Hi,

I have had hearing problems for 20 years and used "in the ear" aids for quite a time. However for the last couple of aids, the mean time between failures was much too high in my opinion and I became annoyed at the constant hassle to get repairs done under the guarantees. The stock answers for the problems were "ear wax" and/or "condensation" which I disputed. Eventually, I had both aids replaced after I obtained a report on the condition of the aids from an independant source - the problems were down to the quality of the components.

At this time, I decided to hedge my bets and get a standby pair from the UK National Health Service which provides behind the ear models made by Siemens. At my age, I am not concerned with the cosmetic aspects of hiding my deafness. The process was quick and with none of the flannel you get from commercial suppliers. THe sound quality is excellent and the aids have required minor adjustments only since. I am so pleased with the result that the NHS pair are used daily, with the purchased ones as backup except they have now ceased working even when not used daily.

The NHS aids are free to UK citizens and even the consumables such as batteries are provided free of charge. Looking at costs, Commercial aids can cost between £700 and £2000 a pair in the UK. To replace an NHS aid, should you lose one is £80. Go Martin and get yourself sorted out.