I think I have a hearing loss. What should I do?

If you think you have a hearing loss, the first thing you need to do is visit your GP. You may have a wax build-up or an infection that has temporarily affected your hearing and which can be treated by your GP. Otherwise they may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist or the audiology department at a nearby hospital.

For more information see our factsheet "The NHS hearing aid service".

Can I get a digital hearing aid from my local audiology unit?

Digital hearing aids are increasingly available on the National Health Service (NHS). All hearing aid centres in England should be fitting digital hearing aids by April 2005. Audiology services in Wales and Northern Ireland have already been upgraded to provide digital aids. Centres in Scotland are providing some digital hearing aids, but the complete programme of modernisation will not finish until 2007. To find out which NHS trusts and audiology departments now fit digital hearing aids, contact the RNID Information Line.

Patients who go to a modernised audiology department and have not had an NHS hearing aid before will be offered a digital aid if their hearing tests show that this would help. If you already have an NHS hearing aid, you will be offered a digital aid when you are reassessed and found to need new aids. NHS digital hearing aids are usually behind-the-ear style.

For more information see our factsheet "The NHS hearing aid service".

What's the difference between analogue and digital hearing aids?

Hearing aids are described as either digital or analogue. Digital aids look very similar to analogue aids but they have a tiny computer inside to process sounds. This makes it possible to customise the aid to suit your hearing loss very precisely. Many digital aids can be programmed with different settings for different sound environments; for example, a quiet living room or a noisy restaurant. Your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser can advise you on the most suitable type for you.

For more information see our leaflet "All about hearing aids" or find out more about different types of hearing aid.

What is the "T" setting for on my hearing aid?

This activates a tiny device in the hearing aid that works with an induction loop and allows you to hear sounds more clearly, without interference from room acoustics or background noise. It works by picking up an electromagnetic signal from the induction loop. To use an induction loop or telephone with an inductive coupler, you need to switch to the "T" setting on your hearing aid.

For more information see our factsheet "Induction loop and infrared systems - a guide for deaf and hard of hearing people".

Where can I get replacement batteries for my hearing aid?

If you have an NHS hearing aid, new batteries are supplied free of charge. You can get new batteries from any NHS hearing aid centre but you will need to take your hearing aid record book with you so the audiologist can see which batteries you need and record the number of batteries they give you. Someone else can collect batteries for you as long as they take your record book. Alternatively, when your aid is fitted, audiology staff will tell you if you can get batteries from the hearing aid centre by post or at a local health centre instead.

Hearing aid centres normally issue batteries from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but it is best to check the opening times for battery collection with your local centre. You should return your used batteries when you get new ones.

If you bought a hearing aid privately you will have to pay for the batteries yourself. You can get replacement batteries from most high-street chemists or pharmacies, your hearing aid dispenser or RNID Sound Advantage.

For more information see our factsheet "The NHS hearing aid service".

I want to buy a hearing aid privately. What is the best way to do this?

In the UK, you can buy a hearing aid from a private hearing aid dispenser but the NHS cannot help you pay for it and can't provide repairs if anything goes wrong with it. If you want to buy your own hearing aid, you should ask your GP or a friend if they can recommend a dispenser. The RNID Information Line can give you a list of hearing aid dispensers in your area, but cannot recommend one.

When looking for a private dispenser you should make sure that they are registered with the Hearing Aid Council (HAC). The HAC regulates private dispensers’ training and conduct, and handles complaints. Dispensers should give you a 28-day trial period with a money-back guarantee so that you can return the hearing aid if you aren't happy with it. If the dispenser isn't prepared to offer this and suggests a guarantee for repair only, instead of giving you the option of a refund, go somewhere else. You are unlikely to get a full refund because the price you pay usually includes the hearing tests and fitting. Before you sign anything, make sure you get everything in writing and that you understand all the terms of the agreement to buy your hearing aid.

Buying hearing aids can be expensive, with aids costing between £300 and £2,500. Digital aids tend to be more expensive than analogue models. You should also consider costs of insuring the aids and paying for repairs, replacement batteries, new aids and earmoulds when you need them. Hearing aids can last five years or more, but you will have to pay again when they need replacing.

For more information see our factsheet "Buying a hearing aid?".

Can I buy a hearing aid from the NHS?

The NHS is the largest provider of hearing aids in the world. Because it buys hearing aids in such large quantities, the purchasing power of the NHS enables it to acquire high quality technology at a fraction of private-sector prices. However, the NHS was not set up to act like a private dispenser. Instead it was set up to provide a free service to those who need it. This is why the NHS is not able to sell you hearing aids for a discounted price. It is against the law to sell NHS hearing aids.

For more information see our factsheet "The NHS hearing service".

Why are hearing aids cheaper abroad?

This is partly because more are sold in countries where the state does not provide them free to anyone who needs them. So the part of the charge to cover dispensing costs is lower. However, although the initial cost of buying a hearing aid abroad may be less than in the UK, you may need to see someone for adjustments or send the aid for repair, which could be expensive and inconvenient. Before you buy abroad it is important to check what will happen if you need more help or if your hearing aid breaks down once you are back home.

For more information see our factsheet "Buying a hearing aid?".

How can I complain about the service provided by a private hearing aid dispenser?

If you have any problem with a hearing aid you have bought, the first thing you should do is ask the dispenser who sold it to you for help and advice. Make a note of the problems you experience over a period of a few days so that you can explain what is wrong and help the dispenser to sort it out.

If you are still unhappy with the aid, or feel the dispenser is not providing a good and professional service, write to the Hearing Aid Council (external link, opens new browser window) at: Witan Court, 305 Upper Fourth Street, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 1EH.

Describe the problems you have had with the hearing aid dispenser, include copies of any correspondence or other documents connected with the sale of the aid, and give the name and address of the dispenser or company that sold you the aid.

For more information see our factsheet "Buying a hearing aid?".