Issues over hearing aid

I refer to the article Almost half of UAE residents put off acting on hearing loss, study finds ( Feb- ruary 6). One way to solve this issue is to ensure all the new museums in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer induction loops for the service desks, videos and theatres.

As the saying goes, build it and they will come. Give people a reason to invest in hearing aids. Eliminate the stigma for hearing aids and cochlear implants by promoting hearing access similar to New York City. Janice Lintz, Dubai Your article omitted to mention the cost of hearing aids and hearing tests.

Following a five-minute hearing test at an Abu Dhabi hospital (approximate cost Dh1,000), I was offered a hearing aid that would cost me in the region of Dh25,000, of which only Dh5,000 would be covered by my insurance company.

Since I did not have Dh20,000 in ready cash, I declined. The audiologist then agreed that in effect I did not need this level of hearing aid – a lesser model costing Dh5,000 would serve my needs.

I was then referred to an out- side supplier, but since this was not listed by my insurance company, I would still have needed to pay Dh5,000 from own pocket.

My experience at two other clinics was identical. Patients who cannot or will not pay for the hospital- or clinic-supplied hearing aid are referred to outside suppliers recommended by the hospitals’ own medical personnel. The terms “exploitation” and “scam” come to mind. J Olearski, Abu Dhabi