In 2003, when the Government gave £94 million to the NHS to up-date ENT departments throughout the country, I was asked to discuss with members of the local Deaf and Hard of Hearing groups, the literature that had been put together for advising the public about the introduction of Digital Hearing Aids. Later when I asked about a digital aid for myself, the doctor told me I would not receive one as I was too old (62) and it was too expensive. I wrote to the hospital and received an apology and a digital aid shortly after. About18 months later when my own doctor referred me to the local ENT Consultant for assessment for a cochlear implant, the same doctor gave me the same answers. This time the Consultant over-ruled him and I have now had the implant for 2 years. I think we are all aware of the post-code lottery that exists with funding, equipment and treatment within the NHS, but has anyone else experienced this type of attitude – rgr.keeling

Hello, Keeling,

It is most unfortunate that Britain has a postcode lottery at all! It is prevalent throughtout the country and looks like it will continue, unfortunately.

Am surprised you were initially turned down for and aid based on your age (thats terrible) but very glad that you now have an implant, and I assume your happy with it.

Most folk wait for a digital aid between 1/2 yrs. I waited a year, but as a result now have tinnitus in the left ear!

We can only do our best to lobby Parliament and try to make the country fairer with the same treatments etc for everyone, but local councils and PCT's make this a very difficult objective, but no harm trying eh?!