I'm finding it difficult to hear on the phone

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.

I Find It Difficult to Hear on the Phone. Do I Have Hearing Loss?

Learn how to recognise the signs of hearing loss and what to do about it

Overview | What are the signs of hearing loss? | Causes of hearing loss | What to do next | Conclusion

Last Hearing Aid UK Update: 03/03/2026

Overview

For many people, the phone is where hearing difficulties first make themselves known. Strip away the facial expressions, the lip movements, the body language — and you're left with sound alone. Even mild hearing loss that might go unnoticed in everyday conversation can suddenly feel very apparent on a call.

The signs are often subtle at first: asking people to repeat themselves, voices sounding muffled, nudging the volume up a little more each time. Noisy environments tend to make things worse. As for the causes, they vary — age, noise exposure, ear problems, health conditions, and genetics can all play a part.

If any of this sounds familiar, a hearing test is the most straightforward next step. And if it does turn out that your hearing has changed, there's plenty that can help — from adjusting your phone settings to hearing aids or captioned call services.

This article covers why phone calls can be so challenging, what the signs of hearing loss look like, and what to do if you're starting to have concerns.

Struggling to hear on the phone?

Have you ever found yourself pressing the phone harder to your ear, straining to catch what someone's saying — or worse, missing chunks of the conversation altogether? Maybe you've had to ask the person to repeat themselves more than once, and felt that familiar mix of frustration and embarrassment.

If that sounds familiar, you might be wondering whether it's just a bad line — or something more.

For many people, the phone is actually where hearing difficulties first become obvious. There's no lip reading, no facial expressions, no body language to lean on. It's just sound. And that means even subtle hearing loss, the kind that might go unnoticed in everyday conversation, can suddenly feel very apparent.

Why is it hard to hear on the phone?

It's worth understanding why phone calls are harder than face-to-face conversations in the first place. When you're talking to someone in person, you're picking up a lot more than just their words — you're reading their expressions, watching their lips, and picking up on gestures. On the phone, all of that disappears.

A poor signal, background noise, or a dodgy connection can all make it harder to follow what's being said.

That said, if the difficulty isn't occasional and doesn't seem tied to any of these external factors, it may be worth considering whether something else is going on with your hearing.

Related reading: Hearing aids for background noise

What are the signs of hearing loss?

Hearing loss tends to creep in gradually, which is part of why it so often goes unnoticed until it's been building for some time. These are some of the signs:

Difficulty understanding speech: If following conversations on the phone feels like hard work — especially when there's background noise, multiple people talking, or a soft-spoken caller — it could be a sign that your hearing isn't what it was.

It's not just about volume; it's about clarity.

Asking people to repeat themselves: Everyone does this occasionally. But if it's become a regular part of phone calls — and face-to-face conversations too — it may be that you're struggling to catch certain sounds or words rather than just mishearing the odd thing.
Muffled or distorted sound: If voices on the phone sound unclear, no matter how loud the volume is, that can point to high-frequency hearing loss, where your ability to pick up higher-pitched sounds has reduced.

Increasing volume: Consistently turning the volume up on your phone, or finding yourself asking people to speak louder, can be a sign that your hearing sensitivity has decreased.
Difficulty in noisy environments: Many people with hearing loss find that background noise makes everything significantly harder. If you've noticed that phone calls in a café, on the bus, or in a busy office feel particularly difficult, that's worth paying attention to.

Related reading: Types of hearing loss

What causes hearing loss?

There's no single cause — hearing loss can develop for a range of reasons, some tied to age, others to lifestyle, health, or simply bad luck. Here are the most common:

Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis): As we get older, the structures inside the ear naturally start to deteriorate.

This tends to affect high frequencies first, which is why consonants and certain speech sounds — the very things that give words their clarity — can become harder to distinguish, particularly on the phone.

Noise-induced hearing loss: Years of exposure to loud noise, whether through work, hobbies, or listening to music at high volumes through headphones, can gradually damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Once those cells are gone, they don't come back.

The result is hearing loss that affects both the clarity and volume of sound.

Ear infections or blockages: Sometimes the cause is more straightforward — an ear infection, fluid buildup, or a plug of wax can all muffle sound and make hearing on the phone noticeably harder. The good news is that these are usually temporary and treatable.
Health conditions and medications: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can all affect hearing. Certain medications — including some used in cancer treatment or to fight infections — can also have hearing loss as a side effect, so it's always worth mentioning any changes to your doctor.
Genetics: If it's something that affects your relatives, it's worth being aware of the early signs and keeping an eye on your own hearing over time.

Related reading: All about ear infections

What to do if you're worried about your hearing

If phone calls have started to feel like a struggle, there are some steps you can take:

Get your hearing checked: An audiologist can carry out a hearing test, give you a clear picture of what's going on, and talk you through the options.

Review your space: Pay attention to when and where the difficulties tend to happen. If it's always in the same situations, like background noise, keeping a mental note of patterns can be really useful when you speak to a professional.
Improve the quality of your phone: Many phones have settings specifically designed to improve speech clarity. It's worth exploring the accessibility options, trying speakerphone, or looking into phones that are compatible with hearing aids.

There are also apps that can amplify or enhance sound during calls.

Protect your hearing: Keeping the volume reasonable on headphones and limiting exposure to loud noise can help slow any further deterioration.
Consider hearing aids: If a hearing test confirms you have hearing loss, hearing aids can make a significant difference.

Modern devices are far more sophisticated than most people expect, with most offering Bluetooth connectivity so audio streams directly from your phone to the hearing aid.

Try captioned phone services: If calls have become genuinely difficult, captioned telephones and apps that transcribe speech in real time can be a real lifeline — giving you a written record of the conversation as it happens.

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