NHS or Private: Which Hearing Care Option Gets You the Best Result?
A Note on This Guide: This guide focuses on hearing care options available to citizens in the United Kingdom, specifically comparing the government-funded services (NHS/AQP) with private providers. While the principles of choosing quality private care apply globally, the specific details regarding NHS services are unique to the UK.
Hearing care options in the UK
UK citizens can choose to invest in hearing devices privately or get them on a long-term loan from the NHS.
Private Hearing Care
Private Dispensers must be qualified and registered with the Health Care and Professions Council to carry out their work. They have RHAD after their name, which stands for Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser. Other letters after a dispenser’s name such as MSHAA, FSHAA show that they are members of professional bodies.
Buying privately gives you more choice about hearing device styles, cosmetics, and access to the very latest hearing technology and accessories, available to suit most budgets with various models accommodating differing lifestyles and needs.
Appointments for private hearing care are often available within a few days and will be made at times that are suitable for you. Home visit appointments are often available for those who find this more convenient.
The Private Care Difference: Choosing Quality over Compromise
When researching private hearing solutions, it is wise to be cautious. The biggest difference between providers is not the hearing aids, but the quality of care and support included. This section highlights what to look for in a quality provider, anywhere in the world.
Key to Hearing addresses common industry complaints by offering:
Continuity of Care: Unlike national chains, you will always see the same, dedicated RHAD who is local to Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch for all follow-up appointments, ensuring you receive consistent, ongoing support.
Independent, Unbiased Choice: We are not owned by a single manufacturer, which guarantees you independent advice and access to the latest technology from all leading brands (Starkey, Unitron, Phonak, Oticon). You will never be sold an older (unless requested) or 'locked' model.
Focus on Aftercare (The Real Value): Your package includes two years of comprehensive maintenance and follow-up support, uniquely delivered via convenient home visits at no extra charge. Crucially, we dedicate up to 60 minutes for follow-up appointments, ensuring thorough adjustments and personalised care, a significant difference from the shorter appointments often offered by other providers. This includes routine device cleaning, technical checks, and full ear health assessments to monitor for issues like wax build-up, ensuring your aids perform optimally. (Note: We provide professional checks and advice, but do not perform physical ear wax removal.)
No High-Pressure Sales: Our primary focus is on fitting you with the right solution, not meeting sales targets. We provide all the time you need to fully understand your options without pressure.
Crucially, private care allows your Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser the necessary time to provide the comprehensive, long-term support required for a truly successful fitting.
NHS (National Health Service) Hearing Care
To obtain a hearing device via the NHS, you will initially need to speak to your GP who will then refer you to your local Audiology department for an assessment. Should you require a hearing device, you will be issued with a long-term loan behind-the-ear hearing device.
Warning: Waiting times for NHS Audiology appointments can be lengthy, potentially delaying your path to better hearing by many months.
Sometimes customised in-the-ear models are available, but most behind-the-ear NHS models now have Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability. Find out about the Dorset Audiology Service.
Any Qualified Provider (AQP)
The introduction of the Any Qualified Provider scheme means that patients who would benefit from a hearing device may be able to choose from a range of approved providers including high street retailers.
As of November 2025, this scheme is not fully operational for adult hearing services in the Dorset area. For local patients, choices are primarily between the traditional NHS route and private care.
Ready for a Faster Path to Better Hearing?
If you are in the Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch area, choose Key to Hearing for convenience, expertise, and hearing solutions delivered right to your home.