Hearing aids and implants

A GP can help you get hearing aids if you think you need them.

The earlier you get them, the more you'll get out of them – so do not wait until your hearing gets really bad before seeing a GP.

Benefits of hearing aids

Hearing aids will not make your hearing perfect, but they make sounds louder and clearer, reducing the impact hearing loss has on your life.

Hearing aids can:

• help you hear everyday sounds such as the doorbell and phone
• improve your ability to hear speech
• make you feel more confident when talking to people and make it easier for you to follow conversations in different environments
• help you to enjoy listening to music and the TV, at a volume that's comfortable for those around you

But hearing aids only help if you still have some hearing left, so do not put off getting help if your hearing is getting worse.

How to get hearing aids

See a GP if you're having problems with your hearing. They may refer you to a hearing specialist for an assessment if they think you might need a hearing aid.

If your specialist recommends hearing aids, talk to them about the different types available and which is best for you. You may be able to try a few types before choosing.

Some types may be available to use straight away. Others may need to be custom made after your ear has been measured or a cast of your ear has been taken. These will usually be ready in a few weeks.

When your hearing aid is ready, it will be programmed to suit your level of hearing loss. You'll be shown how to use it and how to look after it.

Another appointment will be arranged for a few weeks later to check how things are going.

Types of hearing aids

A variety of hearing aids are available.

Hearing aids on the NHS

Hearing aids are available on the NHS.

Your GP can refer you to an NHS hearing aid provider if they think you might need a hearing aid.

The benefits of getting a hearing aid on the NHS include:

• hearing aids are provided for free as a long-term loan
• batteries and repairs are free (there may be a charge if you lose or break your hearing aid and it needs to be replaced)
• you do not have to pay for any follow-up appointments or aftercare

But while several modern hearing aids are available on the NHS, these are usually the behind the ear (BTE) or, very occasionally, the receiver in the ear (RITE) type. You may need to pay for private treatment if you want one of the other types.

The waiting time for getting a hearing aid on the NHS can sometimes be longer than the wait for private treatment.

Paying for hearing aids

If you do not mind paying for treatment, you can choose to go to a private hearing aid provider directly.

This may mean you can pick from a wider range of hearing aids, including the smaller, less visible models.

Not all hearing aids are suitable for everyone, but the hearing specialist (audiologist) will tell you which hearing aids are suitable within your budget.

If you choose to pay for private treatment:

• make sure you research typical costs of hearing aids and any aftercare – you can pay anything from £500 to £3,500 or more for a single hearing aid
• shop around to see what types of hearing aid are available from different providers
• consider the cost of batteries and if you can change them easily

Batteries, repairs and replacements

If you have an NHS hearing aid, you can get free batteries and repairs from the NHS hearing aid service who fitted your hearing aids.

Ask your audiologist about how to obtain batteries and request servicing and repairs.

You may need to come in for an appointment, or you may be able to send off for batteries or a repair in the post.

Your local hearing aid service can also replace hearing aids that have been lost or damaged, although there may be a charge for this.

If you have a private hearing aid, contact your hearing aid provider if you need it repaired or replaced.

You may have to pay for this service if it's not already included in your payment plan.

Help and support if you wear hearing aids

Adjusting to hearing aids can be difficult at first. It may take a few weeks or months to get used to them.

You'll have follow-up appointments after they're fitted to check how things are going, but get in touch with your audiologist at any point if you're having problems.

Several hearing loss organisations can also provide help and support if you're adapting to hearing loss or life with a hearing aid.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has information about local support services

Other organisations that can provide information and advice include:

• Hearing Link Services
• National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)

Hearing implants

For some people, hearing aids do not help and instead they need to have a special device fitted inside or to their skull during an operation. These are known as hearing implants.

Common types of implant include bone anchored hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and middle ear implants.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs)

There are many sorts of listening devices, other than hearing aids, to help boost your hearing in everyday situations in the home and out and about.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs), which can be used with a hearing aid or on their own, include:

• personal hearing loops, like neckloops, that allow you to hear music or phone calls directly through your hearing aid
• personal communicators (or conversation listeners): portable devices to help you hear over a long distance or in noisy places
• TV amplifiers: devices that allow you to hear sound clearly through your hearing aid without needing to turn up the volume
• smoke alarms appropriate for your level of hearing, such as vibrating devices

Your GP or hearing specialist will tell you about organisations that provide advice on obtaining ALDs, such as:

• social services
• fire service
• Access to Work government programme – find out more on GOV.UK
• Disabled Students' Allowance government programme – find out more on GOV.UK