"I had been struggling with my hearing loss for several years"

I am a 62 year old retired school teacher . I manage and play in a Brass Band and teach music to youngsters in our Training Band .I had been struggling with my hearing loss for several years. Conversation in groups became difficult and even embarrasing and although I could joke about it with the family it was seriously affecting my social life.It became impossible to enjoy a film at the cinema and I was struggling to hear television and radio programmes despite the volume control being turned up.I knew that digital hearing aids could be effective for my specific problems but was reluctant to wear most of the aids advertised nationally. Discovering that Leightons Hearing Care used Oticon, the size and design was immediately attractive to me and something that I would not mind wearing.

"It was a relief to know that my specific problem could be individually rectified"

The biggest challenge was making the first appointment but having made that decision the test results were most informative and it was a relief to know that my specific problem could be individually rectified.  The practitioner was most welcoming and I immediately felt at ease.At no time did I feel under pressure but it would have been better to have had a practical demonstartion of the benefits of the aid at the first visit. It was a big jump to decide whether to proceed. Of course nothing can prepare you for the transformation the first time that you walk out into a real street environment rather than the one to one consultation.

"I was most impressed by the tiny neat design of the Oticon aid"

I had seen people with hearing aids fiddling with them which had always looked both annoying and cumbersome with odd noises and whistling being emitted!
I was most impressed by the tiny neat design of the Oticon aid . Nobody notices them.The quality of the sounds is amazingly normal. I can enjoy group conversations, television, radio, film and clarity on the telephone.

No controls to worry about – just pop them in and the world around sounds as it should be. The cost of the Oticon aid is substantial but of course much of the cost is for insurance/maintenance/aftercare.However for me I knew I would not regularly wear an NHS aid due to the unsightliness.Wearing the discreet Oticon aid is easy, comfortable and now part of every day life.

The benefits justify the cost but it was a difficult decision and this may deter many. The aftercare has been very good. Regular appointments; minute adjustments easily made and I am always made to feel welcome.

"Even everyday sounds such as bird song can now be a delight"

The hearing aid has really made a difference to my life.I am more confident in company, can join in conversations and discussions more readily. Even everyday sounds such as bird song can now be a delight.

My friends and family all notice the difference even saying that now I can hear clearly it makes me seem younger and more alert.