Rip off Ireland

mrawkward

I have run out of volume on my TV remote, so time for my first hearing aids. I went to a clinic and had a full suite of audiology tests and an audiogram was provided along with the other results, €140 for about and hour and very detailed, I thought it good enough value.

I started doing some research on aids and selected Phonak Belong Audeo B-R rechargeable to top of the range B90 spec. Price €3000 per ear, UK price £1500 per ear and the UK price includes VAT, there is no VAT here!! Exluding VAT the prices are double! Rip off Ireland, yet again.

I am not entitled to the SW grant as I am self employed, so want to make some savings where I can.

Would an independent local audiologist do the initial set up for me, if I bought from UK? Any suggestions for the Dublin area most welcome.

Thanks

Peter

the_syco

What age are you? Have someone check to ensure there isn't a wax buildup in the ears; check with your doc about this.

=-=

Grant of 50% (up to a max of €500) per ear; http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Treatment-Benefit1.aspx

=-=

Get the hearing test done first. It'll tell you how many channels your hearing aid will need to be. Less channels needed; cheaper the hearing aid. If you buy the hearing aid in england, then do the hearing test and have them configure it over there, as they'll probably be the only ones with the equipment to configure that brand of hearing aid.

Deafhear and Bonovox are the two I'd trust (Have used the latter, others I know have used the former).

mrawkward

the_syco wrote: »

What age are you? Have someone check to ensure there isn't a wax buildup in the ears; check with your doc about this.

=-=

Grant of 50% (up to a max of €500) per ear; http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Treatment-Benefit1.aspx

=-=

Get the hearing test done first. It'll tell you how many channels your hearing aid will need to be. Less channels needed; cheaper the hearing aid. If you buy the hearing aid in england, then do the hearing test and have them configure it over there, as they'll probably be the only ones with the equipment to configure that brand of hearing aid.

Deafhear and Bonovox are the two I'd trust (Have used the latter, others I know have used the former).

Did you actually read my post at at all? I stated I had a full independent hearing test and report! I said I was not entitled to the grant.
I have already selected the aids I intend to buy in the UK, saving €2500 over buying them here.

My question was simply asking for the name of someone who would programme this brand for me, here.

uck51js9zml2yt

Go to specsaver and get your hearing aids from them .
Much cheaper and come with 3years if batteries.
Just drops voucher in every 6months.
My mother went to the one in blanchardstown. No hard sell. She chose the ones that suited her budget and needs.
Every few weeks she went back for adjustments until they were at full sensitivity.

mrawkward

Melody Moldy Poetry wrote: »

Go to specsaver and get your hearing aids from them .
Much cheaper and come with 3years if batteries.
Just drops voucher in every 6months.
My mother went to the one in blanchardstown. No hard sell. She chose the ones that suited her budget and needs.
Every few weeks she went back for adjustments until they were at full sensitivity.

Have I stumbled into the Twilight Zone here? Or is my post so badly worded/constructed that it's purpose is unclear?

jtkpenguin

I had a hearing test done by SpecSavers, they told me I needed two aids but recommended I talk to my GP which I did, he referred me to a HSE consultant who did a further, more in depth test which confirmed what SS had said.

I too wasn't eligible for HSE help or funding. So I started researching & asking around.

From talking to friends & family I learned that Access Hearing in Dun Loaghaire was consistently the most highly-recommended place to go - not just because it's the cheapest but, equally as important, they have a large range of aids to choose from & because their after-care service is excellent.

Having now been there & had one HA for 2mths I can vouch for Joseph in Access Hearing being extremely accommodating, helpful & kind. Nothing is too much trouble & I've been back twice with minor queries & adjustments, all answered & done with a smile.

I've nothing to do with them, I just want to give praise where it's due.

mrawkward

Sorted, I have now got a professional audiologist to do the fine tuning and fitting in Dublin, for €80. I have arranged to get them shipped UK VAT free and there is no Irish VAT due, so savings are now 50% or €3000 in total.

the_syco

mrawkward wrote: »

Did you actually read my post at at all?

Not sure why I missed that, sorry.

mrawkward wrote: »

My question was simply asking for the name of someone who would programme this brand for me, here.

Glad you found someone, as I found that the companies only programmed what they sold.

Can I ask why you picked the one you went for? I'm assuming it has bluetooth, or at least t-coil? It have good reviews? Also, are you buying direct from the company, or via a 3rd party?

mrawkward

I did a lot of research on specs, studied reviews and they are top tech spec and rechargeable. Google them!

joanmul

mrawkward wrote: »

Sorted, I have now got a professional audiologist to do the fine tuning and fitting in Dublin, for €80. I have arranged to get them shipped UK VAT free and there is no Irish VAT due, so savings are now 50% or €3000 in total.

Would you pm me who you got here & who you got in the UK as I'm in the market myself for 2 replacements. Thanks in advance.

the_syco

mrawkward wrote: »

I did a lot of research on specs, studied reviews and they are top tech spec and rechargeable. Google them!

From their main site;

Phonak Audéo™ B-R is the first ever hearing aid to feature a specifically designed built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides 24 hours* of hearing with one simple charge!

24 hours with one charge? Don't think I'd like that! My current Widex Menu5 last about week on the current batteries (6-7 days, 18-20 hours a day). You'd better buy multiple charging stations, and store one in your coat as that'd really tie you to the charging station.

As you're getting over the ear (the site only shows over the ear), I'm guessing your hearing is very bad?

mrawkward

I value the quality of sound and would never buy outdated technology such as the menu5. The charger is a bedside unit, so keep them safe and charging while I sleep, I am also getting a small travel charger.

the_syco

mrawkward wrote: »

I value the quality of sound and would never buy outdated technology such as the menu5. The charger is a bedside unit, so keep them safe and charging while I sleep, I am also getting a small travel charger.

That sounds handy.

I wouldn't recommend the Menu5 now but it was the cheapest one I could afford at the time (maybe 5 years ago?). Once you're happy with it, that's the main thing.

BTW, does the €80 include ear moulds?

Finally, are you buying anything to use with the TV (to connect directly with your hearing aids)?

joanmul

I also would appreciate a pm of Dublin audiologist details, please.

tmh106

joanmul wrote: »

I also would appreciate a pm of Dublin audiologist details, please.

Me too please. Thanks.