"Hearing Aid Repair Nightmare"

I'm 67 and deaf. I am an author and magician but even I could not imagine the nightmare of attempting to have my hearing aids repaired, following the transfer of audiology services to a NHS Care Provider, InHealth Ltd.

I have been trying, unsuccessfully, to get, InHealth Ltd to repair my hearing aids, something that was never a problem until they became my Audiology care provider.

I have met three of InHealth’s employees: the first at the DRI when upon arriving for an appointment for a hearing aid repair, I was greeted by someone who I felt knew less about hearing aids than my cat, and I do not own a cat. It became apparent that this person’s sole purpose was to arrange a hearing assessment and then said to me that once I had the hearing assessment they will decide whether my hearing aid is broken or not.

The second time I met this employee was in January 2010, at the Audiology clinic held at White Lion Square, Ilkeston. I heard once again this person telling everyone in the queue that they needed re-testing. I think the eight other people in the same queue all, like myself, left with, un-repaired hearing aids, and instructions to apply for re-testing.

Fortunately my hearing aid started working again off its own accord a few days later.

While spending a few days in Paris 12th – 16th February, both my hearing aids stopped working, possibly I think because of the subzero temperatures. I contacted InHealth and was delighted to hear that a technician would pay me a home visit.

I received a home visit by an audiologist, I think, I cannot be sure as his back-pack remained firmly closed and no attempt was made to repair my hearing aids, but booked me in, yes, you’ve guessed it, for a full hearing assessment, in Alfreton for March.

Alfreton is only an hour and a half away, by bus, all three of them to travel just twelve miles. Plus the return journey, three hours traveling in all. I think I might go 'Green' and go by car and save two hours, twenty minutes of traveling time.

In the meantime, I cannot hear, conversations, fire alarms or telephones, my wife has developed a soar throat caused by shouting in my ear, and I am having to cancel bookings for my services as a clown/magician.

Take my advice and do not become deaf in Derbyshire.