NHS hearing aids will be reasonably effective for some people but not so much for others depending on their degree of hearing loss. Lower-end models will necessarily have lower power, fewer functions and will tend to perform to the lowest common denominator rather than unique individual circumstance.

Many veterans will have higher frequency hearing loss as a result of their time in the services, either from gunfire or machinery/engine noise. A low level hearing aid will not help them because it will lack the ability to reach higher frequencies while keeping lower frequencies at a reasonable level. The aids will end up amplifying everything which is likely to cause further ear damage in the long run.

If your wearing hearing aids that serve no purpose other than to amplify sounds which do not need amplifying, then there is no effectiveness, with hearing aids, it is always best to see an audiologist first to determine your exact level of hearing loss, to be recommended the right level of technology only YOU will know what is best for your hearing. The question, as always, is cost-effectiveness. While high-end hearing aids can be an expensive investment, as long as they fulfill their intended purpose it will be worth it.

That all said, for people with mild hearing loss, low level hearing aids are likely to be an option, and will fulfill hearing needs, but is not always the case for veterans.

The UKVHF have changed many lives with top of the range hearing technology, many veterans have already undergone the NHS pathway for their hearing, however due to the high frequency’s that are challenged, higher level technology is required, for the individual to continue on into their civilian lifestyle without the struggle of hearing loss, tinnitus and isolation.