NHS Aids Vs Private Aids

We are often asked about the difference between Private hearing aids vs NHS Hearing Aids.

Having worked in the NHS and private. Our experience has been that NHS hearing aids and private aids are NOT the same. As NHS Audiologists we often thought all hearing aids were equal. It wasn't until working with private hearing aids that we learnt that there was a significant difference between NHS and private hearing aids.

There are a number of variables that can tilt either private or NHS aids in better favour than the other. Accessibility of service - how often can you see your audiologist and how quickly? The price of hearing aids,  The variety of choice, personalised fittings  are commonly cited variables.  We want to share some other reasons below.

Release Dates

Hearing aids are often released in the private market 1st, and years after eventually accepted and signed onto the NHS. Postcodes can often influence how quickly new hearing aids are signed onto the NHS. Currently in 2025 there are some NHS Trusts still not providing rechargeable hearing aids. Some only providing unilateral aids despite the patient having a bilateral hearing loss. Budgetary constraints and the time delays typical of large bureaucratic organizations is thought to be the reason. With technology rapidly improving daily, the independent private market typically stays up to date with hearing aid releases with hearing aids being available at the same time as release in the United States or within a short period afterwards. 

Currently hearing aids with (AI) artificial intelligence (Phonak Infinio Sphere, Starkey's Edge AI, January 2025) are set to transform listening in noise in ways never seen before. These hearing aids are yet to be released on the NHS and may be a long while yet. The quality of sound for these type of hearing aids is said to be incomparable to older models.

The type of loss and severity of loss.

Is all hearing still present or are some frequencies completely gone. How long has the loss been present and left untreated? How long has the user been aided and actively using their aids? These factors can all influence how readily the brain can receive and process  amplified information provided by the aids. e.g. Some hearing aids come equipped with frequency transposition technology to compensate for missing frequencies but this isn't always the absolute solution for all.

The patient's cognition 

How well can the client process speech in noise or multi-talker conversation? Have tests been done to check the client's processing?  Have expectations being levelled and alternative solutions like assistive listening devices recommended? e.g. 

With ageing on the brain, listening in noise can be a common problem for most due to delayed temporal processing, loss of specificity in fine details etc. These are problems not always easily solved by hearing aids. You will need a service that is comprehensive and easily accessed if frequent adjustments are needed on the hearing aid. 

Vision and Dexterity

A standard behind the ear hearing aid might be difficult for a vision-impaired patient to insert (if given battery only aids) with dexterity problems (custom invisible in the ear hearing aids could be easier to insert, but isn't available on the NHS). If batteries are the only options available (as is the case for some NHS Trusts) then the patient may face more challenges with their hearing aids. While family could be tasked with helping with these changes. For the patient seeking to be more independent, they can be left with limited options if the only hearing aids available are only those which go behind the ear or use battery or both. 

How are the hearing aids set up?

Have real ear measurements been done to verify the fitting and ensure the hearing aids are delivering exactly as the prescription chosen? Have the aids been verified to ensure they are not over or under amplifying? The way the hearing aids have been setup by the audiologist is also a major key in how successful the user is going to be. Having expectations correctly met and providing counselling is crucial to help the user understand what to expect with their aids.

Summary

Technology and advancement wise there are huge differences between private and NHS aids but other variables can influence the performance of one's chosen aids.

When people say NHS aids are better what are they comparing against? It's only until we test objectively (getting the data with no subjective input that we truly learn how well the person is hearing.)  

There is typically no one size hearing aid that fits all. This is why it is best to seek the help of an independent audiologist that has access to all top performing aids in the market.  

At Sonant Hearing we are independent hearing specialists that will take the time to scour the range of hearing solutions on the market to find a personalised solution that fits your preference, budget and hearing loss. You can contact us on 01634 479 550 or 079 22 153 134

Read More: Prices of Hearing Aids at Sonant Hearing

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