If you think you have hearing loss problems the first step is to visit your GP who will look at your medical history and carry out some initial hearing tests. If your GP thinks you will benefit from wearing a hearing aid they will refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) doctor at the hospital where you will also see an Audiologist who will perform further tests. The doctors will advise you whether they think you need medical treatment (for instance antibiotics for an ear infection) or whether a hearing aid is a suitable option.
Hearing aids are available free of charge on the NHS or you can opt to buy one privately. If you have hearing loss problems it is important to see your GP as soon as you can as, if you are offered an NHS aid, it may take several months until you can be fitted as waiting lists can be long.
After the various hearing tests have been carried out, the Audiologist will provide you with information on hearing aids to decide which type of hearing aid bests suits your hearing loss and lifestyle. NHS aids are available in a range of models to suit all hearing losses, including digital aids, but you may not always be able to choose the exact style of hearing aid as this will depend on its availability.
According to
NHS Direct the different types of hearing aid available free of charge on the NHS are:
- BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids
- Body-worn hearing aids
- Bone conduction aids
NHS BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids are the most commonly prescribed and are available with both analogue and digital technology. Over the last few years, modernisation of NHS Audiology services means that good quality digital aids are now increasingly available on the NHS, but as there is such a high demand there may be a long wait until you can be fitted with this type of hearing aid. The RNID (link) and NHS Direct (link) web sites offer up to date information as to which hospitals and clinics now offer digital hearing aids. Link – For more information on the benefits of digital hearing aids see section 8 of this guide.
Hearing aids that sit entirely within the ear or actually in the ear canal are not usually available on the NHS. Disposable hearing aids are also only available privately. However, NHS hearing aids are provided free of charge including spare parts, batteries and repairs if these become necessary. On average, hearing aids usually last around 5 years.
