Fairfield Hearing: sound family-run Edinburgh practice
One of the Capital’s newest hearing healthcare practices is already making its mark among clients for providing a fast service and high standard of personable expert care.
Fairfield Hearing, which opened in the spring, is a fully independent family-run healthcare business dedicated to carrying out hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and wax removal, as well as support and counselling for those suffering from tinnitus.
Located in a quiet residential area just outside of Edinburgh’s city centre and near to the Royal Botanic Garden, at 7 Wardie Avenue, Fairfield Hearing is easily accessible from all parts of the city and has ample parking for those coming from further afield.
Owner and audiologist Stephen Fairfield, who runs the firm with his sister, Ruth Porteous, has been delighted by the customer response since it opened.
He explains: “So far, feedback has been really positive. Clients are impressed by the quality of service, the hi-tech facilities, and the speed at which we can resolve their hearing issues. Being slightly out of the town centre makes it easier to park too.”
“Ears and hearing are very personal to people, and many clients are looking for that high-level, personal involvement. This is a key part of our approach, as well as successful hearing outcomes and professionalism.”
The business, which is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, has family at its heart.
“In the world of big tech, and big business, I think people still like the idea of a family-run business. People buy from people,” Stephen says. “We try to treat our customers with that family feel and consider ‘what if this was my mother, brother or sister that was needing help. How would I want them to be treated ?’ We try our utmost to maintain that personal aspect.”
“We also offer a full home visit service, so clients can be seen in the comfort of their own home and still receive the same level of care. This part of our service has proved to be really popular and we cover Fife, Lothians and the Borders.”
“We are a fully independent hearing healthcare provider, fitting the best of technology, independent of source, to suits the precise needs of the individual.”
And ensuring ear health is well looked after is an important part of daily life.
According to the World Health Organisation, 5 per cent of the world’s population live with hearing loss.
In addition, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People says that in the UK, 12 million adults – or one in five – have a significant degree of hearing loss.
“Hearing problems are prevalent, particularly as we get older, but it’s quite often a hidden issue, certainly until it becomes severe”, Stephen notes.
By attending a hearing assessment as soon as possible, a person’s quality of life can be greatly improved.
Stephen relays: “We now understand that general hearing wellbeing is strongly connected to lots of other aspects of health and wellbeing – from aspects as varied as reducing your risk of falling, to your susceptibility to dementia.”
Resolving wax issues is also a big part of Fairfield Hearing’s work. “Blocked ear can obviously cause hearing loss, but they also cause tinnitus issues, earache and sometime even dizziness.”
“With wax removal, the important thing is that it is done speedily. If your ears are blocked up when you wake up in the morning, or when you come out of the shower, it can be a big problem for you which needs resolved speedily. The longer you leave it the worse it can get.”
“We offer quick, painless and effective treatments – very often being able to accommodate clients within 24 hours.”
Stephen, who has 33 years’ experience in the industry, is also part of the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals.
He concludes: “We want to be the most professional but we want to be the most caring for the individual.
“Hearing aids are expensive items so it is important that you get the right product for your needs, and the highest level of support.”
“That leads on to better physical and mental well-being, so what we offer is a truly holistic approach.”
The Fairfield story
Stephen Fairfield is one of the leading audiologists in Scotland, with more than 33 years’ experience working in the industry.
He was inspired by the best, as his father – David Fairfield – was one of the U.K.’s pioneering audiologists, starting work in Edinburgh’s West End back in 1969.
It was up there with the foremost hearing healthcare practices in the whole country according to Stephen, who says David was one of the grandfathers of modern day audiology.
Stephen went on to earn both an honours and masters degree in audiology at The University of Manchester before working for his father’s practice.
His expertise has also led him to sit on the Scottish Government Audiology Advisory Group as well as the audiology advisory board at Queen Margaret University College.
Stephen says: “While we are a new practice, we come from a family-run firm with a long standing pedigree, well-thought of and well-connected in the
Scottish health community for many years.”
To book an appointment at Fairfield Hearing, telephone 0131 378 5800.