Who We Are

North East Hearing & Balance is a family-run independent hearing healthcare provider. We understand the impact hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness can have on your quality of life and our goal is to restore this by giving you the time, personal care and expertise you need to find the best solution for you.

We are fully state-registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Together, we have over 20 years experience in clinical Audiology in both the NHS and private sectors; as well as leadership in Audiology, training and education.  

Photo of Simon Howe

Simon Howe

BSc (Hons) MSc FBSA RHAD

Director and Clinician

Clinical Scientist (Audiology) and Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser

Simon Howe studied at the University of Edinburgh where he completed a BSc (Hons) in Physiology. He then went on to complete his MSc in Audiology at the University of Manchester. During his Audiology career he has led various teams in the areas of Adult Hearing, Tinnitus and Balance. He is actively involved in research with the University of Manchester, with a special interest in balance disorders.

Simon also works for the NHS where he has a varied role assessing and fitting hearing aids to both adults and children, and assessing and managing patients with tinnitus and balance problems. He is involved in the post-graduate education of Audiology students at the University of Manchester, where he is an external lecturer and dissertation supervisor. He is also currently leading a review of the Scientist Training Programme in Audiology with the National School of Healthcare Science.

Simon was honoured to be awarded the status of Fellow of the British Society of Audiology in recognition of his contributions to the profession.

Photo of Shahad Howe

Shahad Howe

BSc (Hons) MSc SFBSA

Administrator

Clinical Scientist (Audiology)

Shahad Howe studied at the University of Manchester where she completed a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences and MSc in Audiology. During her Audiology career she has played an active part in the British Society of Audiology (BSA) Learning and Events Group, as well as co-editing the BSA magazine, Audacity. She has written and contributed to a number of peer-reviewed publications, with a special interest in the management of complex hearing losses and cochlear implants.

Shahad was the Clinical Lead at a regional cochlear implant programme until she moved into a new role with a cochlear implant manufacturer; supporting implant candidates and recipients, and raising awareness about cochlear implants. She also regularly teaches on the BSc and MSc courses at the University of Manchester on the subject of cochlear implants. She has been awarded the status of Senior Fellow of the British Society of Audiology in recognition of her significant contributions to teaching and clinical audiology.

In her spare time, she is a Darlington Support volunteer and is privileged to give back to her local community.

“Simon and Shahad were so professional and attended to all my queries and needs”