Hearing Loss and Mental Health

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.

Hearing Loss and Mental Health

The hidden impact on your emotional well-being

Overview

Hearing loss doesn't just affect your ears - it affects your mind, your mood, and your overall quality of life. Whilst most people understand that hearing loss makes conversations difficult, far fewer realise the profound impact it can have on mental health and emotional wellbeing.

If you've been struggling with hearing loss, you might have noticed feeling more anxious in social situations, increasingly exhausted after a day out, or even withdrawing from activities you used to enjoy.

These aren't character flaws or signs of ageing - they're very real consequences of untreated hearing loss, and understanding this connection is the first step towards feeling like yourself again.

The good news is that addressing hearing loss can significantly improve mental health outcomes. You don't have to accept social isolation, anxiety, or depression as inevitable consequences of hearing difficulties.

The invisible burden

Hearing loss carries an emotional weight that extends far beyond simply missing words in conversation. When you're constantly straining to hear, asking people to repeat themselves, or pretending you've understood when you haven't, it takes a genuine toll on your mental well-being.

The exhaustion alone is significant. If you're spending every conversation working overtime to fill in the gaps, lip-reading, watching facial expressions, and piecing together context clues to understand what's being said, your brain is doing considerably more work than it should.

By the end of a social event or even just a normal day, you're mentally drained in a way that people with normal hearing simply don't experience.

This constant cognitive effort is called listening fatigue, and it's one of the most underestimated aspects of hearing loss. It's not just tiring - it's the kind of exhaustion that makes you start avoiding the very situations and people that bring joy to your life.

Why hearing loss affects mental health

The connection between hearing loss and mental health isn't coincidental - there are genuine physiological and psychological reasons why one affects the other.

Social isolation and loneliness

When conversations become difficult, many people with hearing loss begin withdrawing from social situations. You might start declining dinner invitations, avoiding busy restaurants, or skipping family gatherings because the prospect of struggling to hear is simply too stressful.

This gradual withdrawal leads to social isolation, which is strongly linked to depression and anxiety.

The irony is that whilst you're avoiding these situations to reduce stress, the isolation itself often creates more significant mental health challenges. Humans are social creatures, and meaningful connections with others are fundamental to emotional well-being.

Loss of independence and confidence

Hearing loss can make you feel less capable and more dependent on others. If you're missing important information at work, struggling to hear announcements in public places, or finding telephone conversations increasingly difficult, it chips away at your confidence and sense of independence.

This loss of confidence often extends beyond hearing-related situations. Many people with untreated hearing loss report feeling generally less sure of themselves, more anxious about new situations, and reluctant to take on challenges they would have previously embraced without hesitation.

Cognitive decline concerns

Research has established a connection between untreated hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Whilst the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the theory is that when your brain isn't receiving adequate auditory input, the areas responsible for processing sound can deteriorate. The social isolation and reduced cognitive stimulation that often accompany hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline.

This isn't meant to alarm you, but rather to emphasise why addressing hearing loss sooner rather than later matters for your long-term mental and cognitive health.

Anxiety and depression

The combination of social isolation, listening fatigue, loss of confidence, and cognitive concerns creates a perfect storm for anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to experience depression than those with normal hearing or those who use hearing aids.

The anxiety often manifests as worry about social situations, fear of missing important information, or general unease about being unable to hear potential dangers or communicate effectively. Depression can develop gradually as the cumulative effect of isolation, frustration, and reduced quality of life takes its toll.

Warning signs to watch for

It's not always obvious when hearing loss is affecting your mental health. The changes often happen gradually, and you might not connect your emotional state to your hearing difficulties. Here are some warning signs that hearing loss might be impacting your mental well-being:

You're avoiding social situations you used to enjoy - if you're declining invitations to restaurants, parties, or gatherings because you're worried about hearing difficulties, that's a significant red flag. The occasional need for a quiet night in is normal, but consistently avoiding social interaction isn't.
You feel exhausted after social events - whilst everyone feels a bit tired after a busy day, if you're experiencing profound exhaustion after situations that require listening and communication, that's listening fatigue at work.
You're feeling increasingly anxious or worried - anxiety about whether you'll be able to hear, what people think of you asking them to repeat themselves, or missing important information can become overwhelming. If you're experiencing persistent worry related to communication situations, hearing loss may be contributing to your anxiety.
You've noticed mood changes - feeling more irritable, frustrated, or low than usual can be connected to the ongoing stress of dealing with hearing difficulties. Depression can develop gradually, so a persistent low mood shouldn't be dismissed as simply "getting older" or "having a bad patch."
You're withdrawing from hobbies and activities - if you've stopped attending your book club, given up on evening classes, or no longer go to the cinema because hearing has become too difficult, that's a warning sign that hearing loss is restricting your life in ways that can affect mental health.

What you can do

The encouraging news is that addressing hearing loss can have a remarkably positive impact on mental health. Research shows that people who get hearing aids often experience improvements in confidence, social engagement, and overall quality of life - and many report feeling less anxious and depressed.

Get your hearing tested

The first step is knowing exactly what you're dealing with. A comprehensive hearing test will show whether you have hearing loss, what type it is, and how severe. This information is essential for determining the best course of action.

Our audiologists provide thorough hearing assessments, and we can arrange these either in a clinic or in the comfort of your own home if that's more convenient. There's no charge for the consultation, and there's absolutely no obligation.

Consider hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are remarkably sophisticated and can make a genuine difference to both hearing and mental well-being. They're not the bulky, whistling devices you might remember from years ago - today's hearing aids are discreet, effective, and designed to help you hear naturally in various environments.

The improvement isn't just about volume - properly fitted hearing aids help you distinguish speech from background noise, follow conversations in busy environments, and engage with the world around you without constant strain and exhaustion.

Many people report that getting hearing aids was transformative not just for their hearing, but for their overall quality of life and emotional well-being.

Stay socially connected

Even whilst you're addressing your hearing loss, make a conscious effort to maintain social connections. Let friends and family know you're experiencing hearing difficulties - most people are happy to speak more clearly or position themselves where you can see their face if they understand what you need.

Talk to your GP about mental health concerns

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it's important to discuss these with your GP. Addressing hearing loss is important, but you may also benefit from additional support for your mental health, whether that's counselling, medication, or other interventions.

The two approaches work together - improving your hearing addresses one significant contributor to mental health difficulties, whilst mental health support helps you manage the emotional impact of what you've been experiencing.

Key takeaways

✔️ Hearing loss significantly impacts mental health. The connection between untreated hearing loss and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation is well-established and shouldn't be dismissed.

✔️ Listening fatigue is real and exhausting. The constant mental effort required to understand conversations when you have hearing loss leads to profound exhaustion that affects your overall well-being.

✔️ Social isolation develops gradually. When hearing becomes difficult, people often withdraw from social situations, which then creates additional mental health challenges through loneliness and isolation.

✔️ Early intervention matters. Addressing hearing loss sooner rather than later can help prevent the development of mental health difficulties and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

✔️ Hearing aids improve quality of life. Many people who get hearing aids report improvements not just in hearing, but in confidence, social engagement, mood, and overall mental well-being.

✔️ You're not alone. The emotional impact of hearing loss is common and understandable - and importantly, it's something that can be addressed with proper support and treatment.

✔️ Getting tested is the first step. A hearing test will show exactly what you're dealing with and help you understand your options for improving both your hearing and your quality of life.

Conclusion

Hearing loss and mental health are intimately connected. The constant effort of trying to hear, the exhaustion of listening fatigue, the frustration of missing conversations, and the gradual social isolation that often develops can all take a serious toll on your emotional well-being.

But here's what's important to remember: you don't have to accept declining mental health as an inevitable consequence of hearing loss. Modern hearing aids can significantly improve both your hearing and your quality of life, and many people find that addressing their hearing loss leads to improvements in confidence, social engagement, and overall mood.

If you've been struggling with hearing loss and have noticed changes in your mental health - whether that's increased anxiety, low mood, social withdrawal, or persistent exhaustion - it's worth getting your hearing tested. The connection is real, and addressing the hearing loss often helps address the mental health concerns as well.

You deserve to feel like yourself again - confident, engaged, and able to participate fully in the life you want to live. Taking that first step of getting your hearing tested might feel daunting, but it could be the beginning of getting back to feeling genuinely well, both mentally and physically.

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Ready to take the first step towards better hearing and improved well-being?

Book a free hearing test with one of our qualified audiologists. We'll assess your hearing, discuss how it might be affecting your daily life, and talk through the options available to you - with no pressure and no obligation.

Whether you're exploring hearing aids for the first time, looking for a second opinion, or considering upgrading from your current devices, we're here to help with honest, independent advice.

Common FAQs about hearing aids and hearing loss