Hearing Aid Access & Models
NHS Access in Bristol
Provided free as a long-term loan via UHBW Audiology (St Michael’s, Southmead, and satellite clinics). Lost/damaged device fee: £95.
Private Supply
Local providers include Audika, Hidden Hearing, Boots Hearingcare, The Hearing Care Partnership, and Gordon Morris.
Contact UHBW Audiology (St Michael's Hospital)
Phone: 0117 342 5854 (Note: Phone lines can be very busy)
Email: audiology.dept@uhbw.nhs.uk
Free Replacement Tubing: Once you have your hearing aid, you do not need to buy replacement tubes. You can email the audiology department to request new tubes, and they will send them to you for free by post.
Battery Supply: If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, replacements can also be requested via the NHS.
Hearing Aid Maintenance
Knowing how to keep a hearing aid working could be the difference between comfortable hearing and social isolation. Maintenance includes:
- Changing the batteries
- Keeping the earmoulds clear
- Retubing earmoulds
- Replacing thintubes
Bristol Device Pathways
| Device Type & Model | Rechargeable? | Battery Type & Supply | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A: Routine NHS Bristol Current Issue | |||
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) - Phonak Bolero Series (General) | Varies (Rechargeable M-PR models exist, but confirm with audiologist). | Depends on exact model issued. | %20-%20Phonak%20Bolero%20Series.jpg) |
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) - Phonak Bolero M70-M | No. | Uses disposable Size 312 Zinc-Air batteries (Brown tab). Available free from NHS. | %20-%20Phonak%20Bolero%20M70-M.png) |
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) - Phonak Nova M | Varies by specific model issued. | Check with audiologist. | %20-%20Phonak%20Nova%20M.webp) |
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) - Phonak Naida Series (General) | Varies (Rechargeable P-PR options exist). | Depends on exact model issued. | %20-%20Phonak%20Naida%20Series.avif) |
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) - Phonak Naida P-70 UP | No. | Uses disposable Size 675 Zinc-Air batteries (Blue tab). Available free from NHS. | %20-%20Phonak%20Naida%20P-70%20UP.webp) |
| Group B: UHBW Private Service | |||
| In-the-ear (ITE) | Varies | Check with audiologist | .jpg) |
| In-the-canal (ITC) / Completely-in-canal (CIC) | Varies | Check with audiologist | %20%20Completely-in-canal%20(CIC).jpg) |
| Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Varies | Check with audiologist |  |
| Group C: Specialist Implant/Device Pathways & Legacy | |||
| Bone conduction hearing device (BCHD) | Varies | Check with audiologist |  |
| Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) | Varies | Check with audiologist |  |
| Cochlear Implant | Specialist | Implant System |  |