Hearing test

[Paupertas]

A relative would like to take a hearing test

They can get a free on on the High Street but is worried that they are not impartial, as they have an incentive to sell him a hearing aid.

He is aware that he could go via his doctor but this could take a long time, and the relevant NHS site advises him to go to a pharmacy or optician on the High Street

Any other options or recommendation?

Thanks

[quelquod]

I wouldn’t bother much about high street retailer partiality, and since they don’t charge your wife could always go to a couple and compare both their recommendations and prices.

FWIW my wife used to go to Specsavers who have an audiology service and they were fine. The choice of hearing aids is vastly greater than the NHS offer but of course you are buying them. She also tried a specialist local shop who came up with much the same results (they are in the form of a graph showing hearing sensitivity at various frequencies against a ‘typical’ person’s) and offered a greater range of aids. She chose Specsavers in the end. The advice from both places on the type of aid which would best suit her wasn’t up to much though - mainly concentrated on looks and visibility.

Just to add a bit of her experience (she is quite hard of hearing), the High Street retailers offered both in-ear and behind-the-ear aids. She chose in-ear and had lots of trouble with them clogging with wax. Eventually they needed to be sent away for repair/replacement. This happened often enough to be a nuisance. They’re expensive out of warranty too! The NHS (which she uses now) only offered behind-the-ear and advised her that they were best in any case for her degree of hearing loss (and free). That type aren’t prone to clogging and are easy to clean as the electronic part is behind the ear. Under her hair so invisible anyway. Just shop around and see what’s on offer.

[swill453]

The consensus among my parents and their cronies seems to be behind-the-ear ones from Boots. Being the right balance between price, functionality, reliability (lack of clogging) etc.

Scott.

[Laughton]

As a first step - maybe try one of these:-

https://global.widex.com/en/online-hearing-test

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/fr ... aring-test

https://www.phonak.com/uk/en/online-hearing-test.html

I'm sure there are plenty of others to choose from.

[Slarti]

A relative would like to take a hearing test

They can get a free on on the High Street but is worried that they are not impartial, as they have an incentive to sell him a hearing aid.

He is aware that he could go via his doctor but this could take a long time, and the relevant NHS site advises him to go to a pharmacy or optician on the High Street

Any other options or recommendation?

Thanks

Some years back I went to Boots, because SWMBO was certain I was going deaf.

They asked why I was there as my hearing was OK for my age, but Mrs S talked very quietly

Slarti

[sg31]

I recently contacted my doctor about hearing loss. I saw a nurse and was advised she could refer me to the local hospital audiology department which would involve a long wait for an appointment and then a long wait to be fitted with any hearing aids I might need. The alternative was to go to Specsavers on a NHS appointment (they subcontract for the NHS) which would be quicker.

I decided on Specsavers. They rang me about 10 minutes after I got home and offered me an appointment the next day. I went 3 days later when it was convenient, had a hearing test and was diagnosed with severe hearing loss in one ear and moderate to severe in the othe ear. I walked out with 2 NHS behind the ear hearing aids.

It couldn't have been quicker or easier, no charge and annual reviews. Free batteries whenever I need them by calling in the shop.

I would strongly recommend Specsavers after the service I received. My sister who lives 200 miles away also had a similar experience with Specsavers.

The NHS hearing aids are fine, try them, if they suit you then you will have saved a packet and you will at least find out what you want and need from your hearing aids. That might let you make a more informed decision if you decide to buy private hearing aids.

[didds]

The NHS hearing aids are fine, try them, if they suit you then you will have saved a packet and you will at least find out what you want and need from your hearing aids. That might let you make a more informed decision if you decide to buy private hearing aids.

what I'd asdd to that however isd having tried both Ive opted to remain with my "free" NHS ones versus a 2.5K private one, because neither of them actually i8mprove ,my hearing one iota. All my aid does is increase the volume of ambiet noise meaning its even harder to particip[ate in a conversation in pubs, cafes, restaurants, hiugh streets etc. And in "quiet" environments my one working ear seems sufficient.

So I* suppose Im saying if you go private and shell out some serious money, ensure they will work for you (the private ones I tried I had a two week trial of)

didds

[Paupertas]

Thanks for the posts

His problem seems to be clarity of hearing. We were watching a TV programme with him over Xmas and he complained that he could hear the 'noise' OK, but couldn't clearly here what was said.

I suggested the NHS as there might be something else going on. He is getting on a bit, so that may be part of it.

He is a bit wary of the High Street as a friend of his was sold an expensive aid that did little for him.

[AsleepInYorkshire]

A relative would like to take a hearing test

They can get a free on on the High Street but is worried that they are not impartial, as they have an incentive to sell him a hearing aid.

He is aware that he could go via his doctor but this could take a long time, and the relevant NHS site advises him to go to a pharmacy or optician on the High Street

Any other options or recommendation?

Thanks

I have behind the ear. I think that these are better for those with medium to strong hearing loss. They are from the NHS. Specsavers tried to sell me some for £3K but really didn't promote the sale with anything I could put a value on. I'm reasonably sure that for £3K they are better than my freebies from the NHS. But I couldn't tell you what exactly the difference is and for that kind of money I'd want chapter and verse. If I need new batteries, domes or tubes I can collect free from the NHS. However, I work and it's simply more convenient to buy my own.

https://www.connevans.co.uk/page/index

I don't think there's a long waiting list for a hearing test. I'm guessing his GP could refer him to any one of several audiology departments?

I work in an office, have meetings, phone calls and often walk on site with winds a blowing. The aids don't perform too well in windy conditions but I hasten to add I don't have meetings in the middle of a windy field that often to warrant £3K in costs.

My hearing ids also reduce my tinnitus

HTH

AiYn'U

[quelquod]

His problem seems to be clarity of hearing. We were watching a TV programme with him over Xmas and he complained that he could hear the 'noise' OK, but couldn't clearly here what was said.

A very common problem is loss of high frequency hearing. Happens to us all with age but worse for some. (It’s the main loss my wife has). The result is a loss of clarity as all one can hear is a muffled boomy sort of sound. It’s generally a slowly progressing loss and he’s probably been compensating for ages. It may not be his only problem of course, but I expect it’s a major contributor.

[EssDeeAitch]

I have behind the ear NHS ones and cannot for the life of me understand what the advantages are of paying a lot of money to Boots, Specsavers etc.

TV's have particularly poor sound quality and so I bought some half decent speakers and as the new NHS hearing aids have a TV mode, that problem has been solved (sub titles to cope with the mumbling that seems to be in vogue these days)

[Toandfro]

A lady I know has recently obtained hearing aids with Bluetooth built in. This means that she can link to her mobile phone and have the other party's voice transmitted directly into both ears. A button on the (behind-the-ear style) earpiece allows her to accept and end incoming calls without even having to find her phone!

She seemed interested in getting a bluetooth adapter for her TV too, so that she can listen without having to turn the volume up beyond what other people want.

They also have rechargeable batteries - the two units sit in a powered cradle.

FYI the hearing aids are "Unitron D stride PR" - see
https://www.unitron.com/nz/en_nz/produc ... moxi-fit-9

[Steveam]

A little over a year ago I had a severe ear infection and when it persisted was referred to the local hospital ENT. After clearing up the infection they suggested a thorough hearing test after asking a few questions and found I had high frequency loss in both ears (male aged 67). The audiologist couldn’t have been more helpful and was able to put me on a trial of Oticon OTE hearing aids. He took the time to explain that a) it will take time - he suggested 4 weeks - to get used to them as some of what happens is the brain getting used to not hearing at certain frequencies and one has to retrain the brain so he suggested wearing them all the time saying it’s a mistake to only wear them when you think you need them b) the hearing aids he was able to provide on the trial were rather better than the standard NHS ones in a number of ways but if I lost them/damaged them he’d be unable to provide other than NHS ones.

The NHS audiologist, in addition to doing tests, went through a whole set of standard lifestyle questions which were very helpful (had other people mentioned the volume of the tv/did I struggle to follow tv plots/did I find it difficult to hear in crowded or noisy environments/did I find it more difficult to hear women at, say, a dinner party?

I can now have the tv sound at a lower level and find it easier to follow the plot as I hear what’s being said I play bridge and notice some of the oldies speaking far too loudly - rather sad really.

When I need retesting/replacement I’ll definitely start with the NHS Audiology department and take his advice as to whether or not to go privately.

Funny story: just after getting the hearing aids I was working on the roof terrace and trod on a dry leaf - the noise was so unexpected I thought a tile had cracked.

Best wishes,

Steve

[sg31]

I had a similar experience after having my hearing aids fitted. Someone was looking through some papers. I could hear the papers rustlling. I'd not heard that for years. It is fantastic the number and types of sounds I hear now that I'd forgotten even existed.

[didds]

He took the time to explain that a) it will take time - he suggested 4 weeks - to get used to them as some of what happens is the brain getting used to not hearing at certain frequencies and one has to retrain the brain so he suggested wearing them all the time saying it’s a mistake to only wear them when you think you need them

That's very interestig. I have the same model, and when provided with them was told similar - only that it would be "months" not "4 weeks". After six months, on a checkup i said the aids didnt seem to be improving my understandig/hearing at all - exescerbating ambient noise in busy environments, and at home for example I was no better/worse with them. I asked how long I shoud now expect a difference - I just got told "as long as it takes".

After a further 6 months no change. Im now about three years down the line and hardly ever wear it. I cant honestly say I know why I do when I do. I now have two aids because I lost my first one and it was reluctantly (understandably) replaced. Ive now lost the new one but my wife found my old one. I mention that only as that is indicative of how often I wear it and it just gets misalid. Its the usual rule of course - I have put itt somewhere sensible!

didds

[scrumpyjack]

I went NHS first and they were fine for a while but as my hearing got worse I then went to Specsavers. They were very good, no hard sell, and the hearings aids much better than the NHS ones. Ther NHS ones are no longer like bricks, but I was able to distinguish sound much better with the Specsavers ones (cost £2,000)

The after sales service is very good and that is really what you are paying for, as well as better devices.

I guess it all depends on the staff in the particular branch you go to.

[scrumpyjack]

ps Specsavers let you bring them back for a full refund if you change your mind (90 days)

[didds]

I went NHS first and they were fine for a while but as my hearing got worse I then went to Specsavers. They were very good, no hard sell, and the hearings aids much better than the NHS ones. Ther NHS ones are no longer like bricks, but I was able to distinguish sound much better with the Specsavers ones (cost £2,000)

were the NHS not able/prepared to supply you with something more "modern" ? the two NHS ones I have (one lost!) are nowhere near bricks and just snuggle behind my ear very unobstrisivly, and are I am told worth well in excess of 2K each ?

maybe its just another example of NHS postcode lottery?

didds

[AsleepInYorkshire]

A relative would like to take a hearing test

They can get a free on on the High Street but is worried that they are not impartial, as they have an incentive to sell him a hearing aid.

He is aware that he could go via his doctor but this could take a long time, and the relevant NHS site advises him to go to a pharmacy or optician on the High Street

Any other options or recommendation?

Thanks

This may be worth a look?

NHS Hearing Aids at "Some" Specsavers"

AiYn'U

[scrumpyjack]

I went NHS first and they were fine for a while but as my hearing got worse I then went to Specsavers. They were very good, no hard sell, and the hearings aids much better than the NHS ones. Ther NHS ones are no longer like bricks, but I was able to distinguish sound much better with the Specsavers ones (cost £2,000)

were the NHS not able/prepared to supply you with something more "modern" ? the two NHS ones I have (one lost!) are nowhere near bricks and just snuggle behind my ear very unobstrisivly, and are I am told worth well in excess of 2K each ?

maybe its just another example of NHS postcode lottery?

didds

I wrote that the NHS ones aren't like bricks any more, so yes they did supply perfectly adequate aids that nestled inconspicuously behind the ears. However my hearing got worse and the NHS ones no longer gave me good hearing in normal conversation. The rather expensive Specsavers ones did, enabling me to hear words much more clearly, to make them directional (useful in a crowd), and to control them with a phone app (eg to switch to a sports program when playing golf, so cutting down wind noise)