Help for Hearing Impairment

GotNoRhythm · 16 October 2008 at 1:12AM

Hi all,
I thought I'd set up a thread for people (like me) with hearing impairments :hello: I have two CIC hearing aids and can't really hear much at all without them!!

I'd like to ask if anyone knows of any sort of equipment that I can use in conjunction with (or in place of) my alarm clock. I've reached a point now where I can't hear it unless I sleep with one of my hearing aids in - not ideal!! :think:

I got funding for my hearing aids through access to work. Would this be a good place to try? (Do they still exist??! It's about 5 years since I last spoke to them!) The little company that supplied my hearing aids were wonderful but sadly don't exist anymore, and I don't like the company that bought them out (plus it's about 45 miles away from where I live)

Many thanks,
GNR xx

flossy_splodge · 16 October 2008 at 1:28AM

Don't know if you know but the RNID have lots of info on 'gadgets' that help and if you buy through them you get two benefits.
1. You get a 28 day trial period and can send the goods back if they don't do the job you wanted/hoped they would and
2. You don't pay VAT if you are a hearing aid user and buy through them.
I've found them really good.
You want the Equipment dept in Peterborough though.
:T

GotNoRhythm · 16 October 2008 at 1:37AM

Wow! Quick reply! Thanks for that - I was just looking at their website (followed it from another link on here - this forum is already fab!!)
The only time I've ever asked for help with my hearing was to get my hearing aids, so all thihs is still a bit new to me - even though I'd had them for about 5 years!!
I have found tinnitusexplained.org to be really helpful for my tinnitus, though (thought I'd give them a mention on here in case it helps anyone else!)
Thanks!
GNR
xx

debtmuncher · 16 October 2008 at 10:43AM

not sure why you had to get your aids through funding via access to work because you would have got them via your doctor referring you to the audiology dept. but at least you got them free! not sure how that would work out with repairs/batteries because again audiology replaces aids and supplies batteries.

for support equipment such as a vibrating/loud alert alarm clock again go to your doctor to be referred to the local occupational therapy department for the stuff you need. all free!!

Savvy_Sue · 16 October 2008 at 12:50PM

And yes, Access to Work still exists. Although I agree with what debtmuncher says, and it might be worth getting yourself referred to audiology so that you can see what the NHS would offer you now.

sheldon08 · 16 October 2008 at 2:09PM

Hi, I'm not sure about how you go about getting things free though you've already had advice on that. Have a look here for other available equipment. It is vital you get yourself a proper smoke alarm fitted if you won't hear it. If you speak to your local fire station they should be able to help.

sharon59 · 16 October 2008 at 2:37PM

my disabled SIL also wears 2 hearing aids and we were supplied with a free thing to help her hear the tv better by the OT dept at the hospital free.I did have to buy her vibrating alarm clock via the RNIB website.You can get free smoke alarms specially for the deaf put in as well.

altocumulus · 16 October 2008 at 3:39PM

GotNoRhythm wrote: »

Wow! Quick reply! Thanks for that - I was just looking at their website (followed it from another link on here - this forum is already fab!!)
The only time I've ever asked for help with my hearing was to get my hearing aids, so all thihs is still a bit new to me - even though I'd had them for about 5 years!!
I have found tinnitusexplained.org to be really helpful for my tinnitus, though (thought I'd give them a mention on here in case it helps anyone else!)
Thanks!
GNR
xx

If you are still in work - ask for an Access to Workplace Review through your employer - they are duty bound to provide one....and they do get financial assistance to help you (that is if the money isn't locked up in a frozen place in the north)

GotNoRhythm · 16 October 2008 at 5:35PM

debtmuncher wrote: »

not sure why you had to get your aids through funding via access to work because you would have got them via your doctor referring you to the audiology dept. but at least you got them free! not sure how that would work out with repairs/batteries because again audiology replaces aids and supplies batteries.

I got them through access to work as our local audiology dept don't do CIC hearing aids (they didn't 5 years ago and they still don't now!) Following an assessment they decided i could have funding for them beacause of my job - I was due to start work as a nursery teacher so 'hidden' ones were more practical. I got the batteries free for the first 3 years (but I stockpiled them so I've only just started buying them for myself!) Mum also has NHS hearing aids but buys her own batteries as the ones the NHS supply don't last five minutes :rotfl:

I didn't know about the smoke alarms - thanks for that tip! It is something I'm worried about so I'll definiely look into it

kethry · 16 October 2008 at 8:04PM

GNR - you don't say anything about your financial situation (i.e. are you working or not) but i'm pretty sure Social Services will help with an alarm clock. They *may* ask you to cover the cost of what you would've paid if you were hearing, i think it depends on your local council and your own financial situation. I'm in Manchester, and when i approached social services up here, they sent someone out to assess me. I wound up with a flashing doorbell, an alarm clock which flashes, has a vibrating pad under my pillow, and a firealarm that also flashes/vibrates... and all i wanted was for them to sign the form for the concessionary buspass!

anyway. do approach them, the worst that can happen is that they'll say no and you'll have to approach the RNID for something... let me know if i can help more - i've been deaf all my life so i'm used to battling bureaucracy!

keth
xx

mouseymousey99 · 16 October 2008 at 8:25PM

Thats a good question for me too, I'm glad you asked. My hearing is deterorating noticably. The doc says its borderline and at the mo any specialist would 'monitor' it. Seems to be at a certain tone? If I watch telly alone (oh the joy the remote to myself) I use teletext. So sorry for hijacking but lots of good info here. I had an assesment re the arthritis & will ask them about the hearing too.

Help for Hearing Impairment

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