Should I Buy A Hearing Aid Privately? – Which?
Can I buy hearing aids without involving my GP?
You don’t need a GP referral to buy hearing aids privately, but it’s a good idea to see your doctor first so you can rule out any temporary problems, such as build-up of wax. However, a private audiologist (dispe…….
Can I buy hearing aids without involving my GP?
You don’t need a GP referral to buy hearing aids privately, but it’s a good idea to see your doctor first so you can rule out any temporary problems, such as build-up of wax. However, a private audiologist (dispenser) should also be able to spot this. They will also be able to identify whether you need additional support from another specialist, such as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.
Your GP may also tell you about the Any Qualified Provider scheme, which allows you to get hearing aids from a private company paid for by the NHS, but this is only available in some areas of England. In our 2020 survey of 1,572 Which? members and other adults, they rated their experience of getting hearing aids under the AQP scheme as well as NHS vs private hearing aid providers.
If you do decide to get your hearing aids from a shop, our survey of the best hearing aid providers will help you to find the best companies and avoid the worst.
Pros and cons of buying your hearing aid privately
Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a hearing aid privately instead of getting one through the NHS:
Pros
- You should be able to book an appointment at your convenience, with little waiting time.
- More choice of styles, especially if you want discreet or invisible hearing aids.
- Some retailers offer home visits.
- You’ll probably see the same audiologist on follow-up visits (you’ll need to check these are part of your aftercare package).
- You’re likely to have more time with the audiologist to explore options or problems.
Cons
- Buying a hearing aid is rarely a one-off cost, as it will need replacing every three to five years. Check our guide to hearing aid prices to …….
