Deaf Aids

[mike killay]

Has anybody got these?
I can go the NHS route and get them for free, or pay up to £2,000 at Specsavers.
Are private ones really better than NHS?

 

[flecc]

I don't need them but have some knowledge of the subject. At one time the NHS ones were analogue while private ones were far superior digital models.

The NHS now supplies digital as well, but not with as great a choice as the private sector.

This website explains the NHS versus Private position with hearing aids.

 

[jackhandy]

I have 2 hearing aids as supplied by the nhs:
Opticon Spirit Zest mini.

If you google the name, you'll find they are not cheap outside the nhs.

AFAIK they are as good as anything available privately.

Before getting sucked-in to going the "Hidden Hearing" route, ask yourself if you really don't want the people trying to speak to you, to know you're a bit Mutt 'n Geoff.
Personally, I find it helps when people can see the aids.

Whichever way you go, persevere with them - You'll find them very harsh at first, because you've got used to not hearing the sibilants & percussives (assuming that's the problem). I got used to mine in a few days, but I know others who struggle: You can always turn them down a bit.

 

[newboater]

nhs I use them they are great

 

[tillson]

My father had NHS digital hearing aids and was very impressed by them. They were slightly visible but he never perceived that as being anything to worry about.

In the end I suppose it comes down to personal preference and some people are willing to pay to conceal their deafness. That may be more important for a young person and less so as we get older.

 

[neptune]

You could always let your hair grow long enough to cover your ears!

 

[mike killay]

Thanks everybody.
My father had some and he paid a lot for them, but was never really happy.
Now that my children tell me I am deaf (Who?, me, deaf? just stop mumbling) and so many of my friends wear them, I think that it is time to try them.
Mike

 

[D8ve]

The nhs ones are fine for me. Not perfect but better than the silent world I lived in before.

 

[OldBob1]

The later ones are very good can be programmed for different mods, phone, high noise areas.
But can take a bit of getting us to and shows up the wind noise on the bike.

 

[pea]

The other thing to remember is you'll get you're batteries free from the NHS, they aren't cheap to buy.

Pea