Hearing Aids

Your GP can refer you to spec savers for a free test and free hearing aids if you are over 60. My mum got hers same day as her test and they work great!

Ditto for me. GP referred to Specsavers - appointment within 10 days, hearing tested and aids supplied straight away programmed for my hearing loss. All free - and the batteries - I just stroll into the shop and they give me 4 packs to last me a while.

Not all Specsavers are licensed for NHS work - you can google your local branch and see if they are. Otherwise the GP will refer to hospital department.

I chose to go via Specsavers as I can pop in there when I am in town - the parking is easier and cheaper than at the hospital.

Otherwise you can refer yourself and go privately, but there seems little point in that as the costs are high.

My NHS aids are very discreet - most of my friends did not realise I had them until I told them. And the birdsong is wonderful!!!

In this area there is also the option to be assessed at the NHS hearing clinic at the local hospital. It works well for Mr C. Either way if you see your GP you can be assessed and advised. Best not to struggle. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

A huge big Thank you for all you answered my post. I cannot tell you how grateful i am.
x

My Dad has just had his replacement aids from the hearing clinic at our main hospital. His originals came from there as well and it was while he was there for something completely different that they noticed he'd not had a check for years. Appointment made for following week, new hearing aids a few days later.
He also gets batteries from his doctors surgery, a couple packs at a time, just asks for them when he goes to collect his monthly prescription.

Boots also do free hearing tests for over 60s. We had a shortened version of the test done by an assistant and then anyone who is found to need it is given an appointment with a qualified audiologist. The only way I could get DH to have the test (I'm tired of having to repeat things, being told I'm mumbling etc) was by having one myself. He was found to be fine, I'm the one with hearing problems!

- I like that!