Getting hearing aids is something many of us put off, and the process can feel a little overwhelming when you finally get around to it.
Done right, they can make a huge difference to your everyday life, but poor choices can mean thousands of pounds wasted on ineffective aids gathering dust in a box.
In October 2024, we asked 325 Which? members who have hearing aids what they wish they had known before they bought, and asked hearing aid experts for tips to help you avoid common problems.
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1. “I wish I had listened to the comments of others rather than insisting that my hearing was OK!”
Almost a third of our survey respondents told us they wished they had had their hearing tested earlier, with one saying: “Get hearing aids as soon as your hearing deteriorates: they are transformative.”
If you’ve noticed that you struggle to hear when you’re out with friends, or if you turn up the TV louder than is comfortable for your relatives, ask your GP to refer you to an NHS hearing test, or get a private at a high level. street audiologist.
Research shows that using hearing aids is good for your brain too, and appears to slow mental decline for people with hearing loss who are at higher risk of dementia, such as people with cardiovascular disease.
See our guide to getting a hearing test for more advice.
2. “NHS hearing aids are the same as expensive commercial ones and are free.”
If your NHS audiology assessment shows that you need hearing aids, you will be given exactly the same brands of hearing aids that are available privately. They simply won’t be the very latest models (think “last year’s model” as you would if you were buying a car, usually mid-range options).
The biggest difference is likely to be the range of hearing aids you’re offered: you’re more likely to be offered behind-the-ear options on the NHS, although these are much smaller and more subtle these days.
Find out how hearing aid users rate NHS vs private alternative.
3. ‘Shop around. I saved almost two-thirds of the price quoted by a well-known street practice.
If you decide to buy privately from a chain such as Amplifon, Boots Hearingcare, Hidden Hearing, Scrivens, Specsavers or an independent, you may be surprised how much the prices differ.
We’ve analyzed prices for different types of hearing aids between retailers and found that prices differ by as much as £2,000 for the same product.
Almost one in five private hearing aid users in our survey told us they would advise others to shop around.
We’ve checked hearing aid prices for the latest models, so you can judge whether your quote is cheap or expensive. See our complete guide to hearing aid prices so you know what to expect.
4. “After sales support is so important. There is a big difference in the quality and availability of support from different providers.’
People often fixate on having the best-looking hearing aids or the cheapest price, but who you buy from is critical to a good experience.
Check what is included in the price you pay. For example, some companies offer free batteries and wax traps for up to four years, but you have to pay to get this from others. Money-back guarantee periods can also vary quite a bit.
Check what happens after you receive your hearing aids, as you may well need adjustments or repairs on repeat visits. Some companies are only available on certain days or at certain times, while others operate drop-in clinics.
See our reviews of best hearing aid suppliers for value, service and more, including how high street names like Boots Hearingcare and Specsavers compare.
5. “I was going to see if there were any hearing aids that are impervious to my dog’s jaws. She wrote off both my private aids and then my NHS.
It’s no joke if you lose one or both of your hearing aids, as you may well have to pay for replacements, and they don’t come cheap.
You can buy tailored hearing aid insurance, but check your home insurance and your personal belongings as hearing aids are usually included (the latter covers them when you’re away from your home).
If you have hearing aids, it’s worth double-checking when renewing or buying cover, as in some cases you may need to specify them: this means adding them individually to the policy.
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6. “My hearing aids have lots of functions that I don’t understand”
One in five (21%) of our private hearing aid users said they would pay extra for hearing aids with better technology or more features. But it’s also important to make sure you use the technology you have.
Most hearing aids are wireless and can talk to each other and connect wirelessly to devices such as landlines, laptops or smartphones.
They also usually have Bluetooth built in to connect or “pair” your aids to these devices and change settings via an app.
Your audiologist should advise on the features that may suit you, based on your individual needs and level of hearing loss, and help you set up the technology to use them optimally.
If in doubt, ask them so you can get the most out of your hearing aids.
7. “Find out more about other devices you can use with them (including to help hear the TV or phone).”
It’s easy to think that getting a better hearing aid experience is about paying more for bells and whistles.
But another thing to consider is additional technology or devices. A pair of hearing aids with more basic functionality can be used with a portable microphone (or “make microphone”) that can be placed close to what you are listening to, such as the TV or another person.
Audiologist Louise Overton advises: “Before your first consultation, think about where you struggle to hear and what you would like to hear better. This will help the audiologist recommend the best options and manage expectations.’
Read more in our guide to hearing aid functions.
8. “Go back to the audiologist/clinic to sort out any problems sooner.”
It usually takes about a month for people to adjust to using hearing aids.
Learning how to use your hearing aids, such as putting them in your ears and changing batteries, can also take some time. Your audiologist should explain hearing aid maintenance, what your aids can and cannot do, and advice on how to get used to them.
A common problem is that the sound is not right – for example, hearing too much background noise. If so, they may not be adjusted correctly and you should ask your hearing care professional to adjust them.
The key here is not to struggle or put them in a box. Make an appointment to make sure your hearing aids are working for you, so you can get the most out of them.
9. “Educating those around me that hearing aids don’t make my hearing perfect.”
Hearing aids can make a difference, but they’re not perfect, and it helps if those around you understand the effect and make adjustments too.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing have told us that a little understanding can go a long way. We encourage people to go to rnid.org.uk for simple tips on good communication and some free videos to learn basic phrases in BSL
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) told us there is a lot people can do to help those with hearing loss. It’s a good idea to think of ways to make communication easier, such as getting someone’s attention before they speak, and speaking directly to them instead of talking while they’re facing away.
This is clearer and helps if people also rely on lip reading. Don’t be afraid to repeat or rephrase what has been said. The RNID’s report showed that if people say “It doesn’t matter” rather than repeating something, it can make those with hearing problems feel rejected or excluded.
10. “I wish I had been more careful about protecting my hearing.”
Exposure to loud noise is the second largest cause of hearing loss (after changes in the inner ear that occur as we age).
Noise-induced hearing loss can result from a single very loud sound or repeated loud sounds over time.
This can include being in a noisy environment such as a workplace or music venue, or listening to loud music through headphones.
Prevent noise-induced hearing loss by using hearing protection when sound levels are around 85dB and above.
Find out more about noise protection and best earplugs for sleeping.
