What are the best hearing aids I can get on the NHS?

I'm 73 and suspect I need hearing aids. I often have a problem understanding what people are saying to me, especially if others are talking around me at the same time. I really hate the thought of those devices you can see behind the ears. Can you get the invisible ones on the NHS?

- Dr Rosemary Leonard

Just as our sight changes as we age, so does our hearing, mainly caused by gradual wear and tear to the sensory cells in the inner ear. More than 80% of people over 70 have some degree of hearing loss.

It usually starts with difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, but then as it progresses you may think people are mumbling - when they're not - and it can make it difficult to keep up with a group conversation, especially if there's background noise.