NHS hearing clinic to open in Exeter

Exeter residents are set to benefit from easier access to free hearing services as of July, with the launch of the first ever Chime Health city centre NHS audiology service.

Due to open in Exeter’s Harlequins Shopping Centre, Chime’s new clinic led by branch manager Sam Humphries will be open six days a week from 8.45am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

With more than 10 million people in the UK diagnosed with hearing loss, a figure which is set to rise to 14.5 million by 2031, Chime is hoping to answer an increasing demand for the right audiology expertise with an uncompromising eye on offering the latest technology.

It takes on average 10 years for someone with concerns about their hearing to address their hearing loss. This is due to a number of factors, including a lack of general knowledge on the advances that have been made in digital hearing aid technology as well as a reticence to admit hearing loss problems.

This delay in accessing the right audiology expertise is resulting, for many, in a decade of coping with impaired hearing and a resulting negative impact on wellbeing and enjoyment of life. Chime’s flagship Exeter city centre clinic will be a place for anyone concerned with hearing to gain expert help, aiming to see over 6,000 patients a year in its stylish, modern centre of hearing excellence.

Jonathan Parsons, Consultant Clinical Specialist and Managing Director of Chime Social Enterprise says, “Patients can see us for free NHS digital hearing services at a time to suit them in the convenient location of Harlequins Shopping Centre”.

“Leaving any hearing problem undiagnosed could in fact lead to the condition worsening and the sooner the patient acts or seeks professional medical advice, the better. We advise anyone concerned about their hearing, no matter how minor the problem appears, to consult their GP and ask for a referral to an audiologist expert such as Chime. Our pioneering social enterprise fits hearing aids from the leading brand and gives patients first-rate customer service, based on the core values of the NHS.”

Having first launched as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2011, Chime utilised the Government’s Right to Request scheme to spin out as a Social Enterprise, ensuring that any surplus funds get invested back into supporting hearing-impaired patients. It now has 15 centres across Exeter and the surrounding area as well as in South Devon, and is always on the lookout to take its pioneering audiology services to other areas. It would be happy to speak to any commissioners and NHS Trusts interested in opening a Chime centre in their area.

On top of its NHS funded service, Chime is also offering innovative hearing solutions for anyone wanting to purchase the newest hearing technology accessories to link with today’s modern world. The new clinic will have an interactive ‘connect and communicate’ wall that will provide anyone interested in hearing aid accessories with up to date information and solutions.

Chime is inviting Exeter residents to an open day on Thursday 23rd July to celebrate the launch of its new city centre clinic. The education day will allow local people to find out more about Chime and their services, enjoy a cup cake and refreshments, as well as have a drop in check-up to test their hearing.