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My partner's going deaf – what help can we get?

This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland

There is a hearing check that your partner can take – call 0844 800 3838. Or try and persuade him to go to his GP. The GP will probably refer him to a specialist at the local hospital. They'll test his hearing and decide whether he needs a hearing aid.

NHS hearing aids are provided free of charge on loan for as long as they are needed. Hearing aid batteries, repairs and replacements are free of charge.

If you decide to buy a hearing aid, make sure the person who sells it to you is registered with the Health Professions Council. You can find out if they are registered by calling 0845 300 4472. Or you can check on the Health Professions Council website at: www.hpc-uk.org. They can take action against someone selling hearing aids who fails to meet their standards. You can also contact the Health Professions Council if you have a complaint about someone who sells you a hearing aid.

For more information about hearing aids, and how you can best support your partner, go to the Action on Hearing Loss website at: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk. Or go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They will be able to give you lots more information about the support available for deaf and hard of hearing people.

To find details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by e-mail, click on nearest CAB.

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