First step in getting hearing aids

pamweld

Hi I have been putting off getting hearing aids for a long time now but finally decided to get them. I haven't a clue where to go first! Does each shop only have one brand that they promote or will they have a selection to choose from to suit your hearing loss the best? I'm in the Midlands so doesn't have to be Dublin

Garlinge

First step is to see your GP. He will check out if maybe a wax problem and may refer you on to a consultant to check reason for hearing loss. Yes I think various hearing aid suppliers specialise in one brand over another. I think the basic enhancement of hearing is a given and the higher spec editions are to include fancy items like bluetooth/rechargeable batteries etc. The hearing aid can be adjusted by the provider to reflect your needs. Some will also have a volume control on them so you can turn up or down as needed.

jp101

pamweld wrote: »

Hi I have been putting off getting hearing aids for a long time now but finally decided to get them. I haven't a clue where to go first! Does each shop only have one brand that they promote or will they have a selection to choose from to suit your hearing loss the best? I'm in the Midlands so doesn't have to be Dublin

In general any places I’ve used including specsavers will have a range of brands. They are likely to be programmable to meet your needs. I expect that almost all aids are now programmable to be specific for an individual’s hearing issues. This has the benefit of being adjustable if needed in the future.
The differences are likely to be around things like the size and where they fit, in or over the ear. Different brands and different models within brands will then have different features.
There is now a lot of technology that helps.
Best of luck

Zebrag

I'm deaf myself. I wear two hearing aids. I've been deaf since I've been 2 and I've had my fair share of trails and error with hearing aids. I sign a little bit but mostly rely on lip reading. That being said, the hearing aids helps me in crowded places and my personal home life in terms of actually being able to hear noises from the dogs tapping their feet on the floor to my boyfriend talking rubbish about football. I won't lie, I've turned them off more than needed haha!

My biggest recommendation was Specsavers. I've had hearing aids supplied from the Government and they were diabolical compared to the ones I've recieved from Specsavers. I've an app I can use to adjust volumes and I van pick and choose the settings to the enivoriment that I am in. I use subtitles on the telly religiously and often some stations don't have subtitles so I can adjust the volume on my hearing aids rather than having the telly screaming for everyone else to hear. Bluetooth connection on my phone and can answer the phone using my hearing aids. The hearing aids can be charged each night which saves a lot of money on batteries and a warrenty of 5 years which by then I could decide to go ahead with Cochlear implants or venture onto better hearing aids. The chooices you have in Specsavers in worth it's price. The hearing Test in Specsavers is absolutely free and they sit down and show you every inch of your hearing from low to high and get hearing aids adjusted to suit your needs.

As for the GP recommendation, I've avoid returning due to the constant lack of believe and referrals. Pending it could be a case of wax blockage in your case, a free hearing test in Specsavers could also point this out. I had scarlet fever when I was 2 and lost the majority of my hearing so for my GP to constantly tell me over the years that I needed a referal was a pain in the arse. Finally got given hearing aids at 4 and from 4 until 18 (I'm now 28) I've had 5 different hearing aids supplied from the government which was not only bulky and horrible but they really didn't want to fix and prod and going to Specsavers last year changed my mindset completely.

It's life changing and I can't bear to not wear my hearing aids now. I can hear them while going for a walk, I can connect Spotify to my hearing aids and still hear around me. Give your local Specsavers a try and see if they can fit you in. Give as much details as you can about your hearing loss and they will be able to tell you exactly what your next step is

Good luck OP

pamweld

Thanks everyone for your responses, I should have said I have had hearing loss from very young, contant ear infections and abscess' on my ear drum. I had surgery about 20 years ago and no improvement. My audiologist did recommend hearing aids about 9 years ago but I declined because I had glasses also at the time. I didn't bother returning after that. I have had my eyes lasered since and am now ready to focus on my hearing, I put back in for a referral with my doctor again but 3 year waiting list which is unreal and now with covid I'd say I could add another year on. I think the best way forward now is to just go directly myself and buy the hearing aids. I think Specsavers might be worth the hearing test and see what they have to offer. I go to Newbridge in Kildare, anybody any experience with them? I use to use them for my glasses and found them great but have heard nothing about the hearing side of things

Garlinge

I have deafness in one ear and after 2 unsuccessful grommut surgeries, got one hearing aid from Specsavers with a discount for not taking the 'two for one' offer. I lost this aid last year when whipped off by facemask. I went back to Specsavers and tried out a fancy model with extras of bluetooth, App and rechargeable battery. In the end I returned same after trial period as App did not work with my model of phone and I was happier to have old style battery as always a spare on me and bother of bringing charger when travelling. I changed for 'entry level' hearing aid and seems the same as the fancy one. Staff in Specsavers are variable in experience so shop around and try stick with one you have confidence in. They will ask you your history as to why you have deafness and prefer it has been explored elsewhere but basic hearing test is free. Try and keep a copy of your hearing test results.

the_syco

pamweld wrote: »

I go to Newbridge in Kildare, anybody any experience with them?

I use Bonavox in Dublin, but they usually only sell Widex hearing aids.

They have a place in Newbridge; 1 Cutlery Road, W12 Y573 Newbridge, Co. Kildare. 045 433983

Specsavers should also be good; a few people have said they're good here.

Please avoid Hidden Hearing.

Zebrag

the_syco wrote: »

I use Bonavox in Dublin, but they usually only sell Widex hearing aids.

They have a place in Newbridge; 1 Cutlery Road, W12 Y573 Newbridge, Co. Kildare. 045 433983

Specsavers should also be good; a few people have said they're good here.

Please avoid Hidden Hearing.

I second the Hidden Hearing avoidance. I had an apointment with them, went for the test and was told that my hearing wasn't at all that bad and its up to me if I wanted hearing aids....

Like I said, deaf to the point of lip reading and need to be shouted at to hear. Their test really didn't last that long and half way through the test, it was stopped and I was told they didn't need to continue has the levels on the machine wasn't going down so they didn't need to do further test. Then proceeded to say that if I wanted hearing aids anyways I had to make a seperate paid apointment to get fitted. I asked about their hearing aid refitting and readjusting and they said "all hearing aids are adjusted on the first go". I didn't bother with them after that and that's when Specsavers came in

Garlinge

With my first hearing aid wiht Specsavers, I had two subsequent visits to the technician to 'tune up' hearing aid to prescription level. You are adviced to wear the aid for at least 5 hrs a day for the brain to adapt to new sound.

lowelife

Currently in the process of my 2nd set of aids from Blackberry Hearing, I can't recommend them enough.
They will do a home visit if need be, complete with tests.

I have a pair of Widex aids at the moment, which I have had for the last 4 years.
I had a wire blow in aids and Blackberry sent out a replacement after a quick online chat to trouble shoot.

New aids hopefully be an improvement on what I have after a trial, will keep you posted.

HugoMyBoss

Hi,

For the people who have gotten hearing aids from Specsavers, did you purchase the specsaver branded hearing aids?.

If so, would you recommend?, anyone have any problems with them?, they a good quality?

Thanks,
Hugo.

Garlinge

No problems with hearing aid but lot depends on expertise of technician. I have had two types 5 yrs apart and 'brand' with Specsavers name was different. I think it was Siemens and Phonak but forget which now. I had trouble with fit of second set that kept falling out even with changing silicone domes and eventually a mould. Eventually a more expert person showed me shape of inside of ear and I had been pushing it 'in' instead of in/up a bit. I had a cheaper one in the end and it seems as good on hearing function but is missing rechargeable battery feature, and an app/bluetooth. I had a trial of these features but rejected in the end. I am happy with them and glad not so expensive = precious. Sadly with covid and mask wearing, I have not had much opportunity to test out new hearing aid.

Iscreamkone

The Livio AI hearing aids from Starkey are getting amazing reviews. They are the only custom rechargeable aids at present (no problems with mask wearing). Definitely worth a look, but not available everywhere I'd say. Certainly not in Specsavers.

HugoMyBoss

Iscreamkone wrote: »

The Livio AI hearing aids from Starkey are getting amazing reviews. They are the only custom rechargeable aids at present (no problems with mask wearing). Definitely worth a look, but not available everywhere I'd say. Certainly not in Specsavers.

would you have a name of any shops that provide Starkey hearing aids?

Iscreamkone

HugoMyBoss wrote: »

would you have a name of any shops that provide Starkey hearing aids?

Advance Hearing in Blackrock, Dublin
Auditone at Crowleys Opticians, Grand Parade, Cork

mickey15ie

Anyone recommend a certain specsavers to go to? Based in Kildare and in dublin daily. I am also having to bite the bullet and get hearing aids after putting it off for years, looking at the below if any has any experience;

• Signia Styletto 7X
• Phonak Marvel 90

Anyone any experience of the Specsavers models?

looksee

I have the 'top of the range' Specsavers Advance RIC Li 0123. I got them relatively recently (last autumn). Not all that impressed tbh, though I like the fact that they don't use batteries.

carmel mcgaugh

Hi l find my hearing is getting much worse and have no deflectors ,Really know l will to get hearing aids soon, any idea of cost please?