Have a hearing test first: especially if has been a while since your last one. Your hearing may have deteriorated or your hearing aid may need adjusting - ask for a repair appointment at audiology . Hearing aids available on the NHS have improved greatly and keep up with the latest tech - often being just one or two models behind.
Finding the right equipment can make a huge difference to your quality of life. It is important to find something that works well for you so take time to talk to experts. Deaflink has a small amount of demonstration equipment and can also refer you to suppliers able to discuss your needs
Before buying equipment find out what your local authority can provide, some items are free of charge.
Newcastle City Council
- Email: scd@newcastle.gov.uk
- or call: 0191 278 8100
Newcastle currently offer some equipment free of charge to people with a hearing loss. Please contact to arrange an assessment.
Gateshead Council
- Website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/9972/Contact-Adult-Social-Care:
- Text: 07860781832
- Phone 0191 4337033
North Tyneside Council
- Email AssisstiveTechnology@northtyneside.gov.uk
- Phone 03303337475
Doorbells and loop systems must be referred via the Gateway team. You need to have had a hearing test within last 2 years
- Gateway Phone: 0191 643 2777
- Email: Gateway.Duty@northtyneside.gov.uk
South Tyneside Council
- Email: adultsocialcare.initialcontactteam@southtyneside.gcsx.gov.uk
- Phone: 01914246000
Northumberland Council
Sunderland Council
- To access equipment they ask you to complete an online adult needs assessment form https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/15014/Adults-needs-assessment
- If you are already known to them or cannot manage online forms then phone 0191 520 5552
Specialist Equipment Suppliers
If you decide to buy equipment ask if you can try it first, most suppliers offer a money back period if the equipment turns out not to be suitable for your needs.
Suppliers include:
Sarabec
- Telephone 01642 247789
- Email mail@sarabec.co.uk
- Web https://www.sarabec.com/
Connevans
- Telephone 01737 247571
- Email info@connevans.com
- Web https://www.connevans.co.uk/
Hearing Products International
- Telephone: +44 (0) 161 480 8003
- Email info@hear4you.com
- Web https://www.hear4you.com/shop/
Gordon Morris
- Telephone 01458 272121
- Email info@gordonmorris.co.uk
- Web https://gordonmorris.co.uk/