The simple answer to this is yes you can. There are however 3 completely different types of companies advertising hearing aids on the internet and it is important that you distinguish between the pair of them.
These companies can sell you hearing aids directly without any medical or professional intervention. The only benefit I can see in buying these hearing aids is that they’re cheap. Typically between £50 and £250 each. The main drawback is that the hearing aids are not programmed to match the individual’s specific hearing loss. Certain websites allow you to test your hearing but this is only a vague indication as to whether or not you have a hearing loss – not a complete audiological profile.
There are a handful of “networks” of UK hearing aid audiologists on the internet such as Hearing Aid UK. They put you in touch with a local independent hearing aid audiologist who can provide you with a free hearing test. If you need hearing aids then they can offer the choice of any product on the market with an unbiased opinion. They usually publish their prices on their website and these prices are typically 30% – 50% cheaper than high street companies or national chains. You should expect to pay £500 to £1500 per hearing aid – no more. National companies can charge as much as £3000 per hearing aid so there are good savings to be made.
Your hearing loss is as individual as you are. It is of primary importance that hearing impairment is checked out by a fully qualified professional. If you buy hearing aids then you will probably wear them for at least 12 hours per day, 7 days a week.
These could be independents, chains or national companies. Use the guidance below to select whether they are worth dealing with.
The internet is really like a big interactive newspaper. More and more people are using it as a resource to compare companies, products and prices. I personally believe that the internet has heralded the beginning of the end for people overcharging in virtually any field.
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When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.