Help with hearing aids on a low income

Hearing loss affects work, family life and safety, and it often leads to isolation if it goes untreated. When money is tight, the high prices quoted on the high street for private hearing aids can put people off seeking help at all. In the UK, however, most people can get good-quality digital hearing aids through the NHS without paying, and there is extra support for work, home and daily life.

This guide explains how to get NHS hearing aids, when private options make sense, what other help is available, and why borrowing for hearing aids is rarely necessary.

NHS hearing aids: free for most people

NHS hearing aids are provided on free loan. Fitting, follow-up appointments, repairs and batteries are also free. The aids remain the property of the NHS, and you return them if you stop using them.

• How to start: speak to your GP, who can check for problems such as ear wax and refer you to an NHS audiology service. In some areas you can refer yourself directly to audiology.
• Where you are seen: in a hospital audiology department or, in parts of England, at a community or high street provider that holds an NHS contract. Ask whether the clinic is seeing you as an NHS patient.
• Children: babies are offered a hearing screening soon after birth, and children with hearing loss are seen by paediatric audiology services.
• Waiting times vary by area. If you are waiting a long time, ask the GP or audiology service about the expected date.

Getting the most from NHS aids

Many people put their hearing aids in a drawer after a few weeks because the sound feels strange or the fit is uncomfortable. That is common, and it can usually be fixed. Your brain needs time to adjust to hearing everyday sounds again, so wear the aids a little longer each day. If they whistle, hurt or do not help in noisy places, go back to the audiology service: adjustments, a different ear mould or a new programme are part of the free NHS service.

• Ask for a written note of how to get batteries, tubing and repairs locally; some services post batteries or offer drop-in sessions at libraries and health centres.
• Ask whether your aids can connect to your phone or TV, or whether a loop system is available.
• Bring a relative or friend to appointments if it helps you follow what is said.

Replacing lost or broken aids

Repairs are free, but some NHS services may charge if an aid is lost or damaged through carelessness. If you cannot pay, explain your circumstances and ask whether the charge can be waived. Keep aids in their case when not in use, and check your home contents insurance in case it covers them.

When people consider private hearing aids

Private hearing aids may offer extra features, smaller designs or a shorter wait. They are often expensive, and prices usually include a package of aftercare. If you consider going private:

• make sure the hearing aid dispenser is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC);
• ask for a full written quote, including aftercare, batteries or charging, and the trial period;
• compare with what the NHS offers before deciding, as NHS aids now include many modern features;
• be wary of cheap "sound amplifiers" sold online, which are not the same as properly fitted aids.

Our page on help with medical costs covers other health-related expenses.

Support at work and at home

If hearing loss affects your job, Access to Work can pay for equipment and support, such as amplified phones, specialist software or a communication support worker, that goes beyond what your employer must provide. Employers also have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.

At home, your council's adult social care or sensory services team can assess you for free or low-cost equipment: flashing or vibrating doorbells, smoke alarms for people who are deaf, and amplified telephones. Fire and rescue services may supply specialist smoke alarms. Lip-reading classes and hearing loss charities can help you adapt.

Depending on how hearing loss affects your daily life, you may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland). A free benefits check will tell you; our guide to financial options for disabled people explains more.

Hearing aid checklist

• Book a GP appointment or check whether you can self-refer to NHS audiology.
• Ask for the expected waiting time and how to get repairs and batteries.
• If working, contact Access to Work about equipment.
• Ask your council's sensory team for an assessment for home equipment.
• Check whether you qualify for disability benefits.
• Only consider a private provider after comparing with the NHS, and check HCPC registration.

Borrowing: rarely needed, and often costly

Private clinics sometimes offer finance plans. Before agreeing, check the APR, any fees and what happens if you miss a payment. Because NHS hearing aids are free, a loan should only be considered for a specific reason, such as a work need the NHS cannot meet, and after asking Access to Work. A credit union usually charges much less than commercial lenders, with interest in Great Britain capped at 42.6% APR. Our page on unsecured personal loans sets out what to compare. If you already have debts, get free advice first.

Scams and pressure selling

• Home visits or cold calls pushing expensive aids on finance, often aimed at older people.
• Online "free hearing test" offers that lead to high-pressure sales.
• Lenders asking for an upfront fee or not on the FCA register.

Elsewhere: outside the UK, help with hearing aids depends heavily on the country's health system and on public or charitable schemes for people with low incomes, so ask your doctor or local health service what is covered before paying privately.

For a wider view of health-related help, see our guide to medical financial assistance.