For Elena, hearing has always been more than just sound. It is how she connects with the world. As a musician with a visual impairment, she relies heavily on her hearing both professionally and personally. But for years, she struggled with a growing sense that something wasn’t right.
Elena first became aware of potential hearing difficulties after receiving an email from the Musicians’ Union encouraging members to check their hearing. The message resonated. She had been involved in the tragedies of 7th July 2005 in London, and ever since, she had questioned whether changes in her hearing were real or simply her imagination.
“At first, it was hard to tell whether I really had a hearing problem,” she explains. “Because of my visual impairment, my hearing is crucial. I depend on it much more than most people.”
At the time, Elena was living in Scotland and had tried several NHS hearing aids. She appreciated the help she received, but her needs as a professional musician were complex, and she wanted a solution tailored more closely to her specific hearing challenges.
“Before finding the right support, I often felt isolated. I struggled to keep up in conversations and once sang the wrong note when harmonising. Having to ask people to repeat themselves left me feeling embarrassed and unsure how to handle the situation,” she recalls.
The impact extended far beyond music. Everyday activities became challenging and, at times, unsafe. “I rely on my hearing to cross the road. When I couldn’t hear properly, it affected my confidence and my independence. I think I upset a lot of motorists by crossing when I shouldn’t have.”
Seeking more specialist support, Elena contacted the Royal Society of Musicians, who helped her explore alternative options. This brought Elena to Harley Street Hearing, where she met audiologist Matthew Allsop, who has supported her from the very beginning.
“Matthew has been invaluable to me,” she says. “I trust him completely. He really listens and understands what I need, not just as a patient, but as a musician and as someone with a visual impairment.”
Together, they discussed Elena’s specific challenges and priorities. Matthew recommended the Widex Moment RIC hearing aids that could adapt automatically to different listening environments, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments.
“One of the things I love most is that my hearing aids adapt to the situation I’m in without me having to do anything,” Elena explains. “It’s not perfect, but it helps enormously. I can also fine-tune things using the Widex Moments app when I need to.”
Adjusting to the hearing aids was surprisingly straightforward, and Elena has now been using them for around four years.
The difference has been profound.
“I no longer sing the wrong notes when harmonising. I can tune my instrument properly again,” she says. “I feel much more confident walking around and crossing the road safely. Socially, things have improved too, although there’s still a long way to go in terms of making public spaces more hearing-friendly.”
Elena is passionate about the importance of communication between patient and audiologist, something she feels is often overlooked.
“So many people don’t know what to ask for, or how to explain what they’re struggling with,” she says. “Audiologists need to really listen and adapt to individual needs. If I hadn’t found Harley Street Hearing, I’d be in the same position as so many others who still can’t communicate effectively.”
Today, Elena feels reconnected to her music, her independence, and the world around her.
“My life has changed completely,” she says. “Finding an audiologist who truly understands you makes all the difference.”
Discover how personalised hearing care can make a difference for you. Get in touch to learn more or to book your appointment today.
