Hearing Aids......NHS Vs private ??

[vickster]

Can Specsavers prescribe NHS hearing aids or do you have to go via the long NHS waiting list process?

The latter

 

[Rusty Nails]

Long? A couplathree weeks up my end.

I want one for my ears, not up my end

 

[vickster]

Hi you to go through your doctor, well I did, but that was some time again, the rules might have changed
as specsavers have the NHS contract.

Depends on your Primary Care / GP Commissioning policy, my mum's postcode not eligible
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/hearing-aids/nhs-hearing-aids

 

[Dave7]

I had my NHS hearing aids replaced last week with an upgraded model (Danalogic Ambio S 77). I only went in to get the old ones serviced.

They are so much better than the last ones, and they were very good, and I can now stream audio direct to them from my phone for calls, or my iPad or TV for watching programmes or listening to the radio. All controlled with a simple app on my phone.

And, once again, free at point of issue and batteries available free at my GP or library.

Is it easy/simple to increase/decrease the volume ??

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Is it easy/simple to increase/decrease the volume ??

Very easy, and the range of adjustment is greater than before. Previously the up/down range was adjustable through about six clicks (via a switch on the aid itself) from min to max. Now it’s thirteen, which feels like I can be more accurate in getting the volume to the level I actually want. I tend to use the app though, as that lets me adjust the volume separately for each ear.

 

[Dave7]

I tend to use the app though, as that lets me adjust the volume separately for each ear.

Might be different now and tbf I didn't ask why but they only prescribed 1 aid, for my right ear.

 

[postman]

Listen very carefully,go NHS go see your GP.They might have an ent dept,or they will send you to a hospital.Either way it is the best way.They service them they repair them they might even update them at a later date,batteries are free,it is a no brainer.NHS route.Mine are brilliant they have bluetooth but they came from a hospital due to sudden sensenural hearing loss.My surgery dont give out bluetooth ones,they say they are but Mrs P cannot get them to link with her phone,you need a really good top of the market phone.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I have an NHS Hearing Aid. No complaints but then again I have nothing to compare it to.
Google is, at the moment, inundated with adverts for the latest 'state of the art' aids @ £80ish.
Tomorrow I am at an optician....they have just messaged me offering a free hearing test.
Just wondering what the CC masses think.

my ex didn't like the thought of wearing a big, brown NHS one at 46. So she went to Boots and got a tiny one for IIRC £400. They are probably cheaper now. It might not be a bad shout to try another one off the internet, just check their return/refund T&Cs to see if they do a money back gurantee or something. It's like anything really, take HiFi for example. I have run a £300 Panasonic amp and a £50 chinese mini amp through the same speakers before, and didn't notice much of a difference. If they work, they work

 

[Dave7]

my ex didn't like the thought of wearing a big, brown NHS one at 46. So she went to Boots and got a tiny one for IIRC £400. They are probably cheaper now. It might not be a bad shout to try another one off the internet, just check their return/refund T&Cs to see if they do a money back gurantee or something. It's like anything really, take HiFi for example. I have run a £300 Panasonic amp and a £50 chinese mini amp through the same speakers before, and didn't notice much of a difference. If they work, they work

TBH my NHS one is quite discreet. A bit (small bit) of a faff to put it in and wrap the antenna around the inside of my ear.
My hearing has gone worse and I think it's time to look at options.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

you need a really good top of the market phone.

My phone is a bottom end Samsung and it works fine. Certainly my previous ones needed a higher spec phone so maybe your provider doesn’t have the newest stock yet.

 

[vickster]

my ex didn't like the thought of wearing a big, brown NHS one at 46. So she went to Boots and got a tiny one for IIRC £400. They are probably cheaper now. It might not be a bad shout to try another one off the internet, just check their return/refund T&Cs to see if they do a money back gurantee or something. It's like anything really, take HiFi for example. I have run a £300 Panasonic amp and a £50 chinese mini amp through the same speakers before, and didn't notice much of a difference. If they work, they work

No chance they're cheaper...Boots are £600+ like Specsavers for the most basic
https://www.bootshearingcare.com/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-prices/
My mum needed one that is rechargeable (not batteries) and enables her to hear in solcial situations hence the higher cost (but less than many others!). Hers sit in her ears, no wires

 

[newts]

SWMBO has a free hearing aid from an approved NHS supplier in our area.
It's tiny, not really visible. Controls it via bluetooth from her phone.

 

[Arjimlad]

I have Phonak NHS hearing aids, they're pretty small and bluetooth to my phone.

There's also an app where I can select various modes for various situations. I don't wear them much as it is only minor hearing loss, but I'm pretty impressed with them. I'm told they cost £90 or so each to replace. They seem to chew through batteries (supplied FOC with the hearing aids).