Help with funding...

kattynel123

I am trying to find out if there is anywhere that my friend can apply for funding for a hearing aid that allows her to hear through one ear that she is completely deaf in. Specsavers now sell this digital hearing aid that is not available on the NHS. She tested this out and was amazed to hear for the first time in her life - and said the sensation of scratching her head was surreal!

The NHS can provide her with a hearing aid but this is very over-sized with a battery pack. This is a long shot but if anyone can help in any way i.e if you know of any charities that fund such a thing - please let me know! Thanks! x

Indie_Kid

Has your friend ontacted Action on hearing loss? (Formally RNID)

kattynel123

Hi Indie Kid - yes they have stated that they are unaware of any funding due to the help of the NHS. Thanks for your suggestion though.

SandraScarlett

I have no advice, but I couldn't just read and run. I couldn't believe the price of these all singing and dancing hearing aids, and I do wish you the very best of luck in getting funding for your friend.


Unfortunately, deafness isn't considered by many to be much of a problem, and people still think it amusing to say "wash your ears out" when someone says "pardon".


It is an awful disability, and one that can leave sufferers feeling very isolated. I am not deaf, just hard of hearing in one ear, but I cannot tell you my joy at discovering subtitles!


I do hope your friend gets some financial help.


xx

Hear-Hear

There is no public funding available towards the cost of private hearing aids in the UK. Here, you have the choice to go via the NHS and receive NHS-funded hearing aids, or go Private and receive the hearing aids of your choice (together with no waiting lists, easier access for aftercare, etc etc.)


In many other countries - the Republic of Ireland is the closest example - you can receive a form of Voucher towards the cost of hearing aids, so you can choose as you wish. You should write to your MP and ask why it should be different in the UK.


Come to think of it, there's a Voucher system in the UK that already applies to Glasses, and as done for ages. You could ask the MP why it should be so different for hearing aids. There's an election due on 07/05/15. That's less than 8 months away. MP's are likely to even more responsive to their constituent's concerns !

Cyclamen

not sure if this will help but worth posting in case

if you answer a few questions, location gender previous professionetc thsi website tells you what grants might be available in your area

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/grants_search.aspx

pmlindyloo

Has she asked Specsavers about a Payment Plan?

Perhaps her family could chip in with birthday money/Christmas money.

Has she got anything she could sell?

Does she receive DLA/AA that she could use for this?