NHS hearing at Specsavers

Specsavers is accredited by 30 Integrated Care Boards across England to provide NHS hearing services in local community settings, helping people to get the assistance they need with their hearing closer to home.

This means that people in some areas of the country who need help with their hearing do not necessarily need to go to a hospital to get the care they need, but instead, can choose to go their local Specsavers store.

What happens in an NHS hearing test?

At all NHS-accredited locations, we offer a full clinical assessment, and fitting of hearing aids where appropriate, as well as ongoing aftercare as required.

The service is fully funded by the NHS and delivered by our fully trained and experienced audiologists.

What’s included in the NHS hearing service at Specsavers?

We fit our NHS customers with digital hearing aids that use some of the latest technology. This enables us to help people overcome their hearing challenges effectively.

But our service doesn’t end once NHS hearing aids have been fitted.

Ongoing access to aftercare and support is also available, often without the need for an appointment, so that we can help people to wear their hearing aids successfully and obtain the benefits they have to offer on a long-term basis.

Why choose Specsavers?

Our audiologists meet the highest standards required to provide NHS funded services. 

At Specsavers, you can get the hearing care you need, when you need it:

  • We offer a range of appointment times to suit you, including weekends
  • Our locations are convenient and easy to get to
  • You’ll be seen as soon as possible – we won’t keep you waiting
  • 97% of our NHS customers would recommend Specsavers for their hearing aids (as surveyed in 2021)

We can fit your hearing aids on the same day as your hearing assessment in most cases. And when you want new batteries, or have a question, you can just pop in to your local audiologists any time without having to book.

How to find out if you’re eligible

So, next question: do I qualify for NHS hearing aids?

If you have any concerns about your hearing and would like to have an NHS assessment, just enter your GP's full postcode into the finder below to see where the Specsavers service is available.

Your eligibility depends on the address of the GP you are registered with, not your own address.

If you are eligible for NHS services based on the postcode of your GP practice, most areas will allow you to self-refer at a Specsavers store of your choice. Please visit your nearest store for more information.

If your area is NOT listed below, you will need to visit your GP and ask them for a referral to the Specsavers store of your choice.

  • Bolton
  • Buckinghamshire
  • Bristol
  • Cheshire - East & South
  • Coventry and Rugby
  • Derbyshire
  • Devon
  • Dorking
  • Epsom
  • Hampshire - North
  • Hampshire - West
  • Lincolnshire
  • London - South East
  • Norfolk
  • North Somerset
  • Oxfordshire
  • South Gloucestershire
  • South Tyneside
  • Staffordshire
  • Sunderland
  • Tees Valley

Please note that additional variations set by the local NHS Integrated Care Boards around eligibility for the service can apply.

Access to the service and fitting of hearing aids following referral will depend on local NHS requirements and the outcome of the initial clinical assessment.

FAQ’s

What types of hearing aids are available on the NHS?

The hearing aids we are able to offer NHS patients are better than ever. The behind the ear hearing aids are small and discreet and use advanced technology so patients can get the best from their hearing aids.

Can I get NHS hearing aids free of charge at Specsavers rather than going to the hospital?

To find out whether you can get NHS hearing aids free at Specsavers, enter your GP's full postcode above to check your eligibility.

Eligibility is based on the address of your registered GP, not your home address.

Can I get NHS funded hearing aids?

Yes, the NHS fund hearing aids for eligible patients. This includes all ongoing aftercare, batteries and hearing aid consumables. To find out whether you’re eligible to receive NHS funded hearing aids, pop your GP's full postcode into the finder above.

Are private hearing aids better than NHS?

No hearing aids are necessarily ‘better’ than others – it all depends on your lifestyle and hearing loss.

Hearing aids fitted by the NHS  are smaller and neater than ever before and the technology level is equivalent to a mid-priced private product in the private portfolio.

The only difference between private and NHS hearing aids is the choice. You can often find a bigger range to choose from privately.

What do NHS hearing aids look like?

It depends on the type of hearing aid you have, but generally speaking, they’re similar to the small, modern hearing aids widely available.

The NHS hearing aids are Behind-the-Ear and suitable for the vast majority of people with all types of hearing loss.

In-the-Ear hearing aids are currently only available to purchase privately.

Can I have extra programs on my NHS hearing aids?

Depending on which hearing aids you have and how they have been set up, it may be possible to have extra programs added.

Contact the store which fitted your aids and make an appointment to see the audiologist.

Are NHS hearing aids suitable for those with arthritis?

It is not unusual for older people with arthritic hands to believe that hearing aids are not suitable for them.

However, with the significant developments and improvements in hearing aids, they can now be programmed to an automatic setting which means the wearer does not have to worry about any of the controls.

How do I know if I am eligible for Specsavers NHS hearing services?

This will depend on where your GP is registered. In order to see if you are eligible for our NHS service, use the postcode checker on this page, visit your GP, or ask in your local Specsavers store.