How do I fight to get better hearing aids on the NHS

I'm not asking for top of the range hearing aids at all, I am simply asking to have hearing aids that actually work and give me better hearing than I am now. I have severe to profound high frequency hearing loss, which I had since I was young (approx 25 years). My siemens hearing aids very out of date and I since moved, so I had to be referred again to another audiology department and they gave me hearing aids, no problem. However I have been getting them adjusted every month, and they have broken 3 times. I go to the audiologist and they just get another hearing aid out of a box (they all look used). They said they do not have the funding to replace the hearing aids they are currently giving out (danalogic ambio) so I have to stick with them but they are utterly rubbish. Break all the time, can hardly hear anything with them, going back all the time to adjust, but then they end up whistling too much and breaking again! Very frustrating. Has anyone complained to NHS audiology department? I am now without hearing aids again for 2 weeks until I get another appointment.

[Dodie117]

I had nhs aids for many years and they never broke and always worked really well.

Sorry I’m not much help but just wanted to sympathise. Do you think it’s postcode issue. I was in London.

Maybe you should look at complaints procedure and follow that through. Also talk to you GP.

My hearing loss not as severe as yours but not great either. I have now moved to Ireland where the health system is even worse however, I did manage to to get new aids and they are good

Good luck ☘️

[Htims46 in reply to Dodie117]

Sorry for the very belated reply. Im sorry NHS services are even worse in Ireland, my goodness. I have an appointment with an audiologist today, not holding my breath but hopeing for a good outcome. Hope you are still happy with your aids.

[alpacagirl]

Only just saw your post. My hearing loss began in my twenties, now severe and I have been wearing NHS Oticon aids for 20 years, never had them break and audiology have always updated them when I have asked for a retest when I am conscious that my hearing has got worse. I know that doesn’t help you but it doesn’t sound acceptable that you have had such bad service. It makes such a big impact on our lives to be able to hear - even though we will still struggle even with aids. I am only going to say the same as Dodie117. It must be a postcode thing - I live in Dorset (a rural county with middling healthcare services) please see if your GP can help or even your local councillor (ours is really helpful). Probably you will have to make a fuss and go the complaints route to get some action. I really sympathise and hope you get some joy - i can’t imagine having to have mine adjusted and fixed constantly 🙁

[ChrissieMT]

I have profound hearing loss and have had problems for over 20 years, I was given NHS aids but never found them very efficient for my type of hearing loss and extremely uncomfortable. Eventually I saved up enough to be fitted with private aids by Boots, what a difference! I also get regular check ups, included in the price and an on the spot repair when one of the wires came loose, the audiologist is kind and considerate and has adjusted the aids when needed.

I know not everyone can afford to go private, but if you can it made such a difference for me.