Which provider?

[HarrySingh]

Hi I have a referral from my GP and have the choice of NHS, Scrivens, SpecSavers or The Outside Clinic.

Does anyone have any experiences they can share?

Cheers

[jayfer]

Hi, would scrivens and specsavers charge for hearing aids? I've never heard of outside clinic. NHS the aid would be free , I've always gone through NHS for testing and hearing aid. Hope you get sorted

[Hidden]

Hi Harry

All the providers you have mentioned will be on the same AQP contract which is commissioned by your local CCG.

They have the same contractual requirements such as waiting times, service level and hearing aid technology and they are all free so there will be no charge for the service you are provided.

There can be slight differences in the hearing aids they use as each provider is free to pick from a list of approved products again this stipulated by the NHS not the provider.

In reality your choice should be based on several factors such as current waiting times, convenience of location, parking and access to ongoing aftercare.

Good luck with your hearing aids and as many aids users will tell you perseverance is the key to success, it will take some time to adapt to if you have never worn aids before.

Hope that helps a little.

David

[jayfer in reply to Hidden]

That's really informative, didn't realise that. Does that mean you can get the really small ones on NHS?

[Hidden in reply to jayfer]

Hi Jayfer

It really does depend on your location and the details of the contract that has been issued by the CCG.

There are some areas of the UK where CCG's do not allow any choice of providers at all.

As a general rule it will be very unlikely that a contract will provide sufficient funding to allow the providers to include the smaller completely in the canal aids however most providers will offer a choice of a behind the ear aid with a mould or a smaller slim tube or 'open' style fitting. The current level of technology provided is also pretty good and would be considered as mid range in most suppliers product portfolio. There are companies out there that will try and convince you otherwise of course!

[Stokesie]

I work for the Outside Clinic. We are the largest domiciliary service in the U.K. Purely home visits to fit NHS aids in patients' homes (Care Homes etc). Perfect for patients who are Housebound, in Nursing/Care homes etc.

NHS aids are free. However we do also dispense private hearing aids - the choice is yours and we do not put you under any pressure to go privately.

Let us come to you. Contact 0800 85 44 77 for full details.

[ChrissieMT]

Specsavers is where I went for NHS testing. They are generally easy to access. The audiologist at the one I went to is employed by the NHS and the aids are provided by NHS, so no charge. Batteries are free and can be picked up from the same Specsavers. From personal experience I would say that I never managed to get on with the NHS aids, even their so called digital ones. I ended up saving up an buying some private ones, compared all providers and ended up going to Boots. The audiologist there has been brilliant, my hearing is tested every 6 months and my hearing aids checked and serviced if needed. This will continue for the life of the aids (5yrs). I understand that now Boots do offer an interest free monthly payment option whereby you do not have to pay all up front. There is also the option of a full refund if not happy with your aids by both Specsavers & Boots.

I hope this all helps.

[Stokesie in reply to ChrissieMT]

Hi Chrissie.

Everything you said about Boots is what you get through The Outside Clinic. I used to work for Boots.

We don't have shops - we come to you. No charge for the visit, no charge for the test.

Our NHS patients are treated exactly the same as our private ones - same regular aftercare visits - to retune your aids when necessary, check/clean the aids etc.

Our prices privately are the same if not cheaper than Boots, Amplifon etc. You get a 60 day full money back guarantee too.

Your aids will be set up as good as possible as we perform Real Ear Measurements. If you've never had that done, then you're missing out!

Your choice whether you go privately or through the NHS with us. You simply are not pushed to go privately.

Cosmetic choice is very personal. However, the type and severity of your hearing loss will dictate which aids are the best for you!

You also should be advised properly as to what hearing aids can or can't achieve. No aids will eliminate background noise to enable you to hear in groups.

[ChrissieMT in reply to Stokesie]

Thanks Stokesie.

[Steverino]

I have recently moved, the audiology department I now source will not supply me with open mould fitting type aids even though my configuration is not compatible with closed moulds. When I approached Specsavers they said they were unable to provide me hearing aids through the NHS as I am already accessing and can only facilitate new referrals or people who haven't had an NHS audiology appointment for 5 years.

[Hidden]

Hi

The current delivery of NHS Audiology services like many other services can be very fragmented which results in frustration for the person wearing hearing aids.

In general it is upto to each individual Care Commissioning Group how they choose to deliver this service. In some areas there will be one sole provider, in other areas there may be several to choose from, each provider will be delivering services in relation to the contract terms set out by the CCG.

Most contracts have a rather ambiguous 3 to 5 yr pathway, during this time there will be certain criteria that has to be met before a provider can issue new hearing aids. Most contracts I am aware of allow for new aids after 3 yrs if this criteria is met and some will need a new referral from your GP others will allow the provider to make that decision as long as they can justify it. There are few contracts now which allow for 'self referral' where if you present to a provider and meet the criteria they can proceed without a referral. When you move areas from one CCG to another there may not be any set guidelines how to proceed. I would say that if your current aids are over 3 yrs old then your GP is the best option to ask for a new referral. As not all CCG'S have contracted out adult audiology services there will some areas where Specsavers will not be able to provide you with an NHS service. I would advise you have a chat with your GP and see what alternative can be offered.

Good luck, David