What point to get hearing aids?

[JustRollWithIt]

I'm mid 40s. Went for hearing test yesterday as been noticing others can hear conversation that I struggle to hear. So been told I have Cookie Bite hearing loss. The frequency range roughly 750 - 2000 Hertz in particular is approaching the 'moderate' part of the results chart (hearing level around 40 decibels). Been told to go away and think about hearing aids! A bit of a shock generally, but also the ££ involved. Happy to pay if it will make a big difference though. Just wanted to reach out to anyone who may have been in this situation. I don't know what to do. At what point should you invest in hearing aids?

If you have an iPhone you can use AirPods Pro 2 as an informal alternative to hearing aids. Much less money if going private but only 6 hours battery time.

If they say you need them then get them
If it's the price putting you off just go to your doctor to get referred to do it on the NHS then it won't cost you anything

I have moderate Cookie Bite hearing loss and wear hearing aids. They make a big difference to understanding speech. I got mine through the NHS, so they didn’t cost anything.

The audiologist who saw my Mum said it was much better to get hearing aids sooner rather than later, as the brain starts adapting to them and rediscovering the range of higher pitched noises which typically start to disappear first with hearing loss.

Try them! Most hearing centres will give you a free trial for a month. If you don’t see much improvement you hand them back and don’t pay a penny. If they’re life changing, it’s worth the investment. Word of caution, my DH had a trial and knew he wanted to buy them, but he was quoted £5K. He went online and checked the price and found the same ones for £3K at another place locally, so he bought them there instead.

Go through the NHS first and try them. If you want to spend £1000s on them after that you will know much more about what to get. My NHS ones are absolutely fine.

Have you been to the GP. I got hearing aids about 5 years ago free on the NHS.

Best thing I ever did.

My only regret is not doing it soo we.

Sooner.

In my case it was when my Wife had hold of my gentleman area and said if you say pardon once more I will rip them off. I wear them now and most people don’t notice.

Thank you everyone. They weren't being pushy or saying it was essential, which I guess is why I am questioning if I actually need to. I think that's where I'm struggling, like I'm thinking is this for real, do I really need them. But on the other hand I know the test results won't lie. He showed me some price ranges and to be honest it's not so much being unable to afford them but rather not having anticipated spending money at the moment on hearing aids! Bit of a surprise/shock I guess, but I'm coming round to the idea, thank you. I'm wondering if NHS route will be a very long wait time etc and how their aids compare to private aid options available. I hadn't actually thought of shopping around! I suppose I could try other audiologist clinics to see how their prices compare with the ones I was shown today? Is that rude?

Go NHS for me the practice nurse checked my ears were clear and then I was sent to Scrivens or I could have gone to spec savers it only took 3 weeks, they even pay for the batteries. I think only complex problems need expensive aids mine was heavy machinery and gunfire

I'm wondering if NHS route will be a very long wait time etc and how their aids compare to private aid options available

It took about 5 months from seeing the GP, tests at hospital. To receipt of my aids.

Does it matter how they compare? When you are even sure if you want them? If they work, they work.

As soon as you notice that the amount of hearing loss you have is affecting you, that's the time to do something about it. Early intervention is shown to be beneficial, it won't make your ears "lazy" or anything like that, which is what a lot of people seem to believe!

Moderate hearing loss is commonly aided with hearing aids. I'm an audiologist.

Thank you. Funny as I was just thinking, I wonder if you get so used to them, that when you take them out do you feel like you can't hear anything without them

NHS is over a year where I am and is definitely about 5 years behind what I can offer in the private sector. Other areas may not be as long and may have access to more up to date technology, but ultimately will never be able to offer exactly the same as the private sector can. Doesn't mean it wouldn't be enough for your needs, but you don't know til you try. Privately you will generally have at least a couple of months to get your money back after purchase.