Veterans Hearing Fund UK

Q: What is the best hearing aid model for me?

In general, any audiologist will always recommend to you the hearing aid model that best suits your needs . Here is a useful checklist to make sure that is the case. Audiologist's 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.

Q: 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's warranty when it comes to replacing the battery.

Q: Are Behind-the-Ear hearing aids better than In-the-Ear hearing 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.

Q: 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 is 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.

Q: What's covered in a manufacturer's warranty?

Manufacturer's warranties typically last between 2-5 years, depending on the brand and model, and cover defects in materials and workmanship. This includes repairs for component failures, electronic malfunctions, and manufacturing defects, but excludes damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear. Most manufacturers also include loss and damage insurance for the first year. We handle all warranty claims on your behalf, liaising with manufacturers and ensuring you get replacement devices quickly when needed. This comprehensive warranty coverage, combined with our lifetime aftercare, gives you complete peace of mind.

Q: How much does the hearing test cost?

Our hearing tests are completely free, whether at our clinics or in your home . Unlike other providers who charge £30-£100 for home visits, we believe hearing healthcare should be accessible without financial barriers. Our comprehensive assessments include examination by a registered audiologist, audiogram results, and personalised recommendations. All testing, future adjustments, and ongoing support are included at no extra cost. While NHS tests are also free, typical 6-week waiting periods often lead people to seek immediate private testing. We provide prompt, professional assessments that fit your schedule and budget.

Q: Do you offer home visits, and are they included in the price?

Yes, we offer completely free home visits throughout the UK, and this service is included in our prices with no additional charges. Home visits are particularly valuable for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who simply prefer the comfort and convenience of their own environment. Our audiologists can conduct full hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and provide ongoing support in your home. This service sets us apart from many providers who either don't offer home visits or charge extra for them.

Q: Why are your hearing aids cheaper than what I'd pay on the high street?

We can offer prices up to 40% lower than high street retailers because of our business model. As a network of 200+ independent audiologists , we don't have the massive overheads of large retail chains - no expensive high street premises, no sales targets pushing audiologists to sell the most expensive options, and no costly marketing campaigns. However, we maintain the same buying power as the big chains because we purchase on behalf of our entire nationwide network. This means you get access to the same premium hearing aids with professional service, but at genuinely competitive prices.

Q: How long do I have to try the hearing aids before committing to keep them?

We offer a comprehensive 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you twice the industry standard time to properly assess whether your hearing aids are right for you. This extended period recognises that adjusting to hearing aids takes time, and your brain needs several weeks to adapt to the amplified sounds. Unlike many providers who offer just 30 days, we believe 60 days gives you the confidence to test your hearing aids in all the situations that matter to you - from quiet conversations at home to busy restaurants and outdoor activities.

Q: Can I really buy hearing aids online without visiting a clinic first? Why can't I do this with your company?

While some companies do sell hearing aids online without professional involvement, we don't offer this service because we genuinely believe it's not in your best interests. Hearing aids aren't like buying glasses online - they require professional assessment, precise programming to your specific hearing loss pattern, and proper fitting to work effectively. Through our network of over 200 qualified independent audiologists across the UK, we ensure you receive a proper hearing test, expert guidance on the right device for your needs, and professional fitting. This approach means you're far more likely to be satisfied with your hearing aids and actually use them regularly.

November 2019 Update: Due to the high level of demand, the VHF / British Legion funding has now ceased.
However, we still offer discount to those who have the Defence Discount Service's Defence Privilege Card. To find out more or for expert advice - call our audiologist today on 0800 567 7621
Although the Veterans Hearing Fund closed in November 2019, we've kept this article live for several important reasons.
Many veterans continue searching for information about this scheme, and this article ensures they find accurate information about its closure rather than outdated sources.
The article also explains why veterans specifically need advanced hearing aids and provides valuable historical context about how the scheme operated.
The update banner directs veterans to our current Defence Discount Service offering, whilst the section on veterans' hearing loss compensation claims remains useful for those exploring their options.
By maintaining this content with clear closure information, we continue to serve veterans while directing them to the support we can currently provide.

Information on the Veterans Hearing Fund Scheme

Veterans Affairs Hearing Aid Funding

How can I get a free veteran's hearing aid?

This veterans hearing fund for free hearing aids is a scheme to provide free hearing aids for war veterans is called the Veterans Hearing Fund.

You might have also heard it called the following: "Veterans hearing fund Royal British Legion", "British Legion veterans hearing fund" or the "BLV hearing fund".

In the past, some people have found applying to the Veterans Hearing Fund for the money they need for veterans' hearing aid supplies to be a little difficult.

But please do not let that put you off from getting the hearing aids and equipment that you are entitled to, and that can make such a huge difference to your life and well-being.

Here at Hearing Aid UK, we have vast experience in providing veteran hearing aid assistance. We have helped many deserving veterans get free hearing aids from the Veterans Hearing Fund, quite simply by taking the hassle out of the application for them.

Our experience means that all you need to do is contact our knowledgeable team, and we will handle the entire application process on your behalf, meaning that you can get the free veterans hearing aids that you need without any fuss or bother.

How does the Veterans Hearing Fund work?

The Royal British Legion administers the fund, which is financed by HM Treasury. The Veterans Hearing Fund is designed to provide veterans’ hearing aid supplies for any hearing loss needs that cannot be administered through statutory services such as the NHS.

Why are hearing aids required for war veterans?

Especially before the advent of modern ear defenders, many military personnel suffered from repeated exposure to very loud noises from gunshots and other artillery fires.

Known as noise-induced hearing loss, retired veterans often require hearing aid assistance due to the damage caused to the functioning of the ear, often resulting in severe tinnitus and the inability to hear high-frequency noises.

Why can hearing aids for war veterans not be provided by the NHS?

Due to budgetary issues, the hearing aids provided by the NHS tend to be some of the least powerful and least technologically advanced available. Whereas these may be sufficient for people with mild hearing loss who live quiet lifestyles in unchallenging sonic environments.

Hearing aids for war veterans tend to need to be much more powerful and with a higher level of technological features to combat their specific Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Appropriate veterans hearing aid supplies tend to include not only the more premium ranges of hearing aids but also a number of associated hearing aid accessories, such as devices to stream audio from your phone, TV or radio directly to your hearing aids.

As well as remote controls and extra microphones. These can make a significant difference to veterans' hearing and well-being, but are generally not provided via the NHS.

Can you use your war pension for hearing aids?

If you are a retired veteran requiring hearing aid assistance and are in receipt of a war pension, you will still be eligible for the Veterans Hearing Fund, as your war pension is designed to cover usual living costs, not the specialist requirements of service-induced disabilities.

Veterans' hearing aid eligibility

To be eligible for veterans' hearing aid assistance through the Veterans Hearing Fund, you must be a retired military veteran and be able to prove that your hearing loss was incurred as a result of your military service.

The Veterans' Administration hearing aid program is open to retired veterans requiring hearing aid assistance who meet any of the following criteria:

Receive a war pension AFCS award for hearing loss
Have been previously provided with hearing aids from the MOD
Received a lump sum compensation payment for hearing loss
Had your hearing loss been accepted as being acquired during your service, even if a compensation payment was refused
In receipt of service medical records that show hearing loss
If you are a retired veteran requiring hearing aid assistance and believe that you meet any of the above criteria, contact Hearing Aid UK to find out more today.

How to apply for the Veterans Hearing Fund

Applications to the Veterans Hearing Fund are made to the Royal British Legion. It is a 2-step process, but don’t worry, we will handle the entire process on your behalf.

Stage 1 – Initial application: "Veterans hearing fund application form"

We will work with you to complete the application form and submit this along with proof of your eligibility and the appropriate audiometry results from your service medical records to the Veterans Hearing Fund.

If your application is judged to be eligible for veterans' hearing aid assistance from the Veterans Hearing Fund, you will then be sent a second-stage application form.

Stage 2 – Audiological Assessment

We will then arrange a convenient appointment with one of HearingAid.org.uk’s UK-wide network of expert audiologists, and they will conduct a thorough audiological examination and then recommend the best hearing aid for you.

They will complete the second stage form and return it, along with the audiometry results, to the Royal British Legion, which will assess whether these veterans' hearing aid supplies will help to improve their lives.

If approved, the Veterans Hearing Fund will then pay for your hearing aids and any accessories.

What can the Veterans Hearing Fund provide?

Retired veterans may need hearing aid assistance for a number of hearing loss requirements. Normally, veterans' hearing loss is due to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, but this can present in different ways in different veterans.

Therefore, the Veterans' Administration hearing aid brands include all of those currently available on the market, rather than just being limited to those available on the NHS.

As we have also mentioned, the Veterans Hearing Fund can provide those extra hearing aid accessories that can make such a difference in a veteran's life.

Additionally, the veterans' hearing aid program can also offer funds for therapies such as lip-reading training if it is judged to be beneficial to the veterans' well-being.

Veterans' hearing aid benefits

There are many benefits to the Veterans Hearing Fund providing hearing aids for war veterans. These include:

Veterans' hearing aids are free

Veterans' hearing aid supplies are usually significantly better than those available on the NHS provides funding for veterans' hearing aid accessories and peripheral therapies such as lip-reading training.

You can use your choice of audiologists to assess your hearing and make their recommendation of hearing aids for war veterans.

Using Hearing Aid UK means that you will not only have access to a network of expert local audiologists, but you can also guarantee a low price, thus leaving more funds to help other worthy veterans.

How are veterans' hearing aids provided for free?

The cost of the Veterans Hearing Fund is covered by HM Treasury (not the British Legion as is often mistakenly understood), using money gained from LIBOR fines.

LIBOR fines are those that were charged to many banks and financial institutions that were discovered to have been fixing the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). This is the interest rate used by banks when lending to one another.

Many bankers were found to be artificially keeping the LIBOR low to illegally increase their profits. Some of the revenue from the fines imposed by HM Treasury when this was discovered was used to create the Veterans Hearing Fund.

As well as the Veterans Hearing Fund, can I claim veterans' hearing loss compensation?

For some veterans, the circumstances of their hearing loss could mean that they are eligible for veterans' hearing loss compensation. However, this would be claimed completely separately from applying to the Veterans Hearing Fund.

There are a number of companies that specialise in veterans' hearing loss claims and can provide information about Veterans Affairs hearing loss forms and Veterans Affairs hearing loss calculators.

If you are simply looking for a way of funding your hearing aids, it may be quicker, simpler and possibly more effective to apply to the Veterans Hearing Fund, rather than investigating veterans' hearing loss compensation.

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