BUYING A HEARING AID?
Introduction
This factsheet is part of RNID’s hearing aids range. It is aimed at people
who need a hearing aid.
In the UK, you can buy a hearing aid from a private hearing aid dispenser
or you can get them free on the NHS. This factsheet tells you what you
need to consider if you are thinking about buying your hearing aid
privately. To find out more about getting a hearing aid on the NHS, see
RNID’s factsheet, The NHS Hearing Aid Service, and ask your GP (family
doctor) to refer you.
Why go private?
Some people choose to buy a hearing aid rather than get a free NHS one.
Their reasons are often to do with speed, more choice and convenience:
If you buy a hearing aid, you can usually get it within two weeks.
Getting NHS hearing aids can take months in some areas.
The NHS has a standard range of hearing aids. You may prefer a
hearing aid that is not available as part of their range. For example, you
may want a very small model that fits completely in your ear canal.
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You can get private hearing aids from a hearing aid dispenser on the
high street. You may prefer the convenience of the high street rather
than having to go to a hospital for your NHS hearing aid.
Hearing aids cannot restore perfect hearing in the way that spectacles can
restore perfect sight. They make sound louder so that you can hear it, but
will not necessarily make everything clear. Hearing aids are of great
benefit to many people, but any hearing aid dispenser or company that
promises to give you perfect hearing is raising unrealistic expectations.
Finding a hearing aid dispenser
The Hearing Aid Council (HAC) was set up in 1968 by Act of Parliament to
regulate the conduct of hearing aid dispensers. By law, all hearing aid
dispensers, whether fully qualified or in training, must be registered with
the HAC and follow its code of practice (see later). HAC regulations also
state that a hearing aid should be sold to you only by a qualified
dispenser or by a trainee who is being supervised by a qualified
dispenser.
Qualified hearing aid dispensers have the letters ‘RHAD’ after their name.
RHAD stands for ‘Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser’. Full members of the
British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) use the letters
‘MSHAA’ and Fellows of the Society, who have passed a further
examination, may use the letters ‘FSHAA’. However, it is not compulsory
for hearing aid dispensers to join the BSHAA. Some dispensers, who are
members of the Royal Society of Health, use the letters MRSH in addition
to the letters RHAD.
Some NHS hospitals now allow private dispensers to sell hearing aids
from within the hospital, though they must be registered with the HAC.
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Code of practice
The HAC’s code of practice says that the dispenser must advise you to see
a doctor, if you have not already done so, for example, if:
You have been exposed to loud noise;
You suddenly became deaf, your deafness suddenly got worse or your
hearing seems to vary;
Your hearing is much worse on one side than on the other;
You have medical problems such as excessive wax or a discharge in
your ears, giddiness, tinnitus, signs of injury or disease in your ear.
A copy of the HAC’s code of practice must be given to you if you ask for it.
The HAC cannot recommend either individual dispensers or particular
hearing aids. This means you need to pick your dispenser carefully. If you
think you have hearing loss, it is a good idea to see your GP first anyway.
He or she will check your ears to see if you need medical investigation or
treatment. If you have already decided to buy a hearing aid tell your GP as
they may be able to tell you about hearing aid dispensers in your area.
Alternatively, if someone you know has bought a hearing aid from a local
dispenser, ask them if they would recommend that dispenser. Do
remember that the type of hearing aid they have may not necessarily be
suitable for you.
A dispenser usually has premises on a high street. Many are willing to see
you in your own home. However, you may prefer to visit the dispenser so
that you can leave when you want, rather than inviting one to visit you in
your home.
No dispenser or employer of dispensers may visit you at home unless
you have asked for a visit. If a dispenser contacts you to suggest a visit,
he or she must send you written notice before the visit, so you can
cancel the appointment if you choose to. You may want to arrange to
have someone with you for support when the dispenser visits.
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If you are thinking of buying from a dispenser who is visiting your area,
check that the dispenser will be in the area regularly and that you can
contact them easily. You will need to be able to see them if you have a
problem with your hearing aid and need to get it adjusted. If in doubt,
contact the HAC and find out where the dispenser is based, or use a local
dispenser instead.
What happens when the hearing aid dispenser sees you?
The hearing aid dispenser will first test your hearing. The range of tests
carried out varies, but they must include:
An “air conduction” hearing test. In this test you listen to tones
(bleeps) through headphones and tell the dispenser which you can
hear.
A “bone conduction” hearing test. In this test you will be asked to wear
a special headband that conducts sound through the bones of your
skull. When the results are compared with what you heard through
headphones in the above test, they show whether you have a problem
with your eardrum or middle ear.
The results will be presented to you as an ‘audiogram’, which is a graph
showing how well you hear low, middle and high tones.
A typical charge for private hearing tests is about £25. Some dispensers
do not charge for tests. However, you may not be given a copy of your
audiogram if the test is free. It is useful to have a copy so you can shop
around and compare prices for hearing aids from other hearing aid
dispensers.
Once you have had your hearing tested, the dispenser will discuss with
you which kind of hearing aid will be best for you. Many people benefit
from wearing a hearing aid in each ear, rather than just one. However,
remember that this will mean paying out almost twice as much.
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The dispenser will then take an impression of your ear, and send it to a
laboratory for the earmould – or the casing, if it is a hearing aid that goes
all in the ear – to be made. When this is ready, the dispenser will adjust or
program the hearing aid to suit your hearing loss and explain how to use
it. He or she will advise you to wear your hearing aid for about an hour in
a quiet place to begin with such as indoors, and to build up the length of
time you use it gradually, in various situations. The last stage in this
process is wearing your aid outside or somewhere noisy such as a pub.
The dispenser should arrange an after-care appointment about six weeks
after fitting your hearing aid. This is important as the hearing aid may
need adjustment or fine-tuning for you to get the best results from it.
How much will a hearing aid cost?
A private hearing aid costs between £300 and £2,500, depending on its
style and technical sophistication. Make sure you are getting the hearing
aid you want at a price you can afford. Medical insurance may cover its
cost, but ask your insurer before you buy a hearing aid privately.
You may want to take a friend with you for moral support or if you are
worried about mishearing something. Check if the price the dispenser
quotes includes the cost of hearing tests, the dispenser’s time, follow-up
appointments, the earmould, tubing – if you need it – and batteries.
Hearing aids last five years or more, but you will have to pay when they
need replacing. Smaller hearing aids may not last as long.
Get a guarantee
You will have to pay for repairs after the guarantee on the hearing aid
runs out. The cost of these can mount up. Guarantee periods range
between one and four years. Find out what the guarantee period is for the
hearing aid you are being offered. You can usually insure your hearing aid
against loss or damage through your house insurance, but you need to
check this.
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It takes a while to get used to a new hearing aid and you will need to try it
out in various situations to be sure it is right for you. Dispensers should
allow you a 28-day trial period or a money-back guarantee so that you can
return the hearing aid if you are not happy with it. If the dispenser is not
prepared to offer this and suggests a guarantee for repair only instead of
giving you the option of a refund, go elsewhere. You are unlikely to get a
full refund because the price you pay usually includes the hearing tests
and fitting. So it is very important to get a written note of the terms
under which you can cancel buying your hearing aids.
Caution - listening devices
Avoid advertisements offering ‘listening devices’ for as little as £10.
Though they are cheap, they do not provide the benefits of a hearing aid
chosen and adjusted to suit your particular needs. In addition, the HAC
has authority only over companies selling ‘hearing aids’. Companies that
use the phrase ‘listening devices’ are therefore not bound by the HAC’s
code of practice.
Deciding which hearing aid to buy
You can buy from a range of hearing aids. Remember that the type of
hearing aid someone else has will not necessarily suit you.
Digital hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids are ‘digital’, but not all digital aids are equally
sophisticated. With the more advanced digital aids it is possible to tailor
sound very precisely to suit you. They also stop feedback – whistling –
automatically and reduce background noise so that listening is more
comfortable. Some also have directional microphones that make it easier
for you to hear in noisy places. However, sophisticated digital hearing
aids are currently much more expensive than analogue aids. If you are
thinking of buying one, remember that no hearing aid can give you perfect
hearing. Do not be pressured into buying an expensive digital hearing aid
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unless you can try it first in everyday situations to make sure it is easy to
use and that it really helps you.
Disposable hearing aids
Some branches of the high street chemist ‘Boots’ now dispense
disposable hearing aids, which you throw away when the battery runs
out, usually after six weeks. These fit entirely in the ear, but they may not
be comfortable for everyone. Although they have different kinds of
amplification for different hearing needs and good sound quality, they are
suitable only for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you are
wondering whether a hearing aid may help you, you may wish to try
disposable ones first. The initial cost for disposable hearing aids is at
least £85. This includes £25 for the hearing test and £60 for a threemonth
supply for one ear or £120 for the first three months if you want a
hearing aid for each ear. After that, it is £22 for each ear every month.
What size hearing aid?
Both analogue and digital aids come in a range of styles, for example
behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, or even smaller aids that fit completely in your
ear canal. The very small styles, though less noticeable, may have some
disadvantages. They tend to break down more often, you may not be able
to use them with a loop and you may find them fiddly.
Hearing aids and loop systems
Not all private hearing aids – such as very small hearing aids – can be
used with loop systems though many can be adapted on request.
If using a loop is important to you, make sure that it is possible to do so
with the model you are buying.
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Buying abroad
The media has given a lot of coverage to buying hearing aids abroad at
cheaper prices, particularly in Germany and Denmark.
RNID cannot recommend any particular hearing aid models,
manufacturers or services and would advise you to think carefully before
buying a hearing aid abroad.
The initial cost of a hearing aid may be less than in the UK, but you may
need to see the dispenser for adjustments – sometimes several times –
which could be expensive and inconvenient. It is important to check
beforehand what will happen if you need more help or if your hearing aid
breaks down once you are back home again.
If you have a problem
Most people are happy with the hearing aid they buy and with the service
they get from their private hearing aid dispenser, but some people run
into difficulties because:
The aid does not match up to their own expectations.
The aid does not match up to the dispenser’s assurances.
The dispenser pressurised them to buy a hearing aid.
The aid gives repeated trouble – for example, it may whistle or be
uncomfortable – and the dispenser cannot put this right.
If you have any problem at all with a hearing aid you have bought, the
first thing you should do is ask the dispenser who sold it to you for help
and advice. Make a note of the problems you experience over a period of
a few days so that you can explain what is wrong and help the dispenser
to sort it out.
If you are still unhappy with the aid, or feel the dispenser is not providing
a good service, your next step is to write to the HAC (see Contact details).
Describe the problems you have had with the hearing aid dispenser,
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include copies of any correspondence or other documents connected with
the hearing aid, and give the name and address of the dispenser or
company that sold you the aid.
Although the HAC is not a watch-dog, its code of practice does protect you
to a great extent. If the HAC Disciplinary Committee decides a dispenser
has broken any of its regulations, it can fine the dispenser. In extreme
cases, a dispenser may be struck off the register and will then be unable
to continue to sell hearing aids.
If you are still not happy with the outcome of this, and feel the HAC has
not addressed your concerns, it may be worth pursuing a claim through
the small claims court. Your local citizen’s advice bureau will be able to
advise you about this.
Many people who develop a hearing loss find it isolating and frustrating,
however a number of organisations, such as RNID, can offer you support
and advice.
Ask your GP if you can see a hearing therapist at your local hospital. If you
have an NHS hearing aid, you could contact the hospital audiology
department direct to ask them if this is possible. Hearing therapists can
give you a lot of advice on coming to terms with hearing loss.
Your social services department may be able to lend you equipment such
as amplified telephones to use at home.
The RNID Information Line can tell you how to contact local clubs and
organisations for hard of hearing people that can offer you support.
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Contact details
Hearing Aid Council
Hearing Aid Council, Witan Court, 305 Upper Fourth Street,
Milton Keynes MK9 1EH.
Tel: 01908 235700. Fax: 01908 233770.
E-mail:
hac@thehearingaidcouncil.org.ukWebsite:
www.thehearingaidcouncil.org.ukFurther information from RNID
If you want to find out more about some of the subjects covered in this
factsheet, the following RNID factsheets may be useful – Digital hearing
aids. You may also wish to get RNID’s leaflets, A user’s guide to hearing
aids, All about hearing aids, Common ear problems and Equipment for
deaf people.
The RNID Information Line offers a wide range of information on many
aspects of deafness and hearing loss. You can contact us for further
copies of this factsheet and the full range of RNID information factsheets
and leaflets.
RNID Information Line
Website:
www.rnid.org.uk E-mail:
informationline@rnid.org.ukTel: 0808 808 0123; Textphone: 0808 808 9000; Fax: 020 7296 8199.
RNID Information Line, 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL.
Alternatively, fill in the Want to know more? order form at the end of this
factsheet and return it to RNID.
Copyright
This factsheet may be photocopied for information or educational
purposes only. It may not be photocopied in part. It may not be
photocopied or reproduced if your intention is to sell the factsheets.
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Factsheets are updated regularly. Any out-of-date editions should be
destroyed. You can get the most recent edition from RNID. If you wish to
photocopy this factsheet, please contact the RNID Information Line (see
above for details) or go to our website at
www.rnid.org.uk to check that
you have the most recent edition. If you are a commercial organisation
and you need multiple copies of this factsheet, please contact the RNID
Information Line to find out how to get the quantity you need.
RNID Information, March 2002
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