Hearing Aid Price Guide 2024
Looking for hearing aids in the UK? Find the best prices quickly and easily right here with SpotDif.
Hearing aid prices and costs in the UK
If you need help with everyday sounds, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a type of hearing aid out there to suit you. But how much do hearing aids cost in the UK? At SpotDif, we can provide you with a hearing aid comparison in seconds.
Considering hearing aid prices can be a first step to narrowing down your choices and finding what's suitable for your level of hearing loss. It’s a great way to compare different features and styles, leading you to the purchase of the best hearing aids for your lifestyle and budget. What’s more, you’re only ever a few clicks away from comparing hearing aid suppliers.
Ready to explore your options? Here’s everything you need to know about hearing aid prices in the UK.
How old are you?
Average hearing aid costs in the UK
At SpotDif, we understand that hearing aids aren’t a one-size-fits-all. With this in mind, we don’t want to leave you with an umbrella price range.
Instead, let’s break down the different types of hearing aids and their average price range in the UK to give you a better idea of what to look for in your hearing aid quote.
We know that modesty is important to many customers when choosing the right hearing aid, so we’ve structured this list from the most visible to the least visible hearing aid models.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear, with a tube connecting to an earmold in the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is the most visible as it is worn behind the ear. Many people opt for BTE hearing aids as they are durable, powerful, and suitable for a wide range of hearing loss severities.
In our experience, you can expect to pay between £395 to £1295 for a behind-the-ear hearing aid model from the UK.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
ITE hearing aid models are custom-designed to fit in the outer ear, upping their price mark. While they are still visible, they can offer a subtle solution for many as they benefit from a personalised fit and enhanced sound quality.
The average price for an in-the-ear hearing aid ranges from £695 to £1495 in the UK.
In-the-canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom fit for the lower third of the ear canal, making them less visible than in-the-ear (ITE) models but still noticeable. Many people choose ITC hearing aids for their blend of performance, discretion, and advanced technology. These aids offer a good balance between visibility and performance, making them suitable for various degrees of hearing loss.
For an in-the-canal hearing aid model, you will often pay between £650 to £1350 in the UK.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids feature a small casing that sits discreetly behind the ear, connected to the ear canal by a thin wire. Many people choose RIC hearing aids due to their affordable price, advanced technology, and discreet design, offering a balanced option for those seeking both performance and subtlety.
In the UK, the average price for a receiver-in-canal hearing aid model ranges from £595 to £1095.
Completely-in-canal (CIC)
Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids fit deeply into the ear canal, making them hardly visible with only a tiny handle exposed for removal. This type of hearing aid offers a custom fit and unparalleled sound quality, providing a highly discreet and effective solution for hearing loss. Many people choose CIC hearing aids for their nearly invisible design and superior audio performance.
The average price for a completely-in-canal hearing aid model ranges from £750 to £1500 in the UK.
Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids fit deeper into the ear canal than completely-in-canal (CIC) models. This type of hearing aid is the least visible, being almost completely hidden. Many people opt for IIC hearing aids as they provide an excellent solution for those seeking the best in invisibility and performance.
The average price for an invisible-in-canal hearing aid model ranges from £800 to £1700 in the UK.
Which factors can affect hearing aid costs?
Hearing aid costs vary hugely, from hundreds to thousands of pounds per device. What factors affect hearing aid prices?
1. Hearing aid style
As you now know, there are many different hearing aid styles. To find your perfect hearing aid match, we recommend choosing what you find comfortable, what’s easy to use, and what fits your aesthetic needs.
Prices tend to rise depending on how invisible and discrete you prefer your hearing solution to be with completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-the-canal (IITC) options.
Specialised solutions like ‘contralateral routing of signals’ (CROS) and ‘bi-contralateral routing of sound’ (BICROS) hearing aids are also available for single-sided deafness. In the UK, prices for these hearing aid models start at around £795 per unit.
2. Manufacturer
Your audiologist may recommend hearing aids from a specific manufacturer. Depending on their popularity and product performance, you may see a variety of price points in your search.
Here are the top five hearing aid manufacturers in the UK and their average price range:
- Phonak: £1500 to £3500 per hearing aid.
- Oticon: £1995 to £3895 per hearing aid.
- ReSound: £1200 to £3500 per hearing aid.
- Signia: £1000 to £2900 per hearing aid.
- Starkey: £1500 to £3500 per hearing aid.
3. Custom fitting
For your hearing aids to work effectively, they must be correctly fitted and adjusted. Custom fitting is essential if you're opting for an in-ear hearing aid. The cost will be bundled with the overall price of your hearing aids, so expect to pay more for invisible models that require expert fitting.
As of June 2024, the average cost of a custom hearing aid fitting session in the UK typically ranges between £50 and £150. This price usually includes the initial fitting, programming of the hearing aid, and a follow-up appointment to ensure the device is working correctly and comfortably.
4. Features and technology
Hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically. So, it's worth carefully considering your hearing needs and lifestyle before spending money on a technologically advanced model.
The following features and technology could improve your overall hearing. Here are the average estimated additional costs as of June 2024:
Bluetooth compatibility: £200 — £400
Smartphone compatibility via app: £150 — £300
Noise reduction: £150 — £350
Two-way audio streaming: £250 — £500
Rechargeable batteries: £200 — £500
Tinnitus masking: £150 — £300
Direct audio input (DAI): £100 — £250
Ear-to-ear directionality via wireless: £200 — £400
Artificial Intelligence (AI): £300 — £600
Telecoil: £50 — £150
The more advanced the tech, the more you can expect to pay. However, it’s worth discussing your needs with a hearing professional to shortlist the features that will have a lasting impact on your lifestyle.
5. Repair and maintenance
Repair and maintenance costs can be significant. If you opt for NHS-funded hearing aids, all repairs will be free, although you may be charged for a replacement if you break your device.
Otherwise, you can expect to pay between £50 to £100 for repairs for minor repairs such as cleaning, minor adjustments, and cleaning. For out-of-warranty devices, you’ll be looking at £150 to £300 for repairs involving the fixing of electronic components or replacements.
6. Aftercare
Free NHS hearing aids include aftercare. But how much extra will you pay if you opt for more specialised hearing aids? Most private providers include an aftercare package as part of the overall hearing aid cost. Still, it's always worth checking what's included. You could also ask about hearing aid insurance if you're worried about losing your devices.
How old are you?
Hearing aid consultation fees
Hearing aids can be a significant investment, and a hearing consultation can help you establish your degree of hearing loss so you can discuss your options with a hearing professional.
Some hearing aid providers include the cost of a hearing consultation in your overall hearing aid cost. For a standalone test, expect to pay anywhere from £50 — £100 for a standard test and £150 — £400 for more specialised testing.
During your hearing consultation, your audiologist will discuss the amplification options available. You'll also discuss your hearing loss, lifestyle, and hearing needs. As a result, your hearing professional will recommend different devices and technologies, such as Bluetooth and tinnitus therapy, that are best suited to your level of hearing loss.
Hearing aid grants in the UK
Grants and benefits are available in the UK for people with hearing loss. Hearing aid funding can be a boon if you need specialised devices for work or study.
1. Disabled Students Allowance
DSA helps top up student finance to provide additional support for long-term health conditions like hearing loss. You could get a grant to cover additional costs like a BSL interpreter. DSA can be used to upgrade your existing audio equipment for use in higher education environments.
Estimated savings: £2000
2. Free NHS Hearing Aids
NHS-funded hearing aids are a great option if you're on a budget. You'll receive your communication aids for free through a long-term loan. Additionally, all repairs, batteries, and follow-up care are also included. You'll be offered a BTE (behind-the-ear) or RITE (receiver-in-the-ear) model. Free NHS hearing aids are generally mid-range models suitable for most people with mild to severe hearing loss.
However, you may need additional features or have specialised hearing loss. In that case, you'll need to go private or apply for a hearing aid grant to access a broader range of solutions.
Estimated savings: £3000
3. Access to Work
If you’re 16+ and starting work in the UK, you could be eligible for an Access to Work grant. This money could help you pay for communication support if you’re deaf or have hearing loss.
Estimated savings: £2500
4. Veterans Hearing Fund
Serving members of the armed forces and veterans could access the Veterans Hearing Fund for help with purchasing hearing aids, therapies and communication accessories. Funds for the programme are currently fully assigned, and no new applications are being accepted. Estimated savings: £2500
Check our in-depth guide for more information on hearing aid funding in the UK.
Find the right hearing aid at the best price with SpotDif
With a massive array of styles, technologies, and features available, choosing a new hearing aid can seem challenging. At SpotDif, we aim to make finding your next device accessible and affordable. That's why we make it easy to find and compare the perfect hearing aid suppliers for you.
Just supply a few details, and we'll find and compare deals on the latest digital hearing aids in your area. Let SpotDif help you find better hearing and a fantastic quality of life in just a few clicks.
Last updated on 18 Jul 2024