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Meet the Audiologists and Practice Team Who Can Help You Regain Your Hearing

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What Is an Audiologist, and What Do They Do?

Highly qualified audiologists, like the members of our team, work with people of all ages suffering from hearing loss, afflictions like tinnitus, and even disorders caused by the parts of the ear that assist with balance. Becoming a private audiologist of the calibre you’ll find at our ear clinics requires an exceptional degree of professional competence, great communication skills, empathy and understanding.

Most audiologists attend university to complete a 3-year NHS Practitioner Training Programme (in audiology), a BSc Honours undergraduate qualification that blends academic study with work-based learning. For those with a career in audiology already holding a science degree, take a further 3-year NHS postgraduate course specialising in neurosensory science. Anybody who wishes to practise as a private audiologist has to hold an audiology degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

The Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) is the regulatory body overseeing many health and care professionals, including audiologists. They keep a register of professionals who meet and uphold the rigorous HCPC standards for training, skills, behaviour, and health. They protect the public from malpractice by ensuring professionals who the HCPC regulates have their titles protected by law.

In every Regain Hearing ear clinic located throughout London and Kent, private audiologists meet the HCPC’s exacting standards and often go far beyond. Fully qualified and highly experienced audiologists staff our clinics, and our practice is run by professionals who are leaders in their field, noted for developing innovative new techniques and programmes for dealing with tinnitus and hearing loss.

Aside from the skills to thoroughly assess, diagnose, and treat tinnitus, hearing loss, and other ear-related complaints, in less usual circumstances, our private audiologists can make referrals to other relevant healthcare professionals, such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists.

If you’re interested in careful, professional testing and diagnosis to improve your hearing health, book your consultation today.

Meet Your Local Audiologists

Lee Fletcher

Lee Fletcher

(RHAD), (BSHAA), Ba(Hons)

Company Director, Principal Audiologist

As Company Director and Principal Audiologist at Regain Hearing, Lee Fletcher is no stranger to the hearing aid industry. He has dispensed private hearing aids for over a decade, after qualifying in 2005 following training at Amplivox Academy in Wilmslow, Cheshire. This is also how he met his future wife and business partner, Lindsay Stride (RHAD), who was enrolled in the same Audiology training course.  Lee started his career in Audiology as a field operative, providing a home-visit hearing aid service. He developed the first mobile demonstration unit in the UK, where he was able to show clients instant hearing correction and the benefits of listening to improved speech clarity whilst using a noise simulator. In 2007, Lee was promoted to running the flagship Amplifon hearing aid centre in Maidstone as a Corporate Audiologist (the youngest to achieve this at the time).  Many of Lee’s achievements have been due in part to the degree he studied for prior to his career in Audiology. He obtained a 2:1 Ba (Hons) degree in Creative Music Technology from Sheffield University in 1999. This has given him an intuitive understanding of sonic behaviour when marrying digital sound manipulation with organic sound transference, i.e. the human ear — especially complex when there’s a problem in the auditory pathway. Lee has established highly skilled, self-developed techniques to effectively treat hearing loss and tinnitus. He is a true specialist in his field, with an approachable, down-to-earth manner and a strong sense of professionalism.  He has a natural ability to put clients at ease, has time for people and listens to patients’ needs before addressing their concerns. Lee’s technical ability is second to none, whether correcting a challenging hearing loss or honing in on a particularly troublesome case of tinnitus. When setting up his own business as a private audiologist, London seemed the ideal starting point, and since 2010, Regain Hearing has flourished, with branches opening across the Kent region. Alongside operating the high street practices, Lee has held countless Hearing and Tinnitus Events throughout Essex, Kent and Southeast London. This has resulted in him gaining an exceptionally high level of experience in doing hearing tests and tinnitus consultations, which sets him apart from many other hearing aid dispensers. When not spending time with his wife Lindsay and their four daughters, Lee loves practising and performing with his band, where he plays guitar and sings. Lee has a deep love of music and writes his own songs. Many of our patients will confirm that when on home visits, he can’t resist trying out any musical instruments that his patients may have lying around — it’s not often that you get a song along with your hearing test.

Lindsay Fletcher

Lindsay Fletcher (nee Stride)

(RHAD) (BSHAA) (FdA)

Company Director & Consultant Audiologist

Lindsay is a Company Director and one of the Principal Consultant Audiologists at Regain Hearing. She qualified with Distinction at Amplivox Academy in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in 2005 where she also met her future husband and business partner, Lee Fletcher.   Lindsay began her career as an Audiologist for Hearing Health in the West Midlands as a Domiciliary Practitioner specialising in all aspects of hearing correction for patients with mobility problems. She quickly gained popularity and trust with her growing network of patients and was seen as a safe pair of hands, always willing to go the extra mile.  Lindsay’s rapidly expanding knowledge of all hearing aid manufacturers, technology and styles led her to become part of an elite national hearing exhibition team early in her career whilst working at Hearing Health. She was tasked with advising visitors of all ages as to types and causes of hearing loss and providing personalised solutions. She quickly learnt her trade and, when getting the best out of a hearing aid, she has always been unrivalled in her field.  The skill involved in programming digital hearing aids is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to successfully fitting them to patients, something Lindsay recognised early on. Prior to founding Regain Hearing in 2010, Lindsay also worked for the Amplivox Group and as Branch Manager at Amplilfon’s Canterbury practice, for five years.  In 2018, both Lee and Lindsay were selected to be part of Starkey’s UK hearing missionary team that travelled to Armenia with the support of celebrities such as Elton John. During the mission, they fitted hundreds of donated and refurbished hearing aids to impoverished people, and they both agree that it was one of the most moving experiences of their lives. At Regain Hearing, we have collection points for people to donate used and unwanted hearing aids on behalf of the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Lindsay has a wonderful way with people. Her personality and kind manner shine through when dealing with her patients, and this is matched by her technical ability. Highly trained in all aspects of Audiology, and with a wealth of experience in treating all manner of hearing loss, tinnitus and ear wax removal, Lindsay takes great care and derives great satisfaction from helping her patients. Lindsay has a busy home life, with four young daughters, four dogs, two cats and Lee. She has a real passion for music and likes to keep fit and active. Lindsay has a strong connection to Spain, where she regularly takes the family to visit her mother, an artist in Torrevieja.

Alisa Jordan

(RHAD)

Consultant Audiologist

Alisa Jordan originally got a BA hons in Model Making in 2009, which consisted of carpentry, sculpting, painting, mould making, prosthetics, making architectural models, and making models for museums and theatre.


After a change in career, Alisa then started work at Specsavers in 2014, where she also started her foundation degree in Hearing Aid Science. She then joined Regain Hearing in 2023. She is a happy, bubbly person and always trying to put a smile on our patients faces and always endeavours to help patients to the best of her ability. 

Born and bred in Chatham, Alisa knows Medway like the back of her hand, having visited and always loved the Historic dockyard and it’s rich history. As regular visitors, she made the decision to even get married at the dockyard in 2016 in the Commissioners House.

 

Alisa still continues to make and paint miniature models in her spare time, as well as drawing and painting, to unwind at the end of the day. 
At the weekends, she spends time with her family, who are always out and about finding new adventures.

Christian Tadman

(RHAD), BMus, MAud (CCP)

Consultant Audiologist

Christian Tadman is a fully qualified Audiologist with over 11 years experience. Christian graduated with a Master of Audiology Studies at the University of Queensland, gaining commendation for high achievement. Christian’s focus is on evidence-based practice and patient-centred care. He is an adult rehabilitation specialist with experience of working with complex adult cases and has expertise in working across both clinical and technology-driven roles. He is passionate about providing solutions which will improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss. His work in Australia with Australian Hearing and National Hearing Care led to diverse work in a range of clinics and aged-care facilities, sometimes in the outback, and often with a multicultural demographic. Christian has recently worked as a Business Manager and Product Specialist with two leading hearing aid manufacturers. He was responsible for delivering expert training to private and public sector audiologists, empowering them to deliver high quality hearing care using the latest technology. During this time he participated in the Starkey Foundation Mission providing audiological outreach and hearing aids to those in need in Bali, Vanuatu, and Manilla. Christian is also a trained classical musician and has subsequently developed a keen interest in solving hearing problems experienced by musicians. He ardently supports and encourages hearing conservation and is interested in researching current treatments for tinnitus. In his spare time Christian enjoys a healthy lifestyle and is an accomplished runner and swimmer, having completed short and long course triathlons in Australia, notably the Hervey Bay 100 in 30+ degrees of heat!

Chrizza “Izza” Tagulinao

RPm, MclinAud

Consultant Audiologist

Coming Soon…

Charlene Cobb

Consultant Audiologist

Charlene joined Regain Hearing at the beginning of 2024, currently completing her HCA qualification. She has always been customer focused throughout her career and believes that attention to detail with kindness always travels the furthest.

She always puts her best foot forward with all patients, as a committed team member, focusing on customer care and delivering continued high-quality service.

She enjoys badminton in her own time, as keeping an active lifestyle is important to her. As she continues her qualification and training with the Regain team, she prides herself in  providing a service that keeps us in the ‘active loop’.

Juan “Miguel” Franco

MClinAud

Consultant Audiologist

Coming Soon…

Justin Hellen

Justin Hellen

(RHAD) (BSHAA) FdSc

Consultant Audiologist

Justin’s background is in Marine Engineering with the Royal Navy, where he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He brings with him structured, organisational skills and a calm, careful manner.  After leaving the forces, Justin joined Regain Hearing and trained for his qualification as a Hearing Care Assistant (HCA) and has since furthered his career by successfully obtaining a degree in Audiology to become a Consultant Audiologist within the company. He feels that as a hearing aid wearer himself, he has a natural empathy with our patients and appreciates how vital it is to ensure their hearing aids and their ears are kept in tip-top condition. Justin gets great satisfaction from helping patients old and new and loves being able to improve the quality of life of those with untreated hearing loss. When not working or studying, Justin has interests in technology, electric vehicles, home improvement, green energy, gardening and walking.

Jan Maxinne G. Yu

(RHAD) MClinAud

Consultant Audiologist

Maxinne initially aspired to become a doctor and earned a full scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in Maynila. Despite facing unexpected circumstances that prevented her from pursuing a medical career, she remained undeterred in her pursuit of helping others. Maxinne’s experience working as a marketing assistant in the banking industry for a year provided her with an opportunity to reflect on her true passion. It was then that she discovered her calling in the field of audiology, where she could make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. She completed a Master’s Degree in Audiology from the University of Santo Tomas, where she willingly participated in hearing missions providing free hearing screening and management in partnership with ENTs. As a full-time Audiologist at a private hearing centre, Maxinne worked closely with ENTs, developing her skills in fitting and programming hearing aids. She later moved to one of the most prestigious hospitals in the Philippines, where she further expanded her knowledge in managing patients with a wide range of conditions, including TB, noise exposure, presbycusis, balance, and chronic middle ear pathologies. Maxinne’s compassionate nature and exceptional patient care skills set her apart in her profession. She values the importance of connecting with her patients and engaging in conversations about life in general. She listens to their stories, provides moral support and offers advice. Outside of work, Maxinne treasures spending time with her family and friends.

Regina Marie

Regina Marie San Gabriel

(RHAD) MClinAud

Consultant Audiologist

Holistic health is Regina’s true passion. Helping people with hearing loss to communicate and pursue what they love is her purpose. Regina is a Filipina Audiologist with a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences and a Minor in Health and Development from the Ateneo de Manila University, and a Masters Degree in Clinical Audiology from the University of Santo Tomas. While taking her post-graduate studies, she worked part time as a Research Assistant for Better Hearing Philippines, Inc. (BHPI), a non-government organisation that promotes ear and hearing health all over the Philippines and provides training for secondary and tertiary health workers. She loved volunteering in various hearing aid missions, where free hearing tests and devices were given to Filipinos in need. Regina was also the first audiology student to intern at EyeHear Foundation, Inc., in Bacolod, a city on the northwest coast of Negros Island. She travelled to Bacolod during school holidays to serve paediatric and adult patients, and to train audiometrists. Upon qualifying as an audiologist, Regina took on a double role as a Clinical Audiologist and Senior Programme Assistant for BHPI when the pandemic hit. Despite the transition from face-to-face practices to the online world, she utilised her creativity and resourcefulness by using social media as a tool to advocate for ear and hearing health. Her favourite project with BHPI was recognised by the World Health Organisation at the World Hearing Forum for World Hearing Day 2021, where she led the creation of the first nationwide hearing health directory for the Philippines. She and the team also worked closely with Prof. Andrew Smith of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to launch the Online Public Health Planning for Hearing Impairment for Filipinos. Regina also took on other roles as a Virtual Assistant and Consultant Audiologist for Dr. Lilach Saperstein of the All About Audiology Podcast to help parents of deaf/hard-of-hearing children. Before moving to the UK, she joined a private hearing aid clinic in Metro Manila, where she learned the importance of patient-centred care. Regina’s empathy and dedication as an audiologist shines through her work in and out of the clinic. In every appointment, Regina cannot help but share her cheerful demeanour and contagious smile with her patients. She makes the effort to get to know her patients because she believes that a person’s mindset, interests and hobbies make an impact on the management of their hearing loss. Regina’s ability to relate to others is due to her inquisitiveness, which has led her to practise Muay Thai, gymnastics, golf, teach mindfulness and yoga, read about other countries, fashion and spirituality, and learn French and Korean when she’s off work. Her zest for life and emphasis on teamwork and support stem from being a cheerleader since 2008 and an original member of the Philippines’ National Cheerleading Team. Regina’s approach as an audiologist is where her acquired knowledge and experience through the years, science and wellness meet.

Nikki Skinley

Consultant Audiologist

Coming Soon…

Hamish Cooper

Consultant Audiologist

Coming Soon…

Regain Hearing Clinic

Joanne Brett

Consultant Audiologist

Joanne Brett Apprentice Audiologist Joanne joined Regain Hearing in June 2021 as a Trainee HCA. She has been a Health Care professional for many years and came to us from a large high street opticians and hearing care centre. Jo has previously worked and cared for children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum and with additional special needs. She has a friendly, caring, and calm nature and enjoys a nice chat with her patients. Jo and her husband have two teenage children and when she is not working she enjoys walking her three dogs and watching her son’s team play football. Jo is also a qualified reflexologist and complementary therapist.

Harry Swainsbury

Consultant Audiologist

Harry worked for a few years in Pembury Hospital on the Cardiology Ward, before moving to a career as a Police Constable for three years working in local policing teams round Swanley, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge. He transferred to Maidstone under the Domestic abuse team, then to Maidstone/Tonbridge under the Child Protection team.

Wanting to balance meeting people and helping them with his healthcare background, Harry joined Regain Hearing in early 2024. Training with the Regain team, Harry is now on the road to help our mobile patients.

 

He likes cooking, swimming and kayaking in his free time, and can normally be found on a long walk with a dog in tow.

Steve Ward

Consultant Audiologist

Coming Soon…

Clara Mesquita

Consultant Audiologist

Clara is a dedicated and responsible Audiologist with extensive experience in both NHS and private sector Auditory Rehabilitation. She 
holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours(1st) in Audiology from Anglia Ruskin University, along with a Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology(distinction).

Her career includes a wide range of expertise, including hearing assessments, aural impressions, counselling, and fitting and adjusting hearing aids.

With a background in adult education, a Master’s degree in Adult Education, and a degree in Psychology, Clara brings a holistic approach to patient care, combining technical proficiency with strong communication and empathic skills. She can utilise her skills to support individuals in improving their hearing and overall quality of life.

Outside of her professional life, she is passionate about martial arts, music, gym and yoga, all of which help her maintain a disciplined, focused, and balanced lifestyle.

Tom Field

Consultant Audiologist

Tom started with Regain Hearing in August 2024 as an Apprentice Audiologist. He developed a desire to work within audiology whilst previously working in a supervisory position within a GP surgery. Through weekly audiology, ENT and wax removal clinics, Tom gained valuable experience working with patients from many walks of life.

He has since qualified as an HCA and is currently studying Hearing Aid Dispensing Audiology at University.

When he is not working, Tom enjoys regular sport such as football, tennis, swimming and dance classes.

Our expert team of private audiologists are ready to help with all your hearing health issues.

Meet The Practice Team

Sarah Newman

Sarah Newman

Practice Co-ordinator (Broadstairs & Whitstable)

Sarah joined Regain Hearing in July 2021. Prior to this, Sarah worked in various eye-health clinics, with experience in the retail and hospitality sector.  Sarah has excellent customer service skills and a naturally kind and patient manner. Sarah is very much a people person and uses her years of experience to make our patients feel comfortable and relaxed.  In the past, Sarah has volunteered on a number of projects. These have included creating wildlife ponds with the Wildlife Trust, being Treasurer of Ramsgate St John’s Ambulance and she was one of the founding members of ‘Beach Within Reach’ who provide all of the marine wheelchairs for public use on our beautiful local beaches. Sarah lives locally to our Broadstairs practice with her husband and together they share a passion for the great outdoors, particularly Dartmoor. She is a member of the BTO (British Trust of Ornithology) recording counts of visiting migrating birds and monitoring our native birds. When indoors on really gloomy days, she’ll be crafting, playing her musical instruments or reading anything to do with science.

Donna Lucas

Area Practice Co-ordinator (West)

Coming Soon…

Claire Durrant

Area Practice Co-ordinator (West)

Claire joined Regain Hearing in December 2024, having previously worked in a busy Veterinary Hospital where she gained her customer service skills and all things computer systems.

Claire loves meeting new people and enjoys building good relationships with everyone she meets and speaks to, making all feel welcome in any environment.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys baking, reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Lisa O’Neil

Practice Co-ordinator (Broadstairs)

Coming Soon…

Dan Llewellyn

Area Practice Co-ordinator (East)

Dan began working for Regain Hearing in August 2024, following an extensive background in Hospitality, having worked in a number of bars, restaurants and hotels in Kent and overseas.

Throughout this career he has grown into leadership roles which have served to strengthen skills in people-facing environments. Dan is passionate about customer service and believes a friendly attitude and helpful demeanour is the most important part of client-based service.


He also has a passion for the creative arts, having previously been part of a number of stage productions as well as volunteering for an inclusive theatre company based in his home area of Thanet. In his spare time, other hobbies include gaming, music and travelling.

Emily Butler

Practice Co-ordinator (Whitstable & Broadstairs)

Emily joined Regain Hearing in May 2024, after previously working in the Travel and Hospitality industries across Kent. Whilst studying she worked customer service facing roles in both hospitality and event management, developing a range of skills that allows her to find solutions to problems quickly whilst maintaining a professional manor and prioritising the customers needs.

Emily is passionate about helping others and delivering quality customer care, she is also an avid learner leading to her completing her ear hygienist course in the hope to help patients in a more hands on sense.

In her spare time she enjoys travelling whether this is to another country or a staycation in the UK. Last year, Emily travelled to four countries and has recently discovered a passion for exploring the outdoors and hiking.

Caroline Sedgwick

Practice Co-ordinator (Maidstone)

Coming Soon…

Debbie Blumire

Practice Co-ordinator (Sevenoaks)

Coming Soon…

Jade Mills

Practice Co-ordinator (Eltham)

Coming Soon…

Nicole Lawrence

Practice Co-ordinator (Eltham)

Coming Soon…

Coming Soon

Team Member

Coming Soon…

Coming Soon

Team Member

Coming Soon…

Private Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Dispensers

What does an Audiologist do that a Hearing Aid Dispenser doesn’t? It’s a question often asked by people considering seeking assistance with hearing-related issues. Both private audiologists and hearing aid dispensers treat people suffering from hearing loss, and practitioners of both professions must be registered with and regulated by the HCPC. The difference comes in the level of qualification and scope of practice between these two professions, which is distinct.

As you can probably guess, hearing aid dispensers, such as the ones you’ll find in high street pharmacy chains, deal specifically with assessing hearing loss in relation to finding and fitting a hearing aid suitable for addressing the problem. Some liken visiting a hearing aid specialist to going to an optician to get the right glasses.

Broadly speaking, a hearing aid dispenser will be able to help with testing your hearing to broadly determine the extent of hearing loss, advise on which type of hearing aid is best for you, help fit hearing aids and make sure you know how to use and care for them. They will usually work with people who have more straightforward, age-related hearing loss.

Private audiologists can deal with and diagnose a broader range of hearing loss causes and ear health issues, which may require a more complex set of solutions or personalised treatment plan. They usually provide a more in-depth service involving longer, thorough and detailed hearing tests than hearing aid dispensers.

Generally speaking, private audiologists go beyond the remit of hearing aid dispensers in these areas:

If you visit your GP with concerns about your ear health or hearing and they make a specialist referral, it will always be to an audiologist.

Our team of private audiologists and expert practitioners are ready to help with all your hearing health issues.

108 High Street

Whitstable

Kent

CT5 1AZ

73 High St

Sevenoaks

TN13 1LD

Marlowe Innovation Centre

Marlowe Way

Ramsgate

Kent

CT12 6FA

The Old Rectory

Springhead Road

Northfleet

Kent

DA11 8HN

13 Market Buildings

Maidstone

Kent

ME14 1HP

201 Eltham High Street

Eltham

London

SE9 1TS

Airport House

265 Purley Way

Croydon

CR0 0XZ

The Joiners Shop

Chatham

Kent

ME4 4TZ

78 High Street

Broadstairs

Kent

CT10 1JT