Are private hearing aids better?

My father was having huge problems with his NHS hearing aids. He decided to buy some and was thrilled that he could hear properly again. .

We don’t charge our hearing aids. We get free batteries which last a fortnight. Our local Specsavers will help us with problems if we walk in and appointments are made within days. Also we have tests every two to three years. I went in to collect new batteries and tubes replaced a couple of weeks ago and was told I was due for a test. Went back a couple of days later, tested and was given new aids to take away. A week later I was telephoned to ask how I was getting on. I was reassured that they were there if I had any problems. I would still say try the NHS first and then pay for private if there are problems.

It can be a bit of a postcode lottery for NHS audiology. Some areas seem to be able to provide bluetooth aids, some don't.

I did go private, realising it would cost me quite a lot, but am very happy with my hearing aids and know that I can phone them at any time and be seen within a day or two. No further costs for the next 5 years - all follow ups etc included. Also, I know I will see my "own" audiologist, rather than a parade of different ones at each appointment.

Having said that, the NHS aids can be perfect for many people, although the initial waiting list can be long.

My FiL paid around £2000 for private ones and they were awful. He was constantly having to go back to have them adjusted or repaired or whatever. He then had them replaced by NHS ones, which have proved to be far better.

I was asked if I would like private hearing aids and I asked what the benefits were. I was told they were smaller so less noticeable. I wear my hair over my ears so they are not seen. So I said I would continue with the NHS ones which I have found meet my needs. My dh has a profound hearing loss. He cannot hear a thing (I can even shout in his ear and he hears nothing)without his hearing aids. His NHS hearing aids have been marvellous. They are moulds and not like my drop in ones. The NHS ones appear to be improved every time we have new ones. I would advise you to start with the NHS ones and go private if you feel you could gain benefits.

I have NHS hearing aids, apparently the latest ones they offer and so far so good. The main problem is the waiting list, here I was told it was around 2 years if loss of hearing was the only problem. I waited around 8 months as I had to see a Consultant first. If it is not urgent I agree with Chestnut. Mine have the bluetooth option.

I think the best solution is to get the NHS ones and see how they go. If you're not happy after a few months then you can go private, knowing that you need to go private. If you go private from the start then you will always be wondering if the NHS ones would have been good enough.

My private - and very expensive - hearing aids are still at the trialling stage - ie if they don't suit me within a certain time, I can get my money back. So far, they are very successful, recharge in their little USB recharging box overnight and are getting easier to put in. They have made a vast difference to my quality of hearing. Family and friends no longer need to shout or repeat themselves and I don't have to turn on the sub-titles on the TV. So far, so good. Watch this space!

It's my understanding that mainstream hearing aids have the same amplifier basics whether NHS or private. The difference is the NHS buys ones which have some of the more sophisticated audio processing omitted or crippled and that makes them cheaper for the NHS to buy in bulk. That may mean some private ones are better for some people but I think the main issue is getting used to the one you have. My partner has certainly found it difficult to get used to any hearing aid, partly because the controls are so small/fiddly and battery replacement is a pain.

Just asked DH who has had both.

He says the private ones are better, but as they cost almost £2000 as opposed to NHS (free), I would hope so.

Hi, Grandma KT

I had a private hearing test (very poorly done*) and was recommended hearing aids at an eye watering price. I asked (this was in late 2020) if I could get similar digital aids on the NHS and was told 'No'. Not sure if that was true

By the time covid had changed reality I was on the NHS list and had a proper hearing test plus head scan plus assessment and have had NHS digital aids since July 2022. One aid malfunctioned and was replaced within a week. Replacement tubes and batteries are supplied and the audiology department are supportive.

My neighbours went private, were unhappy with both service and cost and switched to the NHS. I gather the gadgets are almost identical.

What is important is how you maintain them (remembering to wipe the domes clean, keeping the aids overnight in a dry box and making sure moisture does not build up inside the tubes etc.)

Mine can be calibrated to work with bluetooth (no thanks) and I could have them set so that I can adjust the volume myself. I've not gone down that route as it seems to me too easy to turn the volume down, forget to turn it up then assume the hearing aids are not working. One of my late Ma's party tricks.

When I need less noise I stop talking.

I appreciate dragonfly46's decision but my experience of the audiology department here in Winchester is that they wished people would come to them earlier.

Having them does play games with your brain initially - I was convinced we had a major water leak until I realised I simply hearing the leaves on the trees outside. And the scuffing noise from the dog next door was the hard skin of bare feet on the carpet.

It is one of the best steps I have taken. It distresses me to see people distancing themselves in family groups and sitting out of conversations because they can't 'quite' hear.

We have recently both bought hearing aids. I am not sure the NHS would have deemed them necessary as we wanted to get used to them before they were very necessary.
Our friend has just got his on the NHS and I have to say they look the same as ours but I don’t know how well they work.

I've just scrolled down and seen there is a very similar thread started recently by Catlover123 (typical of me!) - so I have read all the experiences and advice on there. Would still love to hear if you have any more!

My husband won't entertain private hearing aids because of the cost, yet won't stop complaining about his NHS ones.

DH has a specific hearing loss relating to his job and has found private ones much better.

Well, my Mum has both, and she finds no real difference in her hearing.