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Getting equipment and aids: wheelchair services, hearing aids and low-vision support

How to get assessed for and receive NHS wheelchairs, hearing aids and low-vision aids, plus what to do if NHS provision does not meet your needs.

Sample content. This prototype article summarises official UK sources listed at the end of the page. It is information, not legal or medical advice, and what you are entitled to depends on your circumstances.

Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Date last checked
12 January 2026
Date last updated
12 January 2026
Next review due
12 July 2026
Article version
1.0
Review status
Review status: Published and checked

Overview

NHS wheelchair services provide manual and powered wheelchairs, free of charge, to people assessed as needing one for a long-term mobility need; you can usually refer yourself or be referred by a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

NHS hearing aids are provided free through audiology services after a hearing assessment, usually referred by your GP or, in some areas, by self-referral to an audiology department.

Low-vision services, run by the NHS or local authorities, provide magnifiers and advice on making the most of remaining vision, and are separate from being registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired.

Provision and waiting times vary between local NHS wheelchair services, health boards and audiology departments across the four nations, so it is worth asking your local service what to expect.

Common barriers people describe

  • Long waits for wheelchair assessments and repairs in many areas, and some NHS wheelchairs may not fully match a person's lifestyle or activity needs.
  • NHS hearing aids are usually 'behind the ear' style; some people want different styles or features only available privately.
  • Local eligibility criteria for powered wheelchairs and specialist equipment can be strict, especially for equipment needed mainly outdoors.
  • People do not always know low-vision services exist separately from ophthalmology (eye disease treatment) appointments.

Practical support

  • Ask your GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist for a referral to your local NHS wheelchair service, or check if self-referral is available in your area.
  • For hearing aids, ask your GP for a referral to audiology, or check if your local audiology department accepts self-referral.
  • Ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist for a referral to low-vision services if you are struggling with everyday tasks because of sight loss.
  • If NHS equipment does not meet your needs, ask about a personal wheelchair budget (England) which can sometimes be used towards a different chair, or consider registered charities that provide grants for specialist equipment.

Your rights

  • You have the right to be assessed for NHS wheelchair or hearing aid provision if a health professional agrees this is clinically appropriate, and equipment provided by NHS wheelchair services and audiology is free at the point of use across the UK.
  • In England, eligible wheelchair users can ask about a personalised wheelchair budget, giving more choice over the type of chair provided.
  • Under the Equality Act 2010, public bodies and service providers must consider reasonable adjustments, which can support requests for suitable equipment in education or work settings.

Possible benefits and financial support

These are things you may want to check. Nothing here is a decision, and entitlement always depends on your circumstances.

  • If you need a wheelchair or scooter for outdoor mobility, you may be able to use the Motability Scheme if you receive the higher/enhanced mobility component of PIP, DLA or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland), or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
  • The VAT relief scheme lets disabled people buy some equipment, including certain wheelchairs and hearing aids, without paying VAT.

Workplace adjustments to consider

  • Access to Work (Great Britain) can help fund specialist equipment, such as adapted keyboards or hearing equipment, needed because of your disability to do your job.

Education adjustments to consider

    Getting healthcare that works for you

    • NHS wheelchair services also provide seating assessments, cushions and repairs; contact your local service directly for repairs rather than waiting for a routine review.
    • Hearing aid batteries and repairs are usually available free through your local audiology department for as long as you have the NHS hearing aid.

    Related rights topics

    Sources

    Every fact on this page comes from the sources below. Follow the links for the full, official version.

    Update history

    • Version 1.0 — 12 January 2026

      First published sample article on NHS wheelchair, hearing aid and low-vision provision.

      Approved by: Editorial reviewer (sample)

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