David Thompson, Weston-Super-Mare replies: I would love to see a remote control included on hearing aids as standard, as most elderly people (the vast majority of hearing aid wearers) have problems operating the controls.

I also think hearing aids should be more visually attractive so that they become as acceptable to the public as wearing glasses. This would would help to overcome some of the stigma that is currently attached to them.

Eileen Gilbert replies: I have an NHS digital hearing aid in each ear and the batteries are constantly falling out when I remove them. If the hearing aids are not turned off, a whistling sound is heard by everyone around me, but not necessarily me! The other 'problem' which I'd like to get rectified is the condensation build-up in the tubes. Ladies of a certain age are possibly more prone to this than gentlemen!

Peter Kille, Louth replies: I think the overwhelming feeling is that current battery containers in hearing aids are a shambles. They must have been designed by someone who has never used hearing aids before and is trying to keep costs to the minimum. You need the sensitive fingers of a model-maker or jeweller to manipulate the off-switch.

The situation in my local area, Louth in Lincolnshire, has been made worse by our hospital's decision to issue A13-type batteries. These are smaller than the previous batteries issued by the hospital and, as a result, keep falling out.

A member in Edinburgh replies: There needs to be a simple way of opening the compartment without the battery falling out and an easier way to turn the volume up or down, such as a wheel that you can turn. It would also be great if the T-switch was controlled by an up/down lever. Maybe manufacturers could indicate lever positions by a sound to the wearer – such as a number of bleeps – and add an additional lever position for times when you only want to hear people close by, such as around a table.

I'd also like to have a warning sound when the battery needs replacing and improved ear-moulds, which could be removed, washed and replaced easily.

Finally, please, could someone design a hearing aid that does not produce a feedback whistle when the volume's high or when you put your hat on?

Natalie McMinn, Belfast replies (online submission): I thought David Thompson's idea of a remote control for hearing aids is excellent. Are any manufacturers currently working on this?

Older people might be more likely to use and value their hearing aids if they had a remote control, perhaps this could be paired with a completely in the ear model for easier fitting.

As far as younger people are concerned, I think the hearing aid industry needs to be revamped. Let's turn our hearing aids into hip fashion accessories (lots of colours and patterns) with a range of models for every hearing loss. Can we get some designer names on board? It certainly worked for the eye-wear industry!

Sherry Pugh, Bedford replies (online submission): One member commented on a remote control hearing aid, and were there any manufacturers working on this. My digital hearing aid comes with a remote control to turn up or down the volume as well as switching to a T loop, all at the press of a button on a small remote control that I actually keep in my bra! It's the new PHONAK micropower and is available in lots of different colours.