The Hearing People

The Hearing People: private and NHS-funded audiology in the UK

The Hearing People is the trading name of Audiological Science Ltd, a network of hearing clinics in the UK that presents itself as one of the country's largest independent hearing aid providers, with more than 350 centres and clinical activity since 1998. Its team of audiologists, described by the company as fully qualified and HCPC-registered, serves both private patients and NHS-referred users.

Free hearing tests and home visits

The service includes a free hearing test and ear health check, with advice from specialist audiologists. The company also offers home visits for those unable to travel to a clinic. According to its presentation, more than 1,400 GPs across the country regularly refer patients to its services.

Oticon and Phonak hearing aids

The catalogue is organised around two manufacturers. From Oticon, the Reveal (models 1 to 4), Intent (1 to 4), Zeal and Own SI (1 to 4) families are listed. From Phonak, the Audeo EON Sphere (E90, E70 and E50), Audeo EON R (E90, E70, E50 and E30), Infinio Ultra Sphere (i90 and i70), Infinio Ultra R (i90, i70, i50 and i30) and Virto R Infinio (i90, i70, i50 and i30) series appear. The company also presents itself as a connectivity specialist, with audio streaming to the user's devices.

Catalogue prices and money-back guarantee

The website displayed prices per unit and per pair for several Oticon Intent and Own SI models, with an indicated 5% discount. For example, the Oticon Intent 1 was listed at £1,423 per unit and £2,845 per pair; the Intent 2 at £1,280 and £2,560; the Intent 3 at £1,090 and £2,180; the Intent 4 at £853 and £1,705; and the Oticon Own SI 1 at £1,423 and £2,845. According to the company, all purchases include a 60-day money-back guarantee and free lifetime aftercare.

Support from first appointment to maintenance

The process described by the company is structured in five stages: booking a free hearing assessment at a clinic or at home, hearing aid fitting with a comfortable fit, an initial period of use in familiar environments, review and fine-tuning of the device, and free lifetime aftercare with regular check-ups to assess whether further adjustments are needed.

Complementary services and finance

In addition to tests and hearing aids, the company offers earwax removal and NHS-funded services. For payment, it offers interest-free finance, subject to approval and affordability checks; finance is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, and Audiological Science Ltd does not act as a lender.

Geographic coverage

The network's coverage is organised by areas listed on the website: Barnet, Black Country, Bristol together with North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, Coventry and Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside and East Cheshire, Norfolk, North East London, North West London, Oxfordshire, South East London and Sussex.