FAQs

You can check your entitlement for NHS optical services NHS entitlement Your eligibility for a free NHS sight test varies across England, Scotland and Wales.

As long as you get in touch with us ahead of your home appointment, we’ll be happy to do whatever we can to meet your additional support needs. Just contact us (or ask a family member, friend, or doctor to speak to us on your behalf) on 0808 239 0591 or by email at info@outsideclinic.com, and we can talk through your options.

Absolutely. Thanks to our modern and easy-to-move equipment, our opticians can carry out your health check and vision test in the same way as they would if you came to a practice or clinic. Sometimes the exact devices they use are different, but the areas of your vision and overall eye health that they’re testing are the same, and the quality of their results and diagnoses are of the same standard. Yet it’s all in the comfort of your own home.

Relax and make yourself comfortable. We will call you to confirm the appointment and let you know when the optician is on their way to you.

All our staff wear a prominent identity badge, which includes their company ID number. This not only reassures you that they work for us but it also means they’ve got a Disclosure Certificate through the Disclosure and Barring Service (what used to be the CRB), so you know they’ve been assessed and cleared to work with vulnerable adults. But if you’re at all unsure about the person who comes to your door just call us on 0808 239 3602 and we’ll help you check their identity.

Yes, when our optician comes to your home they’ll ask to see proof of your age – or whatever other criteria makes you eligible for the free test. You’ll also need to sign a General Ophthalmic Services application form in order for them to be able to check your eye health and test your vision.

It depends on the exact problems you’re experiencing and what the optician discovers about your overall eye health during the appointment – but normally they’ll be with you for around 60 minutes.

Yes, we can easily provide a range of information about our services in alternative formats or languages – just get in touch with us (or ask a family member, friend, or doctor to talk to us on your behalf) on 0808 239 3602 or by email at info@outsideclinic.com

As long as you get in touch with us ahead of your home appointment, we’ll be happy to do whatever we can to meet your additional support needs. Just contact us (or ask a family member, friend, or doctor to speak to us on your behalf) on 0808 239 3602 or by email at info@outsideclinic.com, and we can talk through your options.

Before the optician examines your eyes they’ll ask you some questions to make sure they understand your general health, your family medical history, and any specific problems you’re experiencing with your vision right now.

The optician will check the general health of your eyes before they test your vision, which will involve using several different pieces of equipment.

When the optician comes to test your vision they’ll use what’s known as ‘the letter chart’, which you’ve probably experienced before. They’ll ask you to look at the letter chart through a variety of different lenses to discover which lens makes your vision the clearest. This will help them understand how long- or short-sighted you are and allow them to fine-tune the prescription you need.

When our optician comes to examine your eyes, they might find you need to update your glasses – or perhaps buy a pair for the first time. If that’s the case then they’ll be happy to show you the wide range of frames we offer, so you can easily find a pair that feel comfortable to wear, suit your face, and fit your budget. If you want to, you can order what you need right then and there.

Yes, we can easily provide a range of information about our services in alternative formats or languages – just get in touch with us (or ask a family member, friend, or doctor to talk to us on your behalf) on 0808 239 0591 or by email at info@outsideclinic.com.

All our staff wear a prominent identity badge, which includes their company ID number. This not only reassures you that they work for us but it also means they’ve got a Disclosure Certificate through the Disclosure and Barring Service (what used to be the CRB), so you know they’ve been assessed and cleared to work with vulnerable adults. As a company we’re also registered with both the Health Professions Council and your local Primary Care Trust. But if you’re at all unsure about the person who comes to your door just call us on 0808 239 0591 and we’ll help you check their identity.

Absolutely. Thanks to our modern and easy-to-move equipment our hearing specialists can carry out your hearing test in the same way as they would if you came to a practice or clinic. Sometimes the exact devices they use are different, but the areas of your hearing and overall ear health that they’re testing are the same and the quality of their results and diagnoses are of the same standard. Yet it’s all in the comfort of your own home.

It depends on the exact problems you’re experiencing and what the hearing specialist discovers about your overall ear health during the appointment – but normally they’ll be with you for between 60-90 minutes.

Following your initial appointment, we’ll visit you at home again to make sure they fit comfortably. We’ll show you how to use the hearing aids, we will check they are working correctly and explain how to look after them.

If you are not satisfied with your hearing aids in any way contact us in writing, by telephone or in email as soon as you are aware. If we are unable to meet your expectations or satisfaction within a reasonable amount of time you are entitled to a full refund of costs paid towards your hearing aids. This applies to the first 60 days following delivery and fitting. All warranties are in addition to your statutory (legal) rights.

Aftercare is included with all of our hearing aids here at OutsideClinic. Aftercare is available for the lifetime of your hearing aids. Just call 0808 239 3504. Our hearing care specialists are on hand to give you the help you need. 

If you would like extra peace of mind, you can protect your hearing aids against accidental damage with our Hearing CarePlus Plan.

Yes, many people wear glasses with Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids.

We have lots of helpful advice for maintaining your BTE hearing aids, from turning them on and off to changing the wax filter. 

A guide to BTE hearing aids

We have lots of helpful advice for maintaining your ITE hearing aids, from turning them on and off to changing the wax filter.

A guide to ITE hearing aids

Yes. Here at OutsideClinic, our NHS hearing aids are bluetooth-enabled.

This varies depending on which NHS Care Board you are located in. In some areas you do have to be a certain age, usually at least 50 years old.

There is no difference in the appointment and the test itself. However during an NHS appointment, we can only dispense NHS hearing aids.

Unless you're the first appointment of the day, you'll receive a call from the audiologist in the morning who will advise on what time they will be arriving with you.  

The audiologist will then arrive with portable testing equipment. 

They will verify your personal details and medical history, followed by an examination of your ears using an otoscope to assess the health of your ears and check for things like ear wax or an infection.

You will then undergo a hearing test, where you'll wear a set of headphones and you will be asked to respond to various sounds by pressing a button. 

Afterwards, the Audiologist will discuss the results with you (and your family or support if you are accompanied), and recommend a management plan where needed.

With most NHS hearing appointments, if hearing aids are needed, they will usually be fitted there and then. 

If you are having earmoulds made for your hearing aids, the Audiologist will take an impression of your ear and send it to our laboratory so that your hearing aids can be made to your exact measurements. We'll then arrange a follow up appointment to fit these for you.

Read more about what to expect at your home hearing test

Check out this blog for more information: What to expect during a sight test

We offer a wide range of frames following the sight test. As we learn more about residents with our eye care planning tools, our dispensers can also help them choose a frame during our visit. If you currently have a pair of our glasses, you can identify your glasses and their purpose with special engraving or our Eyewear Reminder.

We will personally deliver your glasses to you. We'll make sure that your glasses feel comfortable on your face and make any adjustments before we leave your home.

Our optometrists  dementia sensitivity training to ensure we can communicate and engage with every person we help. Being able to communicate appropriately helps to ease anxiety and enable them to have a sight test.

As sight is a key sense, it's vital for everyone to have a regular sight test, whether you're living with dementia or otherwise. Better sight helps us to interpret the world around us and safely navigate our surroundings. This is especially important for someone living with dementia, who may experience disorientation as the condition damages the part of the brain the controls memory recall.

You'll still receive the same great hearing healthcare service from our dedicated team, but we are now part of the UK's largest domiciliary company.

OutsideClinic are accredited by IQIPS and have been a trusted provider of domiciliary hearing care for over 35 years, bringing a wealth of experience to our service, so we’re now equipped to serve you even better.

Rest assured, it's the same quality care, now with more resources and decades of experience to support you.

The bloom hearing specialists™ brand name will retire and become OutsideClinic on Monday 15^th January.

Any existing appointments booked in will happen as normal unless you’ve received any communication to say otherwise.

Your existing Audiologist will continue to work with OutsideClinic as part of a bigger team who will be able to offer you the same excellent service that you have been used to.

Yes, we will continue to offer the same range of products. Alongside these, we regularly update our range to include the latest and best in hearing technology. This means you'll always have access to both the products you trust and new, innovative options.

You are still entitled to free aftercare and free home visits. You may find variants in prices of other products such as cell batteries. For the best prices on accessories, order through online shop: https://www.outsideclinic.co.uk/shop.

No, any existing warranties, repairs and aftercare will not be affected by this change. You will continue to receive free repairs within warranty.

Your data will be securely transferred to OutsideClinic who will hold and maintain your personal data in order to continue to be of service to you.

For more information, please see the privacy policy: https://www.outsideclinic.co.uk/privacy-policy/.

The branches will be rebranded to OutsideClinic and will remain open as normal with the same team. However, please note that the stores will still be open by appointment only. We're committed to providing personalised care, and operating by appointment helps us do just that.

Any future bookings can be made through the OutsideClinic website, by calling 0800 60 50 40, or the phone number you previously used to contact bloom hearing specialists™. You can also contact us by email on info@outsideclinic.com.

Yes, this will still be honoured.

You can access the online hearing test on the OutsideClinic website here: https://www.outsideclinic.co.uk/free-online-hearing-check. 

If you still have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at 0800 60 50 40 or customerservices@bloomhearing.co.uk.

1. Check that the batteries are not dead. Close the battery door. The hearing aid will play a sound signal to indicate that it is on unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function.
2. Following the battery check, check if sound is still being produced by trapping the hearing aid in your hand with your fingers wrapped around the aid. If you can hear the aid whistle, then sound is being produced.
3. If sound is still produced, then you should check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
4. Then you can also check that the microphone opening is not blocked. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
5. If none of these steps work, then get in touch for further advice.

If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, then it’s worth noting that it takes time for your brain to get used to the sounds. What appeared to be loud enough at the start may seem quiet or dull after a few days or weeks of regular use. This is normal and may just mean that an Audiologist needs to fine tune the settings.

There are however some other factors which you should check to make sure your hearing aids are working effectively:

1. If sound is still dull, then you should check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
2. Ensure that your hearing aids are inserted properly. The tube/cable should be flush with your cheek.
3. You can also check that the microphone opening is not blocked. Simply use a brush to clean the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
4. Check the volume level. Try adjusting the volume in case this has been set to a lower level than you normally use. If there is no change to the volume level then please call us.
5. Change the program. If applicable, try changing to a different program. If there is no difference to the volume level between programs then please call us.
6. If you are confident that there is nothing wrong with your hearing aids, then it could be that your ears could be blocked with wax, or your hearing ability may have changed. If you feel that this is the case then please contact us.

For many new hearing aid users, they have spent years not hearing higher pitched sounds. Hearing birdsong and the voices of women and children clearly again is of great benefit, but they might find other buzzing and humming sounds, like their fridge freezer, annoying.

Most people will adapt to hearing these sounds again very quickly, but if they prevent you from wearing your hearing aids regularly then please get in contact and our Audiologists can make adjustments.

1. Check the hearing aid batteries. If the battery level is low then performance can be affected so replace the batteries. Also if you see any damage or corrosion to the batteries then carefully remove them and replace. If the sound is still distorted then please call us. 
2. Check the battery contacts. If the contacts (small metal prongs) are bent or not in good shape then please call us. 
3. Change the program. If applicable, try changing to a different program. If the sound is still distorted then please call us. 
4. Check the hearing aids. If you can see any damage or defects then please call us. 

If the sound is still distorted then please call us. 

Most hearing aids have automatic feedback cancellation but there are some instances where feedback (whistling) can occur.

1. Check if your hearing aids are getting covered up. If you are wearing a hat or scarf then make sure that it does not cover up the hearing aids. This also applies if you are leaning your ears against a cushion or pillow.
2. Check your hearing aids are fitted correctly. A poor fit will cause feedback so ensure your hearing aids are fitted correctly. Take the hearing aid device itself out and refit. If the hearing aids or tips/earmoulds still do not fit correctly then please contact us.
3. Check your volume level. If this is set too high then feedback can occur so adjust your volume to a lower level. If you are unable to hear at this lower level then it is possible your hearing has changed so please contact us to arrange a free hearing assessment.
4. A build-up of wax can cause feedback so if you feel this is the case then please contact us for advice on wax removal.

Read more about whistling hearing aids here

Hearing aids should not be uncomfortable to wear throughout the day.

However, if this is the first time you have worn hearing aids then it can take a couple of weeks for you to get used to them. This is usually done by wearing them for a short period and gradually building up the time worn.

If you have worn hearing aids for some time then it is possible they are not correctly placed in your ear so take them out and refit.

If they are still causing you discomfort then please contact us.

OutsideClinic customers can simply call us on 0800 60 50 40 to request more batteries and we will post them to your home address, these are free of charge and part of your ongoing aftercare.

Call our Customer Service team on 0800 60 50 40 and we can look into getting these replaced for you, and which terms apply to the NHS Care Board where you live.

As a general rule, hearing aids are expected to be out of date after 3 years. 

Your hearing aid(s) do not have an on/off button, this is done by opening and closing the battery door.

To turn your hearing aid(s) on the battery door should be closed.

To turn your hearing aid(s) off the battery door should be open.

1. When you're ready to take your hearing aids out and stop using them for the day, remove the dome/earmould and tube from your ear. Then pull the hearing aid out from behind your ear.
2. Open the battery door, to turn the hearing aid(s) off.
3. Clean your hearing aid(s) using a dry cloth or brush.
4. Place in the case provided overnight.

Then when you are ready to start using them again the following morning, just close the battery door to turn the hearing aid(s) on and put them back in. 

If your hearing aids are new, it's totally normal for it to feel like the sound is too loud to start with. 

You may have suffered with hearing loss for a long time and have got used to the quiet and not being able to hear all the sounds around you.

Suddenly the clicks from a keyboard, the sound of rushing water, and even the squeaks of your shoes seem very noticeable. This is a good thing – you’re hearing sounds you haven't heard in a long time! Still, it may be tiring to take in all these new sounds.

We recommend giving it some time for your brain needs to readjust to hearing specific sounds again. Generally, the acclimatisation period is around 4 to 6 weeks. 

If your hearing aids are not new, then give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.

If the sound coming from your hearing aids isn't loud enough, the first thing to check is that the hearing aid(s) are at the correct depth within your ear. 

You should try re-inserting the earmould/ear tips into your ear to the correct depth.

If you've tried that and the sound is still too quiet, the hearing aid(s) may need cleaning. 

How to clean BTE hearing aids

If you've tried cleaning your hearing aids and the sound is still to quiet, give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.

One issue could be that the batteries have ran out. If it's been more than 7-10 days since you last changed the batteries, or if the hearing aids have played the low battery warning melody (descending scale), then we suggest trying new batteries. 

If you've recently changed the batteries and there is still no sound being produced, then try cleaning them. 

How to clean BTE hearing aids

If there is still no sound coming from the hearing aids once you've cleaned them, then give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.

Your hearing aid(s) do not have an on/off button, this is done by opening and closing the battery door.

To turn your hearing aid(s) on the battery door should be closed.

To turn your hearing aid(s) off the battery door should be open.

1. When you're ready to take your hearing aids out and stop using them for the day, remove the dome/earmould and tube from your ear. Then pull the hearing aid out from behind your ear.
2. Open the battery door, to turn the hearing aid(s) off.
3. Clean your hearing aid(s) using a dry cloth or brush.
4. Place in the case provided overnight.

Then when you are ready to start using them again the following morning, just close the battery door to turn the hearing aid(s) on and put them back in. 

If the sound coming from your hearing aids isn't loud enough, the first thing to check is that the hearing aid(s) are at the correct depth within your ear. 

You should try re-inserting the earmould/ear tips into your ear to the correct depth.

If you've tried that and the sound is still too quiet, the hearing aid(s) may need cleaning. 

How to clean BTE hearing aids

If you've tried cleaning your hearing aids and the sound is still to quiet, give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.

One issue could be that the batteries have ran out. If it's been more than 7-10 days since you last changed the batteries, or if the hearing aids have played the low battery warning melody (descending scale), then we suggest trying new batteries. 

If you've recently changed the batteries and there is still no sound being produced, then try cleaning them. 

How to clean BTE hearing aids

If there is still no sound coming from the hearing aids once you've cleaned them, then give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.

To apply for a loan, you need to be aged 18 or older and you will need to have been a permanent UK resident for at least 3 years. Acceptance is subject to status.

During your hearing appointment, your hearing specialist will assess your hearing and advise what hearing aids, if any, will be suitable for you.

They will then be able to work with you to advise what finance options are available for those hearing aids.

They will then take you through the process of applying for the finance.

As part of this, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, 3 years address history, 3 years employment history, income/expenditure details and bank account information.

The lender will aim to provide you with a decision instantly.

We offer various finance options tailored to your hearing needs and budget. If you go for a 0% interest finance option over 24 months, a 50% deposit is required.

Your hearing specialist will help you choose the best option based on the hearing aids you select. 

We aim to complete the last group clinic in Care Homes on Friday 20^th December.

We will continue to see residents on an individual basis, instead of seeing all residents in one visit.

From 20^th December, our optometrists will now conduct the full examination, including the measurement of spectacles for individual patients during appointments. 

The previous operating model comprised a team of two – optometrist and an assistant – seeing multiple patients across one clinic.

Next of kin can book an individual eye test appointments for their loved one by completing this form.

Care Home staff can also book eye tests for residents with the permission of next of kin or the patient themselves.

Eye test for individuals can be booked now using this form.

Yes. We endeavour to make sure we complete all existing bookings.

Please use this form to contact us with your request and we will do our best to accommodate it.

As of 20th December, we are no longer accepting group bookings for Care Homes, however you can book tests for individuals (with appropriate permission) using this form.  

Yes. The service will continue as usual for all orders. Even if delivery is after Friday 20^th December.

Yes. The service will continue as usual for all orders. Residents may benefit from an additional level of aftercare, available through our CarePlus package.

We believe that the change to our operating model means that we can provide a higher level of service to all parties – the patient, their next of kin, and the Care Home.

Our new operating model will mean that will be able to see patients quicker and provide a higher level of patient centred care. To see patients on an individual basis, the NHS requires just 48-hour notification. This contrasts to the group clinic where the NHS requires at least 3 weeks prior notification prior to visiting multiple residents.

We feel engagement with the next of kin would be far better if they are involved prior to the examination right through to the end. Seeing patients on an individual basis at the request – or with the prior consent – of the family member will facilitate this. This level of customer service is difficult to achieve when scheduling multiple patients during one visit.

The NHS website provides a list of opticians providing eye tests.