Help me get the hearing aids I need to change my life

TLDR: Not eligible for NHS hearing aids despite being profoundly deaf for 21 years. I’ve seen a private audiologist and found out I can, in fact, get hearing aids. But you know how it goes, going private is expensive and I don’t have the £££.

Hello, I'm Bri, and here's my long story... I have been profoundly deaf since age 8 after having bacterial meningitis. I’m 29 next week, so I’ve been living with deafness for 21 years. My parents were told back in 2003 there was nothing that could be done for my hearing loss (no hearing devices / cochlear implant, etc.) and I’ve lived my childhood and early adulthood thinking no different.

As I’ve grown up, the severe impact of my deafness is evident. Socialising is a no-go. Loud environments, such as pubs, restaurants, bars, shops — basically everywhere — are impossible to hear in. You have no idea how many times someone has had to pull me out of the way of a cyclist ringing his bell because I’m in their way… You get the drift. My deafness is profound and is severely affecting my everyday life.

In March this year, I booked a free hearing test at Boots. The audiologist couldn’t believe I hadn’t been given any support for my hearing loss and strongly recommended referring me to my local hospital audiology department for further assessment and solutions.

After a nine month wait, the NHS audiology department told me there is nothing they can do for me, which was absolutely gutting as I’d been researching hearing aids while I waited for my appointment and felt excited at the prospect of being able to hear.

Feeling let down by the NHS, I booked a free consultation at a private audiology clinic this week. The audiologist at Boots in March had suggested CROS Hearing Aids. In my private consultation, it turns out I can use the CROS hearing system and benefit from it.

I even got to test them out in the clinic!!! I left the clinic very, very emotional after being able to hear the audiologist SO clearly; I didn’t have to look at his face while he spoke to me, which I have to do when I speak to anyone in everyday life. If I can’t see your mouth or you’re not speaking in my direction, I will have no idea what you’re saying.

I know these CROS hearing aids will change my life immensely and since trying them yesterday, I haven’t stopped thinking about the possibilities. I will be able to socialise again. I’ll be able to meet new people. I might even be able to go on dates lol…

But here’s where I need your help. I’ve received a basic quote of around £2,800 for the hearing aids I need. These are the entry level devices, there are other tiers with more features. These aren’t available on the NHS and I do not have that kind of money floating about. I’m currently unemployed, so using the clinic’s payment plans is not an option either.

These hearing aids are COOL af. They’re wireless, small, and rechargeable. They connect to your phone via an app and there are so many cool features. I’ll be able to not only hear what anyone and everyone is saying around me clearly but also use the devices for phone calls, listening to music, and even watching TV, etc.

I know it’s Christmas very soon and money is tight for most people lately, but if you can donate even £5 towards my goal, I’ll be forever grateful.