'It was probably at least 5-7 years ago when I first began to have difficulties'

It was probably at least 5-7 years ago when I first began to have hearing difficulties. This was hard to admit to - even when following a conversation within a group, turned into a lip reading exercise for me! After a long time, my wife eventually persuaded me to have a hearing test, which was being offered at, the nearest Leightons centre to us in Tadley.

‘...pre-conceived ideas about hearing aids...’

My pre-conceived ideas about hearing aids were that they were bulky and obtrusive, and I would have been very self-conscious about wearing them. I was very surprised at the reality of the modern aid now available. The realisation that they could also be programmed to suit individual hearing loss requirements was a revelation. Now that I have had the hearing aids for more than 2 months, I am beginning to forget I am wearing them. Many aspects of my life have been affected and it is wonderful to be able to appreciate bird-song again. Conversation is much easier especially in a group or travelling in a car and watching television is no longer a fight for the volume control.