Hearing Aids - Your Hearing.co.uk (2025)

SailorSam Posts: 22,754 Forumite

10 June 2014 at 3:49PM edited 10 June 2014 at 3:52PM

I had a free hearing test and got my aids free from my local hospital.
I'm not sure what conditions they have for who can go, but check the Nhs out.

Update:
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/894.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=157

maturelearner Posts: 80 Forumite

10 June 2014 at 4:06PM edited 10 June 2014 at 4:19PM

If you think you've got hearing difficulties I'd advise seeing your GP who could refer you to your local NHS audiology provider. If you're housebound they will generally visit your home and this will be free of charge. Additionally the hearing aids will be free and you won't have to potentially pay £1,000's.

In some areas of England through AQP (Any Qualified Provider Scheme) many high street names now provide hearing aids "on the NHS" and am aware of providers who do home visits for housebound patients through the AQP so this would be free hearing test and free digital sound quality (behind the ear) hearing aids too if needed. AQP is generally for over 55's with non-complex age-related hearing difficulties, though some areas differ in their criteria.

If you want hearing aids which go inside the ear only with all the latest technology and all the colour options then the private sector can provide more, but if you're after a high quality hearing aid with adequate functions then I'd recommend the NHS route.

Some GPs are poorly informed about AQP providers in areas where it exists (i.e. are unaware whether traditional NHS services are still providing hearing aids) but they should know if it's an AQP area or not. If it is research the potential providers YOU can choose which one if there's more than one AQP Provider but you're GP would refer.

Personally I've never heard of this company and I've training experience in this area. I've heard of other low cost private providers but not these.

maturelearner Posts: 80 Forumite

10 June 2014 at 4:12PM edited 10 June 2014 at 4:26PM

If you do choose to go with these providers you can check their audiologists are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as stated on their website. This should ensure they abide by regulatory standards.

http://www.hpc-uk.org/check/

JohnChew Posts: 122 Forumite

11 June 2014 at 11:21AM

Hmmm they suggest NHS can't offer wireless tech: http://www.yourhearing.co.uk/information/nhs-hearing-aids

maturelearner Posts: 80 Forumite

11 June 2014 at 7:16PM edited 11 June 2014 at 7:43PM

Wireless technology is when the hearing aids communicate with each other or some additional accessories, i.e. you press one button instead of two (one on each hearing aid) to change to say a loop (T-coil) such as in banks, theatre and in specially designed phones. It depends on provision within your area whether the NHS hearing aids are wireless or not. Even if not it simply means pressing two buttons instead of one or changing two volume controls IF you're hearing loss (if you have one) needs a volume control (most age-related loss doesn't need volume controls) or managing without additional amplification for your mobile phone.

Most NHS hearing aids are not Bluetooth compatible or ipad, ipod, mobile phones or MP3 compatible but the loop programme is usually available. Wireless headphones for compatible TVs can be purchased privately as a separate ALD (assistive listening device) even if you have NHS aids.

Very very occasionally body worn hearing aids still exist but I'd but utterly appalled if they were issued now to a new NHS hearing aid user who didn't specifically request. BAHAs and bone conductiond are not suitable for age-related losses. They're for hearing loss caused by external or middle ear complications.

If you have a mild loss, as NHS site says, it's possible you'll be suitable for open-fit hearing aids, a slim discrete tubing and tip into the ear with a behind-the-ear (mechanical) part and you can wear the hearing aids and use the phone without feedback for well-fitted hearing (which you should expect).

Also if you decide you didn't want the NHS hearing aids you can simply return them.

scotsbob Posts: 4,632 Forumite

13 June 2014 at 10:42PM

JohnChew wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I've been looking around online and these guys claim to be the cheapest for hearing aids: http://www.yourhearing.co.uk/

I've spoken with then directly and seem to be very knowledgeable, thinking of having the free home hearing test with them.

Does anyone have any experience or dealings with http://www.yourhearing.co.uk/ ????

Just comparing their prices. Take for example the Siemens Nitro 301. They are asking £995. Buy it new overseas and it's £356 and £9 postage.

Alternatively, you could have a weekend break in Belgium get your hearing aid there and still have a wedge left over.

fishybusiness Posts: 1,263 Forumite

14 June 2014 at 8:11AM

Does anyone have any experience or dealings with http://www.yourhearing.co.uk/ ????

I'd put money on it that it is a front for providing work to self employed UK audiologists.

There is no real contact info, no address, although there is an 01772 phone number displayed which gives a rough estimate of where the landline is based.

Checking the website whois database does not help, all of the registrants details are hidden.

Perhaps you need to do a bit more homework on who the company are before committing your money?

All's good when you get your new aids, but you will need tweaks, you will need help at times, and once they have your money, you might have a bit more of a job getting your audiologist to visit.

I've done both btw, private and NHS.

NHS aids are pretty good mostly, I can't see many reasons why you wouldn't try them first.

11 May 2015 at 4:33AM

pollypenny Posts: 29,410 Forumite

15 May 2015 at 3:47PM

Member #14 of SKI-ers club

Words, words, they're all we have to go by!.

(Pity they are mangled by this autocorrect!)