Hearability Limited

NHS or private hearing care?

If you suffer some hearing loss your doctor may refer you to the NHS audiology unit usually at a hospital within the Ear, Nose and Throat department. Waiting times vary greatly around the country and maybe up to 2 years. Alternatively you can opt to have your hearing assessed by a private hearing aid dispenser which in the case of Hearability will be within two weeks. The test can be arranged at any of the GP surgeries where Hearability has a hearing practice or at your own home – either way the test is completely free.

But what are the main differences if you decide to pay privately for your hearing care?

Apart from the free hearing examination within a maximum of two weeks there are two principle advantages to investing privately for your hearing care through Hearability.

Firstly you have the option of a range of hearing instruments with more advanced technology and features than available through the NHS meaning your instrument can be tailored to suit your personal lifestyle. In addition, aids in the private sector can be very small, discrete and aesthetically pleasing.

Secondly at Hearability we provide unlimited aftercare which is all inclusive in the cost of the hearing aid/s. Aftercare is essential to ensure your aid/s are meeting your lifestyle requirements and these can be replaced for an alternative model if necessary. This is in addition to a 30 day money back guarantee and up to 5 years full manufacturers’ warranty.

Advice from the RNID website:

In the NHS, you cannot choose the style of hearing aid you want.

Hospitals should offer you a hearing aid for each ear if you would benefit, although policy about this varies. Some people prefer to buy hearing aids privately so that they can choose the style they want. Some types of hearing aid - such as aids that fit entirely in the ear - are not available on the NHS.

Buying a hearing aid

Ask your GP or a friend if they can recommend a private hearing aid dispenser. By law, all hearing aid dispensers must be qualified - or in supervised training - and registered with the Hearing Aid Council. This regulates dispensers' training and conduct, and handles complaints.

You will have your hearing tested and your hearing aid dispenser will show you how to use and look after your aid. But you also have to sign a contract agreeing to buy your hearing aid. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of this contract and find out about any money-back guarantee before you sign anything. Ideally, you should get at least 28 days to try out the hearing aid and be able to return it during this time if you are not satisfied with it, and get a refund.

How long will I have to wait if I buy privately?

Your hearing aid dispenser will probably see you within a week and you will be able to get your hearing aid within about two weeks.