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My experience was much better than expected

Posted By Bunchlet59

"My experience was much better than expected"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

(as a service user),

As a person who has been deaf for  a large hunk of my adult life, I value the input of the Audiology specialist facilities that are available at my local SWAH. 

Firstly, the waiting time wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it might be. I was seen by Paula first of all. She had read all my various reports around my hearing difficulties. I found her knowledgeable and informative. She was approachable and responsive to my questions. Only one suggestion: masks  are extremely difficult for people who are deaf.

It was a good consultation that wasn't rushed and I felt I wasn't just another cog in the wheel. I liked the fact that she listened to my concerns about how different types of ear molds really make a difference.  

My second visit was for to have the hearing aid fitted. I met Nicola, what a sweet-natured person. Very communicative and chatty also very professional in her knowledge.

I have used the  private sector with various degrees of success. The private hearing have more choice, different colours and gizmos, they cost about 3000 pounds a time. The glossy brochures and sales pitch make it easy to part with your money. The reality is most of these audiologist are trained by the NHS.

I was replacing mine every three years. I wanted the smallest because I was somewhat embarrassed by my disability. I came to realise I don't really care as long as I can hear and that would be okay. I am going to retire soon so finance is an issue but not the the most important one.  

The hearing aid is bigger than I am used to and the sound is also different However, you do get that when you get a different aid. I just have to preserve as you do when you first get hearing aids.  

The good thing is you don't have to pay for batteries or servicing. The aid has Bluetooth which I do find helpful. 

My experience was much better than expected and I would advise people to try your local NHS service. If you really think it's not for you, find a reputable private practitioner. 

. 

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Responses

Response from Paula Breen, Audiologist, Audiology Dept WHSCT, WHSCT 9 months ago
Paula Breen
Audiologist, Audiology Dept WHSCT,
WHSCT

Submitted on 15/08/2023 at 13:08
Published on Care Opinion at 16:37

picture of Paula Breen

Hi Bunchlet59

My name is Paula Breen and I am the Audiology Adult Team Lead in the Western Trust. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments, highlighting the support and facilities in the Audiology Dept, SWAH. I apologise that there has been delay in responding to your story.

I’m pleased that you were happy with your initial assessment and that you felt it was timely, not feel rushed and that you felt listened too.

I have noted your suggestion re: mask wearing in the clinical environment; at the time of your assessment the staff member was adhering to Trust Policy. As a Department we are very aware and appreciate the difficulties around communication and mask wearing. Since your assessment the Trust Policy around the wearing of face masks has changed.

I’m delighted your 2nd appointment was a positive experience. Your feedback has been passed to the rest of the team and is much appreciated.

It is great to hear you are getting used to your new hearing aids, as you are aware a change in technology can take time to adjust too. As an existing NHS hearing aid user you can contact the Audiology team directly on 02866382221, audiology.department@westerntrust.hsnci.net or avail of the drop in repair service as required.

Thank you for sharing your experience, I am glad it was better than expected and this has been shared with our team.

Kind Regards

Paula Breen

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