Hearing Test - where ?

[intexasatthe moment]

Does one get referred by GP ? Or walk into Specsavers/Boots ?

I expect I'm old fashioned and missguided by I'd rather go to a non contracted out NHS clinic . If that exists .

Something has to be done ,I'm running out of variations on "say that again"/"what" etc and the use of the generic nod and "yes" .

[peckham_ryu]

Sorry I don?t have a local recommendation, but maybe can give a little insight. I had one done with an audiologist at a clinic near Harley Street, and another at the London Independent Hospital. Totally different experiences. At the hospital, there was a proper soundproof booth, and gave a much more trustworthy result than the private clinic. At the private clinic, there was no booth: the audiologist had to ask the roadworks outside to be paused, and actually he gave a totally incorrect diagnosis and was clearly very motivated by trying to sell hearing aids. I?m sure that?s not a reflection of all private clinics, but it?s a salutary lesson in checking the Google reviews and finding an established place!

You can get a referral from your GP, but unless your hearing loss is an emergency (i.e. very sudden) then they may not be very speedy. However, if you will need hearing aids then the only way to get the NHS ones is by NHS assessment, so that may prove to be more useful in the long run. Best of luck!

[elloriac]

If you want to have your hearing aids funded by the NHS, you will have to get a referral from your GP.

I foolishly didn't look into that and just went to Specsavers. The hearing test was done in a soundproof booth and seemed very thorough. I'm happy with my hearing aids and they have made a world of difference, after far too long as you describe yourself! To get discreet ones, which my friends have been surprised at how small and unnoticeable they are, it was about ?1K each ear. They do occasionally have sales, but I don't know how much discount is offered.

(I was shocked at that, and it took me a long time to pay it back...)

[EDmummy101]

Yes Boots have hearing tests, as do some opticians I believe...

[bob]

Pain and Hunter L/L

Bob S

[OutOfFocus]

Describing my understanding of the "Normal" system, not as it might be under C19.

You should be offered a choice of providers and when I applied 2 or so years ago that included Guy's.

But your GP might just send you where (s)he last sent someone.

If you walk into a highstreet place you will end up paying for it, and they won't necessarily explain this to you.

Another issue is that different provides have different suppliers, but you dont know this upfront. A bit like choosing which clothes shop to go into and only then finding which size of trousers you get.

I have some HAs that dont fit me but are the largest they do,

[Jah Lush]

I've suffered hearing loss since my teens and as I've gotten older it has got worse. I've lost 50 -per-cent of my hearing. You should be referred by your GP. I was referred to the Audiology Department at Lewisham Hospital where I had tests done and was a soon issued with hearing aids (which I never use because I hate them). I manage to get by perfectly well without them.

[Pugwash]

I am with In Health as Kings outsourced it audiology services many years ago. You need a GP letter and In Health appear to provide audiology tests/batteries/ear moulds for 3 years only and you have to get a renewal latter from GP every 3 years. I tried to get an Audiology appoint just prior to Lockdown but all the clinics had closed down. I was then emailed saying that the clinic in Hornchurch Essex was open and an appointment had been made for the next day.I declined this due to distance. I emailed recently and was told that my normal clinic held in Chadwick Road was not yet opened and neither was the clinic in Streatham.

[Froglander]

bob Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Pain and Hunter L/L

> Bob S

Yes, I had one there a couple of years ago, but definitely try them now.

[bob]

Pugwash has the Chadwick Rd clinic opened yet

Bob S

[Earl Aelfheah]

Barnard castle?

[Pugwash]

According to In Health in the last few days - it is not known when the Chadwick Road clinic is open again

[bob]

Thanks PW

Bob S