He checked first at the National Health System ear specialist that concluded he needed hearing aids.

There is no wax build-up either. His ear canal is clean and the ear drum is not damaged. It seems the problem lies in the inner ear and/or the nerve.

I will shop around, of course. Oticon is the 2nd largest manufacturer in the world. Checked last night and the one we were recommended is in their "mature product" line, the seller told us so.

The prices were
2400€ for the mid range set we were demonstrated, 2mics on each aid, 4 band eq, and compressor,
2200€ for the same model with 1 mic, 2 band eq and no compressor,
and 1400€ for an analog pair, that only has a volume control.

The NHS gives you 400€ for one hearing aid and that's it.