You are being sent this page as you have been referred for an assessment for an Auditory Implant to help your hearing. This leaflet will give you a bit of information about where the department is located and what you can expect during the assessment process.
An Auditory Implant is a device that will help you with your hearing. The term covers many different types of devices, including bone conduction devices (BCDs) and middle ear implants (MEIs). Generally, all Auditory Implants require an operation.
We assess people for Auditory Implants when hearing aids are no longer providing any benefit, or if people are unable to wear hearing aids (e.g. due to ear infections or their anatomy).
Different types of Auditory Implants are suitable for different people. During this assessment we are looking to see if a BCD or MEI is suitable for you.
If you require an interpreter, please let us know before your appointment and we will arrange one.
Your appointment will be led by one of our Advanced Audiologists and we work closely with the ENT Consultants
- We will show you some of the different auditory implants we offer in the department
- We will ask you a few questions about your hearing history
- We will do a hearing test if we don’t have access to a recent one
- Depending on the results of the hearing test, we may fit a demonstration device on a headband/softband to give you an idea of what an auditory implant would sound like
- We will schedule a follow up appointment to do some more listening tests, with and without the demonstration device
- If we find that you are not suitable for any of the devices we offer, we will refer you on as appropriate
- If you are suitable for an Auditory Implant, we will arrange an appointment with one of the ENT consultants
- Your appointment letter
- Your current contact and GP details
- Your current hearing aids (if worn)
We encourage patients to bring someone with them to the hospital for support. Due to the nature of our testing rooms, there may be a limit to the number of people we can accommodate.
UCLH is a teaching Trust, and you may be asked if students can observe or assist with your care.
We are also a major centre for medical research. If you are interested in taking part in research projects, ask the person who is caring for you.
If you do not wish to take part in teaching of students and/or research, please tell us when you arrive. Not taking part in teaching or research will not harm your care.
If we need to, we will schedule a follow up appointment with our department.
We use devices from three companies and all have more information on their websites about how the devices work, and about hearing loss in general.
Not all devices are suitable for all people, and it will depend on a number of factors which will be discussed with you at your appointment.
For more information about Bone Conduction Devices:
For more information about Middle Ear Implants (MEIs):
For support and information about hearing loss:
If you have any questions, please contact the department:
Telephone: 0203 456 2094
PALS is a patient-friendly, easy to access service designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. If you have a problem that you have not been able to sort out we can help you to resolve it.
The PALS office is located in the main atrium of University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU.
PALS are open: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: uclh.
Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
47-49 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DG
Huntley Street is close to Euston, Warren Street, and Goodge Street Underground Stations and there are bus stops nearby.
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Page last updated: 16 December 2025