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When The System Lets You Down

What to Do if You’re Not Getting the Hearing Support You Need

We recently received a heartfelt message from one of our readers that really resonated — and we suspect it might with you too.

“While browsing the web yesterday I came across your very helpful site. I’m not sure how I didn’t pick it up sooner – but it was a very timely event as I’m feeling really quite down about my hearing. I’ll be 81 in a few days’ time…”

This gentleman’s story spans six decades of living with hearing loss — a journey marked by persistence, frustration, and resilience. Diagnosed in his twenties with significant hearing loss in one ear, he was told by hospital audiology that “it’s not something we can correct.” He was eventually given hearing aids, but support remained minimal.

Many years later, another hearing test showed that his other ear now had almost no hearing. Yet again, a consultant’s letter advised him to simply “carry on” with hearing aids — with no further investigation.

Fortunately, a referral to a specialist centre changed everything. There, doctors identified an acoustic schwannoma, a type of benign tumour, and provided targeted treatment and new hearing technology (BiCROS aids). For the first time in decades, he felt his hearing needs were properly understood — and his previously “poor” ear became the better one.

Hearing Support - Hearing Test
Photo by Anthony Camerlo on Unsplash

Now in his early 80s, he’s once again facing difficulties. Both sets of hearing aids — NHS and private — have let him down, and he fears his remaining hearing may be declining. Another specialist appointment is on the horizon, and he’s understandably anxious and hoping for answers.


So what can you do if you feel you’re not getting the right support for your hearing?

Sadly, this story is not unique. Many people are told to simply “get on with it” — that hearing loss is inevitable, not treatable, or not worth further investigation. But here’s the truth:

You are entitled to proper care and attention — at any age.

Here are some steps you can take if you feel you’re not being listened to or supported:

1. Trust your instincts

If you feel something isn’t right — a sudden drop in hearing, one-sided loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing aids no longer helping — don’t ignore it. Keep a simple log of your concerns to share with your GP or audiologist.

2. Ask for a second opinion

If your first consultation leaves you with more questions than answers, ask to be referred elsewhere — ideally to a specialist ENT or audiology centre. You have the right to be heard, quite literally.

Confidence
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
3. Persist with your GP

Some conditions, like acoustic neuromas (schwannomas), can go undetected unless someone takes the time to investigate further. If your GP listens and takes action — as in the case above — it can make all the difference.

4. Check your hearing aids

If you suspect your hearing aids are no longer working well, request a reassessment. You may need reprogramming, servicing, or new technology. If you have aids from both NHS and private providers, don’t be afraid to compare and ask questions.

5. Reach out to others

You are not alone. Connecting with charities, support groups, or local hearing clinics can provide emotional support, practical tips, and sometimes even advocacy help.

SSE is a bridge between BSL and spoken English
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

We’re so grateful to our reader for sharing his story — and we wish him the very best at his upcoming appointment.

Have you ever felt let down by the hearing care system? What did you do about it?
We’d love to hear your experience — and any advice you’d give others in a similar situation. Let’s learn from each other and help make sure no one is left to struggle alone.

Please click here to share your story

Hear are some groups that might help you:

RNID

Hearing Loss Association of America


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Accessible Communication Hearing Well-Being Technology workplace

How is technology making life easier for people with hearing loss

When it comes to hearing loss, technology has become an amazing ally.  There’s so much inexpensive tech out there that can work alongside hearing aids or even help people who don’t have them yet. Let’s look at how technology is making life easier for people with hearing loss and why it’s worth checking out.

Making Hearing Aids Even Better

Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

Hearing aids are brilliant, but pairing them with modern tech can take them to the next level. Here’s how it works:

  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Lots of hearing aids now come with Bluetooth, so you can connect them to your phone, laptop, or tablet. This means you can stream calls, Zoom meetings, or even your favourite playlist straight to your hearing aids.
  • Real-Time Captions: Apps like Google Live Transcribe or Otter.ai can turn spoken words into captions instantly.  Zoom and MS TEAMS also offer live captions for online meetings. Live captions are great for meetings, chats, or anywhere you might miss a word or two.
  • Remote Adjustments: Some hearing aids come with apps that let you tweak the settings yourself or have an audiologist help you out remotely. No need for endless trips to the clinic!
  • Extra Gadgets: Things like TV streamers or clip-on microphones can connect to your hearing aids and give you clearer sound, whether you’re watching a show or sitting in a noisy meeting.
    Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Tech for People Without Hearing Aids

If you’re not using hearing aids yet, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of tech to make life easier. Here are a few examples:

  • Speech-to-Text Apps: Apps like Microsoft Translator, Ava, and Live Transcribe can turn conversations into text right in front of you. Super handy in noisy places or if you’re struggling to keep up.
  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones: A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you focus on what you want to hear by cutting out background noise.
Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash
  • Captions for Media: Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube offer free captions, so you don’t miss a thing when you’re watching your favorite shows or learning something new.
  • Hearing Check Apps: Apps like Mimi Hearing Test or Starkey Hear Share let you check your hearing at home. It’s a great first step if you think you might have some hearing loss.

Why Bother with These Tools?

1. Better Sound Quality & Clarity – Modern hearing aids and assistive devices provide clearer, more natural sound than ever before. Features like background noise reduction, directional microphones, and AI-driven sound processing help enhance speech clarity, making conversations easier and more enjoyable.

2. More Connectivity & Convenience – New devices seamlessly connect to smartphones, televisions, and computers via Bluetooth, allowing users to stream phone calls, music, and videos directly to their ears. This reduces the struggle of trying to hear through speakers or in noisy environments.

3. More Affordable & Accessible Options – Hearing technology is becoming more affordable, with over-the-counter hearing aids available in some countries (but not UK). Additionally, free or inexpensive smartphone apps offer features like speech-to-text and real-time sound amplification, making hearing support more accessible.

4. Improved Social Inclusion – Difficulty hearing can lead to isolation, as conversations in noisy environments become exhausting. By using new technologies, such as Bluetooth directional microphones that connect directly into your hearing aids, people with hearing loss can engage more comfortably in social and workplace settings, improving confidence and overall well-being.

5. Customizable & User-Friendly Features – Many hearing devices now come with smartphone apps that allow users to personalise their hearing preferences, adjust settings, and track their hearing health over time. This level of customisation makes assistive technology more adaptable to individual needs.

7. Expanding Beyond Hearing Aids – Hearing support is no longer limited to traditional hearing aids. Devices such as personal amplifiers, vibrating alarm clocks, and smart home integrations (like flashing doorbells) provide additional support in everyday life.

Getting Started

There’s so much tech out there, but you don’t need to try it all at once. Start small and see what works for you:

  • Try Free Apps: Download a speech-to-text app or take an online hearing test to see how it helps.
  • Use What You Have: Check your phone or tablet for built-in accessibility features such as live captions or sound boosters.
  • Experiment with Accessories: Bluetooth headphones, clip-on mics, or other gadgets can be great additions to your routine.  Remember though, as everyone’s hearing is different, it’s always worth asking if you can “try before you buy” or get a full refund if the device doesn’t work for you.

The Future of Hearing Tech

As technology keeps improving, the options for affordable hearing support are only going to grow. Whether you’re using hearing aids or just starting to explore tools for hearing loss, there’s something out there to make life easier. The world of hearing technology is evolving rapidly, offering new and improved ways to enhance communication and accessibility.

For example, Apple AirPods with hearing aid features are now available in the UK.  As a charity, we don’t endorse any products but we would love to hear about your experiences.  Click on the link below to see Christopher Null’s review of the new AirPods in WIRED magazine. Apple AirPods Review from WIRED

Tell us about what technology has made a difference to your daily life. Click here to contact us