How Can I Get A Hearing Aid?

To choose a hearing aid, the degree of hearing loss and word discrimination scores are measured first. You can visit our centre for a free hearing test.

What you need to get a hearing aid:

• A hearing test from a state hospital
• A prescription from a doctor
• A report stating that you are eligible for a hearing aid

The device should address the problems caused by your hearing loss and meet your communication needs. So try the recommended devices and decide which one suits you. You can find the addresses and phone numbers of centres that supply hearing aids on the websites of the provincial health directorates, and you can buy your device from any hearing centre licensed by the Ministry of Health.

The list of hearing centres that the Ministry of Health sends to the provincial health directorates should be posted in a visible place in hospitals and health institutions authorised to issue reports. People who are eligible for a device after their examination can use these lists.

Try the hearing aid at the centre before buying

You will use your hearing aid for many years, so a careful trial is needed before you buy. Take your audiometry results to the centre, try the devices there and then decide. Once a suitable device is chosen, an ear mould impression is taken. When this is done, you are given an appointment to try the finished device. At the first appointment the initial settings are made and the real ear measurement test is carried out.

At the centre, trained staff explain in detail how to use the device, and you practise each step yourself. This includes:

• How to put the device in and take it out
• How to insert the battery
• Daily and regular cleaning methods

When everything is complete, the centre gives you a schedule of regular check-ups. Follow this schedule. If a problem with the device comes up during use, tell the centre without delay. The key point when getting a hearing aid is that it is chosen carefully, after a trial. A person who chooses well and keeps up with check-ups can use their device comfortably for many years.

Report and SGK contribution

For the health institution to pay for the device, you need a medical board report approved by specialist doctors, stating that a hearing aid is required. The report must also be signed by an ear, nose and throat specialist. The report must state whether the device is to be analogue or digital. If a digital device is recommended, the report must also state why an analogue device was not recommended.

If devices are needed for both ears, it is not enough for the report to say that the hearing loss affects both ears. The report must include the statement "the patient should use a device for the hearing loss in both ears". The SGK (Turkey's Social Security Institution) contribution for hearing aids is renewed every 5 years. If you need a new device before this period ends, you can buy one by paying the cost yourself.

If you would like to know how to get a hearing aid and what it costs, contact us.

Related pages: Free hearing test, Hearing aids with SGK, Hearing aid prices.