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Home ⟩ Hearing Health ⟩ NHS vs private hearing aids

NHS vs private hearing aids

Author thumbnail Laura James  |  Published 25 February 2021  | Updated 13 August 2024  | 6 mins read

A pair of hearing aids Oticon Opn in a charging doc on a bedside table.

It can be life-changing to find the right pair of hearing aids. There are so many options to suit all budgets and lifestyles. But making that choice can be daunting or confusing. When it comes to finding a pair of hearing aids, you have 2 options for providers – private or NHS. Each one has its own positives and drawbacks. 

Having the right information can empower you to make the best choice for you. In this article, we will review your options and compare the differences between choosing the NHS or going private to help you choose the best hearing aids for you. 

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

There are a number of differences between hearing aids provided by the NHS and those provided by private hearing care services.

Usually, the hearing aids offered by the NHS are the most affordable options as they are free and available to those who are eligible. Conversely, private hearing aids do cost money, however, they are offered with plenty of price ranges and finance packages to suit many different budgets. 

In terms of the technology on offer, the NHS options will be around 6-8 years behind the technology available privately – primarily consisting of Behind-the-ear (BTE) styles. Privately available options will typically be more advanced and allow for tailored fittings and personalised features that can greatly enhance your quality of life. 

Not only that but private providers can also offer additional services such as ongoing support, adjustments, and follow-up appointments much faster than the NHS can, where lengthy waiting lists are often the norm. 

Side view of an audiologist fitting a hearing aid in a patient's ear.

Comparing NHS and private hearing aids

When choosing between private and NHS hearing aids, many factors must be considered, including cost, technology and features, and aftercare. Your decision needs to be made to support you, your lifestyle, and your preferences.  

Cost

The biggest difference is the cost. When acquiring hearing aids through the NHS, your hearing aids are free. However, it’s important to note that any hearing aids received via the NHS are actually technically on loan and there might be fees to replace them if they become lost or damaged. 

Private hearing aids are not free, but most providers, such as The Hearing Care Partnership, offer different hearing aid prices and hearing aid payment plans to suit a wide range of budgets. 

Technology and features

Private hearing aids are much more likely to offer more advanced technology—think noise reduction, speech enhancement, and Bluetooth hearing aids for better connectivity—and a range of different styles, while NHS models tend to be limited to Behind-the-Ear models. 

The types of hearing aids available privately, including at THCP, include:

This diversity allows for a more tailored fit and discreet appearance, as well as more advanced features to improve your quality of life and suit your lifestyle and personal taste. 

Waiting times

Waiting times can be a crucial factor when considering your options for a hearing test and hearing aid fitting. Private hearing aid providers usually offer shorter waiting times – particularly appealing if you’re seeking an immediate solution.

When applying for hearing aids through the NHS, you can expect to wait for a while before you’re seen. The actual duration of the wait depends on multiple factors, such as your location and the demand for services in your area. In some cases, there will be a waiting list for both the initial hearing test and fittings.

Services

Your hearing aid process universally starts with a free hearing test. But that’s where the similarities between private and NHS hearing care stop. When you choose to go private, you can receive many additional services when you have hearing aids fitted. Tailored fittings, follow-up appointments, ongoing support, and adjustments are all services that private providers can offer you. 

Aftercare

When it comes to private hearing care, the service doesn’t end after your hearing aid fitting. At The Hearing Care Partnership, we have a whole host of aftercare options available, including:

  • Servicing every 6 months
  • Free batteries for up to 5 years (if battery powered)
  • Free follow-up appointments
  • Free warranty for 3 to 5 years
  • And complimentary ear wax removal.

On the NHS, your aftercare may look a bit more simple and follow-up appointments after your fitting are only booked if needed.

nhs-vs-private-hearing-aids

NHS hearing aids: pros and cons

Pros:

  • Free hearing tests
  • Free hearing aids for those eligible

Cons:

  • Model selection is limited
  • Longer wait times
  • Older technology available
  • More limited services available
  • Little-to-no aftercare
An audiologist performing a hearing assessment on a patient.

Private hearing aids: pros and cons

Pros:

  • Free hearing tests
  • Wide selection of models and styles including more discreet options
  • Less waiting than the NHS so you can get back to life
  • More advanced technology including noise reduction, speech enhancement, and Bluetooth connectivity
  • More services available
  • Lots of aftercare
  • Plenty of payment plans and finance options available

Cons:

  • Not free

At the end of the day, where you decide to go to begin your hearing aid journey is a deeply personal decision. But although the NHS is an accessible option to many, the care you will receive from a private provider such as The Hearing Care Partnership is second to none.

Here at THCP, we don’t offer NHS hearing aids. Instead, we’re proud to provide the highest levels of care and personal service so you can make the most of your hearing.

All hearing services from The Hearing Care Partnership are carried out by our fully qualified and registered Audiologists, who will really get to know you, your hearing and lifestyle as they will stay with you from your initial consultation throughout your hearing journey. From the moment you book your appointment, you’ll receive a perfectly personal service, offering the latest hearing technology alongside rigorous care and clinical excellence to ensure you are hearing clearly and comfortably throughout your life. This can all be done from your local THCP branch.

Book a free hearing test today Find your nearest THCP hearing centre

FAQs

The models of hearing aids offered by the NHS tend to be older (around 6-8 years behind private) and don’t offer some of the more advanced features that might help to offer a better quality of life. Private hearing aids have a wider range of models and features and might be the better choice for those wanting more discreet styles. 

No. The NHS typically only offers Behind-the-Ear (BTE) styles which, although more discreet nowadays than they once were, are not invisible styles. 

The length of the NHS waiting list will depend on how in-demand the services are in your area. If you are eager to begin your hearing care journey more swiftly, you might find that going private will give you faster results. 

Private hearing aids do cost money, and you will need to pay for them, but there are a wide range of price ranges and payment plan options available to suit most budgets.