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As well as providing NHS hearing aids, Addenbrooke’s Audiology Department offers a private hearing aid service. This private service is provided by members of staff who are registered with the Health Professions Council (previously Hearing Aid Council) to dispense private hearing aids.

 

Our private hearing aid service offers a fast and convenient service for people who decide to use private hearing aid services.

 

You can have an NHS aid as well as a private aid if you wish, but the NHS will not finance, service or provide batteries for the private aid.

 

Available treatment

We currently offer a wide range of modern hearing aids at a competitive price.

 

A charge is made for the initial hearing aid consultation, which costs approximately £75. The cost of the actual hearing aid will vary depending on the type and specifications of the aid. Aids can cost from £1500 for a conventional 'behind’ or ‘in-the-ear hearing aid', up to £3000 for a more technically advanced programmable or digital hearing aid. The audiologist will be able to guide you on which of the private hearing aid range best meets your hearing needs.

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What to expect at your appointment

The first appointment you have will be a hearing aid consultation. Hearing tests are performed to determine which type of hearing aid would be most suitable for your needs. If you decide to try a hearing aid, at this appointment an impression is taken of the ear from which the hearing aid or earmould is made. An appointment will then be sent to you when the hearing aid is ready.

 

The hearing aid is fitted on a trial basis for one month. We will make a follow up appointment for you to give us the opportunity to make any alterations to the hearing aid if necessary, or for you to return the aid if you decide it is not suitable and you do not wish to try an alternative.  When you receive the hearing aid, you will need to sign a document that states that you have agreed to pay the quoted price if you are satisfied with the hearing aid. You will receive the actual bill within one month of issue. If, for any reason, you change your mind within 90 days of the date of issue, a full refund will be given.  

 

The hearing aid you are issued has a guarantee, which covers cleaning, servicing and component failure. This does not cover loss or damage due to mishandling. After the guarantee expires, any attention to the hearing aid that is required by the manufacturer will be chargeable. The length of the guarantee depends on the type of hearing aid purchased.

 

Any return visits to the department (with the exception of repairs and batteries) that are made six or more months after the issue of the hearing aid will be treated as a new referral.

How to get an appointment/ referral criteria

Patients are usually referred to this service via their General Practitioner or an Ear, Nose and Throat consultant.

 

Information about NHS hearing aids:

Hearing aid service

 

On other websites

> Action On Hearing Loss

> Health Professions Council

 

 

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