"Hearing Difficulties"

I have been experiencing difficulties with my hearing for almost 5 years now.  I had a hearing test at Boots Chemist about 4 years ago and was informed there was some hearing loss and they could help with a hearing aid.  I cannot afford to purchase one.  I did an RNID on-line test in January 2024 and the test suggested I visit my GP ).  I did this and the GP immediately referred me to RAH Paisley. At the same time I mentioned an ongoing problem I have in one ear - itchiness. The GP prescribed an antibiotic ear spray without looking in my ear.  I have had a few repeat prescriptions over the past 18 months. 

I have not heard anything from the RAH and phoned the surgery a couple of months ago. They told me I have been referred and it could take 18 months or so to get an appointment. 

Since then I paid for a visit to an ear clinic and they cleared wax from my left ear, checked my right ear (which is the problem "itchy" one), no wax and they said no infection so I have not been using the spray there, but just olive oil. Having the wax removed did in fact make everything louder, including background noise which makes it even more difficult to hear what is going on. I find myself feeling quite isolated in a crowd as this is where it is more difficult to catch what is being said.  Sometimes only hearing a small portion of what is being said, or mishearing altogether and feeling embarrassed. 

I do attend a church service, and again feel I am missing out on what is being said.  I am in a choir and on a recent visit members were concerned about an alarm of some kind going off and I could not hear it at all.  I did consider going privately and when I enquired about the price range I was told that the lower price range (which I would have considered) might not be suitable for my type of hearing loss. 

I would add I am 74 years of age and have worked all my life and still paying tax. My concern is that I have fallen off the list somewhere and would like at least confirmation that I am in a system somewhere and perhaps an idea of when I could get an appointment.  I am willing to take a cancellation at short notice.