Done right, they can make a huge difference to your everyday life, but poor choices could mean thousands of pounds wasted on ineffective aids that gather dust in a drawer.
In October 2024, we asked 325 Which? members who have hearing aids what they wish they'd known before buying, and asked hearing aid experts for tips, to help you avoid common issues.
1. ‘I wish I’d listened to comments from others rather than insisting my hearing was OK!’
Nearly a third of respondents to our survey told us they wished they'd had their hearing tested sooner, with one saying: ‘Adopt hearing aids as soon as your hearing deteriorates: they are transformative.’
If you’ve noticed you’re struggling to hear when out with friends, or you're turning the TV up louder than comfortable for your relatives, ask your GP to refer you for an NHS hearing test, or get one privately at a high street audiologist.
Research shows using hearing aids are good for your brain too, appearing to slow down mental decline for those with hearing loss who are at higher risk of dementia, such as people with cardiovascular disease.
2. ‘NHS hearing aids are the same as expensive commercial ones and are free.’
If your NHS audiology assessment shows you need hearing aids, you’ll get exactly the same hearing aid brands that are available privately. They just won’t be the very latest models (think ‘last year’s model’ as you would if buying a car, typically mid-range options).
The biggest difference is likely to be the range of hearing aids you’re offered: you're more likely to be offered behind-the-ear options on the NHS, although these are much smaller and more subtle these days.
3. 'Shop around. I saved almost two thirds of the price quoted by a well-known high street practice.'
If you do decide to buy privately from a chain such as Amplifon, Boots Hearingcare, Hidden Hearing, Scrivens, Specsavers or an independent, you might be surprised by how much prices differ.
We've analysed prices for different types of hearing aid between retailers and seen prices differ by as much as £2,000 for the same product.
Nearly one in five private hearing aid users in our survey told us they’d advise others to shop around.
4. ‘Aftersales support is so important. There is a big difference in the quality and availability of support from different providers.’
People often fixate on having the best-looking hearing aids or the cheapest price, but who you buy from is crucial for a good experience.
Check what's bundled into the price you pay. For example, some companies offer free batteries and wax traps for up to four years, but you'll have to pay to get this from others. Money-back guarantee periods can vary quite considerably, too.
Check what happens after you’ve got your hearing aids, as you may well need adjustments or repairs on repeat visits. Some companies are only available on certain days or at certain times, while others run drop-in clinics.
5. 'I would see if there were any hearing aids impervious to my dog’s jaws. She wrote off both my private aids and then my NHS ones.’
It’s no joke if you lose one or both of your hearing aids, as you may well have to pay for replacements, and they don't come cheap.
You can buy bespoke hearing aid insurance, but check your home contents insurance and personal possessions cover, as hearing aids are usually included (the latter covers them when you're away from your home).
If you have hearing aids, it's worth double-checking when renewing or buying cover, as in a few cases you may need to specify them: this means individually adding them to the policy.
- we reveal the providers trusted by their customers6. 'My hearing aids have lots of functionality which I do not understand'
One in five (21%) of our private hearing aid users said they’d pay extra for hearing aids with better tech or more features. But it’s also important to make sure you’re making use of the tech you’ve got.
Most hearing aids are wireless and can talk to each other and connect wirelessly to devices such as landlines, laptops or smartphones.
They typically also have Bluetooth built in to connect or ‘pair’ your aids to those devices and change settings via an app.
Your audiologist should advise on the features that might suit you, based on your individual needs and level of hearing loss, and help you set up the tech to use them optimally.
If you're unsure, ask them so you can get the most from your hearing aids.
7. 'Find out more about other devices you can use with them (including to help hear the TV or phone).'
It’s easy to think that getting a better hearing aid experience is about paying more for bells and whistles.
But another thing to consider is additional tech or devices. A pair of hearing aids with more basic functionality could be used with a portable microphone (or ‘spouse mic’) which can be placed near to what you’re listening to, such as the TV or another person.
Audiologist Louise Overton advises: 'Before your initial consultation, think about where you struggle to hear and what you would like to hear better. This will help the audiologist recommend the best options and manage expectations.'
8. ‘Go back to the audiologist/clinic to sort out any problems sooner.’
It usually takes people about a month to adjust to wearing hearing aids.
Learning how to handle your hearing aids, such as putting them in your ears and changing the batteries, can also take some time. Your audiologist should explain hearing-aid maintenance, what your aids can and can’t do, and give advice on how to get used to them.
A common issue is the sound not being right - for example, hearing too much background noise. If this is the case, it could be that they're not set up properly, and you should ask your audiologist to adjust them.
The key here is not to struggle on or consign them to a drawer. Book an appointment to make sure your hearing aids are working for you, so you can get the most from them.
9. ‘Educating those around me that hearing aids do not make my hearing perfect.'
Hearing aids can make a difference, but they aren't perfect, and it helps if those around you understand the impact and make adjustments too.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) told us there's plenty people can do to help those with hearing loss. It advises thinking of ways to make communication easier, such as getting someone's attention before speaking, and speaking directly to them instead of speaking while facing elsewhere.
10. ‘I wish I had taken more care to protect my hearing.’
Exposure to loud noise is the second-biggest cause of hearing loss (after changes to the inner ear that happen as we age).
Noise-induced hearing loss can be because of a single very loud sound or repeated loud noise over time.
This could include being in a noisy environment such as a workplace or music venue, or listening to loud music on headphones.
Prevent noise-induced hearing loss by using ear protection when noise levels are around 85dB and over.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/10-tips-from-hearing-aid-users-you-need-to-know-azYpe8i6renj