When choosing the most important thing is determining the right fit for your needs and lifestyle, and you'll need expert help to do this.
Private hearing aids can cost thousands of pounds. Free NHS hearing aids are also available to those who qualify for them and, contrary to popular misconceptions, going down this route doesn't mean being lumped with old-fashioned tech.
We've pulled together the top tips you need to know when you're getting started with hearing aids, based on decades of independent research by Which? into the hearing aids market.
Eat well, live better and stay healthy -1. Hearing aids can really impact your health
2. Who you buy from matters
Many people naturally focus on the type of hearing aid they want, whether for cost reasons or a desire to have a discreet hearing aid.
But more than slick-looking tech, who you buy from is crucial to the overall success of your hearing aids.
You can splash out for bells and whistles, but it won't mean anything if your hearing aids aren't expertly fitted and fine-tuned properly to work for you.
You'll likely need repeat visits to tweak your hearing aids to get the best results, so having a good audiologist (and a good package that covers additional costs and visits if you're buying privately), is important.
3. You may be able to get free NHS hearing aids
If you are referred by your GP and a hearing test shows you need hearing aids, you can get them for free via the NHS.
This is no small benefit if you consider there are ongoing aftercare and maintenance costs, and you're likely to need to replace your hearing aids every three to five years.
The NHS offers patients the same hearing aid brands that are available privately, just not the very latest models. You will, however, typically have more choice of types if you buy privately, and you'll likely get seen more quickly.
The Any Qualified Provider (AQP) scheme means that in some areas of England you can use high street retailers to get your NHS-funded hearing aids (usually Specsavers or Scrivens). You’ll still be an NHS patient, so you’ll get free after-care too.
4. Prices can vary by thousands
We've compared prices for different types of hearing aid (from basic to complex) and found that prices can vary significantly by retailer.
For example, prices for a pair of hearing aids suitable for noisier and more challenging environments (such as restaurants) can differ between £2,500 and £4,500 at different high street retailers – a difference of £2,000.
Although it's possible to buy hearing aids for as little as £500, most people who buy privately pay more – about £2,700 on average for a pair.
5. Cheap 'hearing aids' aren't what you think they are
You may have seen cheap hearing aid-style devices called 'hearing amplifiers' on sale in pharmacies and online for around £20, including medically approved devices from well-known health companies such as Beurer and Kinetik Wellbeing.
But be warned – these are not the same thing. In fact, they cannot legally be marketed as hearing aids, and don’t require a hearing assessment or professional fitting.
Hearing amplifiers provide very basic sound amplification, but they don’t adjust the sound frequencies for your individual hearing loss.
6. Hearing aid aftercare is key
If you choose to buy privately, make sure you check what aftercare you'll be getting and what's bundled into the price, as this can differ considerably.
Some companies offer free batteries and wax traps for up to four years. But if these aren't included in your warranty, you could end up paying around £10 a month on spares.
Check too that the audiologist will be easy to contact, as you’ll need them for follow-ups – including adjustments or repairs – to get the best from your hearing aids and ensure that they're comfortable.
Ear wax build-up can be an issue for hearing aid users, and can make hearing aids whistle – or make getting an initial ear-mould difficult.
Private companies do offer services to remove troublesome ear wax, but check if initial and/or ongoing wax removal is included in the cost.
7. Hearing assistance gadgets can help, within reason
There's an increasing range of hi-tech options available to enhance sound in scenarios where you might struggle.
For example, wireless headphones that help you hear your TV better, or portable speakers that make the dialogue clearer and nearer.
Mainstream devices such as mobile phones and earbuds are also incorporating features to help with milder hearing loss, so you won't always have to buy an extra gadget.
However, unlike hearing aids, these gadgets aren’t designed to be worn continuously all day and are typically one size fits all. They don't replace hearing aids, so it's important to get your hearing tested and get the right solution for you if you're starting to experience hearing loss.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/7-things-you-should-know-about-buying-hearing-aids-aAAHH0U1Dx55