I had a free hearing test at Boots, but was singularly unimpressed with the "Audiologist" whose prime focus seem to be as a salesman. After a 4/5 minute test he decided I needed identical hearing aids for both ears. I phoned the GP who agreed to refer me to NHS Audiology - I had an appointment within 2 weeks at the local community hospital, 40 minutes of thorough testing then was told left ear was really bad, right ear only slightly, but advised best to have 2 aids as helps balance. Aids arrived by post (because of Covid) within a week, with a number to call for guidance re first fitting, etc. Also a sort of ration book for collecting new batteries, which can be delivered by post, collected from various health board premises or any local Library (what a brilliant idea!
My DH had 2 hearing aids + Dementia. They cost over a £thousand each. Of course he keep losing them, taking them out and putting them 'somewhere safe', even going in the shower with them in. I spent a whole week searching for one (and having to shout all the time) until I phoned the private audiologist, who advised me to claim on my house insurance. I did and another week passed before I got the go ahead and then a fortnight for the aid to come from manufacturer in Germany and the Audiologist to deliver and fit it. If DH had NHS Aids they could have been replaced (free of charge) the following day.
When DH was in hospital both aids were lost (removed and left in XRay, along with his teeth) If his aids had been NHS the hospital could have replaced them same day, but as they had no 'prescription' on record, he remained deaf as a post (and gumsy) until they were found.