'Having to ask students to repeat answers'

In my mid-40’s, I became aware of a hearing problem which caused some difficulties in my job as a college lecturer - having to frequently ask students to repeat answers. After several years of aid-less struggle, I obtained an NHS digital hearing aid for each ear. These were useful, but bulky and uncomfortable, and obtaining further batteries (in very limited quantities) so frequently became a chore. I decided to purchase two BTE (Behind The Ear) hearing aids privately, after seeing them at an exhibition.

‘Can no longer pretend I can’t hear what my wife is saying!’

I used to miss parts of conversations; parts of theatre performances and parts of films. But the digital BTE aids have improved this enormously. I now, very rarely, have to ask people to repeat things they have said. The aids have given me much more confidence in communication and had a real impact on my life. The only drawback is that I can now hear nagging and can no longer pretend I can’t hear what my wife is saying!