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Original poster

For Those of us who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Part 2

562 replies

Violinist64 · 05/06/2023 21:05

The original thread is almost full and I have found it extremely helpful so have started this new thread.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
jandalsinsummer · 10/07/2025 11:58

Hi team apologies I havn’t read the full thread, elderly Mother needs a hearing aid but has quite severe arthritis, would be unable to change batteries.
Sadly she has got herself into ENT privately but doesn’t have private health insurance, she has been quoted ‘thousands’ for a hearing aid, she doesn’t have that either.
Does the NHS have anything suitable? How do people with arthritis get their batteries changed?
Her hearing isn’t that bad. None of her kids can do it we all live miles away.
Keen to stop the private option if there is a suitable alternative!
Thanks

LIZS · 10/07/2025 12:02

They can offer rechargeables but otherwise batteries usually need changing about once every five/six days or so a carer or visitor could do them. Will she be able to get them in herself? DM was quoted £1400 minimum each privately.

jandalsinsummer · 10/07/2025 12:07

LIZS · 10/07/2025 12:02

They can offer rechargeables but otherwise batteries usually need changing about once every five/six days or so a carer or visitor could do them. Will she be able to get them in herself? DM was quoted £1400 minimum each privately.

Edited

Hi LIZS thank you, I’m assuming she can, she hasn’t been offered anything yet. I’ve been reading a bit more of the thread (it’s long) would I be right in saying private offers much more than NHS when it comes to hearing aids?
Trouble is everyone around my Mum regularly is also old with arthritis or similar!

LIZS · 10/07/2025 12:11

I think it depends on the condition. For straightforward hearing loss there seems to be fewer and more basic options than more complicated conditions. Also suspect there is an element of ageism. Dm is vi and elderly but has basic in ear moulded ones which she struggles to fit.

jandalsinsummer · 10/07/2025 12:14

Thanks I suspect you’re right re ageism

As far as I am aware it’s just standard age related hearing loss.

MontyDonsBlueScarf · 10/07/2025 14:48

I have an unusual hearing loss and I have found the NHS useless. I have tried two private audiologists, one was useless, one was fantastic. I have friends with more standard hearing loss who are very pleased with their NHS aids.

Overall I think that success with aids depends on 1) your type of hearing loss 2) the skill of your audiologist and 3) the extent to which you are willing and able to work with them.

There's nothing to be lost by seeing what the NHS in your area can provide, you can always go private later if you have to (but if you do I would strongly suggest looking for personal recommendations rather than just choosing one off the High Street).

jandalsinsummer · 10/07/2025 16:13

MontyDonsBlueScarf · 10/07/2025 14:48

I have an unusual hearing loss and I have found the NHS useless. I have tried two private audiologists, one was useless, one was fantastic. I have friends with more standard hearing loss who are very pleased with their NHS aids.

Overall I think that success with aids depends on 1) your type of hearing loss 2) the skill of your audiologist and 3) the extent to which you are willing and able to work with them.

There's nothing to be lost by seeing what the NHS in your area can provide, you can always go private later if you have to (but if you do I would strongly suggest looking for personal recommendations rather than just choosing one off the High Street).

Thank you for that

Words · 10/07/2025 16:40

Hello

Some advice please.

Four of five months ago I experienced sudden hearing loss, worse in right ear. Thought it was wax. Ears ( outer) perfectly clear. I knew then something was very wrong.

Paid for a private mri and consultations. I have fluid build up in both ears of unknown origin as no colds, infections or flu. Severe loss in one ear, mild to moderate in the other. Tinnitus.

I have a number of other serious health conditions but the loss of my hearing is deeply affecting me in a way I can't describe.

I am back on the nhs list for a possible grommet op but that might not cure it and won't be till next Spring anyway.

In the meantime I am back with audiology for another test and hearing aid assessment on the n h s. Consultant said stick with n h s aids. My elderly friend went for private ones and just can't work them properly. Now refuses to use either.

I think I may have funny shaped ears as ear buds, head phones etc always fall out.

I just want to get my hearing back. I realise I am lucky this may even be an option.

Feel very alone.

Words · 10/07/2025 16:43

PS. My hearing loss is lower, not higher sounds.

repeatpleaseagain · 12/07/2025 15:53

Lip reading - theres an online course https://www.lipreading.org/lipreading-lessons but it quickly asks for payment

My husband has come home with new NHS aids - no batteries needed since are rechargeable. He's delighted since he was always dropping the tiny fiddly batteries - hope that helps the arthritic mother?

Index of Lipreading Lessons - Lipreading.org

List of lipreading practices, and all workbook material available on Lipreading.org

https://www.lipreading.org/lipreading-lessons

Soubriquet · 04/09/2025 19:29

I have been put on the waiting list for a brand new snazzy hearing aid!! (nhs funded)

I don’t know when I’ll get it or what upgrades there will be but still. I’m excited

purpleme12 · 04/09/2025 19:40

What do you mean by snazzy??

Soubriquet · 04/09/2025 20:18

It should hopefully come with Bluetooth so I can connect it to my phone

purpleme12 · 04/09/2025 20:22

Oh ok that is good

Although I thought maybe you meant some coloured ones by snazzy!

Soubriquet · 04/09/2025 21:02

Aaaaah. Maybe you can get coloured ones! I’ll have to ask at ny appointment. I can get coloured moulds which was fun. I once had a glitter mould too but that one backfired as a piece of glitter was poking through and cut my ear to shreds

purpleme12 · 04/09/2025 21:11

Well they won't give them to me unfortunately

GardenersDelight · 05/09/2025 10:34

Mine are Bluetooth and connect to phone for volume control and battery life but don't for phone calls etc as with android only seems to happen with high spec phones which mine isn't

purpleme12 · 05/09/2025 11:05

What do you class as high spec?
Mine is android. I wouldn't class it as high spec but it does connect for phone calls

GardenersDelight · 06/09/2025 15:41

purpleme12 · 05/09/2025 11:05

What do you class as high spec?
Mine is android. I wouldn't class it as high spec but it does connect for phone calls

Edited

I've been told it needs to be the S style of Samsung whereas I'm only on the A class

NeverDropYourMooncup · 06/09/2025 16:16

GardenersDelight · 06/09/2025 15:41

I've been told it needs to be the S style of Samsung whereas I'm only on the A class

Show quote history

Mine worked on an A70. I dropped that and broke it, but it worked fine (Starkeys).

Original poster
Violinist64 · 24/10/2025 22:41

Has anyone else had problems with whistling/feedback? My right aid is whistling constantly at the moment and driving me mad. The only time it stops is when I have a phone call for some reason. I think it is because I have a narrow ear canal and the dome is too big, especially as I often have discomfort in that ear. A mould might be better for me. I have an appointment with the audiologist on Tuesday so we'll see.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 24/10/2025 23:47

Violinist64 · 24/10/2025 22:41

Has anyone else had problems with whistling/feedback? My right aid is whistling constantly at the moment and driving me mad. The only time it stops is when I have a phone call for some reason. I think it is because I have a narrow ear canal and the dome is too big, especially as I often have discomfort in that ear. A mould might be better for me. I have an appointment with the audiologist on Tuesday so we'll see.

When I get too close to people it screech's

purpleme12 · 25/10/2025 00:26

@Blondeshavemorefun it shouldn't be screeching when you get close to people

I'd go back and tell them so they can sort that

LIZS · 25/10/2025 08:20

Violinist64 · 24/10/2025 22:41

Has anyone else had problems with whistling/feedback? My right aid is whistling constantly at the moment and driving me mad. The only time it stops is when I have a phone call for some reason. I think it is because I have a narrow ear canal and the dome is too big, especially as I often have discomfort in that ear. A mould might be better for me. I have an appointment with the audiologist on Tuesday so we'll see.

dm’s does that of the mould isn’t in fully or when her ear changed shape after surgery on a bcc.

Blondeshavemorefun · 25/10/2025 09:28

purpleme12 · 25/10/2025 00:26

@Blondeshavemorefun it shouldn't be screeching when you get close to people

I'd go back and tell them so they can sort that

I know. It’s when lean in for a hug with dd it goes off sometimes

tho my dads does the same