Hi all,
I'm joining this thread a little late, but it might be useful for some of you to check out the AssistIreland Irish Government website.
It has an entire section devoted to those who are deaf or hard of hearing and carries listings of product suppliers, information on products and services (i.e., personal amplification devices, listening devices and interestingly alert and signalling devices (i.e., door beacons, watches, doorbells, etc.)
The site does not endorse any particular product or supplies - nor does it carry information on individual prices of products. Instead, it's just a national list of those supplying assistive technologies and you contact the suppliers for more information, etc.
Just thought it might be useful - there are lots of items that can help make life easier for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have progressive medical conditions resulting in hearing loss, so you might find something of assistance.
http://www.assistireland.ie/index.asp?locID=361&docID=-1
Also, there are a number of voluntary and community organisations (i.e., Irish Hard of Hearing Society, Irish Deaf Society, etc.) who may be able to provide some recommendations on aural health practitioners and specialists in various parts of the country.
In addition, you might be interested to know that in addition to tax relief under the Treatment Benefit Scheme for hearing aids, you may also be able to claim tax relief on other aids and applies associated with a medical condition. Staff in your local tax office can advise. Just remember to have your PPS Number to hand in any dealing with them.
By the way, I have no association with the website listed above but it is an official Government site - providing a Lo-call information line at 1890 277 478 (Mon-Fri) and an e-mail service too.
CMCR.