Talk

I wear one and I'm 30 years younger than him. Can recommend Boots. They are tiny now and I honestly forget I have it in my ear.

Can you just walk in to Boots? I'm here visiting until tuesday…..

They are uncomfortable when you're not used to them. And they amplify things you haven't heard for years a d don't need to hear, but you brain races ahead of itself and processes everything to the nth degree, because that's what it's had to do for years.

They are HORRID at the beginning. You just have to persevere, hopefully with the loving support of your family.

You could call them on this number in the morning.
Private aids aren't cheap though. Mine cost a fortune!

I would phone first thing and see if they can fit you in. He'll need an appointment. Be warned, going the private route is expensive--mine was close to £2000. I would not say mine is horrid. To me it's a foreign object no worse than glasses. GP can refer via the NHS for free AFAIK.

OMG - £2000!!!
OK, he'll have to go NHS. Glad I was warned!!!
The thing is, he doesn't want one. He thinks he is fine. However, as well as being v v v annoying, we worry that he can't hear important announcements/warnings as well as missing out on conversations with his grandchildren!!

I'm assuming the £2k was just for one? I've just spent £3700.
NHS ones are free.

Yes, £2000 for one. My lovely DM paid half for me. My FIL resisted getting help for years and now can't believe the difference in his hearing with aids.

Anyone who is deaf can get one on the NHS, they are much better than they used to be and they now give out digital ones.
Private, top of the range £2k aids are inevitably better though.

The Boots chap said that the main difference with NHS is length of time between appointments to adjust the aids and deal with any problems once fitted. Also, the inevitable waiting list to begin with.

To be fair, he did not disuade me from going down that route and said the aids themselves were much the same. I was very fortunate to be able to go private and also to let someone else use my NHS slot, as it were.

Main point is that an aid can be of huge benefit no matter who provides it.

Changing the tiny battery is a bit fidddly but otherwise you just pop it in and go. My battery lasts approx 3 weeks.

My mum finally got one two years ago, followed last year by one for the other ear - both on the nhs. They took some time to get used to in terms of the new, different sounds she could hear but they have revolutionised her life and given her back the confidence she lost (she felt very isolated through not being able to hear people when they spoke to her).
After the initial getting used period, they should never feel uncomfortable. If my mum has any problems, she phones the hearing clinic and can usually see them within a fortnight.
She did have to persist in asking for a referral due to lazy gps though.

OK. So……suggestions please as to how I get my dad to agree to see this through and give it a go. Please.

Watching this thread with interest.

My dad has hearing aids but won't wear them. Except for when he goes for hearing checks at the hospital so he can pretend he wears them all the time .

He's got to want it, hearing aids will never restore normal hearing and take a lot of getting used to.

NHS aids include soft moulds and open fit for those who find them uncomfortable.
The main problem though is convincing someone to wear them especially if they are convinced only old people need aids. Maybe pointing out that it's better to get them when you only just need them, so your brain doesnt forget how go interpret the sounds you've Bern managing without?