Claiming for partial deafness

bluebird20

Hi could somebody please advise, I am 40-50% deaf in both ears I purchased hearing aids for 2000 out of my savings is there any way i can claim any benefits, i am not trying to scam as I work full time but would use the money for when I need replacements etc.

alwaysonthego_2

How much do you earn?

Do you have children?

Do you have a partner?

Do you have any care or mobility needs arising from your condition?

mealone

bluebird20 wrote: »

Hi could somebody please advise, I am 40-50% deaf in both ears I purchased hearing aids for 2000 out of my savings is there any way i can claim any benefits, i am not trying to scam as I work full time but would use the money for when I need replacements etc.

Ask your GP to refer you to an audiologist and get NHS aids, they`ve come a long way and with your level of deafness the digital NHS aids should do a good job, you would also save on batteries and they will post them out to you so no hassle.

Hear-Hear

Bluebird20

You can certainly try claiming for the Lower Rate of DLA if you are hard of hearing. This works out around £900.00 per year (non-taxable).

It is a myth that DLA is not granted to HoH, although a good number of applications are turned down simply because the form hasn't been filled in properly (or honestly?) or the assessors have not been given clear details of how and why your condition necessitates assistance. Start of with thinking about whether you are truly safe to cross the road unassisted, have a normal conversation in a bank or a supermarket etc.........and take it from there.

Mealone suggests getting NHS aids. Absolutely right ! Your aids from 2000 will have been analogue. Even the very basic digital technology that the NHS uses now is superior to analogue, even if that analogue was top-of-range. And, with all NHS aids being digital now, you will also get two aids if you have loss in both ears !

Oh, and remember that getting NHS aids doesn't prevent you from getting private aids in tandem - that is, if you prefer an in-the-ear style, superior technology, easier access. However, whatever you do, take the RNID advice and do not - ever - talk to a private company unless they fully guarantee a free trial (or a full money-back guarantee, without any deduction of costs) of at least 30 days. That way, it will cost you nothing to try both public and private offerings.

Good luck with your claim.

calleyw

Hear-Hear wrote: »

Your aids from 2000 will have been analogue. Even the very basic digital technology that the NHS uses now is superior to analogue, even if that analogue was top-of-range. And, with all NHS aids being digital now, you will also get two aids if you have loss in both ears !

I think Bluebird20 meant they had spent £2000 on hearing aids not that the hearing aids where from the year 2000. Well that is the way I read it. I am sure that Bluebird20 will confirm that for us.

As they say "I purchased hearing aids for 2000 out of my savings"

So I would assume they digital. I think what they are asking is when they need replacing can they get them on the NHS.

Yours

Calley

Hear-Hear

Oops. You're absolutely right calleyw. I must have read purchased in 2000 instead of purchased for (£)2000.

The advice remains the same though:-
1. bluebird20 should try claiming for the Lower Rate of DLA
2. get NHS aids - entitlement is to two aids if loss in both ears
3. NHS aids are digital but basic
4. getting NHS aids doesn't prevent anyone from getting private aids at the same time
5. note the RNID advice to only accept a trial with a private company if they offer you at least 30 days, otherwise walk away

hope_for_now

I have been using NHS hearing aids for years and they have improved no end, also you would get the batteries free and that would save you some more money.