Is this the best hearing aid model for me?

If you are looking at this page then it is likely that an audiologist has suggested that you purchase this particular hearing aid, so is this the best model for you? In general, any audiologist will always recommend to you the model that best suits your needs. Here is a useful checklist to make sure that is the case. Audiologist level of knowledge: The audiologist you have seen will hopefully have a wide knowledge of all available hearing aids, however, some will only be familiar with a small number of brands and therefore may not really be in a position to know which model is the best for you. It is OK to challenge their recommendation and ask them to justify why this particular brand is the one for you. Do research: Read about the hearing aid that was recommended. Does it seem like it will suit your lifestyle? Does it have more or fewer features than you need? Be aware of sales targets: Many high street retailers have specific tie-ins to a particular manufacturer/brand. The hearing aid they have suggested may still be the correct one for you, but do your research so that you know why they might have recommended it. If in doubt, feel free to give us a call. That's what we're here for. In the meantime, read all about our review of the best hearing aids for 2025 here

Do I need one hearing aid or two?

If you have significant hearing loss in both ears, you should be wearing two hearing aids. Here are the audiological reasons why: Localisation: The brain decodes information from both ears and compares and contrasts them. By analysing the minuscule time delays as well as the difference in the loudness of each sound reaching the ears, the person is able to accurately locate a sound source. Simply put, if you have better hearing on one side than the other, you can't accurately tell what direction sounds are coming from. Less amplification is required: A phenomenon known as “binaural summation” means that the hearing aids can be set at a lower and more natural volume setting than if you wore only one hearing aid. Head shadow effect: High frequencies, the part of your hearing that gives clarity and meaning to speech sounds, cannot bend around your head. Only low frequencies can. Therefore if someone is talking on your unaided side you are likely to hear that they are speaking, but be unable to tell what they have said. Noise reduction: The brain has its own built-in noise reduction which is only really effective when it is receiving information from both ears. If only one ear is aided, even with the best hearing aid in the world, it will be difficult for you to hear in background noise as your brain is trying to retain all of the sounds (including background noise) rather than filtering it out. Sound quality: We are designed to hear in stereo. Only hearing from one side sounds a lot less natural to us. Fancy some further reading on this topic? You can read about why two hearing aids are better than one in our article, h earing aids for both ears , here

What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

For most people, the main benefit of a rechargeable hearing aid is simple convenience. We are used to plugging in our phones and other devices overnight for them to charge up. Here are some other pros and cons: For anybody with poor dexterity or issues with their fingers, having a rechargeable aid makes a huge difference as normal hearing aid batteries are quite small and some people find them fiddly to change. One downside is that if you forget to charge your hearing aid, then it is a problem that can't be instantly fixed. For most a 30-minute charge will get you at least two or three hours of hearing, but if you are the type of person who is likely to forget to plug them in regularly then you're probably better off with standard batteries. Rechargeable aids are also a little bit bigger and are only available in Behind the Ear models. Finally, just like with a mobile phone, the amount of charge you get on day one is not going to be the same as you get a few years down the line. Be sure to ask what the policy is with the manufacturer warranty when it comes to replacing the battery. Looking for more information on rechargeable hearing aids? Read our dedicated page on the topic here

Are behind the ear aids better than in the ear aids?

For most people, the answer is yes. But it's never that simple. The majority of hearing problems affect the high frequencies a lot more than the low ones. Therefore open fitting hearing aids sound a lot more natural and ones that block your ears up can make your own voice sound like you are talking with your head in a bucket. Therefore in-ear aids tend to be less natural. However the true answer is we can't tell until we have had a look in your ears to assess the size of your ear canal, and until we have tested your hearing to see which frequencies are being affected. People with wider ear canals tend to have more flexibility, also there are open fitting modular CIC hearing aids now that do not block your ears. There is also the age old rule to consider, that a hearing aid will not help you if it's sat in the drawer gathering dust. If the only hearing aid you would be happy wearing is one that people can't see, then that's what you should get. Most people can adapt to any type of hearing aid, as long as they know what to expect. Have an honest conversation with your audiologist as to what your needs are.

What are channels, and how many do I need?

Generally speaking, six or more. Unless it's none at all. The number of channels a hearing aid has is often a simplistic way an audiologist will use to explain why one hearing aid is better than another, but channels are complex and it is really not that straightforward. Here are some reasons why: Hearing aids amplify sounds of different frequencies by different amounts. Most people have lost more high frequencies than low and therefore need more amplification in the high frequencies. The range of sounds you hear are split into frequency bands or channels and the hearing aids are set to provide the right amount of hearing at each frequency level. Less than six channels and this cannot be done with much accuracy, so six is the magic number. However, a six channel aid is typically very basic with few other features and is suitable only for hearing a single speaker in a quiet room. The number of channels is not what you should be looking at, it's more the rest of the technology that comes with them. As a final note, different manufacturers have different approaches. One method is not necessarily better than any other. For example, some manufacturers have as many as 64 channels in their top aids. Most tend to have between 17 and 20. One m anufacturer has no channels at all.

Where can I get the hearing aids covered?

Hearing aids are easily lost, misplaced or damaged and typically are one of the most expensive personal possessions an individual can own. We offer hearing aid warranty coverage for £80 per year per aid. Find out more about this service we provide here

How much does the hearing test cost?

All our audiologists use the very latest technology and provide the full range of tests to accurately measure your hearing for free. Find out about what hearing healthcare services we offer all our customers here

Do home visits cost extra?

Hearing Aid UK offers all their customers free home visiting services, even in a care home environment, for no extra cost. Including hearing tests, fittings, maintenance, check-ups and much more in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. Find out more information about our home visits here

How come you're much cheaper than other places?

Here, at Hearing Aid UK, we are dedicated to offering low hearing aid prices. We achieve this by having no head office and low marketing costs. Our hearing aid prices are amongst the lowest you will find anywhere in the world. Explore our prices, brands, and models here

I keep turning up the volume on the TV

I Keep Turning Up the Volume on the TV

Do I Have Hearing Loss?

Have you found yourself frequently reaching for the remote, sliding up the TV volume until your family starts getting frustrated and commenting that it’s too loud? Perhaps you’re struggling to follow dialogue in your favourite programmes or finding background noise makes things harder to hear.

If that sounds familiar, it could be more than just wanting loud sounds, it may be an early sign of hearing loss. Let’s take a closer look at what might be happening and when it’s time to take action.

Is it the TV or my hearing?

While everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to sound, a consistent need to increase the volume, especially if others with you are comfortable at lower levels, can indicate there might be an issue. You might blame poor sound quality, unclear speech, or even assume actors are mumbling more than they used to.

However, the real issue could be that your ears are no longer picking up certain frequencies as clearly as they once did, making speech harder to follow, especially when there’s background music or sound effects thrown into the mix.

Some common signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss typically develops gradually, which means it can go unnoticed for quite some time. Often, it’s family members or close friends who notice the change first. Turning up the television is just one potential sign of hearing loss. Others to be aware of include:

Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings.
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves, even in quiet settings.
Struggling to hear everyday sounds, such as the doorbell, phone ringing, or birdsong.
Experiencing tinnitus, a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears.
Feeling tired or mentally drained after social interactions, due to the effort needed to listen and understand.

Related reading: I find it hard to hear in noisy places

What causes hearing loss?

There are several possible causes, with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) being the most common. This usually affects people over the age of 50, although it can begin earlier for some. It’s typically the result of natural wear and tear on the tiny sensory cells in the inner ear responsible for processing sound.

Prolonged exposure to loud noise – whether through work, concerts, power tools, or personal audio devices – is another common cause. Others include ear infections, a buildup of wax, certain medications, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Related reading: Hearing loss types

What to do if you're concerned about how well you're hearing

If any of the above sounds familiar, it’s worth having your hearing professionally checked. In the UK, hearing tests are available free of charge at many high street providers and can also be arranged through your local GP with the NHS.

The test itself is simple and non-invasive, and the results will give you a clear picture of your hearing health. If hearing loss is detected, a specialist can explain your options and help you decide what steps, if any, to take next.

A hearing test is simply the first step towards understanding what’s going on. You won’t be pressured into making any decisions, and you’ll have the chance to explore your options in your own time.

Until then, there are helpful tools and strategies you can try – from using subtitles and volume-adjusting TV devices to choosing quieter places for social gatherings. These small changes can make a big difference while you consider your next steps.

Related reading: Private vs NHS hearing aids and care

How can we help you?

If you’re finding yourself having to constantly turn up the volume on your TV, it’s a smart idea to get your hearing checked by a professional audiologist. We offer free hearing assessments, either in a clinic or from the comfort of your own home.

If you already wear hearing aids but are still having trouble, your hearing may have changed. A re-test or re-programming with your own audiologist could make all the difference.

The importance of early action

Many people put off addressing hearing issues, often due to stigma or concerns about wearing hearing aids. However, early intervention can make a significant difference.

Modern hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and highly advanced, often featuring features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and directional microphones to help you focus on the sounds you want to hear.

Most importantly, they can restore clarity to conversations, reduce listening fatigue, and improve your overall quality of life. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, increased risk of depression, and even cognitive decline. By addressing it early, you can maintain strong connections with the people and world around you.

Do you keep having to turn up the volume on your TV?

Don't turn up the TV, get your hearing tested

If you’re consistently turning up the television and noticing other signs that things aren’t as clear as they used to be, it’s worth having your hearing checked.

Hearing loss is more common than many people realise, and support is readily available. A professional audiology assessment can provide clarity and open the door to solutions that help you hear your best. There’s no harm in checking, and potentially a great deal to gain.

I keep having to turn up the volume on the TV. Do I have hearing loss?