But while there are several modern hearing aids available on the NHS, these are usually the BTE type or, very occasionally, the RITE type. The NHS can provide a number of types and models of hearing aids free of charge on loan. In this blog post, we discuss what types of hearing aids are available on the NHS. We also offer affordable alternatives to NHS hearing aids and you can order digital hearing aids online directly from our website.
Most hearing aids issued through the NHS today are digital and behind-the-ear. Some departments offer receiving products on the channel, while body aids are almost never broadcast. Bone conduction aids are only offered as a special arrangement and bone-anchored aids require an operation. There is a myth that the NHS produces its own inferior hearing aids.
The NHS does not produce its own hearing aids, but it has a special contract with the main manufacturers in the industry, the same manufacturers that also sell privately. Francesca Oliver, an audiology specialist at the charity Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID), says people tend to postpone this and wait too long (usually 10 years) before seeking help with their hearing. Some people are concerned about the stigma around hearing aids (the idea that wearing one makes it look old), so being able to wear one without it showing would be a big help. You will also receive a new hearing aid when your current hearing aid reaches the end of its useful life, which is usually five or six years.
We compare what each company actually offers in their hearing aid prices and what you can expect to pay for the latest models. Hearing aids and earmolds come in a range of different colors, so it's worth wondering what's available. Consultations with the NHS or a private hearing specialist are free, meaning you can get very comprehensive information about your specific condition and what can be done to alleviate it. You will still be an NHS patient, so you will receive a free service and hearing aids, and the audiologist will not be able to sell you anything extra.
The main thing here is that the overall look and style of the hearing aids have evolved and are now so discreet that, in some cases, they are invisible. The P 640S is the perfect solution for those who want an affordable, easy-to-use behind-the-ear hearing aid that offers a high-quality listening experience. However, the period leading up to purchasing your hearing aid may take about six weeks after your primary care doctor refers you. They help people with hearing problems by capturing and amplifying the sound they want to hear and filtering out background noise.
You could spend thousands of pounds on a small private aid but not notice a huge hearing difference, he says. While any appointment with the NHS comes with some waiting times, once you have the consultation, you may be able to pick up your hearing aid almost immediately, depending on the type you have been prescribed.
