Audika - Maidstone Reviews 

My first visit to the Maidstone Hidden Hearing (HH) branch was in October 2025, and Samantha was helpful from the very first contact.

Before coming to HH, I had been using NHS hearing aids for the last four years. I also visited two other major retailers before choosing Hidden Hearing. As someone in my early 40s and still quite new to hearing loss and hearing aids, I was unsure what to expect. Because of that, I did thorough research on the technology available before my appointment.

During my visit, Sam completed a full ear check, including all hearing tests. She measured my hearing loss and explained everything in a very simple way using a diagram. I had previously paid for a similar test with a high street supplier using large screens and advanced equipment, but the HH test was paid for (£80). After the appointment, I received clear pricing information and details of the hearing aid technology available. The previous companies did not even bother to follow up after my test.

At first, I didn’t tell Sam that I was planning to apply through the Access to Work (ATW) scheme. I didn’t want the results or recommendations to be influenced by the funding process. A week later, Sam called to follow up, and I explained that I was waiting for ATW approval from the DWP. A few weeks after that, I requested a quote, which they sent to me by post. I was also told there would be an additional discount through ATW, which was a huge help in my case due to ATW funding limitations.

Once the funding was accepted by my workplace, Sam contacted me to choose the model and colour, even before the payment fully went through. The payment process took some time with my employer, but Sam was proactive and responsive throughout. Even during her holidays, she messaged to check on progress before Christmas.

Once the funding was completed, Sam arranged the fitting appointment. She explained the aftercare clearly and booked me a second visit a few weeks later. I returned sooner because one dome felt too tight in my ear, and she changed it immediately. At my follow-up appointment, we fine-tuned the hearing aids with a few small adjustments based on my feedback.

I am very grateful to the staff at Hidden Hearing and to Access to Work for helping me get everything sorted. I managed to celebrate my Christmas with my family without need to focus on what other people say. I was able to just hear.

The model I use is the Oticon Intent 2, and it has completely changed my sensory experience. My hearing loss started in 2016, and while the NHS hearing aids helped to some extent, the Intent 2 made me realise how much I was still missing. For example, I can now enjoy driving again. Before, I often had to turn my music off to focus on unfamiliar roads, but now I don’t need to.

As a community Mental health NHS nurse, I used to feel exhausted after a full day of work. I can hear my patients without needing to ask them to repeat. Since using these hearing aids, I have much more energy when I get home and can spend proper time with my family. I also didn’t realise how much the specific frequency range I needed wasn’t being met by my previous hearing aids. My confidence has improved significantly. I had become withdrawn due to social anxiety and the pressure of not being able to hear properly in crowds, meetings, or public places. Now I feel comfortable again and don’t worry the way I used to. These hearing aids have helped me feel like a “2.0 version” of myself. I’ve only needed to use the app to block background noise on one or two occasions, as the AI technology already does an excellent job for my needs.

I would 100% recommend the Maidstone Hidden Hearing branch, and especially Samantha Lidington, her Manager Victoria Davies, George Vernon( Head Office ) , Lucy & Katie (Admin) and any other staff who helped in making this possible during the busy Christmas period, for their outstanding support and care.

Only recommendation to the company is to share the quotes via email not by post, with the improvements in technology, this can be easily looked into for such massive company - Demant A/S. It took few weeks during the Christmas period and many emails just get the quote. :)

The review was 2 months overdue. I very much appreciated the home visit but why did it take nearly 2 hours, plus I did not like the idea of pushing new £5000.00 hearing aids on a first visit.

As always a pleasure to meet with the staff there. Great appointment easy hearing test and a service on my hearing aids too. I would happily recommend these guys.

Visited Hidden Hearing on 05/01/26.
Sam dealt with my father in law . He was treated with kindness & patience. It's a friendly environment & we felt very relaxed. The service was excellent. He had a hearing test & Sam checked he's hearing aids were all in good working order .

Darren barnden and the team at Maidstone branch are fantastic, make me feel comfortable and gave me the most appropriate hearing aids to suit me. For 12 years I had in the ear aids which I loved but Darren persuaded me to try the behind the ear versions as they gave me more options and Bluetooth and I’m so glad I listened as the are amazing and even better than my old ones. A big thank you and highly recommend hidden hearing Maidstone branch

Brilliant professional efficient friendly service. Seen Ashleigh at Evegate Business Centre for wax removal for a few years now, and more than happy with the service. Thank you 🙏

For many years, perhaps decades, I had experienced progressive hearing loss.
Three years age, I decided that it was time to act and went to see Hidden Hearing in Pudding Lane, Maidstone.
Visiting them made me realise the extent of my loss, as a result of which I purchased a medium priced, set of hearing aids and my world was transformed!
On the first and second anniversaries of my purchase, I was invited back for a consultation, where my hearing was tested and my aids given some fine tuning.
On the third anniversary this week, I went for a consultation with their very capable Samantha Lidington.
Sam took me through the same tests as I had undergone in previous years, plus others that have been introduced since and demonstrated the latest products available.
I was astonished at how things have moved on in such a short time and could not help but invest in this latest technology.
I found Sam and her team at Hidden Hearing to offer a first class service and can not recommend them highly enough.

We visited Hidden Hearing today for an annual checkup. The lady who dealt with us was professional, extremely thorough and explained everything carefully in terminology that we could understand. We were completely satisfied with the service and would not hesitate to recommend them.

I am very much satisfied with the examination of my hearing

Just an all round excellent service

Sam explained everything perfectly before she started any tests. Her instructions were simple and easy to follow. Made me feel very relaxed as this was my first ever hearing test

Darren Barnden is so professional but friendly, explains everything in detail and never rushes through the appointment. Recommend him wholeheartedly.

Appointment was great . Great examinations ,no problems found either .

Samantha was very pleasant and efficient.

Very professional, friendly. Very good service

Having had NHS hearing aids for nearly 2 years, on recommendation saw Darren at Hidden Hearing, Maidstone.
A true utter professional who cares and spends time.
Apart from real comfortable fit and quality of sound my Oticon aids provide a host of advantages.
One of the most noticeable differences is that when driving the outside noise is almost unnoticeable.
Well, well worth the change.
Graham Hatfield.

At Maidstone. Lucy,on reception, and Sam both excellent. Offered coffee, my friend, 92, helped down stairs, everything explained very carefully and understanding checked. Very thorough review and tests. Hearing aids working much better. Lucy and Sam both so friendly. Full marks!

As background I attended my local pharmacy to have my ears dewaxed. Was offered a free hearing test at Hidden Hearing. Arrived slightly apprehensive but was pleased by the welcome from Lucy plus a cup of coffee while I waited. Appointment was on time and Sam explained what was involved. Appointment lasted about an hour including all the tests. Sam clearly shared & explained the results with me. A lovely experience. Thank you.

Seen on time and totally professional service as always.