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

Straining to Hear Conversations

Do I have hearing loss?

Overview | Common signs of hearing loss | What causes hearing loss? | Conclusion

Overview

If you often find yourself leaning in, asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling drained after socialising, it could be a sign of hearing loss. Hearing difficulties, especially in noisy places, usually develop gradually and might go unnoticed at first.

This article outlines common signs, causes like age or noise exposure, and highlights the importance of getting a hearing test early. It also explains how modern hearing aids can help you stay connected and improve your quality of life.

Struggling to hear the conversation?

Have you ever found yourself leaning in a little closer during a conversation, asking people to repeat themselves more often, or feeling exhausted after a social gathering because you were working so hard just to follow what was being said?

If so, you’re not alone, and it might be time to consider whether hearing loss could be playing a role.

Struggling to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments like cafes, pubs, or even busy office spaces, can be one of the first signs that something’s not quite right with your hearing. But it’s not always obvious.

Hearing loss tends to creep in gradually, and many people don’t notice how much effort they’re putting into understanding others until it becomes frustrating or overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll explore common signs of hearing loss, its causes, and why getting your hearing checked sooner rather than later can make a real difference.

Common signs you might have hearing loss

Hearing loss isn’t always about total silence or muffled sound; sometimes, it’s more subtle. You might be hearing the sound itself, but not catching the meaning, especially if the speaker has a soft voice or there’s background noise.

Here are a few tell-tale signs that might indicate you’re experiencing some level of hearing difficulty. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to look into a hearing check.

Recognising these signs early can help you get the support you need before your hearing loss impacts your quality of life.

You find yourself straining to hear conversations in groups or noisy settings.
You often ask people to repeat themselves, even when they’re speaking clearly.
Voices sound muffled or unclear, like everyone’s mumbling.
You rely more on lip reading to fill in the blanks.
You feel mentally drained after social events, simply from trying to keep up.
Family and friends comment on your hearing or say the TV is too loud.

Related reading: Types of hearing loss

What causes hearing loss?

There are several reasons why you might be experiencing hearing difficulties. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is incredibly common and tends to affect people gradually over time.

It often starts with trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or distinguishing speech in noisy settings.

Understanding the root cause of your hearing difficulties is essential for effective treatment and management. Other causes can include:

Exposure to loud noises over time, like live music, heavy machinery, or even prolonged headphone use.
Earwax build-up can block sound from reaching the inner ear properly.
Medical conditions such as ear infections, Meniere’s disease, or certain medications.
Genetics, some people are simply more prone to hearing loss than others.

Whatever the cause, the impact on your day-to-day life can be significant, especially when you’re constantly straining to hear what others are saying.

Related reading: All about earwax and safe removal

The social impact of hearing difficulties

Beyond the physical struggle to hear, untreated hearing loss can affect your social and emotional well-being. People with hearing loss often start to avoid social situations because they’re too challenging or stressful.

This can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration. Misunderstandings can happen more frequently, and relationships may be affected, especially if partners or family members are repeatedly having to raise their voices or repeat themselves.

When to get your hearing checked

If you’ve been wondering, “Do I have hearing loss?”, there’s a simple way to find out: get your hearing tested. A professional hearing test is quick, painless, and gives you a clear picture of your hearing health.

Many high street hearing providers and private audiologists, like us, offer free hearing checks, so there’s really no downside to booking one in.

The earlier you identify any hearing issues, the easier they are to manage. In some cases, it might be something easily treatable, like a buildup of wax. In others, a hearing aid could make a world of difference.

Modern hearing solutions are better than ever

The reality is that hearing aids used to have a bit of a reputation, but things have come a long way. Today’s devices are sleek, smart, and highly customisable. Some are nearly invisible, and many connect directly to your phone or television via Bluetooth.

Rather than seeing hearing aids as a sign of ageing, more people are viewing them as a positive lifestyle upgrade, a way to stay connected and engaged with the world around them.

Related reading: Bluetooth hearing aids

Don’t ignore the signs: What to do when conversations aren't as clear as they used to be

If you’re constantly straining to hear conversations, it’s not something to shrug off. Addressing hearing loss early can not only improve your communication but also help prevent related issues such as social withdrawal or even cognitive decline.

So next time you catch yourself asking “What was that?”, take a moment to consider whether it’s time to check in on your hearing. After all, listening well is about more than just sound – it’s about staying connected, involved, and present in the conversations that matter most.

Finding it difficult to hear conversations?

You might have hearing loss - don't ignore the signs!

In conclusion, if you're finding it harder to follow conversations or often need others to repeat themselves, it could be a sign of hearing loss. Early detection is key to managing it effectively, and modern hearing aids offer a range of solutions to help you stay connected.

Don’t wait – addressing hearing difficulties early can enhance your communication and overall well-being. Contact us today to book your free eharing assessment with a local audiologist you can trust - either in clinic or at home, for no extra cost.

Straining to hear conversations – Do I have hearing loss?