Hearing-aid

RomfordNavy

Anyone got experience of buying hearing-aids online.

They will obviously need to be programmed for the individuals particular hearing loss but with the aid of a computer and a good quality set of headphones that should not be beyond our abilities.

Are they much cheaper online than buying via a local hearing-aid shop. Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation for any particular supplier.

Thanks,

DomRavioli

Depends on the type of hearing aid you need.

Is there a reason you haven't gone through your GP to get one on the NHS (specsavers usually do hearing tests now and its around a 2 week wait).

ariba10

Got mine on the N H S.

Faultless service ( and at no cost)

RomfordNavy

Yep got NHS ones but they are pretty poor performance. In our area NHS don't do RIC (Reciever In Canal) type digital hearing aids so only way to get the better performing models is to buy them privately.

DomRavioli

RomfordNavy wrote: »

Yep got NHS ones but they are pretty poor performance. In our area NHS don't do RIC (Reciever In Canal) type digital hearing aids so only way to get the better performing models is to buy them privately.

Perhaps ask for an out of area referral (as is your right under the choose and book system) to somewhere that does do them, or perhaps ask who usually provide your hearing aids - you need to speak to someone who knows your hearing in a professional capacity, not the internet.

w06

Its not likely that a self programmed in ear one will be better than a professionally programmed NHS aid

Savvy_Sue

RomfordNavy wrote: »

Yep got NHS ones but they are pretty poor performance. In our area NHS don't do RIC (Reciever In Canal) type digital hearing aids so only way to get the better performing models is to buy them privately.

I am not an expert, but how long have your had your current aids? And when were your ears last tested? If it's a while for either of those, you may find your hearing has deteriorated, you may find that what is now available is an improvement, or you may find that improvements could be made to your current aid.

I'm not sure that RIC aids are inherently 'better' than any other type. I think that what suits one user will not suit another.

GwylimT

Making the moulds of your own auditory canal is tricky, but apart from that its fairly easy. I have RIC and I buy privately as I'm unable to get NHS funding for this particular type which works best for me. I have the widex unique and I love them, being RIC you also don't get as much sore damp skin in your ears.

RomfordNavy

DomRavioli wrote: »

Perhaps ask for an out of area referral (as is your right under the choose and book system) to somewhere that does do them, or perhaps ask who usually provide your hearing aids - you need to speak to someone who knows your hearing in a professional capacity, not the internet.

Problem is I wouldn't know how to find out what other areas do supply RIC type aids, if any?

RomfordNavy

w06 wrote: »

Its not likely that a self programmed in ear one will be better than a professionally programmed NHS aid

Why not? I've got an oscilloscope, a frequency generator and a good quality pair of headphones, I don't see why home programming should be any different to professional programing, especially as it can be done time and time again to get as close as possible to a flat frequency response.

RomfordNavy

GwylimT wrote: »

Making the moulds of your own auditory canal is tricky, but apart from that its fairly easy. I have RIC and I buy privately as I'm unable to get NHS funding for this particular type which works best for me. I have the widex unique and I love them, being RIC you also don't get as much sore damp skin in your ears.

Thanks GwylimT, will have a look into those. Good to get an answer from someone who has actual experience of buying these.