Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hearing aids on the NHS

For as long as most of us can remember there has been a lengthy wait for a NHS hearing assessment and the subsequent fitting of NHS analogue hearing aid, with many people waiting many months to complete the process.
The more recent introduction of digital hearing aids has greatly improved the performance of modern hearing aids. However this has also lead to an increase in demand from new users and those looking to upgrade their current analogue hearing aids. This increased demand has impacted service levels and many NHS waiting lists have increased as a result.
It is a Government commitment to ensure assessments for hearing aids are made within a six weeks. Unfortunately this target only relates to the first stage of the process and makes no difference if patients have to endure months on a waiting list before prescribed hearing aid is actually fitted. Lengthy delays between assessment and fitting can also lead to the need for a re-assessment at the time of fitting.
The RNID estimates that around five hundred thousand people are currently waiting to have digital hearing aids fitted by the NHS.

The RNID also said:

"We remain seriously concerned about the capacity of the NHS to meet the Government’s aim of ensuring that no-one waits more than 18 weeks for a hearing aid fitting by the end of 2008."

There main area of concern is that the push to meet these new targets may result in a fall in the quality of the service offered.

As a result many people in the UK choose to opt out of the NHS service and buy their digital hearing aid directly from a retailer who can offer instant services.

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Affordable Hearing Aids… Sounds Terrific!

Yes, it is possible to find affordable hearing aids. Though, it is a fact that some models are way beyond what some can afford, there are quality hearing aids that will allow you to hear clearly without busting your checkbook. It is only a matter of knowing where to look and what to look for in a good but affordable hearing aid. In this article, we will tell you what to do to get a cheap, affordable hearing aid.

Affordable Hearing Aids - Choosing the Best for You

Advanced technology in the production of hearing aids has made it possible to have a wide variety to choose from. Digital hearing aids are, of course, the best ones nowadays. You can also choose from different types like behind the ear or in the canal (ITC) hearing aids. As to capability, some models suppress echo and bring background noise to a minimum level, giving you the next best thing to the real thing.

However, before proceeding to buy a hearing aid, you will have to visit your doctor for a hearing consultation first. He should be able to guide you as to the best one to work for you.

Browse the internet for a wide variety of choices of affordable hearing aids. It is wise to compare the quality, design and prices of the available models to be able to pick the best. There are many comparison websites online nowadays that makes this easy and uncomplicated for everyone.

Affordable Hearing Aids - Some Likely Candidates

Cost should not be a deterrent from letting you hear again. Some popular affordable hearing aids are the Digi Ear D1, Digi Ear D2 and Digi Ear DS. These hearing aids come with rotating nozzles to fit in both left and right ear. Hey are specially designed to fit into the ear canal.

The Digi Ear D1 has outstanding features considering its price. It is an all-digital, 2-channel aid that has an adjustable on/off volume control and a universal fit. The Digi Ear D2 comes with the features of D1 but also has intuitive feedback reduction and a quiet speech amplifier. Meanwhile, the Digi Ear DS functions just like Digi Ear D2 but it comes with echo cancellation capability.

There are other affordable hearing aids in the market today like the Sound Device Series. Sound Device 001c is for those looking for mild to moderate levels of amplification. Sound Device 002 comes with an added feature of volume control. It also has a wax guard tip that protects the electronics. It also swivels for easy cleaning. Sound Device 003 is even more sophisticated with an echo cancellation feature much like Digi Ear DS.

Surf the net for other choices. Prices and description of capabilities are available so it should not be a problem choosing the best to get value for your money. Although price is one of the major considerations, do not sacrifice price for quality. Make sure that you get a hearing aid that you are comfortable with.

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