Postal hearing aids cut waits for Kent patients

Patients with mild to moderate hearing loss in west Kent can now receive hearing aids by post within two weeks of their assessment.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust says its team cleared a 595-patient waiting list for this group in six months. Staff programme the devices before posting them, removing the wait for a separate fitting appointment. New batches go out every Friday.

Support still matters once the parcel arrives. Hearing charity RNID explains that follow-up appointments check comfort, everyday use and maintenance. If a problem cannot be resolved remotely, patients should be offered a visit in person.

The faster route does not cover everyone. Across the trust’s audiology service, the longest wait is still four months, although that has fallen from a peak of 13 months.

The postal service includes a telephone check six weeks after fitting. For eligible patients, it means a shorter wait to start using their hearing aids, with support continuing at home.

Sources

• Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust — Trust cuts hearing aid wait to under two weeks
• RNID — Follow-up hearing appointment