Paediatric Audiology in Swansea

BestHear is the world’s first Heareka™-licensed paediatric hearing aid clinic. The methodology that makes adult hearing aids actually work in real life is delivered for children with age-appropriate adaptations.

For children aged 3.5 years and older. Hearing assessment, earwax management, and hearing aid fitting under one specialist clinical roof.

Paediatric Services Offered at BestHear

  • Children’s hearing tests (£150, includes the written report) — full diagnostic assessment, age-adapted, suitable from 3.5 years. See children’s hearing tests.
  • Children’s earwax removal by microsuction (£120) — safe, gentle, suitable from age 3. See children’s earwax removal.
  • Children’s Heareka™ Demo (complimentary with conditions — see booking page) — the same methodology as the adult programme, adapted for paediatric patients.
  • Glue ear monitoring and follow-up for children with recurrent middle-ear infections or grommet history.
  • School and ENT-ready written reports, with referral letters where appropriate.

Why Heareka™ Matters Even More for Children

An adult patient who is fitted poorly stops wearing their hearing aids and is mildly inconvenienced. A child fitted poorly loses access to language at a developmentally critical window — and the consequences ripple through speech, classroom learning, and social confidence.

Heareka™ exists to close the gap between a hearing aid that measures correctly and one that actually works in the child’s life. Real Ear Measurement is the starting point. The fine-tuning protocol is what gets the device to feel like a part of the child’s hearing rather than a foreign object the child resists.

How Paediatric Appointments Are Different

The clinical room is set up to feel calm. The pace is led by the child, not the clock. Tasks are framed as games where appropriate. Parents are present throughout. Distress is rare because the appointment is built to avoid the things that cause it.

For children with sensory sensitivities — autism, ADHD, anxiety — the appointment can be paced and adapted further on request. Tell BestHear when booking and the room will be set up accordingly.

When to Book

  • The school nurse or teacher has flagged a possible hearing concern
  • The child often mishears, asks for things to be repeated, or watches mouths
  • Recurrent ear infections, glue ear, or grommet history
  • Speech delay, articulation issues, or behavioural changes that may be hearing-related
  • Existing hearing aids that are not being worn or are uncomfortable
  • You want a second opinion on an NHS hearing aid fitting
  • The child has been told their hearing is “fine” but you remain unconvinced

Who Carries Out Paediatric Care

Paediatric work at BestHear is delivered by Armaj Ali, who holds dual registration with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology and with AHCS as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Mr Ali has close to two decades of clinical experience across the NHS and internationally, with extensive paediatric audiology training and ongoing scope of practice. Children at BestHear are assessed and treated by the same specialist clinician who treats adults — to the same clinical standard, with the room set up for the child.

How to Book

  1. Book online or call 01792 940032
  2. Attend an appointment at BestHear, Swansea — duration depends on the service
  3. Leave with a written report and a clear next-step plan tailored to your child

If you are unsure which paediatric service you need, call to discuss. Most parents arrive thinking they need one thing and leave with the right thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

From 3.5 years upward. Younger than that needs specialist paediatric audiology with adapted equipment — usually accessed via the NHS pathway through your GP or health visitor.

The methodology is the same. The delivery is adapted — pacing, framing, communication style, and listening tasks are age-appropriate. The clinical standard does not change.

No. Diagnostic and fitting are separate appointments. Hearing aids are recommended only when clinically indicated, and there is no obligation to proceed at BestHear.

Tell BestHear when booking. The appointment can be paced, the room can be adjusted, and tasks can be adapted to suit. Many parents are pleasantly surprised at how well the appointment goes when set up correctly.

Yes — assessment, monitoring, and tympanometry-led follow-up are part of the paediatric service. If onward referral to ENT is needed (for grommets, for example), BestHear will write the referral letter.

No. You can book directly. If the assessment indicates referral, BestHear will write it for you.

Yes. BestHear is a private audiology clinic based in Swansea. The lead clinician is HCPC-registered as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology, with additional AHCS registration. All paediatric work follows British Society of Audiology guidance.