Hearing aids
Who can wear hearing aids, how they work and how you can get them.
Hearing aids are electronic devices that make sounds clearer. They can be used by children and young people of all ages. They are customised for each child's type and level of deafness, including temporary hearing loss such as glue ear.
Who can wear hearing aids
Hearing aids can be useful for babies and children with most types and levels of deafness. For some children, hearing aids may not always provide as much benefit, for example those with severe to profound deafness or those with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder.
Hearing aids can also be used temporarily for children with glue ear. For children who often get glue ear or cannot have grommet surgery, hearing aids can be very helpful.
There are different types of hearing aids, and the right one depends on the child's type and level of deafness.
Different types of hearing aids and who they're suitable for.
How hearing aids work
There are different types of hearing aids, and each works in its own way to make sounds clearer. Some hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear hearing aids, make quieter sounds louder, but others, such as bone conduction hearing aids, will direct sound in a different way.
An audiologist will use a child's hearing test results to programme hearing aids to meet their specific needs, ensuring that sounds fall within a comfortable listening range for the child.
Learn about different types of hearing aids and how they work.
Getting hearing aids
Hearing aids are available free of charge through the NHS if recommended by your audiologist. They will assess whether hearing aids are suitable and recommend an aid based on the type and level of deafness.
The NHS offers a good range of high-quality digital hearing aids, many of which are also available on the private market. These aids come in various colours and some can be personalised.
Upgrading hearing aids
New devices and improved technology typically become available every 5 years. Your audiology service will notify you when it's time for an upgrade. However, you'll usually only be offered a new or upgraded device through the NHS if it provides features not available on your current device.
Buying privately
You may choose to buy hearing aids privately. You'll need to consider factors such as cost, quality and how easy it is to get repairs from a private provider.
Check out our free children's comic
Ali has been told he needs hearing aids. This comic follows him as he goes to the audiologist to have earmoulds made and his hearing aids fitted.
Making a decision about hearing aids
When deciding whether hearing aids are the right choice for you or not, it's important to consider the benefits and limitations, how they will affect daily life, and how they may affect your choice of communication approach.
What to consider when making a decision about hearing aids.
Connecting with other technology
Most modern hearing aids have Bluetooth and can connect wirelessly to phones, computers, alerting systems, radio aids and more.
Some hearing aids also connect to compatible technology using a streamer or other device. Find out more about assistive technology.
Additionally, some hearing aids feature a tracking option to help you find them if they're lost. This feature connects to an app where you can track the device's location.
For advice about your specific device and its compatibility with other technology, you can ask your audiologist or contact our Helpline.
You can also use Connevans' online tool to explore compatible assistive technology and accessories for different hearing aid brands.
Full references for this webpage are available by emailing
informationteam@ndcs.org.uk