Can You Get a Hearing Aid on the NHS? How Referral Works
Hearing aids are available free on the NHS for people who need them. Here is how to get referred, what the appointments involve and what it costs.
Updated · 5 min read
Yes, you can get hearing aids on the NHS, and they are free. Start by seeing your GP, who can refer you to an NHS hearing service for an assessment. In some areas you can refer yourself directly to audiology. If you need hearing aids, they are given to you on a long-term loan, with free batteries, repairs and aftercare.
Who can get NHS hearing aids
Hearing aids are available on the NHS for people who need them. There is no charge for the hearing aids, the batteries, repairs or follow-up appointments, according to the NHS website.
The NHS advises seeing a GP early if your hearing is getting worse, rather than waiting until it is really bad. Hearing aids only help if you still have some hearing left, and the earlier you get them, the more you are likely to get out of them.
Signs it may be time to ask
You might want to speak to your GP if:
- you often ask people to repeat themselves
- you struggle to follow conversations in noisy places
- others say the TV or radio is too loud
- you find phone calls harder than before
- family or friends have noticed you mishearing things
If you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, get advice from NHS 111 or your GP urgently rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
How to get referred
Through your GP
Book an appointment with your GP surgery and explain your hearing problems. The GP may refer you to a hearing specialist for an assessment if they think you might need a hearing aid.
Referring yourself to audiology
RNID says that in some areas you can refer yourself to an NHS audiology service without seeing a GP first. Ask your GP surgery, or check your local NHS audiology service, to find out whether this is available where you live.
What happens at the hearing assessment
At your audiology appointment, a hearing specialist will test your hearing to see what level of hearing loss you have. If hearing aids would help, they will talk to you about the different types available.
The NHS website says you may be able to try a few types before choosing. NHS hearing aids are usually the behind-the-ear type, or very occasionally the receiver-in-the-ear type.
Getting your hearing aids fitted
Some hearing aids can be used straight away. Others are custom made after your ear has been measured or a cast of your ear has been taken, and are usually ready in a few weeks.
When your hearing aid is ready:
- It is programmed to suit your level of hearing loss.
- You are shown how to use it and look after it.
- Another appointment is arranged a few weeks later to check how you are getting on.
Bring a list of situations where you struggle to hear, such as group conversations or the TV. This helps the audiologist set up your hearing aids.
Waiting times for NHS hearing aids
Waiting times vary across the country. The NHS website says the wait for an NHS hearing aid can sometimes be longer than going private. If you have been waiting a long time, RNID suggests contacting your provider for an update.
What it costs
| Cost on the NHS | |
|---|---|
| Hearing test and assessment | Free |
| Hearing aids | Free, on long-term loan |
| Batteries | Free |
| Repairs | Free |
| Follow-up and aftercare | Free |
| Replacing a lost or broken hearing aid | There may be a charge |
Going private instead
You can choose to go to a private hearing aid provider directly. Private providers may offer a wider choice of hearing aid styles and shorter waits, but you pay for the hearing aids, and prices vary. Many private providers offer free hearing tests. Our guide comparing NHS and private hearing aids looks at the pros and cons.
After you get your hearing aids
It takes time to get used to hearing aids, so wear them regularly. Keep them clean to stop wax blocking the sound. Our guide on cleaning NHS hearing aids has a simple routine, and explains where to get free batteries and tubing.
If you find your hearing aids are not helping, go back to your audiology service. They can often adjust the settings.
Types of hearing aid
The NHS website describes several types:
- Behind the ear (BTE): the most common type, sitting behind the ear with a tube to an earmould or soft tip
- Receiver in the ear (RITE): similar, but smaller, with a thin wire to a speaker in the ear
- In the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC): fit in the outer ear or ear canal
- Completely in the canal (CIC) and invisible in the canal (IIC): the smallest types, not usually powerful enough for severe hearing loss
- CROS and BiCROS: for hearing loss in one ear, sending sound to the better ear
- Body worn: a small box with earphones, for severe hearing loss or people who find small controls hard to use
On the NHS, you are usually offered the behind-the-ear type, or occasionally receiver-in-the-ear.
Hearing aid referral questions
Can my child get NHS hearing aids?
Yes. Children with hearing loss are seen by specialist children's audiology services. Speak to your GP or health visitor if you are worried about your child's hearing.
Do I need a hearing aid in both ears?
It depends on your hearing in each ear. Your audiologist will advise you.
What if hearing aids do not help me?
The NHS website explains that other options, such as hearing implants, may be considered for some people. Your audiologist or an ear specialist can discuss these with you.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: Hearing aids and implants
- RNID: How to get hearing aids
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.