Your comprehensive guide to NHS hearing aids NHS Hearing Aids

Ask your GP for a referral or contact your local NHS audiology department (some areas allow self‑referral). Use the local NHS trust contact for fastest info.

The audiologist will take your history, check ear health and do hearing tests (tone and speech). They’ll explain results and discuss next steps.

Waits vary by area — typically weeks to months. Contact your local clinic for current waiting times or ask about private options if you need faster access.

Yes — modern NHS hearing aids are digital. Many NHS-compatible models (including Danalogic) offer Bluetooth and streaming options or connect via accessories. Learn more.

Some trusts offer rechargeable models, but availability varies. Tell your clinic if rechargeability is important so they can advise.

The devices and routine NHS audiology appointments are provided free of charge. Local policies can differ for accessories or replacements.

Policies vary by trust. Some clinics supply batteries; accessories, loss or damage replacements may incur charges. Check your local clinic policy.

Most people adapt over weeks to a few months. Start with short, quiet sessions and build up daily wearing time.

Try fresh batteries and cleaning (wax/earmould). If problems continue, book a clinic appointment for reprogramming or fit adjustment.

To be assessed, ask your GP for a referral or contact your local NHS audiology department directly where self-referral is offered. Your local NHS trust website will give referral details and phone numbers.

Some areas accept self‑referral; others require a GP referral. Check your local NHS audiology service for its process — phone the trust or visit its website for current instructions.

The audiologist will review your hearing history, check ear health, and perform hearing tests (pure‑tone and speech tests). They’ll explain the results, discuss options and, if needed, arrange a fitting appointment or impressions for earmoulds.

Waiting times vary by area and demand — commonly from a few weeks to several months. Contact your local audiology clinic for current waits. Private options are available if you need faster access.

Choice depends on your hearing‑test results, lifestyle, ear anatomy and preferences. Audiologists choose the style and program settings to match your hearing loss and communication needs — and will discuss trade‑offs like size vs battery life.

A standard fitting appointment is usually 30–60 minutes. If custom impressions are needed, the process may add time for lab production and a follow‑up fitting. Your clinic will give exact appointment lengths.

If an in‑ear device or a custom earmould is required for comfort or acoustic performance, the clinic will take ear impressions during an appointment and schedule a fitting once the mould is made.

Expect at least one follow‑up appointment a few weeks after fitting for adjustments, with further sessions available as needed. Audiology teams offer ongoing aftercare for programming and comfort issues.

Yes — NHS hearing aids are digital and programmable. Modern NHS devices include features such as noise reduction and automatic program switching to improve listening in everyday environments.

Some NHS services offer rechargeable models, but availability varies by trust. If rechargeable batteries are important to you, tell your audiologist at assessment so they can discuss availability or private options.

Many NHS-compatible devices now support Bluetooth or can connect via optional accessories. Full app control depends on the model. Check device compatibility on the product Bluetooth & Apps page or ask the clinic. Check Danalogic device compatibility.

Many NHS devices can be fitted with a telecoil (T‑coil) to use public loop systems. If you use looped venues regularly, request a telecoil at fitting — your audiologist will advise on availability.

Policies differ between trusts. Some clinics supply batteries during NHS care; accessories and replacement for loss/damage can sometimes incur charges. Ask your local clinic about their policy.

You can buy private hearing aids, but the NHS may not repair or support privately purchased devices. Check with your local audiology team before choosing private purchase if you want NHS aftercare.

Upgrades aren’t automatic. The NHS replaces devices for clinical need or if faulty; cosmetic or preference upgrades are usually private. Discuss replacement criteria with your audiology clinic.

Some charities, local councils or social services offer help for extra costs. Your audiology clinic and local council can signpost grants or support schemes available in your area.

Hearing aids are programmed to your hearing levels. If sounds feel too loud, distorted, or uncomfortable, return to the clinic for reprogramming and counselling — these are common and fixable issues.

Handle with clean hands; remove gently; store in a dry case or charging dock; keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid exposure to water unless the device is rated for it. Visit danalogic hearing aid support libary for danalogic hearing aid support.

Report any soreness or rubbing to your audiologist — ear moulds can be adjusted, softened, or remade. Small shape adjustments often solve most comfort issues.

Many people find hearing aids reduce the prominence of tinnitus by restoring background sound and improving hearing. Ask about tinnitus programs or sound‑management options at your clinic. Learn more about tinnitus.

Rechargeable hearing aids charge in a dock (usually overnight) and commonly last a full day of typical use. Exact battery life depends on model, streaming use and settings.

Wipe devices daily with a dry cloth, clean wax guards and earmoulds per instructions, keep them dry, and use the tools supplied. Avoid alcohol directly on electronic components.

You’ll be expected to do routine cleaning and change wax guards; audiology clinics provide deeper servicing, replacement parts and professional cleaning when needed.

Return when you need adjustments or repairs. Routine checks are commonly annual but follow your local clinic’s recommended schedule for aftercare appointments.

The NHS repairs faulty devices. Replacement for loss or damage depends on local trust policy and circumstances. Your clinic will explain local rules during fitting or on request.

NHS-provided hearing aids are covered by NHS repair and replacement arrangements; exact terms vary by trust. Ask your local clinic about warranty and repair timelines.

Repair times vary — from days to a few weeks. Some clinics offer loan aids while yours are repaired; availability depends on local resources. Check with your clinic promptly.

Causes commonly include flat batteries, wax blocking the sound outlet, moisture or a programming fault. Try fresh batteries and cleaning; contact your clinic if the problem continues.

Contact your audiology service for a fit check. Earmoulds can be adjusted, refit or remade; programming changes may also reduce discomfort caused by amplified sound.

Use directional microphone programs, noise reduction settings, remote microphones or communication strategies (positioning, lighting, seating). Discuss options with your audiologist for best results.

Some devices support direct streaming for calls and music; others need a streamer accessory. Check the device specification or our compatibility guide to confirm streaming options.

Certain devices have smartphone apps for volume and program control; not all NHS models support apps. See our app compatibility page for supported devices and operating systems.

If a hearing aid has a telecoil (T‑coil), it can use public loop systems commonly installed in venues. Many cinemas also offer hearing assistance—check with the venue in advance.

Audiology teams provide adapted appointments, longer sessions and multidisciplinary support where needed. Tell us about access needs when booking so staff can plan reasonable adjustments.

Yes. Paediatric teams provide age‑appropriate devices; children with severe/profound loss may be referred for cochlear implant assessment in specialist centres. Your audiologist or ENT will advise.

Audiology liaises with schools and local authorities to provide classroom FM/remote microphones and education support. Ask your clinic for school referral procedures and support planning.

Hearing aids are safe at airports but may trigger metal detectors; remove them before an MRI — most hearing aids are not MRI‑safe and must be removed for the scan.

Many people use over‑ear headphones or direct streaming alternatives. Compatibility depends on the hearing aid style and model—check our accessory guide to avoid feedback or fit issues.

Hearing aids generally improve workplace communication and driving safety. If you have concerns about driving fitness or workplace adjustments, discuss with your clinician or occupational health advisor.

You may request a second opinion through NHS channels or choose private care. Discuss options with your GP or audiology team who can advise referral and funding implications.

If you’re unhappy with NHS care, contact PALS or use the NHS complaints process. Your local trust will provide guidance on raising concerns and available escalation routes.

And can I choose my hearing aid model? While you can express your preferences, the final decision on the model will be based on your audiologist’s recommendation and your specific hearing needs.

All hearing aids provided by the NHS are free. The first step to is to see your GP. Your GP will check for treatable conditions that could be affecting your hearing, like an ear infection or excessive ear wax. If your GP thinks you might need a hearing aid, they may refer you to a hearing specialist (Audiologist). Audiologists have the necessary training and equipment to thoroughly assess your hearing and understand your unique needs. If their testing reveals a hearing loss you may be recommended one or two hearing aids. Although you may need to have a second ‘fitting’ appointment for your hearing aid/aids, sometimes they can be fitted straight away. Action on Hearing Loss. Getting hearing aids. May 2020. Available at: https://rnid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Getting-hearing-aids-leaflet.pdf (accessed April 2024); National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing Aids. July 2015. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/site… (accessed April 2024); NHS. Hearing aids and implants. September 2020. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/… (accessed April 2024);Northern JL. Audiol Res. 2011.1(1):e20l.

There are three key parts inside a hearing aid:

1. Microphone – picks up sound and converts it into an electrical signal
2. Amplifier – this computerised ‘brain’ takes centre stage as it processes the sound to suit your individual needs. Its complex programming brings all the fine nuances of natural sound to life, and adjusts it to suit you
3. Speaker – also known as a ‘receiver’, this converts the electrical signal back into the sound you hear

Danalogic hearing aids come with access to a free of charge app called BeMore. This can be used to adjust and personalise your hearing aid settings. Once you have adjusted to wearing your hearing aids if you feel that they need to be adjusted your NHS audiologist can make an appointment to do this for you in person or sometimes remotely via an app.

Visit our hearing aid support section and follow our troubleshooting guides. If this does not solve the problem, contact your NHS audiology service. Visit support for patients.

You will have been provided with information at your hearing aid fitting on how to care for your hearing aids. If you are looking for more advice please visit our patient support library, cleaning is particularly important, and we have an easy to use guide on this.

Contact your local NHS Audiology service for a replacement. There may be a charge for this.

Yes – Danalogic digital hearing aids have in-built background noise reduction programs to enhance your listening experience. Discover all of the features of danalogic digital hearing aids.

Feedback, or “whistling” is a normal response for a hearing aid that is being covered (for example, if your hand is over your ear). Unfortunately, hearing aids may also whistle if sound leaks out from the hearing aid and is heard by its own microphone. This may be caused by several issues Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Troubleshooting behind the ear hearing aids. Available at: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/trouble… (accessed March 2021); Danalogic. Excess whistling. March 2020. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024). including:

• Incorrect placement on or into the ear
• Wax build-up in the ear
• Damaged tubing or a poorly fitting ear mould
• Accidental use of the T-loop setting (in an area without a T-loop)

Danalogic hearing aids have in-built feedback reduction programs to drastically reduce the risk of whistling. These digital programs are designed to filter out the unwanted noise whilst preserving similar natural sounds, like alarms beeping, phones ringing and birds chirping.ReSound (Jespersen CT and Stender T). Data on File M200528-GB: Combating Feedback Squeal with DFS Ultra.

Probably – hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus, but they often help to alleviate it. As hearing loss is a common cause of tinnitus, reinstating natural sounds can help to reduce its volume.

A specialist tinnitus feature called the ‘Tinnitus Sound Generator’ program can be added to Danalogic hearing aids if your Audiologist feels it is clinically approporiate. Danalogic also provide a free tinnitus management smartphone app called Tinnitus Relief to support people with or without hearing aids.Danalogic. Tinnitus Relief App. January 2020. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024). Find out more about the Tinnitus Relief App.

Yes – if you have Danalogic NHS hearing aids and a compatible smartphone. Find out more about Danalogic hearing aids connectivity and compatibility.

Most Apple and android devices are compatible with Danalogic hearing aids. Danalogic. Quick guide to connectivity and the GN Hearing BeMore app. November 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024);If you are unsure, you can ask your Audiologist or click here to check if your device is compatible with danalogic hearing aids. Once you’ve ‘paired’ your smartphone to your hearing aids you can use the free BeMore app to:

• Turn the volume up or down, or mute
• Make advanced sound setting adjustments
• Change programmes
• Find a lost hearing aid
• Adjust streaming volume and balance

Yes, if you have Danalogic hearing aids and a compatible smartphone or PhoneClip+: Danalogic. Danalogic Ambio Smart; Your new Bluetooth hearing aids. UK09.03 A 01.2022. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. Quick guide to connectivity and the GN Hearing BeMore app. November 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Phone Clip+ User Guide

1. Connecting directly: Danalogic’s advanced digital hearing aids integrate seamlessly with most Apple and android smartphones. If you have one of these compatible devices you can directly stream calls, music, and other audio, such as audiobooks or podcasts to your hearing aids.
2. Via Phone Clip+: If your Danalogic hearing aids and telephone are not compatible, you can use a Danalogic Phone Clip+ to connect them together. This is a small device that enables you to stream calls or audio from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile or landline phone to your hearing aids. This handy gadget also doubles up as a remote control, so you can adjust the volume or change programmes on your hearing aid with ease.

Danalogic have lots of solutions which you can purchase to allow you to connect your hearing aids to other devices. This may be the TV Streamer, Multi Mic or Phone Clip+. Visit our wireless accessory page for more information.

You should be cleaning you hearing aids at least twice a week and we recommend the tubing is changed around every 6 months. These are tasks you can do at home without the need to visit the clinic and all of the information you need.

If you notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to return to your audiologist for a reassessment. They can adjust your hearing aids or recommend new devices if necessary.

Yes – after a little practice, your hearing aids will be easy to take in / out and control. Your Audiologist will demonstrate how to use them and provide you with instructions.Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Hearing test and Hearing aid fitting appointments. May 2021. Available at: https://www.chesterfieldroyal…. (accessed March 2022) You can also view danalogic how-to videos for help operating your NHS hearing aids.

Although Danalogic digital hearing aids are easy to operate by touch alone. If you prefer, you can also control them with your smartphone. Danalogic. Volume control. 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. The programme button. 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. Quick guide to connectivity and the GN Hearing BeMore app. November 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024).Using the BeMore app you can adjust sound settings, find misplaced hearing aids, request help from your Audiologist, and much more. Danalogic. Quick guide to connectivity and the GN Hearing BeMore app. November 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024)

Just like ears, NHS hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes. The size depends on the level of technology required for your hearing loss. Your Audiologist will select the hearing aid type that’s best for you. Action on Hearing Loss. Getting hearing aids. May 2020. Available at: https://rnid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Getting-hearing-aids-leaflet.pdf (accessed April 2024); Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust. Hearing Aid Information Booklet. July 2020. Available at: https://www.southportandormski… (accessed March 2022); Which? (Pearl, J). NHS hearing aids. July 2021. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/review… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. Danalogic Ambio Smart; Your new Bluetooth hearing aids. UK09.03 A 01.2022. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Hearing test and Hearing aid fitting appointments. May 2021. Available at: https://www.chesterfieldroyal…. (accessed March 2022); Danalogic. Volume control. 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. The programme button. 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); Danalogic. Quick guide to connectivity and the GN Hearing BeMore app. November 2018. Available at: https://www.danalogic.co.uk/up… (accessed April 2024); National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing Aids. July 2015. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/site… (accessed April 2024);

Yes – using a computer, your Audiologist will program your hearing aid to suit your hearing loss. Action on Hearing Loss. Getting hearing aids. May 2020. Available at: https://rnid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Getting-hearing-aids-leaflet.pdf (accessed April 2024); NHS. Hearing aids and implants. September 2020. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/… (accessed April 2024).

Thanks to digital technology, Danalogic hearing aids are fully customisable, so they can support your exact hearing loss and be ‘tuned’ to your preferences. It’s a similar concept to adjusting the lights in your home; playing with the tone and mood to make the ambience perfect. You can do this with sound, adjusting until it sounds natural and feels right for you.

No – although they should be treated with the same care as other personal electronic items, such as mobile phones, to ensure they continue to work correctly.Groth T. Environmental hearing instrument protection the isolateTM nanotech way. Available at: https://sthearingservices.com/… (accessed April 2024); Digital hearing aids need to be particularly robust as they spend most of their time in a difficult environment for electronics. Here are some handy tips to help keep your Danalogic NHS hearing aid/s in the best condition possible:ReSound GN. ReSound LiNX 3DTM user guide. Custom Hearing Aids. 2018. Available at: https://www.gnhearing.com/en-gb/products/support-materials/linx-3d-support (accessed April 2024);

• Keep them clean and dry – wipe the case with a soft cloth or tissue after use to remove grease or moisture
• Do not use water or solvents to clean them, or immerse them in water or other liquids
• Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces
• Do not leave them in or near direct heat or sunlight, such as in a hot, parked car, as excessive heat can cause damage or deform the casing
• Do not wear them while showering, swimming, in heavy rain or in a moist atmosphere (such as a steam bath or sauna)
• Remove them when applying cosmetics, perfume, aftershave, hairspray, and suntan lotion as these might get into the hearing aid and cause damage

For more information on caring for your hearing aids, take a look at our how to videos.

NHS hearing aids can improve the lives of those with hearing loss and you can find the right solution to enhance your hearing experience with the support of an NHS audiologist. If you suspect you have hearing loss, the first step is to reach out to your GP for a hearing assessment.