"Should I wait for the NHS, or go private?" It's one of the questions I'm asked. It often comes from someone who has noticed the TV creeping up, or a son or daughter worried about a parent. There isn't one right answer for everyone.
NHS hearing aids are free, and plenty of people in Somerset get on well with theirs. Private care suits others. After more than 20 years as an audiologist, here's how I'd compare the two.
How each route starts
On the NHS, the first step is your GP. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust asks GPs to refer adults for a hearing assessment, and your GP will usually check your ears first. Adult audiology runs from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and Yeovil District Hospital, as well as community clinics.
Privately, you book directly. There's no referral and no need to see your GP first. You can book online anytime, or call us.
One thing applies to both routes. If your hearing has dropped suddenly, or you have ear pain or fluid coming from your ear, contact your GP or call NHS 111 straight away rather than booking a routine hearing test.
Waiting times
NHS waits vary by area and over time, so your GP is the best person to ask about current waits locally.
With a private clinic, you choose an appointment that suits you, and you can usually be seen within a week or two.
Choice of hearing aids
NHS hearing aids are digital, set up for your hearing, and provided on a long-term loan. They’re usually behind-the-ear styles, fitted with a thin tube and soft dome or a custom ear mould. Some now work with a phone app and can stream phone calls. What’s available can vary between areas, so it’s worth checking with your local NHS audiology service.
Privately, the choice is wider. That includes smaller styles with a tiny speaker in the ear canal, custom in-the-ear aids and rechargeable models, as well as a wider range of aids that connect to your phone and TV. As an independent clinic, I mainly fit Phonak, ReSound, Widex and Starkey, so I can recommend what suits your hearing, your ears, your hands and your day, rather than one maker’s range. Is it the hearing aid or the audiologist that makes the difference? In my experience, it’s both, as I explain in my post, aren’t all hearing aids the same?
What can newer technology do for you?
Private hearing aids have come a long way in recent years. The features you get depend on the model and technology level, but they can include:
Help in noisy places: the most advanced aids can focus more on the voice you want to hear and reduce the noise around it, in places like a busy cafe or restaurant.
Less fiddling: many adjust automatically as you move from a quiet room to a busy street, so you don’t have to keep changing settings.
Easier phone calls and TV: calls and TV sound can stream directly to your hearing aids. For the TV, this may need a small accessory.
Control from your phone: an app lets you discreetly change the volume or settings.
Technology can’t do everything, and hearing aids won’t remove background noise altogether. Which level is worth paying for depends on your hearing and your day. If you spend most of your time at home, you may not need the most advanced option, and I’ll tell you if that’s the case.
Time to talk, and the same face each time
NHS audiology teams work hard and see a great many people. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says appointments last between 30 minutes and an hour, and you may see different team members at different visits.
At Blackdown Hearing, you see me from your first test through to your aftercare. Your full hearing test takes up to 90 minutes, leaving time to talk about where you struggle: at home, in the car or in a busy cafe. Family members are welcome to come along. They often notice things the person hasn't mentioned. There's more on why this matters in why independent hearing care matters, right here in Somerset.
Fitting and aftercare
On the NHS, follow-up, batteries, repairs and aftercare are free. In Somerset, repairs can be handled through audiology repair clinics at community hospitals and other local venues, and some people still go back to the hospital. RNID also runs volunteer drop-in sessions for routine jobs such as retubing. Times change, so check the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust support page before you travel.
Privately, what's included depends on the clinic, so ask before you commit. With every Blackdown plan, I check how your hearing aids perform in your ears against your hearing test results. I see you again at 2 and 4 weeks, then whenever you need me. Annual reviews and servicing are included for the years of your plan, and we offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. You can see the full picture on our hearing aid aftercare page.
Cost
NHS hearing aids are free, although you may be charged if one is lost or damaged. Private hearing aids are an investment, and the cost depends on the technology and the care that comes with it. Our hearing aid plans page sets out what each plan includes.
Can I go private if I already have NHS hearing aids?
Yes. You don't need a referral, and you can book a private hearing test whenever you like. Some people come to us for a different style, more help in noisy places, or more time to talk things through. Others find their NHS aids suit them well, and I'll tell you if that's the case. A hearing test with us doesn't commit you to buying anything.
So which route is right for you?
If you want good everyday hearing at no cost and are happy with a standard style, the NHS is a sensible choice. If you'd value more choice, longer appointments and the same audiologist each time, private care may suit you better.
Not sure you need a test yet? Try the quick check on our hearing tests page.
Book a hearing test
To book a full hearing test at our clinic in Stoke St Mary, just outside Taunton, call us on 01823 586777 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or book online anytime. If getting to the clinic is difficult, we also offer hearing tests at home across Somerset's TA postcodes. You're very welcome to book on behalf of someone else.
