7 things you should know about buying hearing aids

Realising you might need hearing aids can be daunting but they can have far-reaching benefits, including potentially reducing your risk of dementia, so it's best not to avoid the issue.

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.

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1. Hearing aids can really impact your health

Research shows the benefits of keeping on top of hearing issues are significant. Hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, estimated to account for just under one in 10 of cases of dementia. 

Using hearing aids appears to slow down cognitive decline for people with hearing loss who are at higher risk of dementia, such as people with cardiovascular disease.

If you've noticed issues, such as having to turn up the TV or radio more, or struggling to hear in social situations, the first step is getting a hearing test. Your GP will need to refer you for an NHS hearing test, but you can also have one privately at a high street audiologist.

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. 

We surveyed more than 2,000 hearing aid wearers to uncover the best-rated hearing aid providers and found some were much preferred to others. Check our full guide to the best hearing aid providers to see the top recommended brands from companies including Hidden Hearing, Specsavers and Boots.

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.

Find out more about the pros and cons, and see how customers rated their experiences of each, in our full guide to NHS vs private hearing aids.

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. 

See how prices compare for the latest hearing aid models at retailers, including Boots and Specsavers, in our full hearing aid prices compared guide. 

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.

These products may have some benefit simply by plugging your ear, but hearing charity the RNID argues caution, as you may inadvertently turn them up too loud and risk further damaging your hearing.

Find out more about different types of hearing aids.

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. 

Find out more – including typical prices and the potentially damaging home ear wax removal devices to avoid – in our ear wax removal guide.

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.

Find out more about hearing assistance tech.

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