Please help....

[Alexw1998]

Hi, I have tinnitus and I believe some hearing loss in my left ear. I saw my gp today who observed my left ear canal is pink and inflamed. He then suggested I get a spec savers hearing test and return to gp if my ear beings to itch or is in pain. I am concerned I’m being fobbed off here but I really don’t know what to do and if this is something to be worried about. I have noticed a recent decline in ability to follow conversations and everyone appears to mumble more frequently. Any advice please. Thank you.

[Happyrosie]

Hello Alex. In some parts of the UK it’s specsavers who do the initial testing, it’s on a par with the NHS testing service. I think many hospitals have not reopened their audiology services. It’s sounds like a good plan if this is the case in your area.

I find that the older you get the more other people mumble - it’s their fault!!!

As for who pays for hearing aids - if you need them - that’s a conversation you can have when all the facts are known.

[Alexw1998 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks I didn’t realise specsavers do this for the nhs. Thank

[Woodentop99 in reply to Alexw1998]

Just be careful they do not try to con you into buying for a 4 figure sum hearing aids/maskers which are free on nhs and just as good or better, no matter what they tell you.

[Happyrosie in reply to Woodentop99]

Totally agree!!!

[Hidden]

Hi Alex

I had hearing test under nhs and was told I have mild age-related hearing loss which affects my ability to hear consonants. This means I sometimes don’t hear parts of words people say and so it sounds like they are mumbling. NHS hearing aids have proved very good and also help with my tinnitus to some extent.

[bestbuddy in reply to Hidden]

Hi can you explain how the NHS hearing aids help with the tinnitus. I am interested to find out as I have an appointment with a consultant in 3 weeks.

BB

[Hidden in reply to bestbuddy]

Hi bestbuddy thanks for your question about how hearing aids helped my tinnitus. When I was assessed for a NHS hearing aid I was told that because I have hearing loss the amplified external sounds will distract attention away from tinnitus. Also, if I remember correctly the aids can emit ‘white sounds’ that also help distract the brain away from tinnitus. Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

Hi Alexw1998 thanks for your question about how hearing aids helped my tinnitus. When I was assessed for a NHS hearing aid I was told that because I have hearing loss the amplified external sounds will distract attention away from tinnitus. Also, if I remember correctly the aids can emit ‘white sounds’ that also help distract the brain away from tinnitus. Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

Hi just realised I sent a message to you by mistake! Apologies

[bestbuddy]

Thanks for that information.

[Lioned]

Your Gp can refer you to Specsavers for hearing tests and hearing aids if necessary will be paid by NHS.

If you need hearing aids you are entitled to them free.

[Hidden]

Hi Alex

Sorry to hear you too have tinnitus

I had it since my early 30's - 71 now, after very noisy discos in the 70's.

Did fine with it, till 4 years ago, when it ramped up to a level that stopped me sleeping - so took Benzos

However, 8 months ago, I had success with my Redefining the T, as NOT a NOISE or SOUND at all (which it isn't) but an ILLUSION/DELUSION that the brain has created, for whatever (unimportant) reason.

Worked for me and I haven't needed Benzos for 6 months now!

If interested, please see my Post from 8 months ago

All the Best!

Alps