Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
The NHS hearing aid service
RNID managed the modernisation of NHS hearing aid services and the introduction of digital hearing aids, in partnership with the Department of Health, between 2000 and 2005.
How does the NHS hearing aid service work?
The NHS buys a range of hearing aids and uses its bulk buying power to get good quality hearing aids at low prices from hearing aid manufacturers. The audiology departments provide these aids free of charge on long-term loan to NHS patients. It is the audiology staff’s job to choose the best NHS hearing aid for you.
For more information, read our factsheet "The NHS Hearing Aid Service" (opens new browser window).
Catherine Clarke is just one of thousands of happy people who says digital aids have improved her life. "I have a new me...I am part of whatever is going on. I miss almost nothing, I can hear people approach me from behind, I am not totally dependent on lip reading any more. It's not just a difference for me, it makes a difference for other people around me."