Meet the team

As a family firm of hearing aid specialists, we believe that strong relationships enhance our ability to serve our community even better.

Hearing aid specialists with a wealth of expertise.

We are a working partnership between brother and sister Stephen Fairfield and Ruth Porteous. We combine our experience and the highest levels of expertise with an unstinting passion for our work and the interests of our clients.

The addition of Glen reflects the company's ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in audiology and ensuring that clients receive the highest standards in personal care.

Stephen Fairfield

Stephen qualified in clinical audiology from Manchester University in 1989 and has worked in audiology in Edinburgh for almost 35 years.

During this time, he has established strong relationships with many of the key individuals in UK audiology.

Stephen has served with various industry and university bodies to develop the profession, chairing the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals, and sitting on the Scottish Executive Advisory Board and Queen Margaret University Audiology Group.

Most importantly, however, Stephen has fitted hearing aids, day in, day out, throughout this time, gaining unrivalled experience with hearing issues and technical solutions.

Outside of his real passion of audiology, Stephen likes to cycle and walk around Edinburgh and beyond. He is also a keen gardener and a (very) amateur jazz pianist.

Ruth Porteous

A trained nurse, Ruth ran a busy hearing aid practice for many years.

Over the last decade she has worked also as an aural care practitioner, building outstanding rapport and interest in clients’ well-being, as well as acquiring a high level of expertise in dealing with ear wax removal and ear health issues.

Ruth has been married to Dave for 34 years and they have 3 married sons. Much of their time is spent entertaining or visiting family and friends. They both enjoy cycling and walking in and around Edinburgh.

Louise Stewart

Louise brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care to Fairfield Hearing.

With a background in Mathematical Physics, she discovered her passion for audiology while volunteering with the Edinburgh Headway Group, a charity supporting individuals with brain injuries.

This experience inspired her to retrain as an audiologist, earning a BSc (Hons) in Audiology in 2012. Since then, she has worked across both NHS and the private sector, specialising in advanced hearing aid technology and complex fittings.

Louise is particularly skilled in using cutting-edge AI-driven hearing aids to enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise, ensuring tailored solutions for each client. She looks forward to helping more people experience the life-changing benefits of today’s advanced hearing solutions.

Another passion for Louise is training and mentoring new hearing aid dispensers, helping to foster the next generation of audiologists.

Glen Caffley

Glen has worked for both national high-street brands and with local independent hearing aid dispensers. He has also spent some time working for a leading hearing aid manufacturer.

Glen has been deaf since birth, which went undiagnosed for over three years. Since then, he has been wearing a hearing aid and in 2022 had a cochlear implant fitted. So, he can empathise with clients who can feel extremely anxious about their hearing loss and the prospect of wearing a hearing aid.

Outside of work, Glen has discovered a new passion for cabinet making.

Sophie Halliday

Sophie graduated from Napier University with a bachelor's degree in paediatric nursing.

She joined Fairfield Hearing as a trainee audiologist in 2022, where she is being trained under Stephen, Ruth and Glen’s guidance. Sophie has already completed a Hearing Care Assistance and an Ear Wax Removal course, and is currently studying at Queen Margaret University on a Hearing Aid Dispensing course.

Outside of work and study, Sophie enjoys keeping fit and taking her dog for walks. She also likes to help at the church she attends.

Sharon Fraser

Sharon studied Spanish and French at Napier University.

Before joining Fairfield Hearing, Sharon worked in community pharmacy for 11 years, as a dispenser and trainer, gaining a vast knowledge of all aspects of healthcare.

Outside of work, Sharon enjoys family walks with their dog, Bella.

Emily Allen

Emily joined Fairfield Hearing in 2024 as a financial assistant, and is currently studying Accounting with Corporate Finance at Edinburgh Napier. 

Emily also works as a retail assistant manager on the weekends at a store in her hometown. 

Outside of work and study, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends. However, once the university semester ends, she loves to travel and visit new places both home and abroad.