I was leading a staff meeting at work and couldn’t hear questions being asked. I felt pretty stupid after giving the wrong answer to a question I hadn’t heard correctly. It took me a while to realise my hearing had got much worse, and none of the audiologists I’d used before offered a holistic service. Everything always seemed rushed, and my musical tinnitus added to my worries, so I decided it was time to find an audiologist who could truly help. From my first conversation with The Invisible Hearing Clinic, I was immediately impressed that the practice was at the forefront of audiology solutions, especially with their expertise and understanding around all forms of tinnitus, along with providing CBT support. They don’t just address hearing issues but also understand the isolation caused by being deaf. After my heart attack, my hearing dropped dramatically. Without hearing aids, I cannot hear other people, the doorbell, or answer my mobile phone. I would be totally isolated and less independent without them. The practice provides leading-edge audiology and much more, never rushes you, and always takes time to fit aids for maximum benefit. Problems like tinnitus and stress are truly understood, and every problem I’ve brought has been solved with good humour.

I thought something was wrong when I couldn’t hear my family or people around me. I feared there might be nothing out there to help, but I was wrong. The Invisible Hearing Clinic was amazing, always willing to help through phone, email, or in person. My two hearing aids have changed my life, as I’d be deaf without them. I love being able to go in and have a personal conversation about how I’m feeling with my hearing. Don’t worry about anything, you’re in great hands with Alan, he’s an amazing person. Five stars in my books.

I struggled with severe tinnitus and hyperacusis after a serious head injury in a road traffic accident, which caused significant mental and emotional distress. Medical professionals did not understand my condition and said there was no cure, so I had to get used to it. I felt relieved to find an audiologist at The Invisible Hearing Clinic with a tinnitus specialism. My first impression was that they were very friendly, welcoming, and reassuring. Hearing aids have really helped with my tinnitus and hyperacusis, considerably reducing their impact and helping me regain my quality of life. My favourite thing was their informed and attentive approach to building a treatment solution that worked for my specific needs. Based on my own experience, I would recommend them very highly.

I felt I would never be able to cope with the noise in my head and felt helpless. I didn’t think there was anything that could be done, and I also didn’t want to wear hearing aids. My first impression of The Invisible Hearing Clinic was that it was friendly and professional. They genuinely seemed to care about me and how my hearing loss was affecting me. I would tell anyone concerned about their hearing that there is no harm in going to see what can be done.

I developed tinnitus and it was hampering my hearing. I just wanted help to cope, so I contacted The Invisible Hearing Clinic. There was too much technical info to take in at first, but TRT did help. Hearing aids have helped me hear over the tinnitus and they connect to my phone, which is helpful. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is that I always get a cup of tea! Definitely go and get ears tested. We regularly go to the dentist and the optician. So why not care for our ears too? 

I first realised something was wrong with my hearing when I was about to leave the Army in 1976. I was tested and given a small sum for compensation. About eight years ago, after contracting a virus, my hearing loss in my right ear increased considerably and so did the tinnitus, which led to anxiety and depression. When I first visited The Invisible Hearing Clinic, I was most impressed by how attentive Alan Hopkirk was. I had several appointments in the first few months and appreciated knowing that if I am struggling more than usual, I can contact Alan and he will respond as soon as he can. Hearing aids have helped enormously in small group or one-to-one situations, though not as much in larger groups due to background noise. To anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, I would say go for it.

In summer 2014, I had a feeling my hearing was muffled and noticed more ringing in my ears that I couldn't unhear. I was concerned The Invisible Hearing Clinic wouldn't really be able to help and that it would just be an expense I wouldn't benefit much from, but my first impression was that they were very friendly and professional. Since working with them, I am much more aware of my hearing and tinnitus, and both have improved as I am now better informed and supported in managing them. My favourite thing is their friendly and supportive manner combined with obvious knowledge and professional standards, which always leaves me reassured. If you are concerned about your hearing, make that call. You won't be able to start helping yourself until you get support. The team are great.

It was scary when I first realised something was wrong with my ears, and I was worried about the impact it would have on my future. Before contacting The Invisible Hearing Clinic, I had concerns about how friendly and helpful the staff would be, how much it would cost, and whether the hearing aids would really be "invisible," but the clinic has always done their best to ensure that they are. My first impression was that everyone was extremely friendly, caring, reassuring, and easy to talk to, making clear how much they could help. With my latest hearing aids, life has changed for the better. I used to avoid getting wet in the rain, always carrying an umbrella or hood, but now, thanks to the water resistance, that's a thing of the past. Once I adjust to new hearing aids, I often forget I'm even wearing them, and they've allowed me to do everything that would have otherwise been challenging. My favourite thing about the clinic is the great chat, the best hearing solutions available, and, of course, seeing the office pets. If you're concerned about your hearing, make the first appointment and go in for a chat. Once you start the journey, you won't look back or regret it.

I was scared it was something more sinister than "just" hearing problems. With tinnitus and hyperacusis, and all NHS avenues exhausted, I was desperate for anything that could help. My first impressions of The Invisible Hearing Clinic were that they were saviours. After a lengthy phone consultation with Michael and a long in-person meeting with Alan, I finally felt understood and heard. Wearing hearing aids has been life changing, and my family would say it was life saving for me. My favourite thing is how friendly and at home I always felt during appointments. If you are concerned about your hearing, absolutely do it, visit the clinic and feel the benefits. Alan and his team are experts in their field and always empathetic and understanding.

I gradually noticed my hearing on my left side was not as good as my right. I had no concerns before contacting The Invisible Hearing Clinic. After meeting Alan Hopkirk and his assistants, I felt comfortable, relaxed, and confident that my hearing problems could be greatly improved. Simply put, I would not like to be without my hearing aids now. My favourite thing is the confidence and enthusiasm, knowing I’m in the right place and getting individual attention. I would definitely advise anyone concerned about their hearing to make an appointment and get the friendly, professional attention I have received on all my visits.

I thought I might have a hearing issue when my husband encouraged me to have a hearing test after he complained the television was too loud and I wasn’t listening to him. I denied it at first, but he was right and an appointment was made at The Invisible Hearing Clinic with Alan Hopkirk. I was a bit apprehensive, especially as my biggest concern was having my ears cleaned, but with gentle persuasion, it was done. I was also worried about the size of the hearing aid, whether it would be visible, if I could manage them with arthritis in my hands, and the cost. My first impression of the clinic was that they were friendly, welcoming, and patient. Everything was explained. Wearing hearing aids has improved my life immensely. The TV volume is now at a reasonable level, I can hear people without needing things repeated, and I am more confident in company. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is the bad jokes. If you are concerned about your hearing, go. Don’t put it off. It will make a big difference to you.

My hearing problems really started after I had an operation to repair my eardrum when I was fourteen, following years of ear infections. My biggest worry was and still is that I will go completely deaf. When I first contacted The Invisible Hearing Clinic, I felt that at last I was not alone and was with people who understood the difficulties I was experiencing. I was advised that I was not a suitable candidate for conventional hearing aids, but around 2005 I learned about an alternative, the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA). For three years, the difference was remarkable and I felt as though I had normal hearing, until an accident caused the implant to fail. I’ve been waiting for a replacement for over five years and still miss it. I would tell anyone concerned about their hearing to visit and take part in any opportunities given. Hearing problems are a hidden disability that most people do not understand, so it is great to find a community where your difficulties and experiences are shared with others. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is having someone else understand what I have been dealing with.

I realised I had a hearing challenge when I was sitting in a meeting and couldn’t hear people at the end of the table. I just hoped The Invisible Hearing Clinic could help, and my first impressions were that they were very helpful and positive. The staff are welcoming and very friendly. Now I can join in conversations, and my advice to anyone concerned about their hearing is to do it now, it will make a difference to your life.

I first realised something was wrong with my ears when I was 7 years old. My first impression of The Invisible Hearing Clinic was very positive, Alan did not try to sell me something unsuitable and was open and honest throughout. Life would be dull without my hearing aids. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is having a good crack about what is happening around us. If you are concerned about your hearing, you have nothing to lose, as Alan will not push you into buying something you are not comfortable with; it is all about how you feel and what suits you.

I put up with tinnitus for years, not even knowing there was a name for it at first. After a military exercise, I heard bells in my ears, which later changed to a buzzing sound. When my wife asked why the TV was on so loud and turned it down so I couldn’t hear at all, my anxiety grew. I learnt some basic sign language and tried hearing aids that play sounds of the sea to help when my tinnitus got bad. It was scary and the tinnitus could get me down, but realising other people experience this too really helps. The Invisible Hearing Clinic was really informative, welcoming, and knowledgeable. They explained everything in clear, understandable language, which helped me get a handle on my hearing loss and assured me I’m not alone. Wearing hearing aids is not something I like. I use them only when I have to or when the tinnitus is really loud, and people still shout at me because they think deaf people can hear if they shout. If you’re worried about your hearing, I’d say check them out. During COVID, not being able to lip-read was isolating and stressful, and I found hearing aids unhelpful at times, apps and captions often failed me. Still, laughing with my kids about singing the wrong song lyrics has been a bright spot.

In late 2011, I realised something was wrong when I was kept awake by horrendous, continuous noise in my head and didn't think I could go on. I wasn’t sure what was wrong or what was causing it, but when I went to The Invisible Hearing Clinic, they were very helpful and patient, and started to give me hope for the future. Hearing aids have been a great help in dealing with my tinnitus and hearing loss. The understanding, patience, and care I received at the clinic stood out to me. I would tell anyone concerned about their hearing to attend and get great help, understanding, and hope for the future. 

In 2019, after a head injury, I realised something was wrong with my hearing. I was concerned about tinnitus and then being diagnosed with moderate hearing loss. My first impression of The Invisible Hearing Clinic was that they were warm and reassuring. Hearing aids have improved the clarity of sound, although they can become uncomfortable as the day goes on. My favourite thing about working with the clinic is the tinnitus support group. If you are worried about your hearing, book an appointment.

About six years ago, I began struggling with tinnitus that seemed to be getting worse. I tried to “self heal” with various methods, but reached a critical point in how I was coping. Luckily, my wife heard about a help group meeting. I had many preconceived ideas about tinnitus and possible cures, so I went to The Invisible Hearing Clinic with nothing to lose. The clinic was very professional, welcoming, and honest from the start. Hearing aids have turned out to be an important tool to help me cope with tinnitus. Between the aids, the group meeting, and the clinic’s understanding of my condition, I am able to deal with it much better now. They have always been very responsive and understanding about how tinnitus affects mental wellbeing. If you are concerned about your hearing, I would say give it a try, as they have been a great help when I needed it most.