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Father needs a hearing aid

22 replies

1805 · 16/02/2014 18:38

He is in denial. Big time. He is quite clearly going deaf (77yrs old).
He does not want a hearing aid as they "feel uncomfortable". He has never - to my mums knowledge - tried one.
How can I persuade him? Any ideas?

OP posts:
Cleanthatroomnow · 16/02/2014 18:56

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.

1805 · 16/02/2014 19:15

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

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KepekCrumbs · 16/02/2014 19:18

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SauvignonBlanche · 16/02/2014 19:20

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

Cleanthatroomnow · 16/02/2014 19:27

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.

1805 · 16/02/2014 19:35

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!!

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SauvignonBlanche · 16/02/2014 19:41

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

colafrosties · 16/02/2014 19:45

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Cleanthatroomnow · 16/02/2014 19:47

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.

colafrosties · 16/02/2014 19:50

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SauvignonBlanche · 16/02/2014 19:53

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.

colafrosties · 16/02/2014 20:01

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Cleanthatroomnow · 16/02/2014 20:02

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.

Cleanthatroomnow · 16/02/2014 20:04

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

mineofuselessinformation · 16/02/2014 20:11

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.

colafrosties · 16/02/2014 20:14

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1805 · 16/02/2014 20:17

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

OP posts:
Footle · 17/02/2014 14:26

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Trinpy · 17/02/2014 14:33

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 Hmm .

SauvignonBlanche · 17/02/2014 14:44

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

NotCitrus · 17/02/2014 14:50

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?

Footle · 17/02/2014 16:48

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