Provision of Radio Aids for use in Educational Settings

The Authority wishes to implement a contract for the provision of Radio Aids and associated products e.g. receivers, lanyards etc. for use in educational settings.

The Authority currently purchases Radio Aids and associated products on an ad-hoc basis and wishes to formalise the requirements with a contract/s. At this stage there is no formal date for contract start.

The annual spend related to Radio Aids and associated equipment in 17/18 was approx. £60,000.

The Authority already has a number of Radio Aids in use and as such, any future products would need to be compatible with the below:

1. Full range of Phonak BTE hearing aids (used by Paediatric NHS departments). Currently Sky V, Sky Q and Nios Spice ranges. Receivers must include integrated and tamper-proof models for younger children.

2. Possibly also with other main makes of hearing aids (e.g. Oticon and Siemens). Again, receivers must include integrated and tamper-proof models for younger children.

3. Cochlear Implants manufactured by Medel, Cochlear and Advanced Bionics.

4. Oticon Streamer for use with Oticon BCHD and BCHI.

5. Cochlear Minimic 2+ for use with Cochlear BAHA.

To ensure an equivilant level of quality the Radio Aids should fulfil the following:

• Use a digital rather than an FM platform

• Have wireless receivers

• Have a mute function

• Have different microphone modes e.g. conference

• Be able to work in a network e.g. team teaching, additional transmitter for group work.

• Allow flexible connectivity e.g. one transmitter to several pupils in Assembly or if more than one HI pupil in the same class.

Radio Aids must have a range suitable for educational purposes i.e. classroom, Assembly Hall.


The Authority would like to invite suppliers of Radio Aids and/or similar equipment to register their interest in this potential opportunity. Following this, suppliers may be asked to complete an RFI document with the potential of further engagement.