NHS vs private hearing aid providers

Most people get their hearing aids free from the NHS, but you'll typically have more choice of designs privately.

That, or the prospect of getting seen more quickly, may be tempting, but is going private right for you, and how much will it cost?

We asked people who had recently got a hearing aid via the NHS or got hearing aids from a private provider about their experiences to help inform your choice. Our 2022 survey grilled them on how things had gone from start to finish, and asked them to rate their experience. 

Plus, we've got insights on hearing aid prices, types, choosing an audiologist and more to help you decide.

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NHS hearing aids vs private providers

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Hearing aid types explained - understand what your options are

Pros and cons of NHS hearing aids

The main benefit of NHS hearing aids is that they're free, as is all the associated aftercare. This is no small benefit if you consider you're likely to need to replace your hearing aids every three to five years. 

The drawbacks are a more limited range of options to choose from and that you may have to wait longer to get them.

Private providers will likely offer more choice of products and speedier access to an audiologist, but this can cost thousands. And it's not a one-off cost, you'll need to factor in replacement parts and aftercare too. 

If you're planning to buy hearing aids privately, make sure you know what you're getting. We compare what each company includes in its hearing aid prices and bundle, and what you can expect to pay for the latest models.

How do I get an NHS hearing aid?

The first step is to go to your GP, who will check your ears and rule out any temporary causes of hearing loss, such as a build up of wax or an infection, before referring you to a specialist. 

This will generally either be an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor or an audiologist.

The audiologist will assess your hearing to find the cause of your hearing loss before assessing your hearing aid needs.

Ear wax build up can cause temporary hearing loss; find out the safe ear wax removal methods and what to avoid

What is AQP and how does it work?

The Any Qualified Provider (AQP) scheme means that some local NHS hearing services in England can be delivered through private companies or charities, provided they meet NHS quality requirements, prices and contracts.

This depends on your local area and is only available if you have suspected age-related hearing loss with no other complications. In many areas you'll need to be aged 55 or older to qualify.

You’ll still be an NHS patient, so you’ll get a free service and hearing aids. 

If you’re not sure whether AQP applies in your area, speak to your GP and ask whether you have a choice over who provides your NHS audiology service. 

What hearing aids are available on the NHS?

The NHS provides the same hearing aid brands that are available privately. Digital models that can be set to accurately match your hearing loss are now issued as standard on the NHS.

Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, you may not have a choice in the type of hearing aid you get (whether private or NHS).

You’ll usually be given a behind-the-ear aid from the NHS - this was the most common outcome for our survey respondents.

Hearing aids and earmoulds come in a range of different colours, so it's worth asking what is available.

To understand the different models available, see our guide to hearing aid types.

How long does it take to get an NHS hearing aid?

You're likely to get your hearing aid more quickly by buying privately, but NHS services also have local targets to meet to try and minimise the wait.

In England, the maximum waiting time between GP referral and getting your hearing aids is 18 weeks. NHS England data from February 2020 shows that 95.6% of people were waiting less than 18 weeks from referral to treatment. The average (median) waiting time was just 3.5 weeks, though this may well have changed post-pandemic.

In Wales, the waiting time should be a maximum of 14 weeks from referral to treatment, in Scotland 18 weeks, and in Northern Ireland 22 weeks.

If you get a hearing aid from the NHS in England, it should be no more than 16 working days from referral to assessment, and another 20 days to fitting - ie 36 working days or seven weeks in total (some NHS trusts do allow a little longer, so check).

If you buy hearing aids privately, you'll usually get them within 10 to 20 days, depending on if you need anything custom made which can take a little longer. 

Does it matter if I have one hearing aid or two?

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on hearing loss, there is extensive evidence that fitting two hearing aids rather than one benefits people who have hearing loss in both ears.

The benefits include helping people identify which direction sound is coming from, and suppressing tinnitus.

So, do ask if you think you need two hearing aids but are only offered one.

Will I have more choice of hearing aids if I go private?

Yes, you will have a wider choice if you buy privately. The NHS doesn’t tend to provide in-the-ear (invisible) hearing aids, for example.

Don’t assume that you'll get a better-quality brand of hearing aid if you buy privately though, as the NHS buys from the same manufacturers - it just doesn't have the latest models.

Can I get hearing aids without seeing a GP first?

Yes - you don’t need a GP referral to buy hearing aids privately, but it’s a good idea to see your doctor first so you can rule out any other issues that might be causing hearing problems. 

Don't be tempted to just buy something off the shelf without seeing a professional first though. Cheap options you might see in pharmacies or online are typically just 'hearing amplifiers' and don't do the complex job hearing aids do. It's also important to rule out other issues and get personalised help for the best results.

Where can I buy hearing aids?

Big brand providers include Amplifon, Boots Hearing Care, Hidden Hearing and Specsavers Hearcare. There are also regional chains and independent specialists. 

If you do decide to get your hearing aids from a private provider, check our guide to the Best hearing aid providers first to see how each was rated by customers.

Buying hearing aids online

By law, online providers should offer you a hearing assessment, so don't buy hearing aids unless you've had a comprehensive one. Certainly don’t buy from an online marketplace or similar (where what you're likely to see on sale is a basic hearing amplifier, not a hearing aid).

Exercise caution. Make sure you ask what happens after you’ve got your hearing aids if you're experiencing issues. Some companies won’t offer the level of face-to-face contact and aftercare you’d get on the high street - things that make a real difference to how well you adapt to wearing hearing aids. 

If you struggle to get out and about, know that private and NHS hearing aid providers can usually organise a home visit for you instead.

Three things to do when choosing a private audiologist 

1. Check that the audiologist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and has the initials RHAD after their name. You can also look for the initials BSHAA, which means the private audiologist is a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists. Membership is voluntary, and to qualify audiologists have more rigorous requirements to meet, including extra professional development.
2. Check that the audiologist will be easy to contact, as you’ll need them for follow-ups, including adjustments or repairs. Some are only available on certain days or at certain times, while others run drop-in clinics.
3. Check what's bundled into the price you pay. For example, some companies offer free batteries and wax traps for up to four years, while you'll have to pay to get this from others. Money-back guarantee periods can vary quite considerably, too.

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