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You can go to the NHS who can provide you with hearing aids - you will need to see your GP who will then put you on the waiting list if that is the appropriate course of action.

Or, you can see a private hearing aid dispensing company like ourselves who can only use Registered and qualified hearing aid dispensers to test and advise you about your hearing.

Freefone 0800 612 7992 (ref: WB RH 02) for free advice or to make an appointment.

You can also contact us online now to make an enquiry.

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Hearing aids vary in price according to style, electronic features and technology levels.

Price can range from hundreds of pounds to more than £2,500 for some of the most advanced programmable, digitalised hearing aid. Purchase price should not be the only consideration in buying a hearing aid.

Long term aftercare is imperative to ensure that you receive the full benefits from any hearing system.

Product reliability can save repair costs and the frustration of a malfunctioning hearing aid especially if you need continual hearing assistance.

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Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
These hearing aids are placed over the ear and connected with tubing to custom-fitted earpieces.

In-The-Ear (ITE)
These hearing aids fill the entire bowl of the ear and part of the ear canal. Smaller versions of ITEs are called half-shell and in-the-canal (ITC).

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
The least visible of hearing aids as they sit in the canal.

Hearing aid options which are (A) appropriate for your particular hearing loss and listening needs, (B) the size, and shape of your ear and ear canal and (C) the dexterity of your hands will all be considered in deciding what type of hearing aid is the best for you.

Many hearing aids have special telecoil "T" switches to aid in use of the telephone and certain public sound systems. Discuss your need for a T-coil switch while you are considering hearing aid options.

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Usually, if you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing aids is best.

Listening in a noisy environment is difficult with amplification in one ear only, and it is more difficult to distinguish where sounds are coming from. If, however, the quality of hearing in one ear is very different from the other, one hearing aid may be better than two.

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Ask about charges for the hearing evaluation, dispensing fee(s), and future servicing and repair. We only charge for the actual hearing aids and repairs to them if needed. However, each hearing aid comes with at least a 2-year warranty, and in many cases a 4-year warranty.

Enquire about the trial period policy and what fees are refundable if you return the hearing aid(s) during the trial period. All our hearing aids are sold with a 30-Day Money-Back guarantee.

Ask about the warranty coverage* for your hearing aids and the consumers' protection that a company must provide. (*See above.)

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The fully qualified hearing audiologist will fit your hearing aids and then, whilst wearing them, an evaluation is carried out as to whether adjustment is needed.

Next, you will receive instruction about the care of your hearing aids, the batteries used to power them, a hearing rehabilitation programme will be discussed, general expectations and helpful communication strategies.

You will also practice properly inserting and removing the hearing aids and batteries.

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Start using your hearing aids in quiet surroundings, gradually building up to noisier environments.

Note where and when that you find the hearing aids beneficial.

Be patient and allow yourself to get used to the aids and the "new" sounds they allow you to hear.

Keep a diary to help you remember your experiences.

Report any concerns on a follow-up appointment.

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