Meet the Team

Curtis was introduced to the hearing care profession by his father-in-law, Roger Evans, in 2001. After qualifying with a highly sought-after distinction in both the theoretical and practical examinations, Curtis had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the mentorship of two very experienced hearing care professionals at what is widely recognised as the longest established hearing care practice in the United Kingdom, Broom Reid & Harris.

Being part of a practice that had itself been witness to the birth of hearing care, when the earliest hearing technology was introduced in early 1900s, and then which had actively participated in its evolution throughout the 20th century, meant that Curtis gained a unique insight into how hearing care—at its most effective—depended upon three universal qualities: the ability for the hearing care professional to regard another person’s hearing as if it were their own; a thorough understanding of hearing and its interaction with technology, and creativity in solving problems.

With Broom Reid & Harris’s rich heritage to build on, and its legacy of empowering people through pioneering solutions, Curtis has found himself with a keen sense of the pivotal role hearing plays within people’s lives, and how the hearing care profession has a responsibility to lead society in the way it looks after one of its most important senses.

He now finds himself playing an active role in the shaping of the hearing healthcare profession, with a vision to “create a society in which the majority respect their hearing, do all they can to keep their hearing working at its best, and confident that society will demonstrate practical understanding should a residual reduction in hearing put them at a disadvantage”. He is founder of an online think tank for hearing called Audira and his articles have been published in the UK, America and Europe.

Curtis has been a recurring guest on BBC Radio Devon talking about hearing and tinnitus, and is regularly invited to present at local groups throughout Devon and Cornwall. In recent years he has gained respect as an international speaker, and has presented in Denmark, the United States, Canada, Australia and Brussels to professionals, manufacturers and Members of the European Parliament. In 2013 he won the Ida Institute’s award for best public awareness campaign, which has since been used in the United States and across Europe and translated into 12 different languages. In 2017 he was awarded a Golden Lobe by The Association of Independent Hearing Health Care Professionals in recognition of his “Outstanding Service to Audiology”.

Curtis has a particular interest in the two-way relationship that hearing has with the brain, including their shared involvement in memory, attention and perception, and it is not unusual to find him reading a textbook on neuroscience or psychology in his quest to better address the real-world challenges faced by so many people today. Whether it’s a consultation dealing with tinnitus, or hearing in background noise, or helping someone adjust to a sudden change in their hearing, many of his clients find themselves enriched by his timely advice and practical guidance born out of his integrated approach.

He lives in Exeter with his wife and enjoys walking, writing, graphic design and programming, playing the guitar and occasionally, if no one’s watching, juggling.

Sam gained a distinction in Hearing Aid Audiology from Aston University and was awarded the “Certificate for Excellent Clinical Ability” and the “Certificate for Overall Highest Mark” from the Foundation Degree Examination Board. In addition, he has a MSc in Business and Community and a BSc (Hons) in Sociology, both from the University of Bath.

He has extensive knowledge of the various makes and models of hearing systems, and especially enjoys the role which bluetooth and wireless technology can play in best enhancing the hearing potential of his clients. Furthermore, he is experienced in various forms of wax removal including microsuction, dry wax removal and irrigation.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his young family, country walks, and occasionally attempts to play tennis.

She works tirelessly both front of house and behind the scenes to ensure that our clients have what they need when they need it, liaising with manufacturers and co-ordinating the activities of the practitioners to maximise and maintain the high levels of customer service experienced by our clients.

Vikki has a BSc in English Literature from the University of Exeter and was customer service supervisor at John Lewis before joining Broom Reid & Harris in 2007.