Kingsbridge Hearing Care Omdömen 

No hesitation in thoroughly recommending Kingsbridge and Stephen Hunter. I’ve had lifelong hearing loss but have relied principally on lip reading and body language - never gotten along with nhs aids or other privately purchased aids (from specsavers etc.) I suspect at least partly due to a lack of aftercare.
From my first hearing assessment, Stephen has been assiduous in recommending aids and equipment, fitting me for phonak paradise aids and seeing me for multiple follow up visits to make adjustments. I work in very complex environments (am doctor in anaesthetics & ICU) so this aftercare was invaluable and Stephen was very responsive to my many questions!

I also brought my 83 yo mother to see Stephen. A wearer of NHS aids for five years plus, she’d been struggling with them for some time. Conscious of the link between ageing healthily/avoidance of dementia and maintenance of hearing, I was keen for her to be assessed to see if better aids could be of benefit. She was fitted for phonak paradises as well, has benefited from the same excellent aftercare and says they have made a marvellous difference for her.

Couldn’t recommend enough!

Having had a hearing impairment from a very young age I have met many Audiologists, but I have never met one as knowledgeable or attentive as Stephen. My initial hearing assessment was two hours long, so I didn’t feel rushed, and Stephen took time to listen and understand my concerns before beginning. Stephen explained everything he was doing, and his evaluation of my hearing loss was very different and much more positive than with any other provider I have been to. I was explained all my options without it being a sales pitch and I didn’t feel pressured into making a purchase or decision. I went with a Phonak Paradise aid and the Roger assistive listening device. It was great to have different colour options for the hearing aid to suit my skin tone and hair colour. I travelled from Tipperary for the appointment, so I really had to weigh up whether it was worth travelling so far but the prices were much cheaper than at home. I also got a free night’s stay in the Grand Central hotel for the day of my fitting. I noticed an immediate improvement in my hearing during the fitting appointment and the sound felt much more natural than my widex aid, I love that this aid has Bluetooth so I can answer calls and listen to music. Working with children means that the noise level is high at times so instead of having to travel 3.5 hours Stephen was able to provide remote support via the app while I was at work to adjust the settings. This was seamless and saved me so much hassle. Roger has made a huge difference to my social life, and I now feel included in conversations with large crowds and background noise. The aid comes with a 5-year warranty and a 2year dewax plan, as well as the reassurance of as much aftercare as needed so it is well worth the cost. All of the staff were so friendly and welcoming offering tea, water and even fitted my glasses better around my aid, which has always bothered me. I am very excited to come back for my review and couldn’t recommend Kingsbridge Hearing Care enough, it is the best in the country, possibly the world!

I have worn NHS hearing aids for many years and always wondered if there was anything better in the private sector.

At my usual NHS audiology visits I would often ask were there any new developments in hearing aid technology. I was recommended Stephen Hunter in Kingsbridge who was absolutely excellent at matching me up with the best private aids on the market. He even encouraged me to have a proper trial to explore whether they would actually help me in different life and social situations.

I was able to wear them for over 4 week which was totally invaluable. Stephen was genuinely doing his utmost to help me and I so appreciated it. At no point was there any salesy pressure to purchase, in fact the opposite was true as he was more concerned with seeing if he could help my hearing improve.

I was so grateful for the opportunity to do a test-run in the very best hearing aids in the market today. Unfortunately, in my case, I got no improvement (as my hearing loss is complex) but at least now I know. I would highly recommend Stephen for his expertise, professionalism and his motivation to genuinely help.

From the hearing test through to maximum hearing aid volume consolation it was a joy and I can hear like never before. Stephen Hunter and his team work hard to make you want to use your hearing aids… and the technology associated with them is fantastic no battery no fiddling with volume and many other features means I actually use them. I was treated so well at the clinic from a warm welcome kindness plus everything was explained so so well to great hearing.

Having lost a substantial part of my hearing in my 30s I struggled with this diagnosis but also with the acceptance of hearing aids. I had been to every audiologist in the nhs who tried to help me adjust to different hearing aids but to no avail. I found myself getting more socially isolated. As the kids were getting older I became more aware of things I was missing that they were trying to tell me. I visited Kingsbridge and met Stephen the audiologist. He was so welcoming and knowledgeable. I had been to other private places but none had a trained audiologist. I made an appointment for a trial with Stephen. The support he gave me was tremendous- as I say ‘he’s like a dog after a bone’ - nothing was a bother to him, any obstacles that I encountered he had solutions. There was always an option with Stephen. He was never satisfied that things were ok….he wanted them to be excellent. If I emailed or phoned he got straight back to me or fitted me into his busy day. I have never met such a passionate person about his job. Even down to choosing the correct colour of aid to suit my hair was important to him. A big thing for me was the feeling I had leaving, I always felt good not like the heaviness I used to feel after appointments. The hearing aids themselves are so comfortable and the sound is so natural, I can’t do without them now. I think about all I have missed and the struggle with hearing loss and different hearing aids, I wish 16 years ago when I got hearing loss that I went to Stephen in kingsbridge. I cannot recommend him highly enough and will be forever grateful for how he has changed my life.

I bought a Phonak hearing aid and my life literally changed!! I am able to watch TV, listen to music, and take part in online classes and hear everyone perfectly. Stephen at Kingsbridge was central to this. His knowledge and patience with me were second to none. The follow up care/maintenance has been invaluable. I can’t praise him and his staff enough.

Excellent service from booking an appointment to being assessed and treated by Stephen Hunter, Lead Rehab Audiologist.
My parents attended the Audiology Clinic at Kingsbridge and received a comprehensive assessment and treatment for their hearing problems. The care and hearing aid/phonak system they received, explained in an easily understood, sensitive and compassionate manner enabled both my parents to have improved hearing, impacting on their independence, quality of life and family engagement.
Given the improvement in hearing and social interaction I would recommend this service to others.

I recently contacted Kingsbridge Hearing care after suffering hearing loss and associated Tinnitus and arranged a consultation. The referral process was very straightforward, and I was impressed with how quickly I was seen.

After a very comprehensive series of tests, Stephen Hunter confidently predicted he could tailor a solution which would greatly improve my hearing.

The result has been transformative. I have also had several follow up sessions to optimise the performance of the hearing aid prescribed.

Finally, I would like to thank Stephen for all his patience, knowledge, and enthusiasm (learnt a lot about the science of hearing in our chats!). Very happy with the result.

The service provided by Kingsbridge Hearing Care has been excellent.

Knowing I have had a high frequency hearing loss for some years, I have been getting my hearing tested intermittently by high street providers and have been pontificating about whether or not to invest in hearing aids (being unsure if these providers were simply looking for a sale). I have been to various high street clinics and my most recent experience in the autumn of this year was just awful. Rather than attend a follow up clinic with that provider, I searched a little harder and found Stephen, who I had been to once before for ear wax removal (the reviews I read were all very encouraging). My experience was quite amazing - rather than a 15 minute first appointment, I got two hours. Rather than a tick box appointment I got someone who took time to listen and understand my responses. Rather than someone who dismissed another high street provider, I had someone who was willing to accept previous test results. The testing that I received included contrived situations where I was reporting problems (ie in a noisy environment) - the results clearly highlighted why I had a tendency to 'switch off' in these more social settings. Stephen could see that I spent quite a lot of time playing 'catch up' in a conversation because I would miss key words and then spend the next few minutes trying to get the context right - a process which he clearly understood was exhausting. Stephen spent a lot of time explaining to me what was happening and how the situation could be remedied. At no time did I feel under pressure to purchase hearing aids - I had come to the decision before I went to the appointment, that if that was the recommendation and I trusted the audiologist, I would 'bite the bullet'. After that first appointment I returned four weeks later to be fitted with my hearing aids - this was another long and thorough appointment. At this appointment, Stephen took time to adjust the aids to the dimensions of my ears and to set the amplification appropriately; he did not bombard me with too much information at that appointment but enough for me to manage. Four weeks later, I returned for my review and to have the hearing aids adjusted to the full amplification and to discuss teething problems that I might have. I was struggling with answering my phone and Stephen adjusted the settings to improve the situation - I have no problem now! Once again, Stephen spent a lot of time with me! The scary thing was, he knew exactly how long I had worn the hearing aids for during the intervening four weeks and the types of environment, I had been in! During that time I had been out for dinner at a table seating 8-10 people and for the first time in a long time I could hear the conversation across the table. There are sounds that I don't particularly want to hear such as my creaking joints, a dripping tap and the keyboard on the computer seems quite noisy but there are many sounds that I am noticing with greatly increased clarity - bird song being a big one; everything seems so much crisper, even silence seems 'clean'. The aids are easy to wear and so far, I have found them easy to manage. I have another appointment due in four weeks time and will continue to be reviewed regularly.

I can't thank Stephen enough - he shows compassion and a deep understanding of the implications of hearing loss. He clearly knows the world of audiology inside out and back to front and clearly is determined to improve the world for those who have the misfortune to struggle with their hearing. Thank you, Stephen, for your time, understanding and skill. I am sure I should have done this quite a while ago - when I was still at work, I am glad though that I have now made the decision to invest in hearing aids and my hearing!

My Dad had been struggling for months, despite all our best efforts we couldn't communicate easily.

Having arranged a consultation, our expectations were low, Had we reached the end of the road?? We thought.

The team at KHC patiently listened to our journey and got us to do some tests, no assumptions making sure they thoroughly understood the challenges.

No sales pressure on new hearing aids or fancy gizmos, more about what might help. An added bonus to that first visit, on noticing that Dad's glasses needed a little attention, the optician's team came to the rescue and made a small fix.

When it became clear that new hearing aids would make a difference, we went for them. Small painless process to get the moulds sorted and when it came time to fit them, a massive helping hand to get the Bluetooth sorted.

Night and day difference to Dad's hearing, great to be able to speak to him confidently on the phone, and at the follow up, it was excellent to see how much use he was making of them.

The hearing aids were an investment, but worth it to be able to reconnect with this wonderful man who spent his life teaching and communicating with us. The approach by the team was very personal and respectful, they answered all our questions with empathy. New aids can be costly however my dad, me and the whole family really feel the value here.

Thanks for all the help!

Great care from audiologist Lyndsay yesterday. My 95 year old mum needed wax removed. Lyndsay was very attentive and thorough with mum. Mum’s hearing much better today. Highly recommended.

I have a late onset hearing loss (otosclerosis) which started when I was 36. So I’ve been wearing NHS hearing aids for over 20 years. My hearing has decreased over the years to where I’ve now zero hearing in my left ear and only about 30% left in my right. So I really, really rely on my right aid. Bluetooth is not available on the NHS in Northern Ireland so I decided to explore this option with Stephen at Kingsbridge.

I’ve been very happy with the service Stephen has provided. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable. More than that, he has a genuine empathy and understanding of what it is like to live with a hearing loss. I was able to trial a Phonak hearing aid, sync it with my phone and Stephen talked me through the technology. I was also able to trial a Roger pen which was fabulous.

It’s a lot of money to spend out on a hearing aid but, on balance, weighing up my quality of life and increased accessibility to everyday life events, I decided it was worth the investment. The cost of the aid includes 5 years of appointments and much more. At a time when the NHS is under pressure, I was told I would have to wait at least 6 months simply to have my aid adjusted. If you have a severe hearing loss, you can’t wait that long.

The game changer with my Bluetooth aid is that I can now answer my phone on my aid, my landline is connected also and I can listen to Podcasts and Music on my aid while walking the dog - something I’ve missed out on for years now.

I would highly recommend Stephen & Kingsbridge Hearing Care. You can trial aids as I did and if it isn’t for you, then you’ve lost nothing.

Thanks for your excellent service Stephen 👏🏻
Lynn & Edna the Hearing Dog 🐕‍🦺

Excellent advise and great after care. Thanks to Stephen Hunter my wife has her hearing back and is getting on really well she even has her confidence back after roughly 20+ years of not being able to hear. I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone who needs the care and attention.

excellent service . I was using the hearing care service. Everyone from the car park attendant to reception staff to the audiologist were helpful and courteous.I am delighted with my hearing aid.

My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of the service we received at Kingsbridge Hearing Care and this is entirely due to their audiologist Stephen Hunter who spent so much time and took so much care to find the correct solution to my hearing problem. His expertise is superb and his patience in explaining everything to the patient in easy to understand language is wonderful. He has a most affable manner and his enjoyment in his work is very evident. He included my wife in the consultations in order to monitor how I reacted to the pitch of her voice and she benefited so much from listening to his knowledge. I am absolutely delighted with the improvement in my hearing problem and have no hesitation in recommending Stephen Hunter as a top audiologist.

I was fitted with a pair of Phonak Paradise 90RT hearing aids from Kingsbridge Opticians and Hearing Care in Belfast in April 2021.
I chose Kingsbridge following on from research I had done following a hearing test I had done in Dublin where the price quoted for the same hearing aids was exhorbitant with a plus €100 for a charging base station. The price in Kingsbridge was €1,500 cheaper than in Dublin.
I had an initial hearing test in Belfast which was followed a few weeks later with a fitting and testing session which lasted about an hour and a half.
Kingsbridge provide a night’s accommodation for two in the Grand Central Hotel, Belfast the night before the fitting session which was a lovely touch.
Since the fitting I had a follow up testing session in Belfast which was then followed by a check by phone.
I was provided with excellent care and attention in all of my visits and I
would recommend Kingsbridge Opticians and Hearing Care in Belfast to anyone looking for hearing aids, especially if they are from Ireland.

After many years of living with hearing loss I decided the time was right for me to acknowledge my problem and seek professional help. I did lots of research and after reading the reviews that Stephen Hunter from Kingsbridge Hearing Care was receiving I made the call. I am a 58 year old nurse and I have struggled with my hearing for many years. I did get a NHS hearing aid years ago but couldn’t cope with the background noise so it got put in the cupboard and I ploughed on working very hard trying to hear what people were saying…and a lot of the time I got it so wrong. My first appointment with Stephen was a real game changer. Myself and my husband attended and following a very extensive and thorough consultation and hearing test he was able to diagnose my hearing loss and advise us on the type of hearing aids that would benefit me. Stephen made me feel very comfortable throughout and he is extremely professional and knowledgeable. The appointment was not at all rushed and everything was explained thoroughly to us. I am now the very proud owner of two hearing aids that have transformed my life both professionally and personally. I cannot thank Stephen enough. His follow up care is exemplary and knowing that you have regular follow up reviews is so reassuring. I advise anyone who is struggling with their hearing to make an appointment with Stephen. I used to smile and nod at people and hope that this would cover up the fact that I didn’t actually know what they were saying to me . This is now a thing of the past and I have a new found confidence. Thank you so much Stephen.

Kings ridge Hearing Care have been excellent in assessing my hearing difficulties following a check for ear wax removal. After a thorough test and assessment, Stephen, my Audiologiste recommend hearing aids that have substantially improved my hearing deficiencies and my overall quality of life. The follow up help and after care service has been brilliant. Thank you Kingsbridge, I would recommend to to anyone who needs hearing help. Ian Harvey

I visited Kingsbridge Hearing Care to check my hearing aids because after 4 years I thought my hearing had changed.

I had a thorough hearing test, my hearing aids were reprogrammed to suit my needs and had new closed domes fitted.

Excellent, thorough test and service. Highly recommend.

Stephen provided first class advice and support to my elderly mum, who has gradually experienced progressive hearing loss in recent years. He took time at every stage to carefully explain to her the choices and options she had in choosing a hearing aid and related support. He worked to tailor the latest developments/ innovations in hearing aid technologies to her needs and has reviewed/ adapted the devices as she has got used to them. Again explaining every tweak/ adaption to my mum and answering all her questions on the way through in review meetings. Very friendly and personable service, that left my mum feeling like a valued and informed client. She has much improved quality of life, in being connected more to family activity and the world and community around her. We would highly recommend Stephen / Kingsbridge Hearing Care.