Another New Clinic For Sussex Audiology

Thursday, 18 April 2024 08:00

By Hanna Prince

Sussex Audiology has added to its Haywards Heath offering with a brand new high-street clinic. Hanna Prince drops in to learn about the vital importance of healthy hearing

The link between hearing health and overall wellbeing has never been clearer. Recent studies have shown that hearing loss can have a knock-on impact on everything from happiness levels to cognitive function – so it’s no surprise that audiology services are increasingly in demand.

“There’s a huge amount of research coming out showing strong links between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline,” explained Bryce Murphy, Operations Director at local, family-run business Sussex Audiology. “People are recognising that research, and more and more they are seeking out the services of independent audiology clinics.”

Sussex Audiology has operated out of the Nuffield Hospital in Haywards Heath since it was first founded by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Bob Tranter in 1996. Recently, however, it has expanded to meet the growing needs of its customers. Its newest clinic on Haywards Heath high street compliments the pre-existing Nuffield operation, and joins thriving clinics in Hove, Goring-by-Sea and Lewes.

Visiting the Haywards Heath site on a drizzly day not long after it opened, I immediately recognise Sussex Audiology’s signature look – modern, calm, stylish. The business is working to banish any stigma associated with hearing loss, and this philosophy runs through everything from its contemporary premises to its sleek, high-tech and colourful range of hearing aids.

“It’s all about living well,” audiologist Kate Willis explained to me, as she shows me round the two facility-packed clinic rooms. “We’re aiming to keep people young and active. We want to keep them involved in conversation, stop them becoming isolated and missing words and events.”

Kate, who has a strong background in audiology across both the NHS and private practice, is a new addition to the Haywards Heath team, alongside medical secretaries Caroline Hill and Sara Waters. They work closely with Roseanne Westcott at the Nuffield clinic, whose 40 years of experience and strong relationships with ENT surgeons ensure that all patients receive the highest possible level of care.

Despite its ongoing expansion, Sussex Audiology is still family run. It was passed by Bob Tranter to his son Ben in 2015, and Bryce joined the team in 2022 to support the business through an era of growing demand. Part of that demand is surely driven by the tailored approach to patient care that has become a hallmark of Sussex Audiology’s approach.

“One thing we put a big emphasis on is really getting to the know the patient,” said Bryce. “Not just understanding the degree of hearing loss from an audiological point of view, but also getting to know what’s important to them and making sure the right product is chosen for them to suit their lifestyle.”

Whether your favourite activities include eating out, relaxing with family, listening to music, walking on the Downs or simply watching TV, finding the right treatment for hearing loss can be transformative. Catching problems at an early stage is the best way to prevent knock-on impacts on other areas of your health, which is why annual audiology check-ups are becoming increasingly popular. But many customers who come to Sussex Audiology already have mild hearing loss, often identified through difficulties with background noise. Kate recently fitted hearing aids to two customers, both of whom were experiencing only mild loss but found that they were struggling socially as a result. “Both came back independently and said they felt a load had been lifted and they could now just get on with their busy lives,” she explained.

The technology available for managing hearing problems is increasingly sophisticated. Gone are the days of poorly fitted ‘beige banana’ hearing aids that deafen the wearer with whistling feedback. The latest devices come in a huge range of sizes and styles – they can be discreet enough to be almost unnoticeable, or they can make a colourful fashion statement. Most importantly, they have an incredible capacity for mapping and managing sound, and they can be used in conjunction with AI and smartphone systems to deliver a completely personalised experience.

With a cutting-edge knowledge of the latest devices on the market and no affiliation to any particular brand or product, Sussex Audiology is perfectly placed to recommend the ideal hearing aid for you. Its audiologists can also suggest accessories that will enhance your experience further, such as partner microphones to communicate in areas with a lot of background noise, or TV connectors with a Bluetooth connection directly to your set. The team pride themselves on their comprehensive aftercare, which includes ongoing technological support and training.

“People are looking for reliable and honest aftercare in a clinical environment,” said Kate. “Part of that aftercare is making sure they feel comfortable with using their hearing aid and they can access the full range of technology available to them.”

On top of providing comprehensive care to customers suffering with hearing loss – from free hearing tests all the way through to diagnosis, hearing aid support and aftercare - Sussex Audiology offers a wide range of additional services across all its clinics. These include wax removal, custom ear protection and tinnitus therapy. Home visits to people with restricted mobility, no-obligation advice and a 45-day money back guarantee on hearing aids all help to make hearing care accessible to everyone in the community.

Underlying Sussex Audiology’s entire provision is a dedication to helping customers with impaired hearing maintain both their health and their happiness. As Bryce said: “What’s important to us is giving people back their independence so they aren’t the one in the room who can’t hear, the one who’s missing out.”

Sussex Audiology

www.sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk

info@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk

63 The Broadway, Haywards Heath RH16 3AS

01444 500246

Nuffield Hospital, Burrell Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1UD

01273 778977

Unit 1, Artisan House, Brooks Road, Lewes BN7 2YJ

0330 3203 413

313 Goring Road, Goring-by-Sea, BN12 4NX

01903 243300

Another New Clinic For Sussex Audiology

Share

More from Features