Hearing Aids

mrkjd

A search of old posts only came up with information circa 2012 so thought I'd create a new post.....

My dad wants to upgrade his NHS aid which he doesn't get on with. Since NHS claim no better model he is looking at the usual high street options. Can anybody recommend good hearing aid brands and advise on current tech/ options available privately so he can do some research prior to his consultation? I would think a rechargeable option would be handy but beyond that, all the filtering / smart options a quick online scan brings up is bewildering.

Secondly, what is the MSE smart way to purchase? Is it really £2k - £3k for a pair of earphones or is there a good option to buy internationally / online and possibly arrange truely independent tuning / adjustment rather than the common purchase/fitting model offered by the high street?

Rodders53

First question is what aids does Dad have at present?  Make and model?  Why doesn't he get on with them?

NHS audiology can prescribe quite advanced, programmable, digital aids nowadays, so perhaps his hearing loss is such that the NHS statement is correct?  Some modern aids even have bluetooth connectivity and are controllable via a phone app to suit different scenarios.  In some areas Specsavers are the NHS suppliers and GPs refer people to them for testing etc.,.

RNID is the goto resource I'd suggest?  
https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/get-support-online/

Savvy_Sue

Agree with Rodders: what is the actual problem? Comfort and fine tuning should be adjustable ...

If he just finds them fiddly / too much like hard work,  private aids may not be much help ...

mobileron

Just received a hearing aid from NHS,yes its fiddly but  the latest ones are very good.
Takes a little time to get used to them,there not a cheap brand.he will be wasting his money on the others.

nickkohl

Any update?

jerryjerry

Today is Black Friday, maybe you will find a good deal. I find it the cheapest option to try few different aids with your audiologist and then to buy hearing aids online. Very often you can get a decent discount and the with prices of hearing aids that can be a large amount of cash.