A SAVVY shopper has praised a bargain £10 hearing amplifier from Lidl, claiming it has worked “wonders” for her hearing loss.
Nanci Martins spotted the product in the supermarket’s Milton Keynes branch on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old sales manager started losing her hearing in 2010 and got her first set of hearing aids in 2015.
She purchased the amplifier to use as a last resort in case one of her hearing aids became faulty but admits she has been left impressed with the quality.
Nanci shared her find to social media to let others know of the bargain buy but was met with a host of negative responses from unconvinced Brits.
Nanci has a condition called otosclerosis, caused by a tiny bone inside the ear fusing to other parts of the ear, preventing the ear drum from vibrating.
As well as hearing loss, it can cause tinnitus and dizziness.
Her doctor told her there was no definite cause for her condition, and recommended hearing aids.
After a difficult period without one of her hearing aids for two weeks when she had to send it away for repair, Nanci was intrigued when she picked up the amplifiers in Lidl.
Although initially skeptical due to the low price, Nanci – who is Brazilian and claims people in the South American country face long waiting times and high charges for hearing aids – found it was very effective, despite her hearing loss being quite significant.
Amplifiers work differently to hearing aids in that they make all sounds louder, rather than the specific sounds and frequencies a wearer struggles to hear.
Generally, they are not recommended as a substitute for hearing aids.
Lidl’s amplifier appears similar to a hearing aid, with familiar coloured material and a tube inserted into the ear, although it is larger.
The box reads: “Hearing amplifier for adults. Ideal for restricted hearing ability.”
Nanci shared a snap of the product to social media on Tuesday with the caption: “Lidl is selling hearing amplifiers. I’m speechless. £10.”
It has since received over 320 likes and more than 710 comments from Brits quick to share their thoughts.
One said: “Will be absolutely pointless, will literally just make everything louder which is not helpful.
“NHS hearing aids are so advanced now with Bluetooth and sound management.”
Another agreed: “Or, you could get an appointment with an audiologist and, if you need a hearing aid, get a proper one from the NHS.
“This sort of thing could well damage your hearing.”
A third wrote: “Sadly with the situation with getting assistance on the NHS for many this will be incredibly helpful.
“But what has happened that the basics of dental, sight and hearing that used to be the basics are now once again only for those who can afford it.”
A fourth commented: “Unfortunately a lot of people won’t get them or have to jump through a lot of hoops to get them. I couldn’t get one.
“I did get a Roger Pen, sort of like this, but it’s not as good for being on the go. So I’ll be getting one if I see one.”
Another added: “I bought one for a relative as a joke and actually they have made an appointment to go and get his ears tested as it made a hell of a difference.”
Speaking today, Nanci said: “[I] Never had a spare one to be honest and when I saw it just for £10 I thought it could help me if I needed, so I bought it.
“It really works well as my hearing loss is quite bad. I can definitely tell it works wonders.
“Not long ago I needed to send mine away to be fixed, and they don’t fix it in the UK so I sent one of them and was half deaf for two weeks. It was a nightmare to go work without it.
“A hearing aid in Brazil costs a lot and that’s why I am speechless. It could really help lots of people to hear something while waiting for their proper ones.
“People are in the queue for long periods waiting for their chance to get one. Can you imagine if people there can have access to it? It would be amazing.”
Speaking today, a spokesperson for Lidl said: “At Lidl, we’re committed to providing affordable, quality products, with safety and quality being our top priority.
“Every item we sell complies with all relevant regulations, and where required, holds the necessary certifications, ensuring our customers can shop with confidence.”
