Independent hearing aid provider Hearbase is set to open a Dover branch next month

Report by Yamurai Zendera

KENT'S largest independent hearing aid provider Hearbase is to open a branch in Dover next month.

The family-owned firm has been operating a service in the town from Kenneth Bird Opticians, in Ladywell.

The opticians move to Biggin Street, in June, so Hearbase will switch to its own premises, in Tower Hamlets Road, on May 4.

Special projects manager Peter Everitt said: "We thought this would be a good opportunity to stand on our own two feet. We think we can expand in Dover. We have a lot of patients and want to keep things local."

Mr Everitt said Hearbase is managing to achieve growth in a challenging industry. He added: "We are bucking the trend, because success within the industry is very difficult.

"It's a challenging period, but we are enjoying good growth this year. What we have done this year is to be more communicative with our existing clients, and provide greater aftercare.

"With private business, there's a lot of competition over-pricing. Everybody wants value for money.

"People also want to see what the NHS has to offer before they go private. The NHS has shortened waiting lists and improved hearing aid systems. We want to be part of that."

The new branch will offer a private and NHS service. During its opening week, there will be free hearing aid tests, 10 per cent off all hearing aid purchases, free hearing aid draw and a champagne reception, on May 5.

Hearbase will be fully involved with Deaf Awareness Week, between June 28 and July 4.