Sodding hearing!
Discussion
We'll a history of myself working in the building industry it looks like I've fecked my hearing up.
I'm 37 and my ears started ringing 20 years ago, but it was 10 years after I was diagnosed with Tinnitus and 30% hearing loss in my left ear.
I've been for a hearing test this week and it looks like I'm going to start wearing hearing aids in both ears now. I haven't been tested for a good 5-6 years which has been daft. It looks like if I had listened( funny I know) to the advise when i was younger to protect my hearing,I wouldn't be in this position.
I'm changing career next month so I won't be subjected to the same noises that's been damaging my hearing, which I have been protecting over the last good while.
I'm wondering what people with hearing difficulties have been using in regard to hearing aids ???..... I'm going to be choosing mine soon. I can at times be vain so I would be looking into something quite discrete.
Moral of the story is look after your ears.
I'm 37 and my ears started ringing 20 years ago, but it was 10 years after I was diagnosed with Tinnitus and 30% hearing loss in my left ear.
I've been for a hearing test this week and it looks like I'm going to start wearing hearing aids in both ears now. I haven't been tested for a good 5-6 years which has been daft. It looks like if I had listened( funny I know) to the advise when i was younger to protect my hearing,I wouldn't be in this position.
I'm changing career next month so I won't be subjected to the same noises that's been damaging my hearing, which I have been protecting over the last good while.
I'm wondering what people with hearing difficulties have been using in regard to hearing aids ???..... I'm going to be choosing mine soon. I can at times be vain so I would be looking into something quite discrete.
Moral of the story is look after your ears.
I've been using aids for 35yrs,tried all sorts,private and NHS. Been back with NHS for the last 15yrs,I get great service.
just this week my aids and moulds have been replaced with the very latest models,I was plugged into a computer and they were programmed with the result from my hearing test.The kit they have is amazing. I would expect this would cost about £7K private?
The mould is very important and should be renewed every 18-24 months,all free with the NHS.
Also NHS aids have a "T" switch which enables the aid to make contact with inductive loop systems in cinemas,theatres churches etc. Believe me this facility is very important.Most private aids do not have this.
don't think if you spend out privately you will get better aids,you won't get any better than the NHS ones,they even give you free batteries for life !!
Get your GP to refer you to your local hospital and they will explain everything,good luck.
just this week my aids and moulds have been replaced with the very latest models,I was plugged into a computer and they were programmed with the result from my hearing test.The kit they have is amazing. I would expect this would cost about £7K private?
The mould is very important and should be renewed every 18-24 months,all free with the NHS.
Also NHS aids have a "T" switch which enables the aid to make contact with inductive loop systems in cinemas,theatres churches etc. Believe me this facility is very important.Most private aids do not have this.
don't think if you spend out privately you will get better aids,you won't get any better than the NHS ones,they even give you free batteries for life !!
Get your GP to refer you to your local hospital and they will explain everything,good luck.
With regard to your vanity. We have poor hearing and wear hearing aids,so what.People wear glasses and never get any comments.You may feel conspicuous at first but it soon goes away.You will forget you have them and like me may jump in the shower forgetting them !!!
My advice is don't get tempted to the small "in the ear" types.They will not have the "T" system and as the mould contains the electronics the whole aid will have to be replaced when the mould is past it's time.
The best aids are the behind the ear type with a tube connecting to the ear mould.
My advice is don't get tempted to the small "in the ear" types.They will not have the "T" system and as the mould contains the electronics the whole aid will have to be replaced when the mould is past it's time.
The best aids are the behind the ear type with a tube connecting to the ear mould.
Aids are not manufactured separately for the private market and the NHS. So it's bit of a fallacy to suggest that "private" aids don't have a T function.
The NHS has contracts with aid manufactures, however this is limited. So while you will have access to a wide range of aids via the NHS, you will be limited to whatever aids they currently have under whatever contracts the trust has.
For example, I wear a Siemens BTE (behind the ear) aid which I was given by the NHS however, the particular model is now obsolete and my local trust no longer has a contract with Siemens, which is irksome since ideally I really want the next evolution of my current aid. I'm working with my audiologist in trialling a number of different aids, but so far none of then can match my Siemens, so I may well end up going private.
That said, generally speaking you will be able to get an aid that works for you via the NHS, you'd need to be very unfortunate indeed to find this not to be the case.
Something you need to keep in mind is that there is a wide variation in how different aids reproduce sound, and how those sounds appear to you when you're wearing the aid. So be sure to try as many as you can.
Aids have came on a long way since the old analogue models which just amplified indiscriminately. Digital aids are mapped specifically for the subtleties of each individual's hearing loss and the functionality such as background noise reduction and directional mics can all be tweaked to suit.
As for BTE aids being the best, I disagree with that. An in-ear aid allows the ear to work as intended as the pinna (outer ear) "catches" the sound. It will also be more protected from the elements as well, whereas the BTE is exposed and doesn't "catch" sound.
Also, contrary to what Old merc says, most in-ear aids now have T functionality.
The NHS has contracts with aid manufactures, however this is limited. So while you will have access to a wide range of aids via the NHS, you will be limited to whatever aids they currently have under whatever contracts the trust has.
For example, I wear a Siemens BTE (behind the ear) aid which I was given by the NHS however, the particular model is now obsolete and my local trust no longer has a contract with Siemens, which is irksome since ideally I really want the next evolution of my current aid. I'm working with my audiologist in trialling a number of different aids, but so far none of then can match my Siemens, so I may well end up going private.
That said, generally speaking you will be able to get an aid that works for you via the NHS, you'd need to be very unfortunate indeed to find this not to be the case.
Something you need to keep in mind is that there is a wide variation in how different aids reproduce sound, and how those sounds appear to you when you're wearing the aid. So be sure to try as many as you can.
Aids have came on a long way since the old analogue models which just amplified indiscriminately. Digital aids are mapped specifically for the subtleties of each individual's hearing loss and the functionality such as background noise reduction and directional mics can all be tweaked to suit.
As for BTE aids being the best, I disagree with that. An in-ear aid allows the ear to work as intended as the pinna (outer ear) "catches" the sound. It will also be more protected from the elements as well, whereas the BTE is exposed and doesn't "catch" sound.
Also, contrary to what Old merc says, most in-ear aids now have T functionality.
Edited by TheJimi on Sunday 6th July 18:15
That's for the feed back guys!
We'll today I've been back at the specialist, and I tried some of the nearer the top of the range.... Wow I have to say they have came on a lot aesthetically since I last noticed someone wearing some.
I had them mapped up to my specific hearing and they felt comfortable.... But I just couldn't get along with the noise, as it made everything sound tinny. After a long consultation, I've decided to not go with the hearing aids for now, i do need hearing aids but I've coped and adjusted for so long it wouldn't make a big change for me. I'll be getting my hearing checked yearly now to keep an eye on things.
So through Boots I'm going for the best communication ear protection money can buy, as this will stop my hearing from getting worse because of sound damage.
We'll today I've been back at the specialist, and I tried some of the nearer the top of the range.... Wow I have to say they have came on a lot aesthetically since I last noticed someone wearing some.
I had them mapped up to my specific hearing and they felt comfortable.... But I just couldn't get along with the noise, as it made everything sound tinny. After a long consultation, I've decided to not go with the hearing aids for now, i do need hearing aids but I've coped and adjusted for so long it wouldn't make a big change for me. I'll be getting my hearing checked yearly now to keep an eye on things.
So through Boots I'm going for the best communication ear protection money can buy, as this will stop my hearing from getting worse because of sound damage.
I can only reiterate what everyone else has said. I've had various hearing aides for the last 32 years. I've tried the in the ear ones at about £3k a shot, constantly going wrong as they are affected by condensation, think about them in hot weather. I would really advise you to go down the NHS route. They are the best in my opinion and cost diddly squat! Free batteries too! I don't know how much you will pay at Boots or Specsaver, but I like the idea of being able to change and keep up to date with the NHS ones free of charge, if or when your ears deteriorate in future. They are digital by the way, so you can still use your mobile. HTH.
oilandwater said:
I can only reiterate what everyone else has said. I've had various hearing aides for the last 32 years. I've tried the in the ear ones at about £3k a shot, constantly going wrong as they are affected by condensation, think about them in hot weather. I would really advise you to go down the NHS route. They are the best in my opinion and cost diddly squat! Free batteries too! I don't know how much you will pay at Boots or Specsaver, but I like the idea of being able to change and keep up to date with the NHS ones free of charge, if or when your ears deteriorate in future. They are digital by the way, so you can still use your mobile. HTH.
Nice to see someone thinks the same as me. OK I stand corrected on "T" switches etc on in the ear private jobs ,but the point I was making is why on earth fork out lots of cash going private when it's all free at the NHS.Old Merc said:
Nice to see someone thinks the same as me. OK I stand corrected on "T" switches etc on in the ear private jobs ,but the point I was making is why on earth fork out lots of cash going private when it's all free at the NHS.
My point exactly. It really annoys me when they put these adverts out, mainly trying to con older people I think. oilandwater said:
Old Merc said:
Nice to see someone thinks the same as me. OK I stand corrected on "T" switches etc on in the ear private jobs ,but the point I was making is why on earth fork out lots of cash going private when it's all free at the NHS.
My point exactly. It really annoys me when they put these adverts out, mainly trying to con older people I think. van cleef said:
I had them mapped up to my specific hearing and they felt comfortable.... But I just couldn't get along with the noise, as it made everything sound tinny.
I said:
Something you need to keep in mind is that there is a wide variation in how different aids reproduce sound, and how those sounds appear to you when you're wearing the aid. So be sure to try as many as you can.
QED 
Edited by TheJimi on Monday 7th July 21:58
NDA said:
Is there any relief available for tinnitus sufferers?
Tentatively, yes.Tentatively because it depends on the cause.
Have a read - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tinnitus/Pages/Treatm...
p.s started the Dresden Files yet?!
Edited by TheJimi on Monday 7th July 22:10
van cleef said:
That's for the feed back guys!
We'll today I've been back at the specialist, and I tried some of the nearer the top of the range.... Wow I have to say they have came on a lot aesthetically since I last noticed someone wearing some.
I had them mapped up to my specific hearing and they felt comfortable.... But I just couldn't get along with the noise, as it made everything sound tinny. After a long consultation, I've decided to not go with the hearing aids for now, i do need hearing aids but I've coped and adjusted for so long it wouldn't make a big change for me. I'll be getting my hearing checked yearly now to keep an eye on things.
So through Boots I'm going for the best communication ear protection money can buy, as this will stop my hearing from getting worse because of sound damage.
When you do try one again, give it time. It can take a few days to adjust to the sound. It's also important to use it. A not insignificant number of new users only wear their aid for short periods and eventually it gets abandoned in a drawer because they think it isn't helping them. Like any other skill (which is what hearing is), it takes practice.We'll today I've been back at the specialist, and I tried some of the nearer the top of the range.... Wow I have to say they have came on a lot aesthetically since I last noticed someone wearing some.
I had them mapped up to my specific hearing and they felt comfortable.... But I just couldn't get along with the noise, as it made everything sound tinny. After a long consultation, I've decided to not go with the hearing aids for now, i do need hearing aids but I've coped and adjusted for so long it wouldn't make a big change for me. I'll be getting my hearing checked yearly now to keep an eye on things.
So through Boots I'm going for the best communication ear protection money can buy, as this will stop my hearing from getting worse because of sound damage.
TheJimi said:
oilandwater said:
Old Merc said:
Nice to see someone thinks the same as me. OK I stand corrected on "T" switches etc on in the ear private jobs ,but the point I was making is why on earth fork out lots of cash going private when it's all free at the NHS.
My point exactly. It really annoys me when they put these adverts out, mainly trying to con older people I think. By contrast, the local Adult Audiology department is not fit for purpose if you're young, in education or employment. It is the least deaf aware organisation I have come across. Pillars obstructing views of the waiting room. Calling names from behind. Talking to chaperones (and they always look around for one when you're there alone), not the deaf person. Failing to look at the medical records, let alone the hearing aid in their hand, before going through the rigmarole of a hearing test and arranging appointment to come back to have a (less advanced) digital aid fitted. They can't programme an aid for toffee; can't even notify me that I apparently they arranged a dozen appointments. Actually, they did notify me after the fact. Well, when I say notify I mean rudely accuse me of wasting their time while they were holding my only means of hearing in their hand.
That was when it took 2 weeks to get an appointment with the 'repair' clinic that doesn't actually repair aids; 2 weeks to get an appointment with an audiologist only to be sent away because the computers systems were down (quite why they needed a computer to repair a simple physical fault was never explained); and two more weeks to get a replacement appointment with an audiologist who completely ignores my instructions. That's over half a university semester as far as the department is concerned.
So no, NHS audiology is not all roses.
That's why I use a local private audiologist - someone who actually has an idea of concepts of deaf awareness and customer service. Its the same one Paeds used to send me to for new moulds (wouldn't touch the likes of Specsavers or the companies advertising in the papers). Yes, it costs £60 for a new mould and £120 to get two aids fixed but then I can turn up first thing in the morning in the knowledge that they will ensure I leave within a couple of hours with a solution that suits me. I would pay ten times that to never again be in a situation where it takes six weeks to get help.
Oh, anyone else have the ridiculous situation where free NHS batteries are only given away at certain times on certain days and only if the old batteries are returned, fully run down? God forbid they actually actually put them on a stand like a shop.
ninja-lewis said:
By contrast, the local Adult Audiology department is not fit for purpose...
Operative word in bold. I feel for you though 
I suppose this is one of the big issues with the NHS - the parity of service levels across different trusts. I suppose I'm fortunate in that my local NHS audiology service is brilliant.
I'm still thinking about going down the NHS route......I went to Boots mainly for the fact that my hearing loss was brought to light by a medical I had for a new career path, and I went to Boots for a quick second opinion.
The main thing about the guy at boots was as nice and thorough he was I didn't think he understood my Tinnitus. In the sound booth listening to the tones, the tinnitus was masking a lot of the sounds higher up the range. I have severe Tinnitus but over the years I've adapted to the noise.
It's nice to see how other members deal with it hear as I sometimes think it's only me that suffers.
The main thing about the guy at boots was as nice and thorough he was I didn't think he understood my Tinnitus. In the sound booth listening to the tones, the tinnitus was masking a lot of the sounds higher up the range. I have severe Tinnitus but over the years I've adapted to the noise.
It's nice to see how other members deal with it hear as I sometimes think it's only me that suffers.
TheJimi said:
NDA said:
Is there any relief available for tinnitus sufferers?
Tentatively, yes.Tentatively because it depends on the cause.
Have a read - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tinnitus/Pages/Treatm...
p.s started the Dresden Files yet?!
Edited by TheJimi on Monday 7th July 22:10
Not yet - halfway through Spider Shepherd series.
DSLiverpool said:
Op if you need a tv / cinema listener they are brilliant these days - personal to you and you can keep the tv vol normal.
I got a TV loop system from the RNID online shop,switch my aids to "T" and I can follow the program perfectly also my wife can have the TV volume turned DOWN without affecting me.http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/shop/product...
Anyone prescribed hearing aids can buy this,and many other products from here,VAT free !!
I also got a special land line and mobile phone from this shop,there is a lot of very handy products there.
Edited by Old Merc on Tuesday 8th July 10:21
TheJimi said:
Operative word in bold. I feel for you though
I suppose this is one of the big issues with the NHS - the parity of service levels across different trusts. I suppose I'm fortunate in that my local NHS audiology service is brilliant.
Why does this happen? I`ve seen articles and spoken to other hard of hearing people from other county's who get poor service wait ages for an aid etc etc.The Royal Berkshire Hospital Reading audiology dept is first class.They tell ME when my aids need upgrading to the latest models.They have a drop in centre where you can get immediate attention for any repairs or adjustments.I can also use this drop in to get a new moulds made and they are posted to me within a week.Every time I visit I get packs of batteries handed to me. I suppose this is one of the big issues with the NHS - the parity of service levels across different trusts. I suppose I'm fortunate in that my local NHS audiology service is brilliant.
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