“Act early, when you start noticing changes in your hearing or feel people are not as clear as they used to be. Get in touch with your nearest Hidden Hearing clinic for a free screening.”
My name is Darren, I became an audiologist because I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and Audiology caught my attention. On completing my studies, I began working with Hidden Hearing, and I can honestly say that it is the job of my dreams. It's challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and I get to make a positive difference, changing people's hearing and quality of life.
It’s wonderful to see patients maintain a stable degree of hearing function without decline. This was the case for one of my patients who has been attending appointments with me for the past 6 years. It validates the treatment I’ve prescribed and the 6-monthly monitoring and adjustments I’ve undertaken when treating their hearing loss. Each time a new audiogram is produced I review the data and hearing instrument usage providing the best solutions to fine tune his hearing aids.
I am saddened when a patient with hearing loss defers treatment. I appreciate that it takes time for patients to come to terms with their diagnosis, and hearing loss is stigmatised. As an audiologist, I am all too well aware of the impact of hearing loss on a patients social, psychological and mental wellbeing; however, the patient will ultimately decide what is best for them. Often, patients take time to process their diagnosis, make an informed decision and return for treatment. It thrills me to know they are taking control of their hearing health. It could be something very simple to fix like a build-up of wax or it could be a sudden loss which requires immediate attention.