'My wife had been pressing me to have a hearing test'

Tests have never concerned me if there is a chance of something interfering with quality of life. My wife had been pressing me for some time to have a hearing test as she felt I did not always hear questions when asked correctly; in her opinion, I had been giving some funny answers! My wife accompanied me on my first visit and provided suggestions on my restricted hearing. The assessment was conducted in a friendly professional way with sophisticated but easy-to-use technology. The evidence confirmed hearing aids were required, but with an excellent trial period of 30 days (extended to 60 days, if required) with no obligation. Return of the hearing aids would result in an instant refund of the deposit and payment. At no time did I feel I had to buy – it would be my decision, coupled with my wife, if my limited hearing on higher pitched sounds and background was improved noticeably.

‘I was able to test the hearing aid thoroughly’

The trial period was of sufficient duration to be able to test the hearing aid thoroughly at: dinner and lunch time parties, inside and outside events (helpful for background noises), watching television and listening to sound and the radio and at the theatre and cinema.

‘I am quite happy to tell people I have hearing aids’

‘My quality of life has improved because the hearing aids cannot be seen, the battery replacements are easily fitted and my hearing has improved considerably in all areas where I was experiencing difficulty. Before all this, there was a reluctance to refer to hearing deficiency. But time has moved on and I am quite happy to tell people I have hearing aids. A consistent observation is “Where? Which ear?” And I say both! On several occasions these same people admit to hearing limitations and that they will probably do something about it. The cost may deter them, but improved quality of life will always come at a price. It is relating priorities – in my case, I’m proving my hearing was one of them.

‘Nothing is really free today’

I have been using my hearing aids for approximately 2-3 months and have needed minor adjustments, which have been called out immediately by appointment. The whole atmosphere has been friendly and knowledgeable. I am not technically minded but appreciate what technology can do. I appreciate that nothing is really free today, but Leightons have tackled this service the right way. Yes, there are cheaper hearing aids, but none that I have seen provide the package Leightons HearingCare do – noticeably, the quality of the product and free after sales service with a 5 year guarantee.