Resident Hearing Aid Audiologist at Sevenoaks and McIndoe Surgical Centre

 

Matt Cannon, Partner at Sevenoaks Hearing Care Centre, has certainly packed in a lot of valuable and highly relevant experience into his 15 year career in audiology.

The man from Devon began his career with the NHS as a physiological measurement technician. He received training in audiology, respiratory medicine, cardiology and neurology - but opted to pursue the audiology trail. Matt said, "The other disciplines were concerned only with measurement. In audiology I saw an opportunity to improve the lives of people of all ages through the diagnostic process."

He trained at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and, after qualifying, soon became a locum audiologist in the prestigious settings of Guys and St Thomas's hospital. Then followed a spell with the London Portland Hospital, which has the country's largest private audiology department. Here he expanded his skills into paediatrics, vestibular conditions (concerned with balance and vertigo) and the hearing aid supply process.

A major change of direction came when he joined the Swiss company Phonak, one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers. Sevenoaks Hearing Care Centre was one of Matt's customers. Such was the impression that he made on Managing Director Robert Davies, that he was invited to join the practice in February 2003 - and became a partner shortly afterwards.

Matt has been central to a number of changes and advances that have taken place at the practice - including the development of the latest soundproof booths that have transformed the diagnostic processes. He has contributed much to the strong growth of the practice in terms of patient numbers - including referrals from GPs.

In December 2004 Matt was admitted to the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists - the strongest possible acknowledgement of his professional standing.

Matt hails from Exeter and from an early stage developed a love of surfing and the Devon coast - although he admits that the beaches of Australia hold greater attractions. He is also a keen snowboarder. His sporting interests allow him the opportunity to combine them with his love of travelling.

Matt's career move to Sevenoaks Hearing Care Centre clearly suits him. He told us, "I enjoy the independence of my role. I can look at all products, free of ties to any particular manufacturer, and give totally impartial advice. This enables me to solve problems by selecting the right solution at a price that suits each individual patient."

The luxury of choosing solutions from any manufacturer makes us truly independent.