Hearing Therapists work with anyone over the age of 16 who has any kind of hearing difficulty.

A hearing impairment is not always a visible problem so sometimes doesn’t arouse public sympathy. It can be difficult to explain to those around you what it is like to live with hearing loss.

Many people are delighted at how sophisticated hearing aids are. But they can’t give you normal hearing and sometimes people may still need help with communication. Some patients will have had hearing tests and be hearing aid users. Hearing aids do not always solve all your communication problems.

Hearing therapy provides a holistic, confidential service, with a programme devised to help each individual increase their confidence and learn coping strategies. The programme might include therapies such as one-to-one lip-reading lessons.

Hearing therapists also can provide support for balance problems caused by conditions such as Ménière’s disease.

Nikki also offers tinnitus patients practical and emotional support following ENT or GP referrals. Tinnitus can be a debilitating condition but the effects can be minimised with habituation therapy.

How to get support

People can refer themselves direct to a Hearing Therapist but most referrals will come from other professionals.

Nikki Stephens is a fully qualified hearing therapist, who has been working with the hard of hearing for over 20 years and has worked in hospitals in London, Kent and Cornwall, as well as the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre in Southampton.