Student wanting to purchase a hearing aid

swady256

hello, I have recently started a teaching course at my local university. Over the past couple of weeks i have realised that I am really going to struggle unless I get a hearing aid.

I found out I had hearing loss about 3 years ago (caused by otochlorosis) generally I cope with this in everyday life but since starting the course I have found it more of a problem.

I turned down a hearing aid a few years back from the nhs because I didnt like the look of them. Im now regretting this because is quite a long process to get one - apparently the waiting list is around 6 months and it will take 5 weeks to get a referral to see my consultant.

I still would prefer not to have an nhs hearing aid because they are not exactly dicreat! I have had a look at some hearing aids in specsavers (the completely in the ear canal style) They only take 10 days to order which is great so im really keen to get a set.

The only problem is the price from £500 - £1000.
Does any one know where i might be able to get some funding for this. I have applied for disabled student allowance but apparently they do not give funding for hearing aid.

many thanks

farso

I think there is a disabled students allowance, in which you get assessed for items that are actually needed, then they are purchased for you up to a value of £2500 i think, so you could well be entitled to that.

link:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

good luck

The_One_Who

The OP already said they'd tried the disability funding.

OP, you'll need to speak to your university and see if they can point you in any directions, but my gut feeling is that if you can get it on the NHS then you'll have to do so, no matter how long it takes.

lilysgarden

Sorry, but isn't this a case of 'beggars can't be choosers'?! If it's available on the NHS, no matter how bulky they may be, then I don't think there will be funding available anywhere else. Certainly nothing I've heard of anyway. I remember when I was a kid and having to have NHS glasses. Hated the damned things, but had no choice because I needed them and my parents couldn't afford otherwise. Surely it's better to get the NHS one and then treat yourself to what you want when your earning again....

kazwookie

Hi

I have 2 BTE type, people don't even know I am wearing them, I know I have long hair, which sort of hides them.

I had mine from my first appointment within 14 weeks, and wish I had gone sooner to see the dr and the Hospital, all free of charge and the batteries are as well.

kazwookie

I would suggest you go back to your dr and ask to be refered, and swallow your pride.

Good luck

proudmum_3

Hi there.
I work in a school for deaf children alongside the audiologist.
NHS hearing aids aren't all cumbersom these days and of course are now all digital which makes a great difference to the user. They are programmed to each individuals requirements and this eliviates a lot of feedback.
I would strongly suggest you get a referall. I would never recommend you buy an 'off the shelf' hearing aid. You may do more damage.
Due to the fact that all users will be changing to digital from analogue may mean a bit of a wait in some areas, but it will be worth it in the end.
You can go to a private clinic but Private being the operative word, means you will have to pay and therefore wouldn't get funding for it.
Good luck. x

swady256

Hi thank you for all your feed back - I found out recently about the access to learning fund which might cover the cost of a hearing aid- I am following up both the nhs root and buying one privately, basically I have decided to go with which ever one I can get first.

(if its true what I have read about the waiting list for the nhs hearing aids by the time I get one I will 1-2 months away from finishing my course)

I still feel that a little more choice would be nice when it comes to hearing aids through the nhs even if the patient had to pay a bit towards a more dicreat version.

I know that aesthetics may not be so much of an issue for other users, but if there is funding available for this then I will greatfully accept it (especially if it will be the quickest option)

many thanks

GlasweJen

The Disabled Student Allowance only covers non-medical equipment like laptops, CCTV readers, software etc. It is assumed that students should cover their own medical expenses. Personally I think if you can't afford private then go NHS until you can afford it.

Errata

See your GP and ask for a referral to your nearest NHS hospital with the shortest list for audiology. Two areas next to me have a 4-6 week waiting list compared to 2 years in my area.

proudmum_3

Just another thought.
Remember that if you do buy a hearing aid privately you will be responsible for repairs which can be costly. This is especially so with digital hearing aids as they need to be reprogrammed after a fault.
Dependant on your hearing loss may mean you won't be suited to an in the ear device also.