Is "Going Private" for Your Hearing Aids Worth It?

It’s no secret that hearing aids and other audiology services are available for free through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). In addition to my work as a private audiologist, I also continue to work with the NHS. A common question I hear from both my NHS and private patients is: "Are private hearing aids better than those available on the NHS? Are they worth the cost?"

NHS vs. Private Hearing Aids

When deciding between the NHS or a private clinic for your hearing care, there are several key factors to consider. These go beyond the hearing aids themselves, which I’ll explore in more detail later. However, when comparing the actual hearing aids available on the NHS versus those available privately, there are significant differences worth noting.

Firstly, hearing aids prescribed through the NHS are private-labelled for NHS use only. While NHS hearing aids come from the same leading hearing aid manufacturers found in the private sector, these manufacturers supply specific models or sets of models exclusively for NHS use. As a result, it’s generally impossible to be fitted with an NHS-specific model at a private clinic, and vice versa. There are occasional exceptions, usually for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, where some overlap may occur between the two markets.

Additionally, the specific hearing aids used by the NHS vary across audiology departments. Some departments may offer a broader range of hearing aids than others, though patients usually cannot choose which department they are referred to. Most NHS hearing aids are typically behind-the-ear (BTE) models, where the electronic components sit behind the ear and transmit sound through a tube to either a custom ear mould or a soft "dome" that sits inside the ear canal. This differs from receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, more commonly used in private clinics, where the speaker is placed inside the ear canal, offering a different fit and potentially improved sound quality.

On the NHS, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are less commonly available. These devices are custom-fitted to the ear and house all components inside the ear, which can be advantageous for individuals with dexterity issues, as they’re often easier to handle than BTE or RIC models.

Moreover, hearing aids in the private sector tend to feature more advanced technology than those available on the NHS. NHS hearing aids generally correspond to a “mid-range” level of technology, often one or two generations behind what is available privately. More advanced private hearing aids are typically better suited for challenging listening environments, such as restaurants, large gatherings, and meetings. If you’re interested in learning more about the different technology levels, I’ve written an article that covers this topic in greater detail, here. While private hearing aids may offer objectively superior technology, the noticeable improvement for individual users can vary. Some people find NHS hearing aids work just as well as private options, while others experience significant benefits from advanced private hearing aids.

NHS vs. Private Audiology Services: Other Considerations

Beyond the physical hearing aids, several other factors may influence your decision to choose the NHS or a private clinic for your hearing care. While the NHS offers a comprehensive audiology service, it faces significant pressures, which can impact service delivery. Waiting times for appointments and services are often quite long. This can mean that from the moment you're referred by your GP to an NHS audiology service, it may take over a year—or even longer—before both your hearing assessment and hearing aid fitting are completed. If issues arise after fitting, additional wait times can occur before any adjustments can be made.

Private clinics, in contrast, typically offer a faster, more streamlined process. You can often complete your hearing assessment and be fitted with hearing aids within a few weeks, with any subsequent issues addressed within a matter of days.

Furthermore, private clinics tend to offer more personalised care. Audiologists in private settings have more time to spend with you during appointments, ensuring that your unique concerns and goals are addressed. This means you’ll receive the most appropriate hearing solution for your individual needs.

In the NHS, you may not have the option to choose which audiologist you see. While there are many excellent NHS audiologists, the nature of the service often means that you may be seen by different clinicians, which can affect continuity of care. With a private clinic, you have the flexibility to select a specific audiologist and receive consistent care, ensuring that your hearing needs are always met with the same professional standard.

Conclusion: Is Private Hearing Care Worth It?

While this article may seem to favour private audiology clinics, it’s important to note that many NHS patients are very satisfied with the service they receive and the hearing aids provided. As an audiologist who continues to work within the NHS, I strive to deliver excellent care to all my NHS patients. However, the key difference is the flexibility and personalised care available at private clinics. In a private setting, you have more control over your hearing aid selection, care process, and appointment scheduling.

That being said, advanced hearing aid technology is only beneficial when prescribed and fitted by a qualified audiologist who follows best practices. No matter where you receive your care, the expertise of your audiologist is the most important factor in achieving optimal hearing outcomes.

At Finchley Hearing, we are a private, independent audiology practice in London, committed to ethical, evidence-based practices. If you’d like to learn more about the services we provide, please explore our website or reach out to us with any questions. We’d be delighted to support you on your journey to better hearing.

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