Kingsbridge Hearing Care Avis 

Brilliant is the word I would use to describe the service and aftercare I receive from Stephen. Would highly recommend, Jeff.

Avoid if it's a child (paediatric) hearing concern.

The kingsbridge hearing care centre have 4.9 currently on trust pilot & looking through reviews I guess this is because it's largely adults who have a good experience through the adult pathway.

Avoid with your child. Go elsewhere. The pathway for children attending is to see the ENT consultant, then you wait separately for the audiologist to complete the hearing test and then you wait again for the ENT consultant to ring to discuss results. This is quite common place for children when being seen privately.

We had about 3 mins in a room with the ENT consultant (£187), to then wait a few weeks to see the audiologist (£100) who told us there was a hearing issue but gave no indication of how severe or likely treatment options. While we now await a call from the ENT consultant (can take up to 2-3 weeks) our anxiety & worry is growing. I followed up with the team lead Connor today to discuss our worries & chase up results & unfortunately Connor spoke with such a patronising & unkind tone that I have come away upset, frustrated & wishing that I had chosen a different provider for my little girls hearing concern. As a team lead who prides himself on a 'patient first' approach and wants to ensure everyone comes away with a smile (as per his work profile on the website) I have come away with tears, anxiety & utter disappointment with his admin service over the phone.

Waiting times & procedures are one thing & often unavoidable... And with explanation most service users will understand that... But kindness and empathy can be afforded to everyone you encounter & go a long way.

I hope and plan to never have to use the kingsbridge hearing care centre again, largely due to their team lead who has left me feeling this way. I can't quite believe customer service like this exists, never mind in a private setting.

I had been visiting Kingsbridge Hearing Care for a number of years prior to 2024 as I had noticed my hearing was deteriorating. I thought it might be ear wax so I had attended annually to have my ears microsuctioned. Stephen had carried out this procedure and a couple of years ago he also tested my hearing to see what the situation was. At that point there was evidence of age- related hearing loss but with the successful removal of wax I thought this sufficient to take it no further. At my most recent visit for micro suction, however, in November past, there was virtually no wax so I wondered if my hearing had deteriorated far enough to warrant hearing aids. I initially asked for a screening test which I self administered online at Kingsbridge after receiving guidance on how to carry it out. This was easy to do and involved indicating what I could hear when sounds were played at different frequencies and volumes. The results were available on the spot and indicated my hearing loss was at a level that it was worth getting a full hearing test and assessment of whether it would be worthwhile getting hearing aids.
I decided it would be worth doing even though I could hear reasonably well. My family members had noticed they were having to repeat more for me and I was straining to hear what was being said especially when there was a lot of background noise, e.g., in a restaurant or family gathering.
At my full hearing assessment Stephen spent nearly 2 hours testing my hearing, not only what I could hear when different frequencies and volumes of sounds were played in my ear, but also in simulated contexts when there were people talking in the background. The latter was the most revealing. Afterwards Stephen explained in great detail what the tests showed. He answered all my questions including the big one - should I be getting hearing aids?
The initial outlay for one of the top of the range aids the clinic offered seemed at first to be very high but when Stephen explained what it included and the personalised aftercare plan, I gave it serious consideration. My first reaction was - will wearing aids reduce my natural hearing loss further? A bit like wearing glasses can lead to weakening of your eye muscles, but Stephen explained this was not the case.
I went away with lots to think about. Later that day I rang Stephen to let him know I had decided to get the hearing aids. At the hearing test he had carried out so many different tests that he had enough information to order the aids set up for my personal hearing circumstances immediately. They were ready a couple of weeks later. So discrete you would not notice them unless you had been told.
I returned in early December and Stephen spent another hour and a half making sure the aids were adjusted as much as he could before I tackled the real world wearing them.
Since then I have had two review appointments to fine tune them further for my personal needs and at the same time my ears were checked for wax. Both meetings were very useful. Again Stephen was so patient. He was able to adjust the settings by looking at the environments I had been in and how I used the aids, e.g., for streaming music or phone calls or tv or when walking near traffic.
I wear my aids all the time during the day and have definitely found they have improved my hearing and reduced asking for repetition of what people are saying.
After my latest review I feel the aids have been as perfectly tuned to my needs as is possible at the moment so I won’t get another review for another 6 months.
I have no regrets buying my hearing aids from Kingsbridge. I have received a top quality product and superb aftercare. The latter will continue for more years to come. I feel my quality of life has improved significantly as a result. Thank you Stephen and Kingsbridge Hearing Care.

I would highly recommend Kingsbridge Hearing Care...
I had trouble with my hearing and booked an appointment (booking process was so straight forward) a big thank you to Caroline in Newtownabbey Branch for removing my ear wax it has made a huge difference ( "Caroline I feel much lighter than when I came in)

I have had hearing difficulties for over two decades and I now have substantial hearing loss, with no hearing at all in one ear and very minimal hearing in the other.
I have availed of hearing aids from both the NHS and private audiologists over the years, all of whom I always found attentive, helpful and for which I will always be grateful.
However after recent consultation and advice from an ENT consultant at Kingsbridge, I decided to see if one of the best modern hearing aids with the latest technology available would help me. I thought any improvement on my existing, almost no hearing, would be an improvement!
My husband and I visited the audiologist at Kingsbridge and had the most detailed hearing test I have ever had with a very patient and tolerant audiologist who explained everything, what could possibly be achieved given my state of hearing loss and what not to expect, namely a return of 100% hearing again.
After some consideration I decided to purchase a Phonic Hearing Aid and a Roger On device, which my husband wears when we're out and about and which also can be used if out having a coffee with two or three friends. You can set it flat on the middle of the table which helps me to join in the conversation more.
Sounds that I hear with this hearing aid are a more natural sound, which is great.
My purchase, although not cheap, includes a 5 year warranty on my hearing aid and follow-up assessments with the audiologist. This is so important as getting used to a new hearing aid is an "ongoing work in progress". Roger On has been a great help, but both my husband and I need to put into practice the advice we've received from the Audiologist on how to make more effective use of this invaluable device, before my next review.
All in all I'm very, very pleased with the service that I've had from the Kingsbridge Audiology department. However I realise that to attain the best hearing possible for me, and for anyone investing in hearing aids, there has to be an ongoing partnership between myself and my audiologist.
Stephen emphasised this right from day one and certainly I am truly experiencing the benefits of such a partnership approach. Achieving that extra10 to 15% hearing improvement in addition to what you have can mean so much.

Very informative meeting, felt so at ease with what was explained to me, has changed my life as i was so isolated for so long

I had a lot of discomfort prior to my appointment but I was like a new person afterwards. Stephen gave me instant relief during the appointment by suctioning my ear and also gave me not recommending a script from my gp - within a few days of seeing Stephen and using the spray he advised my ear was fully healed and feeling great! Really great friendly service

A very professional service with the human touch when looking after my 95 year old mother

After years of poor hearing I contacted Kingsbridge. Their systems made it easy to book an appointment for 'dewaxing' followed by a hearing test. There was no pressure to continue. I had asked around, though, they were recommended and I went ahead. Attentive and highly professional, Megan and Stephen were thorough, deploying state of the art equipment combined with a friendly helpful manner. Conor made the admin and payment easy. I won't pretend this was inexpensive but I now know I should have done it years ago and the aftercare is good. I can now talk to my grandchildren with ease and pursue my own professional responsibilities in more comfort.

Great service from Steven and Megan. Detailed appointment and hearing test, recommended hearing aids and fitting. Follow up appointment to adjust aids. Just back from 6 month check up and again Megan was totally professional and great to work with. We can highly recommend this service with Kingsbridge Hearing Care in Belfast. First class service.

I attended Kingsbridge Hearing Care for a hearing test and then fitting of hearing aids.At the hearing test everything was very relaxed and the test and results fully explained .I was delighted at the care and attention I received.Everything was taken at my pace and I felt any difficulties or concerns I had re having hearing aids fitted were all addressed.I am very pleased with the after care provided and would highly recommend Kingsbridge Hearing Care.

Stephen at Kingsbridge has completely transformed my hearing ability. I was under NHS audiology care for about 10 years. I respect and cherish the NHS, they do their very best, and I was of the understanding that their solution to my profound hearing loss was the best I could get.
But working with Stephen has given me a new freedom in my daily living. I can now enjoy situations that were out of reach before with my NHS hearing aids. I can socialise in previously out of bounds places, like restaurants at busy lunch times, and even pubs on a Friday night.
The quality of hearing, in terms of hearing what I want to hear, and rejecting background noise is improved enormously. I can also hear well whilst in a car, previously difficult because lip reading isn’t possible, and contesting with wind and road noise.
Other experiences have significantly improved, like streaming sound from the television, and streaming music from my phone. The high fidelity sound with the Phonak Lumity is outstanding.

Most of all, Stephen is a caring, compassionate professional, who fully understands and appreciates the impact of hearing loss. His is approach is second to none. I know for him audiology is a passion. He keeps adjusting and customising until the setup is the best it can possibly be. I would strongly urge people who are struggling with hearing loss to book an assessment at Kingsbridge. As I have said, I cherish the NHS, and the clinicians who work there, but it cannot be compared to taking an approach that has the time and resources such as those at Kingsbridge Audiology.

As a communication sense, hearing is vitally important in so many ways, including mental health. The investment I have made in my new Phonak hearing aids has impacted on this in the weeks immediately following my investment. I feel less stress when socialising, I can join in and be myself, people have noticed a return of self confidence. Of course current solutions for hearing loss do not fully reverse the problem, but I know this is as close as I can possibly get to normal function with my hearing. I’m a very grateful patient.

Having been very unhappy with the quality of my NHS aids and the difficulty obtaining decent aftercare service I decided to have a consultation with Stephen Hunter. Stephen was able to assure me that his bespoke service would provide a much better quality of hearing assistance and aftercare.
Following the consultation he fitted me with the latest Phonak aids and I find it hard to fully describe the improvement in quality these hearing aids now provide. During the fitting and then follow-up a month later Stephen spent a lot of time tailoring these to my exact needs and explaining the process as he went. Nothing was too much trouble and I feel very reassured that if I were to have any issues I'd be able to have these rectified very quickly by Stephen. While obviously the top of the range Phonak aids are relatively expensive, I genuinely have no regrets over this financial outlay as they have really improved the quality of my life.

I have been greatly helped with my very severe hearing loss by Stephen Hunter / Kingsbridge Hearing Care.
Stephen is extremely professional and knowledgeable. He takes time and explains everything so well and makes his patients very comfortable and at ease.
I am very glad I have found him. He has provided me with aids which have boosted my ability to hear to a great extent.
I honestly advise anyone needing some help with their hearing loss to contact him. You will be very glad you did.
First class service.
Jenny Wilson

After having been treated for Acoustic neuroma, I decided to examine hearing aid options with Kingsbridge Hearing Care. I am really glad I did. Stephen Hunter worked along with me, presented options patiently and in a way that never overwhelmed. This approach along with the aftercare shown has been second to none.
I have zero hesitation in recommending Stephen and the team at Kingsbridge Hearing Care.

For many years l was told that hearing aids would not work as l had unusual hearing loss. I just gave up trying and managed as best l could.
Lately my hearing was so bad that l decided l would go privately to see if someone could do something to make life easier.
It was suggested that l make an appointment with Stephen Hunter which l did on the 23rd January. On that visit l had one of the most thorough hearing tests l have ever experienced. I soon realised that here was someone who knew what they were talking about.
Everything was explained in a way that l fully understood in a friendly helpful manner.
On the 21st February l had another appointment to have my hearing aids fitted and be introduced to Roger. Stephen had explained how helpful Roger would be but made it clear that l could decide at a later date if l wanted to invest in this.
I was so relieved to hear that l was going to be helped with my hearing problem l decided l would invest in Roger there and then.
As l watch three of my friends struggling with hearing aids they have just bought, l am so grateful that l am under Stephens guidance and expertise. You could not compare the care l am experiencing with what they are are having to deal with.
Today l have had the sound increased in my aids and am home to start using Roger ( who l have renamed Sammy as my ex son-in-law was called Roger☹️)
I will be seeing Stephen on the 3rd May again.
My only regret is that l didn’t do this sooner, but when at least three people who are supposed to know what they are talking about tell you hearing aids would not work you just believe them.
I am already telling people how happy and relieved l am that l have met someone who is making a real difference to the quality of my life.

I am very happy to recommend Kingsbridge Hearing Care to anyone who has concerns about their hearing.
It is very well organised and easily accessible. The staff are extremely pleasant and helpful, particularly Stephen Hunter who is very knowledgeable and reassuring.
The hearing aids, which I have now had for three months, have made a huge difference to me.

My mum was so well looked after by everyone during all her appointments here, but particularly when being assessed for her new hearing aid. The audiologist went above and beyond to make sure she got the highest quality of care and respect and understood perfectly how much her hearing loss had impacted her quality of life and how it made her feel very isolated. Previously our only effective means of communication with her as a family had been using a whiteboard which was far from ideal. So to be able to hold a face to face conversation again has been completely wonderful. We had fairly low expectations of what could be done, if anything at all, but they have been surpassed in the best possible way. Could not recommend enough!

My mum has Alzheimer's. Her hearing went badly down and she was unable to respond to the normal hearing test in a well known facility! We were directed to Stephen and Meghan at Kingsbridge. From the word go our experience was tremendous! Stephen took time to assess mum and we left 3 hours later with a hearing aid adapted to her needs. She was responding to 3 adults in a room with normal conversation and having craic! It was actually very emotional to see her interacting with 2 strangers and so much very involved - we literally got our old mum back! Yes she has Alzheimer's however her involvement and interaction with her environment has been second to none since Stephen and Meghan fitted her with an ear piece, which incidentally is very easy to put in.
Two very caring and considerate people who are excellent at their job - I mean who arrives at a
1st appointment with an unresponsive parent and leaves with a personally adapted hearing aid in place and your parent responding and happy! We did with Stephen and Meghan- thank you both so much indeed.
P.S. Their after care is also 2nd to none.

I haven’t looked back since getting my hearing aids! Me, my family and work life have gained huge benefits since getting them. Working in varying commercial environments, simple home life and social activities were always a cause for difficulty in hearing and been really involved in day to day life. Loss of hearing particularly on one side, combined with tinnitus made every day experiences tough and since getting my aids I’ve realised how tough it was. Now I can hear the everyday sounds I’ve missed so much, I don’t have to get people to keep repeating themselves or not nod along like I know what’s been said- now I actually do!
Stephen Hunter is a fantastic expert in his field, from my first appointment I was listened to, he very much understood my difficulties and explained everything so well. The team at Kingsbridge are super efficient, warm and friendly and I have no hesitation recommending them. I wish I had made the decision sooner as I enjoy life so much more now and no longer feel like I’m not part of things, or have to avoid situations, I’m in the heart of them!