NHS or Private Hearing Aids? An Honest Guide for Lancaster

If you've recently been told you might benefit from hearing aids, or you've been quietly wondering about it for a while, one of the first questions is usually: should I go through the NHS, or go private?

It's a question we're asked most weeks at our clinic on St Leonard's Gate. As an independent, family-owned practice, we think you deserve a straight answer, and that includes saying plainly that the NHS is the right route for many people. Here's a fair look at both, so you can decide what suits you.

What the NHS offers

NHS hearing aids are free to eligible patients, and that matters. For many people, NHS aids do a good job and meet their everyday needs. Your GP can refer you to your local audiology service, where you'll have a hearing assessment and, if appropriate, be fitted with hearing aids and offered follow-up support.

NHS services usually offer basic to mid-range models, in a more limited range of styles. Waiting times vary from area to area and can change over time, so it's worth asking your GP what to expect locally.

What going private can offer

Private hearing aids aren't free, so it's fair to ask what you get for your money. In our experience, people choose to go private for a few main reasons.

More choice of style. From small in-canal models to powerful behind-the-ear options, a private practice can usually offer a wider range of styles, including more discreet designs.

More choice of technology. Many private hearing aids include features such as rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connection to your phone or TV, smartphone app control, and noise reduction designed to make conversation in busy places easier. We mainly fit Starkey, Oticon, Phonak and Widex, and as an independent practice we can supply hearing aids from all manufacturers. That means we can recommend what genuinely suits you, rather than steering you towards one brand.

Time and continuity. We set aside 60 to 90 minutes for a hearing assessment, so nobody is rushed. You'll usually see the same small, familiar team each time you visit.

Speed. We can usually book you in for a consultation within days, and if hearing aids are right for you, they're typically fitted 7 to 14 days later.

What a private assessment with us involves

Your assessment includes pure tone audiometry to measure your hearing, middle ear testing, and a speech-in-noise test that reflects real situations, like a noisy café or a family meal. We'll explain your results in everyday language and relate them to the things you actually find difficult.

Then we'll talk honestly about your options. Sometimes that means hearing aids. Sometimes it means wax removal, hearing protection, or simply keeping an eye on things. And sometimes it means telling you that NHS hearing aids would suit you perfectly well. You're always welcome to bring a family member along, and you don't need a GP referral to see us.

The assessment is currently £45 (normally £95). If you're unable to get to the clinic, home visits can be arranged.

Aftercare: the part that's easy to overlook

Hearing aids aren't a "fit and forget" purchase. Your brain needs a little time to get used to hearing sounds it may have been missing, and small adjustments in the first few weeks make a real difference.

Every hearing aid purchase from Tailored Hearing includes five years of aftercare. That covers unlimited fine-tuning appointments, regular check-ups, and cleaning and checking of your devices. If something does go wrong outside of that, a minor repair such as a speaker or receiver replacement is £50.

A few questions to ask, wherever you go

Whether you choose the NHS or a private practice, these questions are worth asking:

• What did my hearing test show, in plain terms?
• Which style and level of technology do you recommend for my lifestyle, and why?
• How many follow-up appointments are included, and for how long?
• What happens if I have a problem with my hearing aids?
• Can I bring someone with me to my appointments?

A good audiologist will be happy to answer all of them.

Hearing care that's local to Lancaster

We're a husband-and-wife team of audiologists, and we opened Tailored Hearing so that people in Lancaster could get unhurried, honest hearing care close to home. Whether you're in the city centre, over in Morecambe, up towards Carnforth or out in the Lune Valley, you'll find a friendly welcome and no sales pressure.

Book your hearing assessment in Lancaster

If you'd like to understand your hearing and talk through your options, call us on 01524 587623 or book online. We're open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, at 139 St Leonard's Gate, Lancaster LA1 1NL.