The largest independent hearing aid provider in Kent is to expand after acquiring two of its competitors.

Hearbase, headquartered in Folkestone, acquired 21st Century Hearing, a long-established hearing aid company based in Medway and Sheppey, and the Amanda Banham Hearing Aid Consultancy, a specialised hearing aid supplier in Ashford.

Mark Scutchings, Hearbase managing director, said: “The hearing aid industry is going through a period of great change with the introduction of new technology and increasing involvement of national retail chains in hearing aid supply, coupled with increasing pressures on NHS services.

“We feel very positive about the future of our industry and the place of the independent provider who can offer choice and customer service that bigger companies struggle to match.

“By acquiring these two smaller companies we are able to extend our geographical reach and increase our range of services to the customers of these businesses.”

Hearbase acquired 21st Century Hearing, a home-visit company, following the retirement of its founder Roger Rouse.

It will continue to offer home visits to all existing customers, who will also have the option of visiting one of its fixed locations such as KIMS Hospital in Maidstone and One Ashford Hospital.

Mr Scutchings added: “We are also developing plans to open a new consulting room in the Medway area to give even greater choice to new and existing customers.”