NHS vs Private

Which are Better ? Private Hearing Aids or NHS Hearing Aids?

The age old question of whether private hearing aids are worth the cost when NHS Hearing aids are Free. This will all be down to the individual and their preferences and lifestyle.

NHS hearing aids are free they are typically a lower technology specification with older technology embedded into the chip, There is also a lack of flexibility in the hearing aid model so every patient will be fitted with a similar hearing aid no matter the hearing loss.

If you are somebody with a very active lifestyle in many different situations such as meetings and bustling restaurants you will be given the same technology as somebody who lives a much more solitary lifestyle.

Many hearing aid users have a stigma around wearing a hearing aid. Ultimately the Hearing aid needs to become part of your daily routine and lifestyle – This is certainly an advantage of the private market – They tend to have a much more sleek design and cosmetic look, allowing hearing aid users to feel more comfortable and confident wearing a hearing aid.

How about the Service that can be provided by a Private Audiologist v NHS Audiologist.

Hearing aids require long-term maintenance and servicing in order to continue to enhance your lifestyle and it needs to be adapted to suit your hearing over the life of the hearing aid.

It is vital to ensure you know the commitment the audiologist has to support your hearing – At the Alresford Hearing Studio all hearing aids supplied come with a 5 Year manufacturer warranty and 5 Years Service plan, Meaning you will visit the Audiologist every 6 months for regular wax removal, A Full Hearing test and adjustments to the hearing aid relevant to the Hearing Test Results.