Thread for those of us that are deaf/hard of hearing?

[flamingo40]

I've looked through the health topics and can't find any particular areas for those of us who are deaf or hard of hearing to turn to if we are after advice or just fancy a chat with people who are in the same situation?
I guess I'm asking firstly if I'm missing something or secondly if there isn't an area we can go to would this be something Mumsnet would think about adding?

Having been hard of hearing for years and now a permanent hearing aid wearer I'd love you get help and advice and talk about experiences to other people

As to whether private is better than NHS I've only ever gone private so I don't know.

What I do know is that I go to Specsavers for my hearing aids and they also provide the NHS hearing services in our area. They see private patients some days of the week and NHS patients other days so you see the same audiologist and use the same facilities whether you pay or not.

The way the audiologist explained it to me was that if you are going NHS you get the starter model of whatever hearing aid is recommended. If you are private you can choose to pay more and get the same hearing aid but with extras like Bluetooth/control from your phone/rechargeable. She said it's comparable to buying a car - if you buy a top of the range car you get extras like leather seats/reversing camera/metallic paint but the fundamental mechanics like engine and gear box are exactly the same as a starter model.

I've found that I hear much more clearly with Phonak hearing aids than I do with Siemens. There is something about the sound reproduction that matches my hearing but the audiologist tells me that this is very much a personal thing. Everyone is different and only trial and error will show which which is best for you. And I guess that ability to chop and change and try out different makes is the big advantage of going private over NHS.

I would always use an independent shop (I buy mine so not nhs)

My local one employs a previous senior employee of Starkey.
He explained that the likes of Boots and spec savers are a nightmare for manufacturers because they want quantity and very cheap prices. Then they have a stock that they have paid for that they need to get rid of before doing it all again.
So if this is where you go you will be offered what they have, not necessarily what is best!

A small local shop will order as required direct from the manufacturer. You get what you want!

God it sounds complicated

(I get NHS ones from hospital. Can't afford others anyway)

Hi all,

Just to let you all know the Trafalgar Theatre London is is holding a Captioned Performance of The Jersey Boys on Monday 29th November. Tickets can be bought via the Access Telephone line or via [email protected]

It's one of my favourite west end shows, and I took my 15 year DS to see it this summer. (They do have a loop system in place as well) He loved it despite his age and recognised many of the songs.

The Access tickets are discounted for the person with the hearing impairment and someone accompanying them.

Appreciate this is a very London-centric post, so apologies but thought it might interest some of you.

That's great @Thunderpunt! I will look out to see if there's anything similar at my local theatre as my mam would enjoy her visit more if this was available.

Also thanks @flamingo40 for starting the thread!

The mention of loop systems made me think thats another campaign for all of us. I havent been to a theatre for years since went and the loop system wasnt working - and it suddenly summed up all the hassles of not hearing and I sat through the whole thing with tears rolling down my face. I now always make a fuss when the loop system doesnt work - and it more usually doesnt than does in shops etc. Nearly came close to murdering vicar who when told loop system wasnt working said brightly that there werent many deaf people so it didnt matter...and breathe

repeatplease that's outrageous! Like saying "our ramp is broken but it doesn't matter as there aren't many wheelchair users... "

I was left speechless - but if looks could kill..!!!

I'm waiting at audiology now to hopefully get my Bluetooth hearing aids. Thank you to the person who said we could get them on the nhs.

@SMaCM

I'm waiting at audiology now to hopefully get my Bluetooth hearing aids. Thank you to the person who said we could get them on the nhs.

Great!!

BSL courses - search your area on here www.signature.org.uk/

Also look at Access to Work for work place equipment.

Hello all

What a useful thread.

Ive had a moderate to severe hearing loss since birth, and am 49 now. I’ve had hearing aids since I was 8 (when I started to struggle at school). I think I’ve had every type of aid since then!

Clunky, beige NHS aids - many different pairs over the years
A bulky radio transmitter box thing that I had to give to my lecturers at uni

About 20 years ago I went private. Digital aids were not available on the NHS then and when I tried them with a private audiologist, I was absolutely hooked. They were a world away from the old NHS ones that I was still wearing. I’d started working at this point and was finding the NHS aids just amplified everything/ it’s knackering, as you all know.

Since then I’ve had maybe 3 pairs of private aids. I moved to France about 14 years ago where all hearing aid provision is private (but reimbursed to an extent). Currently I have a pair of Phonak Aero aids, fully Bluetooth etc. The customer service is great - 3 monthly check ups to adjust the aids, free servicing and repairs etc. They cost about €4000, with about €1,600 of that being reimbursed by the govt : health insurance. Worth every penny.

I’ve never been ashamed of being deaf or associated it with bring old tbh. My parents were always very matter of fact about it - it was just a personal characteristic that is part of me - like having blue eyes or brown hair. It never occurred to me to hide it, in fact it’s one of the first things I tell people especially in a work setting. And I remind them when I need to.

Moving to France and learning French has been a massive challenge. I have progressed very slowly tbh, and it’s down to my hearing loss. Even with good aids and wearing them all the time, I struggle in French and it’s hard to pinpoint whether I am not hearing the words or not understanding them: probably both. Again, it’s exhausting!

I really need people's help as I can't find an answer online
I've had my ears dewaxed (thankfully on NHS at hospital) she did say you have to be careful after as you've removed the ear's protection
But my ear is really sore now! It hurts when my hearing aid is in! Is this an after effect of wax removal??
I'm really worried.

Ouch that doesn't sound good. Can you get some Ear Calm spray for the chemist to soothe it?

Thank you for replying
I'll have a look at this
Might have some still at home actually from a while ago

'Maybe my next stop is to campaign for free BSL lessons for those of us who may need it.'

Up until approx 10yrs ago councils used to provide free BSL places on adult education courses for those with deaf/Deaf relatives, even to pay for they were a fraction of what private companies charge. Not only did the council stop doing this many LAs don't do BSL at adult education centres anymore, it has been outsourced to local private business charging extortionate amounts that many can't afford.

I don't agree that BSL should be taught in schools but I do think the councils should prioritise BSL over flower arranging and cake decorating at evening classes. The demand is there.

Write to your MP and ask them to liaise with the LA to reintroduce this essential course.

Our LA hasn’t done anything other than basic English and maths for over 10 years now. They stopped BSL 20+ years ago.
Shortage of BSL teachers in many areas doesn’t help.

Hi all just looking for a place to moan / get a bit of advise

Can anyone advise on zoom and similar type things I feel I'm really struggling. I have mild to moderate (more on the moderate side) hearing loss and have had aids for about 10 months. I don't think they are very good tbh but that's a seperate issue.

My problem is zoom type things. I've just had an online doctors appointment for one of my children and can barely hear the doctor. Had to concentrate so hard and Im exhausted
I has them on the TV setting to supposedly help. But I don't think it helps.

My son has aids and I know his radio aid can attach to the computer but it only works with his aids

I have been asked to do a weekly 3 hour zoom course in the new year ( it's not compulsory) and at the moment I'm debating saying I can't do it as it will be too hard to hear

There's so many barriers with deafness. I'm also on slimming world and they have zoom stuff and I dont even try to go as it will just be hard work rather than the pleasurable sociable experience it's meant to be.

Can anyone advise? Thanks

Weedsorwishes What type of hearing aids do you have?**

They are just standard NHS ones. Think they are called signia contrast. Definitely signia anyway. They are so uncomfortable in my ears one is a standard dome although a small size and one is a mould. I've tried my son's hearing aids in and they are far more comfortable. His are a different brand and with a full earpiece mould.

Its also the sound of mine I can't get used to. Everything is uncomfortably loud they've already been adjusted twice! But I still struggle to make out speech. I prefer not to wear them and just get by on lip-reading especially now there's less masks around etc

Ok so if you are required to do this sort of training for work and you have a diagnosed permanent hearing loss you should be eligible for Access to work funding which provides equipment like streamers and radio aids for people with hearing loss to use. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Have a look here for a range of devices that might help.

https://www.connevans.co.uk/catalogue/5073937/SigniaSiemensns--Wireless-Hearing-Aid-Accessories

Connevans are very helpful- if you call them they would be able to advise you as to what will be compatible with your particular model of hearing aid.

However - it does sound like the hearing aids are not set up right so I would urge you to go back and ask for either a different model or for the ones you have to be adjusted.
HTH

Being deaf sucks some days doesn't it??
Just needed to say that to someone that understands

@flamingo40

I hear you. I’m the process of applying for french nationality (thanks Brexit) and it involves proving my french language level. This means a written and oral exam 🙄. My French is nowhere close to what it should be after all this time, and I know it’s down to my hearing. With hearing aids / Bluetooth working I can understand even quite complex spoken text and follow politics / news etc just fine. But any other situation, I am floundering. I work so hard to hear what’s being said that I can’t think of what to say in response. Knackering.

Thanks for the chance to moan 😭😂

When I was living in Spain (actually before I went to hospital about my hearing) I always used to have to say it isn't that I can't understand you it's that I can't hear you, cos I guess I used to say pardon a fair bit

Just needed that moan. It gets frustrating at times doesn't it.
I usually am so positive about it but today it made me cry.
I guess we are allowed every now and then those moments.
I don't think a lot of people understand the isolation and frustration