What do our customers think?

NHS Hearing Aids UK & Upgrades

Not sure whether going private would be better?

Upgrading from NHS hearing aids to private

If you're currently wearing NHS hearing aids and wondering whether private hearing aids might offer something better, you're not alone. Many of our patients started with NHS provision before making the switch, and we can help you understand the differences - without pressure or obligation.

Thinking about NHS hearing aids? 

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides hearing aids to eligible individuals at no cost. To be eligible for an NHS hearing aid, you must have a hearing loss that is severe enough to affect your daily life and communication. In addition, you must be a resident of the UK and registered with a GP.

If you think you might be a good candidate for an NHS hearing aid, you can speak with your GP to see if you meet the criteria. If you are successful, you will be referred to an NHS audiology service near you, where you will be assessed and fitted with a hearing aid.

What are NHS hearing aids like in 2025?

NHS hearing aids have improved considerably over recent years. They're digital, reasonably effective, and provided free of charge with ongoing support and batteries. The service is genuinely valuable for many people, particularly those on fixed incomes or with straightforward hearing needs.

However, they do have limitations compared to private hearing aids - mainly around technology choice, aesthetics, and advanced features like super-fast and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.

Types of NHS hearing aids

The type of hearing aid you receive will depend on your needs and preferences, as well as the availability of different models.  However, the NHS does not cover the cost of certain types of hearing aids, such as those that are cosmetic or designed for use in specific environments, such as in water. 

In these cases, you will need to go private for your hearing healthcare and hearing aids to gain access to all hearing aid models, the latest hearing aid technology, and modern styles.

Common reasons people upgrade from NHS to private hearing aids

From conversations with our patients who've made the switch, these are the most frequent reasons for upgrading:

• Appearance and discretion - NHS hearing aids are Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models only. Private options include nearly invisible in-ear models and ultra-discreet Behind-the-Ear styles.
• Background noise performance - Premium private hearing aids use advanced AI and multiple processing programs to handle challenging environments like busy restaurants far more effectively.
• Rechargeable options - Rather than fiddling with tiny batteries weekly, private hearing aids can offer convenient rechargeable solutions.
• Faster access to appointments - NHS waiting times can stretch to months for routine adjustments. Private audiologists typically offer appointments within days.
• Technology choice - The NHS provides good-quality hearing aids, but you're limited to what's available through their contracts. Private provision gives you access to all manufacturers and all technology levels.

Are NHS hearing aids any good?

The PROS & CONS of Both

NHS Hearing Aids UK & Upgrades

NHS hearing aids additional information

How much does it cost to upgrade NHS hearing aids to private?

This is the question everyone asks, and honestly, it's more affordable than most people expect. Private hearing aids from independent audiologists like us start from £795 per aid, depending on the technology level you choose. That price includes:

• The hearing aids themselves
• All hearing tests and assessments - either at home or in clinic (for no extra charge)
• Professional fitting and programming
• Lifetime aftercare - unlimited appointments for adjustments, cleaning, and maintenance
• Manufacturer's warranty (typically 5 years)
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Unlike some high street chains that charge £3,000-£5,000 per pair, independent audiologists have much lower overheads, so we can pass those savings directly to you.

Can I keep my NHS hearing aids if I go private?

Yes, absolutely. Many people keep their NHS hearing aids as a backup pair whilst trying private hearing aids during the 60-day trial period. You don't need to return your NHS aids or inform the NHS that you're trying private provision. If you decide the private aids suit you better, you can simply stop using your NHS aids - they remain yours to keep if needed in future.

What happens to my NHS aftercare if I go private?

Your NHS aftercare continues to be available even if you purchase private hearing aids. The NHS won't withdraw support for your existing aids. However, most people find they prefer the convenience and flexibility of private aftercare once they've experienced it - appointments at times that suit you, often with same-day availability, and the option of home visits at no extra cost.

Want more information about NHS vs private hearing healthcare?

The link below is a great source of reference if you are wondering about questions such as: what do NHS hearing aids look like? Or what are the NHS hearing aid eligibility criteria? and more.  Because quite a lot of our patients come to us after wearing NHS hearing aids, we can also give our honest NHS hearing aids review from our audiologists.

The article below is designed to just give you a taste of information surrounding NHS hearing aids, private hearing aids and healthcare, because there is so much more! Click on the following link to read our article that talks about this topic in more detail.

►Click here to read more about NHS hearing aids vs private ones

►Click here to read about what private hearing healthcare services we offer

Looking for NHS hearing aids near me?

You must receive the right information from the start when you are researching who to purchase your hearing aids from.  From experience, before we appoint our patients, we ask them to write down any questions or anxieties about their hearing, hearing aids, or future hearing care needs.

You might even want to bring along a friend or family member to support you during this process and any decision-making.  As we said previously, it is always beneficial to see what the NHS and private services have to offer you - then you can make a more informed choice.

What can my local NHS hearing aid provider do for me?

Are your NHS hearing aids not working?  Wherever you live, there will be an NHS hearing aid centre local to you that can help you repair your devices.  To find out where your nearest resource is, head to the NHS website for more information.

The NHS provides a commendable service to the hearing loss community, and during your appointment, they can give you information such as:

• The best NHS hearing aids available
• NHS hearing aids cleaning and maintenance care
• NHS hearing aid instructions for use
• NHS hearing aid, volume control, and other day-to-day features
• NHS hearing aid batteries
• NHS hearing aid domes
• NHS hearing aids at home services and aftercare (if applicable)

Common questions about upgrading from NHS to private

Do I need a referral from my GP or NHS audiologist? No. You can book directly with a private audiologist without any referral. Your NHS audiologist won't be offended - many understand that different patients have different needs and budgets.

How long does the upgrade process take? From first contact to wearing your new private hearing aids typically takes 1-2 weeks. This includes your initial assessment, ordering bespoke hearing aids if needed, and the fitting appointment. Much faster than NHS waiting lists, which can stretch to several months.

Will my private audiologist have my NHS hearing records? No, but this isn't a problem. Your private audiologist will conduct a fresh hearing assessment anyway, which ensures they have current, accurate data to work from. If you'd like them to see your NHS audiogram, you can request a copy from your NHS audiology department.

Can I try private hearing aids before committing? Yes. All our hearing aids come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason - including simply deciding the cost isn't justified for your circumstances - we'll refund you in full. This lets you make a genuine comparison between NHS and private provision.

Are private hearing aids better quality than NHS ones? The NHS provides good quality digital hearing aids. Private hearing aids aren't necessarily "better" in all cases, but they do offer more advanced technology, more choice, and more features. Whether that additional benefit is worth the cost depends on your lifestyle, hearing challenges, and budget.

NHS Hearing Aid Upgrades

What about upgrading your existing NHS hearing aid with a new one?

For when you need new NHS hearing aids

On the other hand, if you have an NHS hearing aid and you would like to upgrade to a different model, you will need to speak with your audiologist to see if this is possible. In general, the NHS will only allow you to upgrade your hearing aid if you have a medical need for a different model.

For example, if your hearing loss has changed or if you need a hearing aid with additional features that are not available on your current model.

To upgrade your hearing aid, you will need to request an assessment with an audiologist. During the assessment, the audiologist will determine whether an upgrade is necessary and, if so, which model is most suitable for your needs. If you are approved for an upgrade, the NHS will provide you with a new hearing aid at no cost.

This is where private provision makes sense for many people - not because the NHS service is inadequate, but simply because your needs or preferences extend beyond what the NHS can reasonably provide within its budget constraints.