UP CLOSE: With the Kingston audiologist who has a passion for helping people
Launching its sponsorship with Kingston Nub News, regional editor Tilly O'Brien spoke to Director and Clinical Audiologist Farah Kiani about how The Hearing Services Kingston helps everyone of all ages.
The Hearing Services Kingston is a family-run clinic in The Triangle, and Director and Clinical Audiologist Farah Kiani emphasises a patient-centred approach.
After graduating from University College London (UCL) in 2010, before opening her own private clinic, Kiani had worked in audiology for the NHS and for various private clinics.
The clinic's Director and Clinical Audiologist first got inspired by the profession when she was nine years old.
In an exclusive interview with Nub News, she said: "My younger brother had a problem with his hearing, and I remember going with my mum and brother to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington and watching the audiologists do the hearing test and speaking to him so nicely.
"I even remember the communication tactics, the way she looked at us and spoke to us slowly, explaining everything – I genuinely felt a sense of compassion and care from her.
"My brother then went on to have a Grommet operation, and that helped his hearing and improved his quality of life.
"It helped how he communicates with us and at school, and I just thought, how wonderful would it be to be in a profession where you're using your technical skills as well as helping to improve somebody's quality of life."
Kiani also shared how she was incredibly close to her grandfather who sadly passed away earlier this year, saying: "The ability to hear is so important and allows us to connect with the world around us.
"I have such fond memories of fitting my grandfather with his hearing aids. Seeing his face light up as he was able to hear the conversations around him was so special."
"Hearing loss can be so isolating, and I feel privileged to be in a position where I can provide that care and assistance."
Kingston Hearing Services provides audiological care designed to identify and manage any type of hearing loss.
With a wealth of education and experience behind her, Kiani's personalised assessment and treatment plans allow her patients to enhance their hearing and enrich their quality of life
Kiani told Nub News: "I enjoy my job because I can make a difference and offer my patients a holistic approach."
Speaking about why she chose to open a clinic in Kingston, Kiani said: "Kingston is a beautiful area which has the perfect balance of suburban charm and urban convenience. I find this area really peaceful and love going to Richmond park with my son to see the deer."
The Hearing Services Kingston offers a wide range of services, including various hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, speech testing, wax removal (micro suction and irrigation), and it caters to people of all ages from as young as five years old.
It also sells a variety of hearing aids, catered to individuals' needs, noise protection plugs, and monitors for musicians.
"I want this to be a one-stop clinic. I'm just really passionate about helping people," Kiani said.
When it comes to hearing aids, Kiani says that she does not "favour" one brand as she likes her patients to have a choice on what works best for them.
She said: "So we do everything from start to finish, meaning we do wax removals, hearing tests, impedance testing, speech testing, and speech mapping."
Kiani also recently provided earplugs for a customer whose husband snores.
Upon entering the clinic, I was amazed at how pristine and clean it was and was drawn in by the sky ceiling.
Kiani said she does not want the clinic to feel like that of a GP surgery or a hospital, which can often make patients feel nervous.
She added: "I want the clinic to feel friendly, so when patients walk in, they feel comfortable.
"This is important to me – I want my patients to feel comfortable in the clinic."
Kiani has ensured that the clinic is family-friendly, as she often has patients who bring their kids along with them.
"I also like to make sure that everything is clean as cleanliness is very important to me, especially after COVID. It's important for us to protect ourselves and any vulnerable patients we have."
Kiani explained that she has a very "people-centred" approach to her work.
"Everyone has a different lifestyle, so the more you get to know your patients, the better you can help them," she said.
The Hearing Services Kingston also holds coffee mornings, hosted by Noura Lebanese restaurant, for the over 60's every Wednesday morning from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Speaking about the coffee mornings, Kiani said: "It's nice that we all integrate as a community and learn from each other."
Kiani's clinic also offers home services for people who cannot make it to the clinic.
"I just want to be able to help everybody," she said.
Karlie Bardon, Practice Manager at the clinic, says she "loves" working there and helping patients.
As part of her role, Bardon is available to chat to patients and answer any queries they may have.
Having met Bardon, she is incredibly friendly and welcoming and will always be happy to answer any questions.
The Hearing Services Kingston is one of our lovely sponsors.
Without their community-minded sponsorship, we wouldn't be able to bring you local news free from overly-intrusive ads, pop-ups and clickbait, thank you.
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