ChatterBank9 mins ago
Hearing Aids
I recently purchased sound amplifiers. The size of buds or hearing aids. Problem is they pick up too much peripheral noise. I probably need to buy hearing aids but I wonder if users of aids on this site still experience too much peripheral noise.
Answers
Hearing aids fitted properly should cut out background noises. They give a totally different experience to the amplifiers you have bought which are probably adequate for listening to TV or radio when you are home alone and the neighbours aren't doing DIY.
If you are in the UK you may be eligible for free NHS hearing aids which these days are a marvel compared to old fashioned models.
You will need a GP referral. Specsavers can test your hearing and supply NHS aids or your GP may refer you to another facility.
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/hearing-aids/nhs-hearing-aids
A detailed guide by NHS here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-aids-and-implants/
There is nothing to stop you getting a free hearing test from any of the companies that sell hearing aids such as Boots if you are impatient and the NHS is taking too long. You may prefer to buy your aids if you need them.
It may be that you don't need hearing aids but have a problem that can be fixed by treatment.
the best way to get NHS hearing aids is to go to your GP an ask them to book an appointment with the audiology dept at your local hospital (not ENT) these people are specialists. My husband has hearing aids from Specsavers which picked up lot of backround noise and did no fit very well. The one's he has from the hospital fit very well as they were measured and moulded to fit him