Hello

I have been an Audiologist working in Scotland for over 16 years. Initially coming to Edinburgh from the Midlands to study Biological Sciences at Edinburgh University before a stint in Front of House management for Edinburgh International Festival. I fell into Audiology some what by accident (a happy one!). While looking for a healthcare career which involved people rather than spending days in a lab I was offered a place on a new post graduate degree in Audiology. I took up the place, after some googling of what audiology was! Two years later, after training which took me around Audiology departments across Scotland and Northern Ireland, I qualified as an Audiologist with Distinction. During my training I became interested in the management of Tinnitus both as a result of my own experiences with it and also it's varying presentations and real life impact it can have on those who become aware of it. 

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Following taking up my first Audiology position working in adult services for NHS Lothian. I undertook specialist training in the management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis and shortly after started seeing patients in the NHS setting. I saw practice change over the next 10 years from very few management option other than basic sound balls and masking to the development of combination hearing aids and a new outlook on sound therapy. My particular interest was in the mental health impact and also triggers of tinnitus awareness. During a study into our clients we found that over 50% of our tinnitus patients were experiencing clinically significant levels of anxiety and 25% clinically significant levels of depression. This drove me to undertake more training this time in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is one of the few therapies which has been shown to lead to significant improvements in quality of life scores for those with Tinnitus. CBT is also beneficial for those suffering with agoraphobia due to balance conditions and also avoidance of sound due to sounds sensitivity conditions. I qualified with a Postgraduate Certificate in CBT in 2018 and have since then been integrating this into my Audiology practice. 

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In 2018, I moved to take up a Senior Audiologist position at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose. My work there is predominantly with clients with tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Unfortunately time and waiting list constraints within the NHS mean that tailored CBT management plans for these conditions can't be offered in that setting. This drove me to set up a private clinic with a colleague, which offered the full range of Audiology services alongside CBT based management of conditions such as tinnitus, sound sensitivity and adapting to hearing loss. Edinburgh Audiology Rehab started seeing clients in 2019, taking referrals from both ENT specialists and self referrals from clients. Over the following 5 years we developed a very successful business and attracted clients from both Scotland and across the wider UK and Europe. This demand from further afield led to the creation of virtual consultations where clients can received tinnitus and sound sensitivity therapy in their own homes without the need to travel. CBT packages are now largely conducted online via Teams and can be easily fitted in around work and life schedules. Earlier this year I added a Primary Certificate in Relaxation Skills Training to my toolkit. This enables me to train clients in relaxation techniques which can reduce the physical impact of tinnitus and sound sensitivity.

 

As of September 2024, myself and my co founder of EAR are going our separate ways to concentrate more on our growing specialist clinics and so SOUNDFUL SILENCE HEARING was born. I offer specialist tailored management for tinnitus and sound sensitivity conditions utilising my knowledge of both audiology and CBT to guide clients in the best techniques to reduce the impact of their symptoms, so that they can return to their normal lives and activities. I'll also still be seeing clients for hearing assessments and providing  specialist hearing aid technology. 

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Alongside my work in the NHS and Soundful Silence, I am also a committee member of the British Society of Audiology's Special Interest Group for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Helping to guide best practice for management of these conditions. I am a member of the British Academy of Audiology's Service Quality committee and also run a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Support group online for TINNITUS UK. I am registered with ACHS and HCPC (hearing aid dispenser) and am also a recognised provider for many private medical cover providers such as BUPA, AXA, AVIVA and Vitality Health. If you have private medical cover some or all of your appointment cost may be covered. 

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Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I'm ready to hear all about you and tell you how Soundful Silence can help