitting appointment. Can any ABers please comment on the merits or demerits of available NHS appliances as compared to those available privately. Searches on the web show that some private aids can cost up to £2,750. Can expenditure of this level be justified?

[RATTER15]

Try the NHS ones first, they seem to be ok, I know a lot of people that use them.

[bert_h]

My wife got a pair of NHS hearing aids a few months ago. They're top quality, carefully tuned to her specific problem, and as near invisible as makes no difference. If you have shares in a company supplying private hearing aids, unload them now! Their advertising and their hints at the poorer quality of the NHS product will start to get more and more desperate, and less and less credible.

[Sqad]

I agree with RATTER.

If you then want something more......cosmetically acceptable.......then get back to us.

[SlackAlice]

I know of a couple of friends fitted out with NHS hearing aids and they appear to have no problems with them, either in size or capability.

Nearly all hearing aids these days are digital which makes a big difference.

I myself have hearing loss in both ears as a result of ageing and nerve damage. I am classed as 'profound' in one ear. Many years ago I tried the NHS ones (non-digital then) and couldn't get on with them. Private companies (Boots, Specsavers etc) started supplying digital aids, so I bought some from them about 8yrs ago.

The aids are starting to get to the end of their lifespan and I know I need another assessment on my hearing. When I decide to go, I am definitely going to consider NHS aids.

[bhg481]

You can get NHS hearing aids via Specsavers now in some parts of the country;

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/hearing-aids/nhs-hearing-aids?gclid=CKrs-5Th_8ICFeHHtAodUWAA7A

I've no experience of this but it seems worth looking into since I'm very pleased with their optical services.

[rosyposy]

I can definitely recommend specsavers, you will probably be given them the same day you are tested because as you have a mild hearing loss you will probably be given the Seimans open fit aids so you will not need to have an impression taken for moulds. These are very discreet and very light to wear. Free batteries, advice and help whenever you need it and free replacement (s) and servicing when necessary -really what's not to like? You will be advised to use them for a week or so and be given an appointment to go back and have them tweaked, if necessary. Then you can decide if you need additional things added i.e. loop system etc. (depending on the model they give you of course) If you go private, as you have found out they can be VERY expensive + batteries and servicing is at least £75. The NHS are so busy if you have any problems at our hospital they have a walk-in clinic twice a week and you can sit in there for about three hours waiting to be seen whereas you will have an appointment at S/S within the week I expect.
No -I don't work for S/S just have had years of paying out privately and waiting and waiting to be seen by the NHS so I'd say give them a ring, you have nothing to lose -good luck- rosy

[mumstheword1]

I have had NHS aids for the past 2 years first my left ear and then my right ear. I can only praise the NHS they have been wonderful. I have had no problems with the aids at all although as with anything sometimes it takes a while. They're practically invisible. Our hospital also has a walk in clinic for replacement batteries tubes etc and once again no problems. I would personally not pay for others before you try the ones available to you for free. Good luck.

[gingejbee]

You may find this, from Which?, useful:

http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/staying-independent-at-home/guides/how-to-get-the-best-hearing-aid/nhs-hearing-aids/

I have an Opticon aid (provided by NHS) and find it very good...as is the service from all concerned in the NHS.

[maggiebee]

I have mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears which is apparently hereditary?? Was fitted with NHS aids approx 2 years ago and have had absolutely no problem with them. Friends didn't even notice when I started wearing them. Batteries are free from local clinic. I did look at buying privately, but the cost was way beyond my means.