We believe that delivering outstanding eye and hearing care starts with understanding the real-life impact of sensory loss.

For our Audiology Clinical Lead, Ian McKendrick, this mission is deeply personal.

In 2023, Ian's twin grandchildren, Hamish and Mabel, were born with a hearing loss. Now aged two, they are growing up with hearing aids as part of their everyday lives.

Mabel has a bilateral moderate hearing loss, meaning she wears hearing aids in both ears, while Hamish has a unilateral mild to moderate hearing loss in his left ear. As a family, they faced many questions and challenges, but they were determined to ensure the twins had the best possible start in life.

That’s why Ian and his loved ones have been learning sign language, embracing every opportunity to support the twins' communication and development.

"As a Clinical Lead Audiologist and grandfather to two-year-old twins born with hearing loss, the importance of raising the profile of sign language is something I am very proud to do." - Ian McKendrick. 

Tiny hearing aids, big impact

Wanting to help his grandchildren feel confident in their hearing aids, Ian arranged for tiny, custom-made hearing aids to be fitted to their favourite dolls, which they received at Christmas.

Now, both Hamish and Mabel's dolls - Daisy and Gio - wear hearing aids too, helping them see their own experiences reflected in play. Small moments like this can have a big impact, normalising hearing aids and making them a natural part of life. 

Going the extra mile

Ian’s family is also going the extra mile - literally. His son-in-law, John, is running his first-ever half marathon to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), a charity that has been a lifeline for them.

"When we found out about the twins’ hearing loss, we had so many questions," John says. "NDCS helped us understand what it all meant, giving us the confidence to support them. Now, I want to give back."

By running the London Landmarks Half Marathon, John hopes to raise £350 to help NDCS continue their vital work - providing resources, running support services, and fighting for better opportunities for deaf children.

Supporting our people inside and outside of work

At OutsideClinic, we know that our team members are more than just their job title. They have families, passions, and commitments outside of work, and we believe in supporting them in every way possible.

Whether it’s through flexible working, professional development, or simply celebrating personal achievements, we are proud to foster a workplace that values the whole person.

For Ian, audiology isn’t just a career - it’s his passion. His dedication to helping people hear better extends beyond his family and into his professional life. If you're an audiologist looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, domiciliary care could be the perfect fit.

Ian shares more about why he loves working in domiciliary audiology. 

About NDCS

The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is the leading charity dedicated to supporting deaf children and their families in the UK. They provide essential resources, run support services, and campaign for better opportunities in education and society - ensuring that deaf children can thrive and reach their full potential. 

If you'd like to support Ian’s family and help deaf children like Hamish and Mabel get the best possible start in life, please consider donating to their fundraising page.