NHS or Private Hearing Aids? 3.95 Find out which option is right for you with the Hearing Information Service s consumer guide.
Contents The benefits of hearing aids Most common and popular types of hearing aid I need hearing aids how do I go about getting them? Hearing aid features what to look out for Any Qualified Provider (AQP) Always seek professional advice 3 4 5 10 11 12 Introduction A high percentage of the population suffer from some form of hearing loss as they get older. The good thing is many of these people are able to enjoy better hearing by wearing hearing aids. Choice of the many hearing aids available and who is the best provider are both important considerations, which is why this Guide addresses: What is the best solution for my hearing requirements? Should I go NHS or private? How do I go about getting hearing aids?
The benefits of hearing aids If you have difficulty hearing, then professionally fitted hearing aids can give you a better quality of life. You will feel a part of the conversation again, and rediscover all of those sounds you have been missing out on. Did you know that an NHS-sponsored survey has concluded that all over-55s should have routine hearing tests? Free hearing tests are available from private companies on request. How do they work? Hearing aids, whether they are Behind-The-Ear (BTE) or In-The-Ear (ITE), consist of three basic parts. 1 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 3 A microphone picks up sound waves from the environment and converts it into a signal that is sent to the processor. The processor then alters this signal based on your hearing loss and then sends it to the receiver. The receiver then changes the signal back into sound waves, which are then picked up by your ear. 3
Most common and popular types of hearing aid Behind-The-Ear (BTE) These are the most common type available on the NHS and consist of the hearing aid (which sits behind the ear) and an earmould (which sits in the ear) connected together by a tube. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) These are virtually unnoticeable when worn and most users forget they are even wearing them. The receiver fits directly into the ear canal and is attached by an almost invisible tube to the small hearing aid that rests behind the ear. In-The-Ear Aid (ITE) These are custom made to fit the individual s ears and are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses. Sizes vary from ITE and ITC (In-The-Canal) down to the tiny CIC (Completely-In- Canal) and IIC (Invisible-In-Canal) fitting types. Bone Anchored and Bone Conduction Hearing Aids For people who cannot use a conventional hearing aid, these are anchored to the bone behind the ear and secured with a headband (not shown). Alternatively they may involve bone conduction hearing aids fitted to spectacles.! CAUTION There are no off-the-shelf solutions for hearing loss such as the cut price hearing devices that can be seen on the internet. Hearing aids should always be fitted by a Hearing Aid Dispenser, be that NHS or private, as they need to be prescribed according to your individual hearing loss. 4
I need hearing aids how do I go about getting them? Getting a hearing aid on the NHS Step One Book an appointment with your GP for an examination of your ears Step Two GP books appointment with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist Step Three Book the final appointment to have your hearing aids fitted Step Four Follow up appointment Step One Book an appointment with your GP for an examination of your ears If you have noticed that you are struggling to hear at times, your first step could be with the Action on Hearing Loss s hearing check which can be carried out: over the phone by calling 0844 800 3838 online at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk It s then best to contact your GP who can check your ears and refer you to the Audiology Clinic or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department of your local hospital. 5
Step Two GP books appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist Once you have been referred you will have to wait for an appointment at an Audiological Centre or ENT department. Waiting times may vary depending on where you live, due to different levels of demand for the service. An Audiologist will first use an otoscope to examine your ears (as shown in the image above) and ask questions about your hearing. After this, they will test your hearing using an audiometer. While wearing headphones, you will be asked to listen to a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes. When you can hear a sound, you will let the Audiologist know by pressing a button and they will record it on an audiogram (which is a chart that shows your hearing loss, a bit like a prescription for glasses). The Audiologist would then recommend a hearing aid, if the test shows that you would benefit from this. Most NHS aids are Behind-The-Ear (BTE), and will require an earmould. As these are custom made for each individual, an impression of the ear will need to be taken. Note: The hearing aid is loaned to you by the NHS, and as such you may have to pay a fee if it is lost or damaged. 6
Step Three Book the final appointment to have your hearing aids fitted At this appointment, the Audiologist will fit your hearing aid, give you a full demonstration and ensure that: it is comfortable for you to wear you understand how to use it you know how to look after it Step Four Follow up appointment To ensure your hearing aids are working correctly, and to discuss any problems you may have, you will need to see the Audiologist again after three months. Where necessary, they may need to reprogramme the hearing aids. 7
Advantages of going to the NHS The hearing aid is free (although it is on loan from the NHS) You will not have to buy hearing aid batteries You will not have to pay for any repairs Disadvantages of going to the NHS In most cases, you will be fitted with a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid In-The-Ear (ITE), In-The-Canal (ITC), Completely-In-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) fitting types are not usually available Your choice will be limited to the selection of hearing aid manufacturers offered Due to budget constraints, some areas may only fit one hearing aid even though it may be more beneficial if you were to wear two Waiting times between referral and treatment will be longer than those of the private sector, and will vary between areas If you have a problem with your hearing aid then you will have to make an appointment to see someone (some areas may offer a drop-in clinic though) Home visits, if available, are only for those who are housebound If you lose or damage the hearing aid then you may be liable to pay a fee to have it replaced or repaired 8
Getting a hearing aid privately The private sector offers an unrivalled choice of hearing solutions, including the latest miniature hearing aids which are almost invisible when worn. They can also supply the latest technology such as Assistive Listening Devices, which wirelessly send sound from a TV, mobile or landline to the hearing aids for improved clarity and understanding. Arranging a hearing test is simple -either pop into your local hearing aid centre or call them to arrange an appointment with a Hearing Aid Dispenser. This appointment can be carried out at the centre or your home. Hearing tests are available at no cost, and with no obligation to buy. It is an important part of determining which hearing aid best suits your hearing needs and lifestyle. Advantages of going private You can enjoy choosing the type of aid you want from a wider selection The latest products are available including wireless technology and remote controls Fitting is quicker (usually 2-3 weeks, but some are available on the day) Disadvantages of going private The hearing aids are not free You will have to buy batteries (although a 12 month supply is around 15) You will need to pay for any repairs outside of the warranty period (which usually lasts for 4 years) After sales service and support is readily available with regular contact Home visits are available, and in most cases free of charge Aids can be insured against loss 9
Hearing aid features what to look out for Ask about which aids can be tailored to your individual needs. With more advanced hearing aids the Hearing Aid Dispenser should be able to fine-tune your aids to give you the best result. Find out how many bands or channels the hearing aid has. These divide up the sound spectrum to increase the clarity of sound and it is sometimes suggested that the more bands you have, the better your hearing experience will be. Some hearing aids can adapt to different environments automatically, adjusting to different levels of background noise. Find out which hearing aids have this ability. You might be interested in an open ear fitting. Ask whether this is suitable for you since they can give a more natural sound quality for mild hearing loss. Ask whether aids have a way of stopping noise produced by the wind blowing against the microphone. Feedback can cause whistling which you might find irritating find out about aids which automatically reduce this. Find out how easy it is for you to switch the hearing aids on and off and use the controls. Ask how well it works when you are on the telephone. 10
Any Qualified Provider (AQP) In 2009, the British Social Attitudes Survey found that over 95% of people felt they should have the choice over which hospital they attend and the kind of treatment they receive. To ensure that patients have more choice and control over which health services they use, the NHS in England now allow the private and voluntary sectors to provide certain services, including Adult Hearing through their Any Qualified Provider (AQP) scheme. To become an AQP, a rigorous qualification process has to be passed. This ensures patient safety and shows that the Provider meets all the NHS quality requirements and appropriate professional standards. By expanding the choice available to patients, this helps provide improved access to services, and enables a better level and quality of service to be offered. 11
Making sure your hearing is in safe hands All Hearing Aid Dispensers now have to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Hearing Aid Dispensers have to undergo extensive training and pass examinations which apply to the HCPC s code of conduct and once qualified they will have the letters RHAD (Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser) after their name. You can ask to see the Hearing Aid Dispenser s registration card or you can check their registration directly with the HCPC either by visiting www. hcpc-uk.org or calling 0845 300 4472. Other acronyms you might find are MSHAA, FSHAA or MRSH these show their membership of professional organisations - but RHAD is the most important as it shows they are qualified and registered to dispense hearing aids. Hearing Helpline Hearing Information Service can assist you in seeking additional free advice and even a free hearing test all at no cost and with no obligation. Call us on Freephone 0800 488 0106 (ref: NH CG 14). Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. You will be called back within office hours when any questions can be addressed and referrals made to appropriate qualified professionals if required - all free of charge. Always seek professional advice Freephone 0800 488 0106 Hearing Information Service enquiries@hearinginformationservice.co.uk