'I was having increasing trouble hearing people talk to me'

I was a nurse, and retired 2 years ago, aged 63. I was having increasing trouble hearing people talk to me, especially if there is a lot of background noise. But I seemed to compensate quite well. Now, however, the people I used to work with have said they noticed I was missing a lot of conversation - and even professional talk. My family were getting cross each time I missed what they were saying to me, from another room in the house, and complained that I had the television too loud. In church I was having trouble hearing even though we had a “loop” sound system.

‘I had not appreciated just how bad my hearing had become’

I felt before I took the hearing test that it would not be a big problem. During the very competent test with a very friendly and efficient audiologist, I felt at ease and confident. Nothing untoward would arise from the test. After the test, the results were discussed with me very clearly and without medical jargon. The ‘tester’ hearing aid was a revelation, as I had not appreciated just how bad my hearing had become. It was explained that I had been missing quite a few consonants in conversation, though I was hearing vowels very well. ‘

The smallness of size of the hearing aids was surprising’

The smallness of size of the hearing aids was surprising. I have short hair and they could not be seen. The quality of sound now, is truly amazing; even with a lot of background noise, I no longer miss out on conversation. The aids are easy to put in and changing the battery takes just a second of my time.

‘Normal conversation has now resumed at home’

‘The biggest change since I have been using the digital hearing aids is with my family. They no longer get cross that I have asked them to repeat things – often more than once. Normal conversation has now resumed at home and with my social life. This has made such a difference to my life, I only wish I had conceded to my hearing loss years ago. Aftercare service is excellent. I only have to pop ion to the shop, to receive efficient and friendly service for new batteries or the earpieces, which I change on a regular basis. The staff all know me now and I cannot speak to highly of their aftercare service. Regular re-checks by the audiologist leaves me feeling very confident.