Do be aware though that the digital aids that hospitals have are at least 5
years behind the times! However EA is right an audiologist should be able to
comment on whether a digital aid is suitable, although they might not know
of the latest developments (which are astonishing!) there are two problems
with this though as I know from painful personal experience:
1. Medicos are never very good at saying 'we can't do anything for you,
you'd be better off going to the private sector' (although some are
conversely)
2. An appointment for digital hearing aids is no easy won thing EVEN in an
area where piloting is happening you have to wait forever for an
appointment, I'm just notching up coming up to two years since I first
asked.........
My advice? Get a couple of independent assessments from private audiologists
for comparison and offer these to the LEA, it will be the quickest way to
support the student - unless they can get a speedy appointment courtesy of
the NHS, it may be possible, I'd be interested to hear if they do!
Best wishes
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: Mrs E.A.Draffan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 23 July 2002 13:19
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Digital hearing aids
Before going private it may be worth checking to see if your local
hospital or clinic is within one of the pilot areas for receiving
digital hearing aids on the NHS - I feel sure the audiologist that has
been advising the person would also be able to say whether a digital aid
is suitable even if they cannot supply one free.
Best wishes
E.A.
Mrs E.A.Draffan
TechDis, USIE, EDB,
University of Sussex,
Brighton BN1 9RG
Tel: 01273 873600
http://www.techdis.ac.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jannine Williams
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 15:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Digital hearing aids
Dear colleagues,
Can you advise of any companies in the North East of England, or who are
within reasonable travelling distance, who can assess a person for the
suitability of digital hearing aids?
Any assistance gratefully received.
Kind regards,
Jannine Williams
______________________________________________________________________
Jannine Williams
Co-ordinator for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Students
University of Northumbria
Student Services
Library Building
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
Telephone; 0191 227 3572
Textphone; 0191 222 1051
Fax; 0191 227 4553
also at;
Disability Unit
University of Newcastle
Robinson Library
Room 201
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2
Telephone; 0191 222 7623
Textphone; 0191 222 5545
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