What Imperial Hearing does

Imperial Hearing is an independent chain of audiology clinics operating over 20 locations across Southern England, the Midlands, and Wales, founded in 1990 and privately held by directors Sam Rossiter and Simon Wendland. The company delivers a full hearing care pathway comprising free initial hearing assessments, hearing aid fitting and programming from seven major manufacturers (Phonak, Oticon, Widex, ReSound, Starkey, Unitron, and Lyric), professional ear wax removal via microsuction and irrigation, tinnitus consultations, and structured lifelong aftercare delivered through the proprietary Optimised Hearing Pathway (OHP) methodology.

The core product portfolio spans the full hearing aid form factor range (BTE, RIC/RITE, ITE, IIC/CIC) sourced from the 'big six' global manufacturers and refreshed annually with each brand's flagship releases (Oticon Intent, Widex SmartRIC, and Phonak Infinio launched in 2024). The OHP packages these devices into a five-stage clinical journey (assessment, system selection, fitting, rehabilitation at weeks 1/3/6, and open-ended aftercare) that the company uses to differentiate from transactional 'supply and fit' retailers. Ear wax removal is delivered by trained technicians using microsuction, irrigation, and manual extraction across multiple sites, including seven wax-removal-only satellite locations.

The business model combines transactional hardware sales (devices priced by quote, ranging from entry-level to premium tiers with manufacturer-specific companion apps), professional service fees for wax removal and consultations, and recurring revenue through the annual Lyric subscription. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via physical clinics, an online booking system, phone scheduling, regional Hearing Show events, and domiciliary home visits for mobility-limited patients. The customer base is fragmented B2C (individual adults with hearing loss, tinnitus sufferers, and ear wax build-up patients), with no enterprise or institutional contracts identified in the source data. The company is registered in England and Wales (company number 05785952), reports no external investment or parent ownership, and operates without disclosed financials.

Name

Imperial Hearing

Legal name

Imperial Hearing

Website

https://imperialhearing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Imperial Hearing is an independent UK audiology chain operating 20+ clinics across Southern England, the Midlands, and Wales, providing hearing assessments, hearing aid fitting from seven manufacturers, ear wax removal, tinnitus consultations, and structured aftercare via its proprietary Optimised Hearing Pathway.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Audiology and Hearing Care Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Audiology & Hearing Services (ENT-Affiliated) (HLAKAMAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audiology & Hearing Diagnostic Centers (HLAFAKAH), Hearing Enhancement / Assistive Listening Audio Devices (CRACANAL)

Keywords

• Audiology services
• Hearing care clinics
• Ear wax removal
• Hearing aid fitting
• Tinnitus treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Cheltenham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices24 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Hearing Aid Sales and Fitting: Sale and fitting of hearing aids from multiple manufacturers. Revenue from device sales, programming, and ongoing servicing.
2. Hearing Tests and Assessments: Approximately 1-hour comprehensive hearing assessments and consultations, described as 'no obligation'.
3. Ear Wax Removal Services: Professional ear wax removal using microsuction, irrigation, or manual extraction techniques at clinic locations.
4. Tinnitus Treatment and Management: Consultations and treatment for tinnitus, including hearing aid solutions designed to help manage tinnitus symptoms.
5. Lyric Subscription: Yearly subscription model for Lyric extended-wear invisible hearing aids covering device replacements, servicing, and technology updates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Imperial Hearing is an independent audiology clinic chain operating 20+ hearing centres across the South of England and Wales. Its core offering is comprehensive hearing care delivered through the proprietary Optimised Hearing Pathway (OHP): hearing assessments (up to 1 hour), tinnitus consultations, professional ear wax removal (microsuction, irrigation, and manual extraction), hearing aid fitting and servicing from all major manufacturers, and ongoing aftercare with 6-monthly check-ups.

Product overview

Imperial Hearing is an independent chain of audiology clinics operating over 20 locations across the South and Midlands of the UK. Its core product is the Optimised Hearing Pathway (OHP), a structured, multi-step patient journey encompassing assessment, fitting, rehabilitation follow-ups (1/3/6 weeks), and lifelong aftercare. The product portfolio is organized around hearing aids (from seven manufacturer brands: Oticon, Phonak, Widex, ReSound, Starkey, Unitron, and Lyric — covering all form factors: BTE, RIC/RITE, ITE, IIC/CIC), ear wax removal (microsuction, irrigation, manual extraction), hearing tests, tinnitus management, and aftercare services. Hearing aids are offered alongside companion smartphone apps (Widex Moment App, Oticon Companion App, myPhonak, ReSound Smart 3D App, Starkey TruLink App) for personalisation and remote control. Regional events called 'The Hearing Show' provide demonstrations and free screenings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Optimised Hearing Pathway: A proprietary hearing care approach developed by Imperial Hearing that guides patients through assessment, fitting, and rehabilitation stages with ongoing support.

Products and services

• Optimised Hearing Pathway (OHP) A proprietary structured hearing rehabilitation programme covering assessment (questionnaires, videotoscopy, hearing tests, tympanometry, speech tests), system selection, fitting, acclimatisation/rehabilitation with 1-, 3-, and 6-week follow-ups, and lifelong aftercare. Considers both mechanical and cognitive hearing alongside lifestyle. For adults with hearing loss seeking ongoing audiological support.
• Hearing Tests and Assessments Full hearing assessments of up to 1 hour conducted by qualified audiologists, including clinical background review, medical history, hearing tests, tympanometry, and speech/intelligibility testing. Results explained fully with personalised recommendations. Free and no-obligation.
• Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction, Irrigation, Manual Extraction) Professional ear wax removal using three methods: microsuction (fine suction tube with microscopic visualisation), irrigation (water spray at body temperature), and manual extraction. Provided by trained Ear Wax Removal Technicians across multiple clinic locations including dedicated wax-removal-only sites.
• Tinnitus Consultation and Treatment Assessment and management of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), including hearing aid solutions designed to reduce tinnitus perception, sound stimulation, and counselling. Addresses causes, stress-related exacerbation, and complementary management.
• Lyric Subscription (Extended-Wear Invisible Hearing Aid) 100% invisible extended-wear hearing aid placed deep in the ear canal near the eardrum, worn for months at a time without removal. Sold via yearly subscription covering device replacements, servicing, and technology updates. Includes 30-day risk-free trial.
• Behind the Ear (BTE), Receiver in Canal (RIC/RITE), In the Ear (ITE), and Invisible in Canal (IIC/CIC) Hearing Aids Full range of hearing aid form factors from multiple manufacturers, fitted by Imperial Hearing audiologists. BTE offers the most powerful circuitry for profound-to-severe loss; RIC/RITE offers discreet behind-the-ear design for mild-to-severe loss; ITE custom-fits the outer ear opening for mild-to-severe loss; IIC/CIC custom-fits deep in the ear canal for mild-to-moderately-severe loss.
• Oticon Hearing Aids Oticon hearing aids including the latest Oticon Intent (2024) featuring BrainHearing 4D Sensor technology and Sirius platform. Paired with the Oticon Companion app for smartphone control, real-time support, and device location. For adults with hearing loss.
• Phonak Hearing Aids Phonak hearing aids including the latest Phonak Infinio (2024) with Bluetooth connectivity and myPhonak companion app for remote adjustments, real-time customization, and health data tracking. Includes Roger wireless accessories. For adults with hearing loss.
• Widex Hearing Aids Widex hearing aids focused on natural sound processing, including the Widex Moment and the Widex SmartRIC (2024) with L-shaped design, up to 37-hour battery, and portable charger. Controlled via the Widex Moment app. For adults with hearing loss.
• ReSound Hearing Aids GN Resound hearing aids including LiNX 3D and Enzo2 (super-power) with Made For iPhone technology. Controlled via ReSound Smart 3D app and ReSound Control app. Supports ReSound Remote Assist for remote fine-tuning. For adults with hearing loss including severe-to-profound cases.
• Starkey Hearing Aids Starkey custom hearing aids including SoundLens Synergy (invisible), Muse, and Halo 2 Made For iPhone aids. Controlled via the TruLink app. For adults with hearing loss seeking custom-fitted solutions.
• Unitron Hearing Aids Unitron conversation-focused hearing technology across seven listening situations, including the Tempus platform (T Pro, T 800, T 700, T 600, T 500) and Moxi Range. Includes the Flex:trial programme allowing patients to try hearing aids with no upfront cost or commitment. For adults with hearing loss.
• Aftercare and Lifelong Follow-up Services Ongoing aftercare for fitted patients including 6-monthly check-ups, hearing system re-tests, recalibrations, technical and comfort adjustments, and continued access to the latest hearing aid technologies and expert independent advice.
• Hearing Aid Servicing and Repairs Servicing and maintenance for hearing aids including reprogramming, fine-tuning, impression taking, and battery supply. Provided across all clinic locations for existing patients.
• The Hearing Show (Regional Events) Free community hearing events held across the Southwest, Midlands, and Wales featuring live hearing aid demonstrations from Oticon, Phonak, and Widex, free hearing screenings, expert advice, and complementary refreshments.
• Online Hearing Test Remote hearing screening tool accessible online, allowing potential patients to assess their hearing before visiting a clinic. Available via the beyondhearing.org platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hearing Show events welcomed over 125 attendees in a single day
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• PhonakcoreTechnology or IntegrationPhonak is one of the big six hearing aid brands and considered a premium manufacturer. Imperial Hearing offers Phonak hearing aids and provides demonstrations at Regional Hearing Shows. Phonak Infinio and other products are available through all clinic locations.
• OticoncoreTechnology or IntegrationOticon is one of the big six hearing aid brands, famous for superior sound quality. Imperial Hearing features Oticon products at Hearing Shows and across all clinic locations. Latest Oticon Intent hearing aids with BrainHearing technology are available.
• WidexcoreTechnology or IntegrationWidex hearing aids are offered through Imperial Hearing clinics. Current promotion offering 20% off Widex products. Widex SmartRIC and WIDEX MOMENT products are available.
• ReSound (GN Resound)coreTechnology or IntegrationReSound (GN Resound) is one of the big six hearing aid brands and was the first manufacturer to introduce Made For iPhone hearing aid technology. Imperial Hearing offers the full ReSound range including LiNX 3D and Enzo2.
• UnitroncoreTechnology or IntegrationUnitron hearing aids are offered through Imperial Hearing. The company participates in Unitron's unique Flex:trial programme allowing patients to try hearing aids with no upfront cost or commitment.
• StarkeycoreTechnology or IntegrationStarkey is one of the big six hearing aid brands and the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the US. Imperial Hearing offers Starkey products including SoundLens Synergy, Muse, and Halo 2 Made For iPhone aids.
• Lyric (Phonak subsidiary)coreTechnology or IntegrationImperial Hearing is one of the few chosen to provide the unique Lyric 100% invisible extended-wear hearing aid. Lyric is sold exclusively through Certified Lyric Providers on a yearly subscription basis.
• AIHHP (Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSam Rossiter served over 10 years as a council member and former chairman of AIHHP, a leading industry group for independent hearing healthcare professionals.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OutsideClinic: UK provider specialising in domiciliary (home-visit) hearing care and eye care, targeting elderly and housebound customers. Direct peer in hearing assessments, hearing aid dispensing and aftercare, competing for the same patient demographic via a different delivery channel that Imperial only partially addresses.
• Hidden Hearing: One of the largest private hearing care chains in the UK and Ireland with hundreds of clinics offering hearing tests, hearing aids and aftercare. Closest direct competitor to Imperial Hearing in the multi-clinic independent/private hearing care segment, though at significantly greater scale and now PE-backed.
• Specsavers Hearcare: Specsavers operates the largest UK hearing care network integrated with its optical retail footprint, offering hearing tests, hearing aids and aftercare across hundreds of locations. Direct competitor for hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings, leveraging optical footfall that independents like Imperial Hearing cannot match.
• Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care: UK high-street optician chain with a growing audiology division offering hearing tests and hearing aids. Closely comparable to Imperial Hearing in being a high-street, multi-branch hearing care provider, though distributed nationally and tied to an optical retail parent.
• Bloom Hearing Specialists: UK independent audiology retailer offering hearing assessments, hearing aids and aftercare through a network of local clinics and home visits. Comparable to Imperial Hearing as a multi-clinic independent hearing care provider, though operating on a broader UK footprint.
• Boots Hearingcare: National UK hearing care chain operating from Boots pharmacy locations, offering hearing tests, hearing aids and aftercare. Competes head-on with Imperial Hearing for private-pay hearing aid customers, with strong brand reach and NHS service contracts.
• Bayfields Opticians and Audiology: Mid-size UK optician group with integrated audiology services offering hearing tests and hearing aid dispensing. Comparable independent/multi-branch model to Imperial Hearing, though smaller scale and concentrated in fewer regions.
• Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care: Independent optician and hearing care chain operating across southern England with audiology services including hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. Direct peer in independent, multi-clinic hearing care serving overlapping South of England geographies.

Others

• AIHHP (Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals): UK industry body representing independent hearing healthcare professionals, in which Imperial Hearing's director Sam Rossiter served as chairman. Not a competitor but a relevant ecosystem participant given Imperial's leadership role in the association.

Emerging players

• Amplify Hearing: Independent UK hearing care provider operating smaller clinic networks and home-visit audiology services. Comparable emerging regional player offering similar hearing aid and wax removal services, though at smaller scale than Imperial Hearing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights4 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/imperialhearing
• Xx.com/imperialhearing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Imperial Hearing