Lost Hearing Aid!

[cupotee2]

I believe the NHS charge to replace a lost hearing aid these days. Is this true all over the country?

Going to be pretty hard on anyone who has no means to fund a new one.

[bhg481]

I don't know but these things are very expensive. Isn't it reasonable to assume that people will insure them against loss or should the NHS just keep handing them out like sweets to people who don't look after them.

[Sqad]

Long time ago cupotee.........mrs sqad was an audiologist and she tells me that patients were never charged for a replacement hearing aid.

[Mamyalynne]

It says there 'may' be a charge, so it is well worth enquiring.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/hearing-problems/Pages/hearing-aids.aspx#batteries

[trt]

I think if you are on benefits they replace them free, which is not fair if you are on a low income.

[bookbinder]

https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/lost-hearing-aids.htm
This hospital (above) charges for lost hearing aids. Chesterfield Royal Hospital charges (or charged) £85; Torbay & South Devon NHS charges (or charged) £50.

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

No, it's not true in Lancashire, anyway. My dad is terribly absent-minded and we have retrieved his hearing aid from the washing machine before now- when he goes to the hospital they basically sigh, say "not you again" and wearily supply a new one. Over the last ten years I reckon he has had about 6 or 7- all on the NHS. True story- he found that his sensor was blocked with wax so popped the hearing aid in the microwave for a minute to melt it out...you can guess the rest :( These are the folks who are milking the system :))

[jennyjoan]

Well my hearing aid fell out when I was knocked down and hit on the head and NHS replaced it.

But the audiologist told me that it would take me 43 weeks to get used to it as it was so digitalised or whatever. I said to him you mean 43 days - no 43 weeks - anyway they will replace - well they did hear/here Belfast.

[cupotee2]

Thank you for the replies.

I now know here, they charge £65 to replace a lost hearing aid.

I'd never thought to insure them but maybe worth thinking about.
As for them belonging to the NHS, they don't accept returns when a person no longer needs one. I know this as a friend offered her late husbands back to the Audio Dept. Once they are issued they are no longer the property of the NHS.

[jennyjoan]

well I can't sleep cupotee - if NHS don't accept them back what would be the logic of insuring them.

Are you really sure they would charge you £65 - if you were talking to a gangly teenage receptionist on the phone - they tell you anything.

I don't think you would have to pay a thing.

[Mamyalynne]

I know this doesn't help you Cupotee but may help someone else who does have any hearing aids sat in a drawer.

https://www.hear4u.co.uk/donating-your-hearing-aids

[AZardoz]

Look here:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Phrases-and-Sayings/Jokes/Question1560525.html

[jennyjoan]

You wouldn't believe this - I heard and know of an old lady who got a brand new hearing aid and after wearing it for a while couldn't get used to it and blamed the mould - what did she do - threw it out. Did you ever!!! She wanted a new mould and she did get a new mould AND a hearing aid. I thought it a disgrace.

[waterboatman]

My NHS hearing aids, (necessary due to being in the Royal Artillery in the 60's. No ear plugs.) are £1500 each. They change them regularly, but they are covered for insurance under my household insurance against accidental loss.

[cupotee2]

Are you really sure they would charge you £65 - if you were talking to a gangly teenage receptionist on the phone - they tell you anything.

I don't think you would have to pay a thing.

Afraid so jennyjoan. Lots of areas are charging various amounts to replace lost hearing aids. £65 in my area.