Specsavers Hearing Aids

FBaby

Specsavers now offer their service to NHS patients in some areas. They charge 3 to 4 times more for the same hearing aids to private patients then what they get from the NHS.... says it all really!

consultant31

Contessa wrote: »

I started wearing hearing aids about six years ago (but needed them for a while before then) I had to wait about six months but eventually was fitted with the new (to NHS) digital HA's. Small and neat and made a guge difference. Two packs of batteries (free NHS) were issued at a time so I used the HA's sparingly. Replacement batteries were available but I found it a bit of a palava to go to the hospital to replace them.

Last year I moved to another part of the country and was referred to Specsavers. I had my doubts at first but have been very impressed so far. I went for an appointment with an audiologist and came out with a new pair of HA's, They are the small bud type, ones. Of course if I had wanted to have another pair of the larger in ear models I would have had to wait longer.

The over ear part is larger than my NHS ones, so a negative, but the part iin the ear is very much smaller. The HA's themselves have more features than my previous ones so a big improvement.

Best of all is that I was given a year's supply of batteries so use my HA's as intended without worrying about conserving the batteries.

I would urge anyone who notices that they mishear conversation or keeps turning the volume up to see their GP for a referral!

I was told from the hospital that supplied my hearing aids that I didn't need to keep going back to the hospital for batteries. They gave me a list of local GP's that I could go to. I just ask for them at reception and get 4 packs issued, no questions asked

Contessa

Deleted_User wrote: »

The hospital will post batteries out to you now first class, all you have to do is phone them up.
How much did they cost from Spec savers?

I forgot to say in my post that I am still an NHS patient with Specsavers! Otherwise I would never have used them.

I'm sorry if my post seemed like an attack on the NHS-it certainly wasn't meant to be. The service I received from the audiology department was excellent but the aftercare wasn't.

It was possible to get replacement batteries from the hospital but it was necessary to send back the record book and used batteries. I was told at the PO that the batteries were prohibited contents.

I reiterate the points I made in my OP that my experience in a different area as an NHS patient is that using Specsavers is far more convenient for me.

Hitchit

I was just searching the web, looking for advice and reviews on hearing aids, and found this. Very interesting reading!

I have just had a full hearing test at Specsavers. I already knew what my problem was from many many years ago - Firstly, an NHS hearing aid that I hated with a passion! Then around 12-15 years ago, I spent a lot of money on 'in the ear' digital hearing aids. I think they were around £1400. Again, I really didn't get on with these. I have a problem with not hearing high and low tones, hence struggle greatly in a lot of situations. The in the ear aids seemed to totally amplify everything... they were just wrong and, despite several visits to the private hearing clinic that supplied them, they just couldn't get it right. In the end, I found it so frustrating that I just gave up and went back to 'getting by' and asking people to repeat things clearly. This isn't very good for your confidence at all. I was paranoid about my ability to hold down a job, etc.

Now I have a good job and feel I really HAVE to do something to help myself to make my day-to-day life better and boost my confidence.

The recent hearing test at Specsavers confirmed all that I already knew. Additionally, the woman who did my test seemed very knowledgeable, helpful and sympathetic. She gave me a lot of confidence and wasn't a 'pushy' salesperson at all. I felt she really wanted to help me. I take her advice very seriously.

The cost of their Advance brand (I think maybe their own branded?) is still a lot of money. There are no finance options available through Specsavers. I really want to go ahead with this and order a pair of aids and so have a new 24 months 0% credit card to suffice. Its a lot of money to pay out, but for the first time in many years, I feel I'm getting the help I need.

The Specsavers range are not priced on their fitting style (in the ear or behind the ear, etc) they are priced according to their technical differences. I'm opting for the mini or micro behind the ear. I will update when I've had my next visit/placed my order, etc.

consultant31

Hitchit wrote: »

I was just searching the web, looking for advice and reviews on hearing aids, and found this. Very interesting reading!

I have just had a full hearing test at Specsavers. I already knew what my problem was from many many years ago - Firstly, an NHS hearing aid that I hated with a passion! Then around 12-15 years ago, I spent a lot of money on 'in the ear' digital hearing aids. I think they were around £1400. Again, I really didn't get on with these. I have a problem with not hearing high and low tones, hence struggle greatly in a lot of situations. The in the ear aids seemed to totally amplify everything... they were just wrong and, despite several visits to the private hearing clinic that supplied them, they just couldn't get it right. In the end, I found it so frustrating that I just gave up and went back to 'getting by' and asking people to repeat things clearly. This isn't very good for your confidence at all. I was paranoid about my ability to hold down a job, etc.

Now I have a good job and feel I really HAVE to do something to help myself to make my day-to-day life better and boost my confidence.

The recent hearing test at Specsavers confirmed all that I already knew. Additionally, the woman who did my test seemed very knowledgeable, helpful and sympathetic. She gave me a lot of confidence and wasn't a 'pushy' salesperson at all. I felt she really wanted to help me. I take her advice very seriously.

The cost of their Advance brand (I think maybe their own branded?) is still a lot of money. There are no finance options available through Specsavers. I really want to go ahead with this and order a pair of aids and so have a new 24 months 0% credit card to suffice. Its a lot of money to pay out, but for the first time in many years, I feel I'm getting the help I need.

The Specsavers range are not priced on their fitting style (in the ear or behind the ear, etc) they are priced according to their technical differences. I'm opting for the mini or micro behind the ear. I will update when I've had my next visit/placed my order, etc.

Yes, please do come back and update when you've got your hearing aids sorted. I'm in the market for one and, as you say, they can be a very expensive mistake. Mine are NHS and I hate them!

Hitchit

Yesterday morning I phoned Specsavers, after spending a week trying to get financially sorted and making my choice of style. Had a lovely chat with the consultant who saw me last week. I made my choice (their own Advance brand) and opted for the 'micro behind the ear' style as this was very comfortable when I tried it at my appointment. I didn't like the 'blocked ear' feeling of the fully in canal ones. I had to choose a colour - I think there were 4 options, suited to flesh colour or hair colour. I asked about warranty/guarantee and was told there is a 4 years warranty with it. I inquired also about the batteries and was told that I will get a 4 years supply of those also. I am also assured that there is a 3 months 'cooling off period' with the hearing aids so that should you be in any way unhappy about style, etc, you are free to change your mind. That is quite a bit of peace of mind when you're spending so much money! Anyway, order placed (they should have them in stock in around 3 days), appointment made for, I guess, fitting and fine-tuning on Friday this week. I'm almost excited!

ClareinIrelabd

Hi. My dad 83. Just dragged him to Hidden hearing for test. He has massive loss of high frequency. Great audiologist. Lovely genuine man.
Cost for dad was €1900 for least expensive, €3,100 for mid (more bands for greater differentiation, brain stimulus),over €5000 for top of range.

We were impressed with the programmed testing aid he tried. Amazing really.

Dad very reluctant to justify cost although I happy to pay as quality of life and slow down further loss as hope he makes it to 90's.

We have apptment with specsavers in 2 weeks. When I asked what difference was he told us specsavers order from China, inferior quality, not good etc.

Would be interested to hear cost comparisons from anyone who got quotes from specsavers and hidden hearing or similar. I. Also, as 83, is. It worth getting the more expensive one as he has limited social life since maybe doesn't need the extra bands 6 as opposed to 3. But was told the 6 will help brain stimulation which we want as dementia in family. But IS IT worth it?

Would be very grateful for any feedback as having read specsavers give 4 ye warranty, same as hidden hearing, how do they compare?
Clare (Ireland)

Hear-Hear

It is possible that you may have mis-interpreted what Hidden Hearing told you ? Specsavers uses Phonak, Widex, and Siemens as their main manufacturers. Just like Boots, both firms demand the very latest technology if these manufacturers are to continue to be used as digital technology progresses. Is it possible that Hidden Hearing may have told you that these firms are using "components" from China ? If so, then yes. Pretty much all manufacturers - including Oticon which owns Hidden Hearing - source their digital chips from the Far East. That region of the world remains pretty much the manufacturing powerhouse of digital chips globally.

For the record, Phonak aids are made in Warrington, Widex aids in Chester, and Siemens aids in Crawley. All these firms have global bases, and may source extra production from their other factories from time to time, or where specialist products are required.

On the other hand, if Hidden Hearing have simply been competitor-trashing, well that's a bit naughty really.

Now, to focus on your dad, you are doing absolutely the right thing in looking at two alternatives as a minimum. Let both of you decide how you feel you are professionally treated by the alternative firm that you consult. Prices may be one thing, but there is a lot of weight to attach as to who you feel most comfortable in providing the on-going hearing care for the next few years. It's a real positive that you thought the first experience was "lovely" and "genuine".

ydrol2

I'm interested in anyones experience of:
- SpecSavers Hearing Center aftersales care.
- SpecSavers Advance Elite 816 (which is apparently a locked Rexton Emerald 4c 80)

The hearing aid looks like good value, but will lock me in to SpecSavers.
However I don't think SpecSavers are going anywhere and they have a good nationwide presence.

The equivalent Siemens is another £500 to £700 depending on model,
but that's a lot of money for the ability to visit a non-SpecSavers audiologist - who will also charge for their services...

pat888

I got my Siemens NHS aids from Specsavers and their after care seems good to me, although they haven't needed any repairs, just adjustments.
For me going the NHS route was quick efficient and free.