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We are often asked about the difference between Private hearing aids vs NHS Hearing 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.
Access to appointments
Access to appointments
As the NHS is a health service not requiring payment from the patient. (Although funded by tax-payers). Hearing aids are often loaned indefinitely to users at no cost. Some departments may charge for lost aids, but for the first time user the hearing aids are issued "free". A free service will typically result in a high demand. With limited number of audiologists, the waiting times are often very long, with some departments offering appointments weeks and months away. In some cases, once the hearing aids have been issued, the patient is not able to return back as often as they would prefer for adjustments. Some are told to request another referral again from their GP to see an NHS audiologist despite having received audiological care previously.
Hearing care is care that is important and highly relied on by those realizing the important benefits of hearing, infrequent accessibility to NHS Audiology department is often a cited problem regarding hearingcare. How often can one see their audiologist and how quickly?
With private audiology care, appointments are easier to arrange and attend when needed. Routine appointments are often arranged to ensure the patient continues to receive timely care. (Link - Aftercare of Hearing Aids: The Importance )
The variety, choice and style of hearing aids
The variety, choice and style of hearing aids
Choice offered privately is greater than what one is offered on the NHS. The NHS doesn't routinely offer custom hearing aid devices. Most Trusts offer the same style and even colour. (The infamous beige skin colour hearing aid is one most people have come to observe as being NHS aids typical colour, as seen on their parents or grandparents).
Most hearing devices offered on the NHS sit behind the ear. Privately, one can try hearing aids from different brand of manufacturers across the world. The likes of Swiss-designed Phonak hearing aids to Danish produced Widex or US created Starkey hearing aids are all available privately for one to use. (Link - Hearing Aids )
The type, severity of loss.
The type, severity of loss.
Some hearing technologies are better for addressing non-standard hearing losses. As some hearing aids may have better feedback cancellation systems or noise reduction systems than others. Some hearing aids come equipped with frequency transposition technology to compensate for missing frequencies but this isn't always the absolute solution for all.
Is all hearing still present or are some frequencies completely gone. How good is the frequency compression in this particular brand for the specific loss compared to another?
How long has the loss been present and left untreated? If there is a case of possible auditory deprivation (extended length of time with untreated hearing loss where the brain has essentially rewired parts of the auditory cortex to perform non-related auditory tasks) then it is may be possible that NO hearing aid would treat that type of loss.
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.
Private Audiologists can offer the latest hearing technology soon after release dates
Private Audiologists can offer the latest hearing technology soon after 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. With some areas renewing their hearing aids sooner than others. Currently in 2025 there are some NHS Trusts still not providing rechargeable hearing aids. Then there are some only providing unilateral aids despite the patient having a bilateral hearing loss.
Budgetary constraints and the time delays typical of large bureaucratic organizations like the NHS is thought to be one the reason for these discrepancies in release dates. 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 has been proven to be incomparable to older models.
The patient's cognition
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. remote microphones, TV streamers. Assistive listening devices are not routinely offered on the NHS. Often times patients are not aware that such devices exist to expand their hearing experience.
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
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. Not all departments might be offering rechargeable 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?
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. The uptake and provision if real ear measurements isn't always standard in some NHS departments and private audiology clinic. In either case best clinical practice utilising a verification measurement such as real ear measurements is important. What happens at your hearing aid assessment appointment.
The Audiologist
The Audiologist
With every service the actual audiology care provider plays a key role. Hearing aids need to be programmed and fine-tuned by an audiologist who understands the patient's unique needs, conforms to best clinical practice and can be accessed readily when needed.
Summary on NHS hearing aids vs private aids debate.
Summary on NHS hearing aids vs private aids debate.
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.)
Every person has individual hearing needs and 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 is accessible and whom implements best clinical audiology practices..
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
Read More: Types of Hearing Aids at Sonant Hearing
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