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Original poster

Hearing Aids: where to look for what?

16 replies

Couchto5ktowine · 23/12/2019 20:26

My dad is 70 next year and uses NHS/GP provided hearing aids. They’re clearly not improving the quality of life as much as I think they could and I worry he’s becoming isolated. I’m lucky that I can afford to get some for him BUT he’ll take some convincing that he should let me buy them.

Help educate me on where he should be looking and what he should be asking... if I can coerce him to a particular place I reckon I can convince him that this can be my birthday gift to him...!

OP posts:
iklboodolphrednosedreindeer · 23/12/2019 20:28

Has he had a proper audiology assessment recently? They can recommend hearing aids and the best place to get them.

orchidsarebeautiful · 23/12/2019 20:32

@iklboodolphrednosedreindeer just coming on to say this.

They can mould a shape of the ear to block out other sounds. He may already have this option.

It's worth another NHS assessment to make sure, and at the very least get a copy of the results so you know your independent assessment is accurate.

Aurea · 23/12/2019 20:33

Most manufacturers will give a 30 day free, no obligation trial so he can try different ones to see which he prefers.

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supadupapupascupa · 23/12/2019 20:45

I have just bought some from a local independent provider. Private hearing aids are VERY expensive but worth EVERY penny. Any reputable supplier will give a weeks free trial before obligation. Research the brands available and then find out who locally supplies them. I have the LIVIO AI hearing aids and they are great! I convinced my FIL to go get some, he chose a different brand but he is so pleased also.

supadupapupascupa · 23/12/2019 20:46

The quality of sound available is far far superior to the nhs ones op

WrongKindOfFace · 23/12/2019 20:48

Yes, I agree with trying the nhs route again first. He may need them to be adjusted or a different type.

pastaparadise · 23/12/2019 20:49

Sorry to jump on the thread - are private ones always better than nhs? DM was assessed privately but it was very quick- about 20 mins - then told aids would be £1k to £2.5k. I've got her an nhs appt in January and thought the aids provided would be similar - is this not the case?

Mishappening · 23/12/2019 20:54

I have NHS ones and have no grumbles at all - they are fine.

Original poster
Couchto5ktowine · 23/12/2019 20:59

@iklboodolphrednosedreindeer thank you! The problem is I don’t know... and if I start asking him those questions then I’ll get nowhere fast with him. I guess I’m trying to find the John Lewis personal shopping equivalent of hearing aids to make everyone’s lives simpler Wink

What @supadupapupascupa ended up with is my ideal. I’ve just no idea how to get him to that answer - this is an area none of us know nothing about, seemingly including my dad!

OP posts:
supadupapupascupa · 23/12/2019 22:42

The nhs ones quality of sound is not great. You also cannot tell what direction sound is coming from. They sound like everything is under water. The ones I have are far more natural, you can't see them and I have direction back. I also have a microphone I can connect to that someone can wear and it comes direct to my ears (yoga classes are transformed!) mWhen my phone rings it comes to both ears.... omg the nhs ones are WAAY behind. Mine are the best you can get right now and was over £5k for two. I think my FIL paid just over £3k for his. It's been 25 years of struggle for me, I have put it off and off. But I don't regret a penny now I know the quality of life I have back

supadupapupascupa · 23/12/2019 22:45

You have to bear in mind that technology is moving rapidly. The nhs takes years to catch up. Don't go to boots. They are a pain to manufacturers buying in bulk and then need to flog what they have. Independents can order directly whatever you choose

DisgraceToTheYChromosome · 23/12/2019 23:15

I have Oticons, and they changed my life. £5k for the pair, but absolutely stunning. You don't notice any change in sounds apart from high pitched pure tones, but I can hear every word of a conversation, every note of music, the direction finding is pinpoint, and if I had an iPhone they would act as a handsfree.

Watchagotcha · 24/12/2019 05:43

I would recommend trying the nhs first to see if improvements can be made to his current set up. The audiologist should talk to him about when / what situation he finds that he is struggling, how often he wears the aids that he has etc. How long has he had his current aids? And dues he wear them - and if not, why not?

If the nhs can’t suggest any alternatives then look out for a local hearing aid supplier. They often stock more than one brand. Phonak and Siemens are very high quality. They usually cost at least £2k per aid, but that should include fitting, ongoing checkups, repairs under warranty.

Original poster
Couchto5ktowine · 24/12/2019 06:35

Thank you everyone and especially @supadupapupascupa. I feel much more informed. It’s looking a tad more expensive than I’d anticipated but it’ll be worth it I think. I will try the nhs route again, but a local independent seems the way to go.

OP posts:
BookWitch · 24/12/2019 09:39

My mum went through Hidden Hearing, they came to her to assess her in her own home, very nice rep, no hard sell (I was there to make sure she wasn't being pressured). Good after care as well

unknownscot · 24/12/2019 11:19

Boots are fantastic and have really helped my mum.

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