Private Hearing Aids vs NHS Hearing Aids. What’s the difference?

Private Hearing Aids vs NHS

What's the difference between private hearing aids and NHS hearing aids?

Should I buy a hearing aid privately?

If you are wondering whether you should buy private hearing aids or not, our founder, Paul Harrison, along with our audiologists and audiology experts go through the pros and cons of both NHS hearing aids and private hearing aids.  We hope you find this information useful. 

Our findings are also backed up by the recent Which Report:  Best hearing aid providers.  This can be read here

Are private hearing aids better than the NHS?

Are private hearing aids any better than NHS?  Firstly, you must get any problems with your hearing checked out as soon as possible by your doctor. Even if you have already decided that you would prefer to buy hearing aids privately. 

Your GP or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can check your ear health and spot any treatable causes of your hearing loss such as infection or illness.

Hearing tests are provided free on the NHS which can not only work out the level of your hearing loss but also the cause behind it. Many private hearing aid dispensers also carry out free hearing tests but if you need treatment, you will need to see an ENT consultant.

Comparing private hearing aids and NHS hearing aids is always beneficial

A common dilemma most face, in this situation, is that due to the complexities, range, and hearing aid prices of the industry – they become more confused and exasperated before they even seek help.  Perhaps due to a lack of education or contradictory advice given along the way. 

Whatever the reason, we advise that you receive help from your doctor first who will discuss the NHS service. 

This is the first step into discovering what hearing aid options are available to you, before opting to go private.  Like with most things in life, it is always good to have comparisons, as only then will you gain from a second opinion and have the confidence to make the right decision for your hearing loss. 

You'll find yourself more confident in your decision-making if you compare NHS and private hearing aids.

Private hearing aids and healthcare are personal

The recent Which Report tells us that independent audiologists were rated 86%, by their patients, for the service they were provided, and the hearing aids purchased.  In our opinion, patients from independent practices tend to feel less like a ‘number’ and more valued and cared for. 

They are offered honest and unbiased advice that is bespoke to them and their hearing healthcare. 

We understand that there are a few factors that may influence your decision on whether to get hearing aids privately or through the NHS - everyone is different and what may be suitable for one person may not be right for another. 

Private Hearing Aids vs NHS Hearing Aids

The Waiting Game

NHS vs private hearing aid providers and dispensers 

Once you have decided to go ahead with hearing aids, are you prepared to wait, or would you rather have them sooner? The time it takes to wait for a fitting and get the mould or hearing aid made can vary between the NHS and private dispensers.

A private company can usually see you much quicker, within a week or two, for the initial test and creating a mould. Depending on the style of hearing aid you choose you could wait between one and three weeks for your digital hearing aid to be fitted.

Whilst the NHS is reducing their waiting times, you could still wait around six weeks for your hearing test and a further six weeks for them to be fitted. This will vary depending on which part of the country you live in.

Style revolutionised

Hearing aid style is one of the major factors in choosing a hearing device. Many people are put off getting hearing aids altogether because they remember hearing aids looking big, ugly, and cumbersome.  Over the years, misconceptions and stigmas about hearing aids have faded – due to people receiving a better education and the topic being more ‘talked about’. 

The main thing here is that the overall look and style of hearing aids have evolved and are now so discreet they are, in some cases, invisible.  People do not think twice when their eyesight dictates wearing glasses.

In fact, people wear them when they do not even need them!  A fashion statement of sorts.  Our attitudes have changed.

This may be due to modern, digital hearing aids being more discrete and much more powerful. The NHS provides Behind the Ear (BTE) styles, which have a small box behind the ear and a thin tube linking the box to the front of the ear.

Whilst many hearing aids use ear moulds, others can have an open fitting where the tube sits just inside the ear canal without an ear mould.  This style is more discrete and harder for others to see. It also lets air circulate within the ear canal. This style is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.

How good are private hearing aids?  What are the benefits of private hearing aids?

So, is going private with your hearing aids better than the NHS?  There are no limitations to the types of private hearing aids available.  Private hearing aid dispensers can offer the full range of hearing aids from Behind the Ear (BTE) and Receiver in Canal (RIC) styles.

These have a small case behind the ear, to styles that fit inside the ear canal and are nearly impossible to see. Other styles include full and half-shells which fit in the outer ear.

These all offer great sound quality although not all the Invisible in Canal (IIC) styles are suitable for more severe hearing losses. You will also be able to choose from a wider range of colours so that you can show off your hearing aid as an accessory or blend it with your hair and skin tone.  

Private Hearing Aids Cost UK

Are private hearing aids worth the cost?

NHS digital hearing aids

The NHS offers digital hearing aids which can be fine-tuned to your exact hearing loss. They have different program settings so that you can focus the microphones all around you or in front of you, making it easier to listen to people speaking when there is background noise. They also have a ‘t’ setting allowing you to use loop systems or Bluetooth sound streamers.

The range of technology on offer from private hearing aids can be overwhelming. They have a larger number of channels for sound processing and may have sound compression programs that alter the frequency of sound to bring it within your hearing range.

More microphones offer more choice of where to focus your listening whilst others can give a surround sound effect. Other programmes include speech recognition to enhance conversations, telephone listening programs, and features that assess your listening environment, and fine-tune the hearing aids to give you better clarity.

Wireless technology allows two hearing aids to work together so they are always in the same settings and you can use a remote control to change your program. Some hearing aids are compatible with Apple devices and you can stream sound from your iPhone, iPod, or iPad directly to your hearing aids.

Plus, Android users can now benefit from additional streaming features and more.

Does it all come down to cost in regard to private hearing aids?

The major factor when choosing hearing aids is the cost. There is no cost for NHS hearing aids or for follow-up appointments when you need them adjusted.  You can get replacement hearing aid batteries and tubing for free from your clinic, if you don’t want to go there, they can be posted to you.

Any problems with your hearing aid, if due to normal wear and tear, will be sorted out without any extra cost. You will also get a new hearing aid when your current one reaches the end of its life, which is usually five or six years. 

What many people are unaware of is that the NHS hearing aid you are provided with is only on loan and remains the property of the NHS. If it is lost or broken due to negligence you may be liable for the cost of replacement.

Private hearing aids cost in the UK

What is the price of private hearing aids?  The average cost of private hearing aids can vary between a few hundred pounds and a few thousand pounds, depending on the style and model you choose.  The more programs and features that you want, the more expensive they will be.

However, even those at the cheaper end are still very powerful and effective.  It all varies depending on the wants and needs of your hearing loss – and what you, as an individual, want from your aids. 

What will easily fit into your lifestyle?  What technology would you benefit from?  What hearing situation do you often find yourself in?  These are a few things you will need to ask yourself to determine the best hearing solution for you.

Find out what will be included in the cost of your hearing aids and be sure that you will use all the programs that you are paying for. Ask if the cost of follow-up appointments is included if you need your settings changed.

Find out about the cost of batteries and replacement tubing as well as any other equipment to keep your hearing aids working at their best.

Private Hearing Aids vs NHS Hearing Aids

Why do people with NHS hearing aids choose not to wear them?

The statistics of NHS hearing aid wearers

They say that 1 in 5 people in the UK who currently have NHS hearing aids decide not to wear them.  This is said to have something to do with ongoing technical problems or the wearer not seeing an improvement in their hearing when they are worn. 

With hearing loss being a huge sensory challenge globally, which affects 1 in 6 people in the UK (around 10 million people), this is rather a worrying statistic indeed.

People who need hearing solutions and don't use them are increasing their risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline.  Hearing aids make a huge impact on the quality of life for those with a hearing impairment and help reduce this risk - they are the most successful form of treatment and rehabilitation.

Those who don't wear their hearing aids provided by the NHS could be due to a number of reasons.  One is, the lack of knowledge of the device itself - this can deter people from using them properly or not using them at all. 

Hearing aid maintenance and management is key when they are dispensed.  It is important to know as much about the device itself to get the most out of your hearing aids and for them to improve your unique hearing loss. 

Level of technology and aftercare

Another reason could be that the low level of technology within the NHS hearing aid device can result in limitations to your hearing and connectivity.  Connectivity and modern hearing aid features are classed as high priority to many consumers and this is one of the main reasons why people look to private hearing health care. 

Wearers might not like the shape or style, as the NHS can only provide a basic list of models, due to the cost of the hearing aid itself and budget restrictions. 

Finally, there may be a need for a more structured and beneficial plan with follow-up appointments, maintenance checks, and future monitoring with the patient and NHS.  Aftercare is just as important as the original diagnosis itself. 

You and your hearing loss needs can alter over time and your hearing abilities must be checked regularly so that your hearing aids are working to their full potential.  The right hearing aid and aftercare will give you the right knowledge to understand your device and the confidence to wear it every day.

NHS Hearing Aids Compared to Private Hearing Aids

A quick reference of the pros and cons of NHS hearing aids

NHS hearing aids PROS:

1. NHS hearing aids come at no cost.
2. The NHS offers free follow-up appointments, which include batteries and any repairs you need.
3. There are some NHS drop-in clinics in some areas for your NHS hearing aids and hearing healthcare.  In addition, home visits can be arranged, but this again can vary on the area.
4. Digital hearing aids come as standard from the NHS.

NHS hearing aids CONS:

1. The NHS can't provide much choice when it comes to hearing aid devices.
2. You will be charged if you lose your hearing aids.
3. There is a longer waiting time from being initially seen by an NHS audiologist to receiving the right treatment for your hearing loss.

Private hearing aids versus NHS hearing aids conclusion

Yes, the style of NHS hearing aids has altered over the years and now all hearing aids dispensed by the NHS are digital and include some level of technology.  However, this technology is just as limiting as the shape choices available to you. 

We, at Hearing Aid UK, understand that buying a hearing aid is a reasonable investment.  But an investment that enriches our lives.

People are now acknowledging that hearing is important and that finding a hearing solution gives us the best quality of life – like wearing glasses.  There are innovative designs out there that promote style, and positivity and open doors for hearing loss.  How we talk, see, and think about hearing aids has changed.   

It is an exciting age for hearing aid technology and design, offering us more options and accessibility than ever before.  Whether you choose to go with the NHS or private, finding the right hearing solution for your unique hearing loss is what is most important.

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