Hearing aids

[Anomaly]

My Mum's hearing is getting worse and worse. She currently has a hearing aid but it doesn't seem to be helping her that much - I've no idea as to make or model but it will be an NHS one. She is embarassed by her poor hearing.

I really want her to look into getting a better hearing aid having seen the difference it's made to DH's Gran's life. Money is not an issue she can afford to go private. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could suggest she go to get a decent hearing aid?

Has she had the hearing aid a long time?
The NHS might replace it for a better digital one or maybe she needs it resetting. Worth checking it out with the GP or local audiology clinic first.

The digital ones are a hundred times better than the old analogue ones, so it's worth asking for a replacement if it's an analogue.

Is her hearing loss in both ears? If so, then it might be time for her to start wearing one in the other ear too. Again it can make a big difference.

Hi - all NHS aids are now prescribed as digital and they do not make their own anymore but prescribe privately made ones. That doesn't mean they are the latest model, however but they are usually quite good. Newer hearing aids also have other functions such as rear facing microphones (old NHS ones only had one front facing microphone), bluetooth options for other devices, software to reduce background noises etc.

If you want to go private then many shops such as Specsavers etc provide them. Some shops provide certain models, whereas an independent place may also do the same. If you know anyone with privately provided hearing aids near where your Mum is based that might be a good recommendation. I find it is the audiologist dispensing the aid that is really important.

YOu have to 'get to know' your H Aid too - my Dad hadn't really grasped that there were different settings, etc - you can turn it to pick up the induction loop for example.
He was very frustrated by the fact it amplified ALL sounds, rather than just the conversation or whatever, so the background noise became louder too, which then didn't make speech any clearer for him. He didn't know about the induction loops etc though. I hope they are better now.