Is this the best hearing aid model for me?

If you are looking at this page then it is likely that an audiologist has suggested that you purchase this particular hearing aid, so is this the best model for you? In general, any audiologist will always recommend to you the model that best suits your needs. Here is a useful checklist to make sure that is the case. Audiologist level of knowledge: The audiologist you have seen will hopefully have a wide knowledge of all available hearing aids, however, some will only be familiar with a small number of brands and therefore may not really be in a position to know which model is the best for you. It is OK to challenge their recommendation and ask them to justify why this particular brand is the one for you. Do research: Read about the hearing aid that was recommended. Does it seem like it will suit your lifestyle? Does it have more or fewer features than you need? Be aware of sales targets: Many high street retailers have specific tie-ins to a particular manufacturer/brand. The hearing aid they have suggested may still be the correct one for you, but do your research so that you know why they might have recommended it. If in doubt, feel free to give us a call. That's what we're here for. In the meantime, read all about our review of the best hearing aids for 2025 here

Do I need one hearing aid or two?

If you have significant hearing loss in both ears, you should be wearing two hearing aids. Here are the audiological reasons why: Localisation: The brain decodes information from both ears and compares and contrasts them. By analysing the minuscule time delays as well as the difference in the loudness of each sound reaching the ears, the person is able to accurately locate a sound source. Simply put, if you have better hearing on one side than the other, you can't accurately tell what direction sounds are coming from. Less amplification is required: A phenomenon known as “binaural summation” means that the hearing aids can be set at a lower and more natural volume setting than if you wore only one hearing aid. Head shadow effect: High frequencies, the part of your hearing that gives clarity and meaning to speech sounds, cannot bend around your head. Only low frequencies can. Therefore if someone is talking on your unaided side you are likely to hear that they are speaking, but be unable to tell what they have said. Noise reduction: The brain has its own built-in noise reduction which is only really effective when it is receiving information from both ears. If only one ear is aided, even with the best hearing aid in the world, it will be difficult for you to hear in background noise as your brain is trying to retain all of the sounds (including background noise) rather than filtering it out. Sound quality: We are designed to hear in stereo. Only hearing from one side sounds a lot less natural to us. Fancy some further reading on this topic? You can read about why two hearing aids are better than one in our article, h earing aids for both ears , here

What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

For most people, the main benefit of a rechargeable hearing aid is simple convenience. We are used to plugging in our phones and other devices overnight for them to charge up. Here are some other pros and cons: For anybody with poor dexterity or issues with their fingers, having a rechargeable aid makes a huge difference as normal hearing aid batteries are quite small and some people find them fiddly to change. One downside is that if you forget to charge your hearing aid, then it is a problem that can't be instantly fixed. For most a 30-minute charge will get you at least two or three hours of hearing, but if you are the type of person who is likely to forget to plug them in regularly then you're probably better off with standard batteries. Rechargeable aids are also a little bit bigger and are only available in Behind the Ear models. Finally, just like with a mobile phone, the amount of charge you get on day one is not going to be the same as you get a few years down the line. Be sure to ask what the policy is with the manufacturer warranty when it comes to replacing the battery. Looking for more information on rechargeable hearing aids? Read our dedicated page on the topic here

Are behind the ear aids better than in the ear aids?

For most people, the answer is yes. But it's never that simple. The majority of hearing problems affect the high frequencies a lot more than the low ones. Therefore open fitting hearing aids sound a lot more natural and ones that block your ears up can make your own voice sound like you are talking with your head in a bucket. Therefore in-ear aids tend to be less natural. However the true answer is we can't tell until we have had a look in your ears to assess the size of your ear canal, and until we have tested your hearing to see which frequencies are being affected. People with wider ear canals tend to have more flexibility, also there are open fitting modular CIC hearing aids now that do not block your ears. There is also the age old rule to consider, that a hearing aid will not help you if it's sat in the drawer gathering dust. If the only hearing aid you would be happy wearing is one that people can't see, then that's what you should get. Most people can adapt to any type of hearing aid, as long as they know what to expect. Have an honest conversation with your audiologist as to what your needs are.

What are channels, and how many do I need?

Generally speaking, six or more. Unless it's none at all. The number of channels a hearing aid has is often a simplistic way an audiologist will use to explain why one hearing aid is better than another, but channels are complex and it is really not that straightforward. Here are some reasons why: Hearing aids amplify sounds of different frequencies by different amounts. Most people have lost more high frequencies than low and therefore need more amplification in the high frequencies. The range of sounds you hear are split into frequency bands or channels and the hearing aids are set to provide the right amount of hearing at each frequency level. Less than six channels and this cannot be done with much accuracy, so six is the magic number. However, a six channel aid is typically very basic with few other features and is suitable only for hearing a single speaker in a quiet room. The number of channels is not what you should be looking at, it's more the rest of the technology that comes with them. As a final note, different manufacturers have different approaches. One method is not necessarily better than any other. For example, some manufacturers have as many as 64 channels in their top aids. Most tend to have between 17 and 20. One m anufacturer has no channels at all.

Where can I get the hearing aids covered?

Hearing aids are easily lost, misplaced or damaged and typically are one of the most expensive personal possessions an individual can own. We offer hearing aid warranty coverage for £80 per year per aid. Find out more about this service we provide here

How much does the hearing test cost?

All our audiologists use the very latest technology and provide the full range of tests to accurately measure your hearing for free. Find out about what hearing healthcare services we offer all our customers here

Do home visits cost extra?

Hearing Aid UK offers all their customers free home visiting services, even in a care home environment, for no extra cost. Including hearing tests, fittings, maintenance, check-ups and much more in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. Find out more information about our home visits here

How come you're much cheaper than other places?

Here, at Hearing Aid UK, we are dedicated to offering low hearing aid prices. We achieve this by having no head office and low marketing costs. Our hearing aid prices are amongst the lowest you will find anywhere in the world. Explore our prices, brands, and models here

Awareness about misleading practices

Protect Yourself from Misleading Offers on Hearing Aids

Gain a better insight into misleading practices

Do you know what you're purchasing?

As a responsible private audiology provider, we believe it's important to raise awareness about misleading practices within the hearing aid industry, especially those that misuse the NHS name and target vulnerable people.

Our goal is to help you recognise potential issues, avoid common pitfalls, and access legitimate hearing support through trusted NHS services or private audiologists, like us, so that you are better informed and can make your own decision based on the facts.

The “NHS Hearing Aid Support Scheme” – It simply doesn’t exist

Any company promoting discounted or upgraded NHS hearing aids through this scheme is not affiliated with the NHS, and there is no such "discount scheme". These offers are often seen in social media ads or unsolicited calls.

One recent example involves an online company that promotes CIC hearing aids as part of the NHS Hearing Aid Support Scheme, claiming this NHS scheme allows them to provide aids usually costing thousands of pounds for as little as several hundred.

This is a lie. In reality, they are selling you a very basic hearing amplifier that they have typically paid around £7 for and are selling it to you for 20 to 30 times more, pretending you are getting a good deal.

How to spot misleading offers

If you are technically savvy, you can use reverse image search tools to check the origin of hearing aid photos, which often reveal the same products listed on Chinese wholesale websites under different names and at significantly lower prices. It's also worth examining the photos used in customer reviews, as many are taken from unrelated profiles or generic stock image libraries.

For example, one of the reviewers on their site amazed at how good the hearing aids were, was this gentleman, "Franklin Monroe". In reality, this is Brazilian actor Paulo Freire, who died in 1997, and his picture was taken from a movie website. If you are not technically minded, then you can rely on good old common sense.

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If a hearing aid is promoted with a huge price drop, such as being reduced from £1,997 to £79, it’s a strong indication that the product may be of low quality or not accurately described.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Unqualified providers: Always verify that the hearing care provider has audiologists and that they are registered with professional bodies like the HCPC or BHSAA to ensure they are qualified.

False NHS affiliation, offers without assessments, aggressive sales tactics, and upfront payments: NHS hearing aids are only provided after a full hearing test; be cautious of offers that bypass this necessary step. They never cold-call or pressure people into purchasing, so watch out for time-limited or “last chance” offers.

They also don't ask for payment unless it’s for non-covered items, like replacing lost hearing aids. Be wary of any upfront charges for services that should be free.

How to access genuine NHS hearing aid services: NHS hearing aid services, the first step is to visit your GP, who will assess your hearing needs. If necessary, your GP will refer you to an NHS hearing specialist for a full hearing assessment. Based on the results, if you qualify, you will be provided with hearing aids on loan, free of charge, along with any required follow-up appointments.

Useful tips to stay safe: Reverse image search: If you come across a hearing aid photo or review in an ad, take the time to verify it by using reverse image search tools.

Check registrations: Ensure that the audiologist is registered with a reputable organisation like the HCPC.

Consult your GP: If you’re unsure about an offer, consult your GP to confirm its legitimacy.

Request documentation: Ask for details such as product model numbers, CE certifications, and warranty information.

Take your time: Never feel pressured to make a quick decision. It’s always a good idea to carefully consider your options before proceeding.

Summary

There are no "miracle hearing devices for low, low prices". If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify offers and consult trusted professionals before making any decisions.

If you or someone you know is uncertain about a hearing aid offer, reach out to your GP, local NHS service or an audiologist in your area for guidance. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure you receive the care you need.

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Protect Yourself from Misleading Offers on Hearing Aids: Gain a better awareness about misleading practices

Protect Yourself from Misleading Offers on Hearing Aids