Ive got a hearing test in 30 minutes.

[trt]

Its at home and its one of those company's that offer a free hidden amplifier that fits in the ear.

I know he will try to flog me a proper hearing aid but I can get them on the NHS for free.

It will be interesting to see if it is really free?

Will let you know how I get on.

[hc4361]

What's the point of you wasting their time? You can get a top notch free hearing test from the NHS, which they will insist on anyway if you go to them for an aid.

[Sqad]

//// You can get a top notch free hearing test from the NHS, ///

But not necessarily a "top notch" hearing aid.

[hc4361]

They prescribe digital aids on the NHS, far better than the freebie from a private company.

[Sqad]

I agree......but digital aids still have an obtrusive amplifier, the private aids,inserted into the canal tend to be more unobtrusive and these are not available on the NHS.

It is a matter of choice, but I tend to agree with you.........until I need one and then i MIGHT go for the smaller private one......MIGHT...;-)

[MichaelZZ]

I got a pair of free NHS hearing aids 2 or 3 years ago and apart from having them "tweaked" on one occasion have had no problems with them. My sister-in-law decided that she needed hearing aids and insisted on paying a lot of money for them on the assumption that they would be "the best". I tried to persuade her to try the NHS for starters and move on to 'private' ones if these were OK. She "couldn't get on with the expensive ones and has abandoned them. Now she won't even try NHS ones because if the expensive ones don't work she's certain the "inferior" NHS ones certainly won't.

[Eve]

I need to go for another one soon, was borderline hearing assistance last time so not looking forward to it. My mum had NHS gromits but didn't really get on with them. She ended up going for some private ones, can't remember how much they were but they definitely weren't cheap!

[chrissa1]

I wish there was a cure for tinnitus.

[hc4361]

trt, where is your follow up report?

[islasmum]

A friend of mine bought hearing aids privately, and I'm sure that she told me they were nearly £2000 - whether that was for one or two I can't remember, but I think I would definitely try the free NHS ones first, and if you don't get on with them, then thin about going private.

[trt]

Well I had the hearing test, two in fact and I do have probs with my hearing as the chart showed I couldn't separate voices from background noises.

He wasn't pushy in trying to sell and when it came to the cost, it started at £495.00 for one ear piece, rising to £1,25.00 for the ones that have a TV receiver. I would need two.

When I asked about the free amplifier they were advertising he said, that there had been a mix up with head office and they had made a mistake but, gave me a little box to clip on your belt with those ear microphone pieces that you use with your mobile, and must have cost about £2.50, what a con!!!!!

[hc4361]

Try this online hearing test. Be sure to untick the box on the sign up page.
http://www.hearingdir...ring-Check-Start.html


They sell hearing aids but the results showed my hearing is better than average for my age and I don't need one.

[chrissa1]

Ooh hc, I was below average for my age. I knew that already though.

[dianahoohar]

Thanks hc! I thought I would show off to see how good my hearing was, but tried twice and my best was 67%!

[Sqad]

Your description of your hearing test was not very helpful as one needed to know whether it was a high tone or low tone loss and whether it was unilateral (one sided) or bilateral (both sides) or a conductive or nerve deafness or a combination of both and which is the better ear.

My guess? a symmetrical bilateral high tone hearing loss due to presbycusis ( the ageing process)

My advice? Get a NHS aid, one side only inserted into the better ear and if you like it and it helps, then stick with it. You can then decide at a later date if you want to replace your NHS aid with a less obtrusive private aid.

[trt]

Thanks squad,
I have forgotten most of the things he said about my loss of hearing high tone or low tone loss etc but, they are sending me the hearing test and graft information in the post.

[Sqad]

trt...thanks.......is there any way that I could see it?

[trt]

When I receive it Squad, I will try and post it on here for you.

[looobylooo]

hi trt
my auntie was looking at getting private hearing aids a while ago..
(i posted up a thread about it at the time)
i forget the name of the company who came out to see her and 'tested' her hearing, without tracing back to my thread,
but they were asking £8,000!
can you believe it??!!
like someone said on here when i posted, that kind of money could buy you a decent car! lol
anyway, she didnt go ahead with them, thank goodness,
she decided to try the nhs first, and got herself a nice little dinky pair, and they work a treat,
shes more than happy with them :o)

[owdhamer]

Pardon