"Lack of helpful support with hearing loss at Leicester Royal"

ENT dept of Leicester Royal Infirmary to see consultant or member of his team for hearing problem.

Patient names were called out, no visual display, a bit of a problem. On finally getting in to see my specialist the layout of the consultation room was such that I was sat behind him and he was talking to his desk. I had to remind him that I was deaf and needed to see his face to lip read to back up the use of hearing aids. I had to remind him more than once.The window was open in the room, it was a warm day and this was ok until there was a delivery and lots of noise outside. i had to explain that the noise outside was actually overtaking everything that he was saying to me and had to ask him to wait until the vehicle had left.

He told me that I already had hearing aids, which I had bought privately, and that was the best that could be done. If I ever needed them adjusting I could call in and he would see what the technicians could do. i explained that my audiologist at Boots reviewed and adjusted as necessary every 6 months. I asked if there was any chance of getting on the waiting list for NHS aids and was ignored.

He asked what I had expected and I explained that even after 5 years of using hearing aids I was still experiencing difficulties in certain situations which he clearly witnessed, and that I was looking for some help with this so that I could hear better in meetings at work. He suggested that I go back to my GP and ask for a referral to a hearing therapist, but all they could offer was common sense. I felt offended both for myself and the profession of hearing therapists with the implication that I must be a little dim if I hadn't managed to work things out for myself by now and that hearing therapists just offered common sense despite no doubt having at least a post graduate qualification.

He did suggest that the hearing loss may be due to a viral infection and taking a blood test would confirm if this is the case. I was assured that I would feel much better once I knew the cause of my hearing loss. I do feel that after 5 years I am not really too worried now about why I lost my hearing, but would like some help in coping at work.

I may not be able to hear but this specialist certainly was unable to listen. I came away frustrated and rather upset with the overall outcome of the visit. Having waited a few months for the appointment after having an MRI scan to find out if there was any damage, I am still no further ahead and feel that I have learned nothing of any use. I am still faced with the prospect of having to replace my current aids in the near future at a cost of around £4,000. I will have to start saving!!