Hearing Aid Provision

Question 1

How do we get Hearing Aids in the UK?

Answer 1

There are 3 routes:

NHS

Commercial Hearing Aid Dispensers

Online Stores

Question 2

How does a patient get a Direct Referral for Hearing Aids

Answer 2

• There are strict criteria regarding who can be referred:
• Age
• Probable cause of hearing loss
  The patient is seen by the audiologist (and supporting staff) for the assessment of hearing and provision of hearing aids only.

I- f there are any other otological problems then the patient should be referred back to the GP.

Question 3

how does an ENT referral work for audiology?

Answer 3

• Patient is assessed by an otorhinolaryngologist
• A hearing test is performed as part of the ENT assessment
• The patient is referred onto the audiology service for management of their hearing loss if appropriate
• The patient may have otological conditions (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus etc) in addition to their hearing loss

Question 4

what are the advantages of NHS hearing aids?

Answer 4

• It’s free to the patient.
• Hearing aids provided are modern digital types.
• Good access to medical support and other support services available (e.g. tinnitus clinics, hearing therapy, referral for Bone Anchored Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants etc.).
• Current tariff allows for both unilateral and bilateral aid provision, so patients who need 2 aids should get them if they want them (only in certain CCGs).

Question 5

what are the disadvantages of NHS hearing aids?

Answer 5

• Waiting times are often longer than private aid provision.
• Limited range of hearing aids available (e.g. in-the-ear hearing aids are not always available) – the aids are modern but may not be the most recent technology.
• You may not see the same audiologist at all of your appointments.
• Often not a local service – inconvenient for elderly and disabled patients.

Question 6

what is hearing aid selection based on?

Answer 6

Selection is according to the patient needs:

Audiological
Ergonomic
Lifestyle
Other

Question 7

what are the majority of NHS hearing aids?

Answer 7

digital Behind-the-Ear aids

Question 7

what does the NHS tariff for hearing aids include?

Answer 7

• Hearing assessment
• Hearing aids
• Servicing of the aid
• Batteries
• Reassessment of the patient’s hearing loss and amplification needs after
  after 3 year

Question 8

can any patient get a commercial hearing aid?

Answer 8

Clients can self-refer at any time and any age.

Children (under the age of 18) must be referred onto the NHS, although those capable of PTA may be tested.

Question 9

what are the disadvantages of commercial hearing aid provision?

Answer 9

• Initial cost: Hearing aids can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds
• Ongoing cost: Batteries must be bought, and servicing may need to be paid for after the guarantee period has expired
• Additional cost: Updating the hearing aid incurs extra cost
• Need for a spare as can’t exchange quickly if there is a problem
• Access to specialist care may not be possible

Question 9

what are the advantages of commercial hearing aid provision?

Answer 9

• Short waiting times
• Service is often more accessible
• Most companies do not charge for a hearing test
• Normally a wider variety of hearing aids is available
• Access to the most up to date technology
• More customer choice regarding the functions and appearance of the hearing aid (e.g. different colours, multiple programmes)

Question 10

why would a patient want to buy a hearing aid?

Answer 10

• To choose the style you want.
  ITE
  ITC
  CIC
  OTE – On the ear (open fit with small BTE)
  RIC – Receiver in the canal
• Some people want the latest technology or additional features that aren’t available on NHS aids
• To avoid having to wait for a NHS appointment – the process may be faster

Question 11

what are mail order companies?

Answer 11

These companies can sell you hearing aids directly without any medical or professional intervention. Typically between £50 and £250 each.

Question 12

what are the disadvantages of mail order companies

Answer 12

• The main drawback is that the hearing aids are not programmed to match the individual’s specific hearing loss.
• Certain websites allow you to test your hearing but this is only a vague indication as to whether or not you have a hearing loss – not a complete audiological profile.

Question 13

what are the advantages of mail order companies

Answer 13

Over-the-counter hearing aids are becoming very popular in the US – some with capabilities of programming the hearing aid yourself.