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Community audiology services
NHS hearing tests and audiology support is available in many community settings, in your local area and high street.
If you are aged over 55 simply telephone your choice of provider (see the list at the foot of this page) directly to make your hearing test appointment.
If you are aged under 55 you need to ask your GP to refer you. If you are going for an appointment about a hearing test or hearing aids, it is very important that you stress you want a free NHS test and free NHS hearing aids.
In Derbyshire, community audiology is currently provided by:
- Audiological Science Limited
- Community Health and Eyecare (CHEC)
- Scrivens
- Specsavers
- Modality
You choose which of these hearing aid providers you use – it’s totally your choice. If you are prescribed hearing aids or other support you can change provider after three years if you wish.
Pick the provider that’s most convenient for you or one that a friend has recommended.
Audiological Science Limited
Clinics are located throughout Derby and Derbyshire, including:
- New Mills
- Dronfield
- Derby (Chaddesden, Peartree, Sinfin)
- Ilkeston
For full site information and how to self-refer, visit their website.
Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC)
CHEC have a clinic in Chesterfield, as well as areas surrounding Derbyshire such as Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leicester.
For full site information and how to self-refer, visit their website.
Scrivens
Scrivens have 17 clinics across Derby and Derbyshire including:
- Chapel en le Frith
- Chesterfield
- Matlock
- Wirksworth
- Alfreton
- Heanor
- Ripley
- Duffield
- Ilkeston
- Ashbourne
- Chellaston
- Swadlincote
- Ashby de la Zouch
- Loughborough
- Nottingham
For full site information and how to self-refer, visit their website.
Specsavers
Scrivens have over 20 clinics across Derby and Derbyshire, including:
- Uttoxeter
- Derby
- Belper
- Alfreton
- Ashbourne
- Ripley
- Ilkeston
- Nottinghamshire (for people on the border)
- Buxton
- Burton
- Swadlincote
- Chesterfield
- Matlock
- Allestree
- Glossop
For full site information and how to self-refer, visit their website.
Modality
Information to be added.
Should you find you develop any difficulties using your hearing aid, you can make a further appointment to see your audiologist for more advice.
Ask the Audiologist to demonstrate all the features on the hearing aid. If you don’t understand them, ask him or her to repeat it until you do understand the process. This is your appointment and your chance to thoroughly understand how to use your hearing aids to improve your quality of life.
Make the most of your time with the audiologist, you can take someone with you to your appointment if necessary if necessary and prepare a list of questions you want to ask. This is your chance to be best advised.
Some questions to ask when you have your assessment:
- How long do batteries last and how do I get them?
- How often do I need a test?
- How often do the aids need maintenance and servicing, can I do this?
- Can I use my hearing aids in conjunction with other assistive hearing devices for example, hearing loops? Or bluetooth?