For Marilyn, hearing has always been central to connecting with the people and world around her. Born with congenital hearing loss and microtia, a condition where the outer ear is underdeveloped, she faced challenges with hearing from a young age. Over the years, multiple surgeries provided limited improvement, and traditional hearing aids never offered the power or fit she needed.
“I’ve been dealing with hearing loss since I was a child. I had a number of surgeries, but I didn’t wear hearing aids for a long time because they didn’t work for me.”
In 2019, she tried a conventional hearing aid again but found it uncomfortable and insufficient.
“It kept falling off, and the power just wasn’t enough to make it worthwhile.”
Marilyn had been visiting Harley Street Hearing for routine checks and to explore whether there were better solutions.
“I came to Harley Street because I had been trying to find a solution. I pop in every time I’m in the UK to see if anything new has come onto the market that might suit me better.”
During a review in 2025, Senior Audiologist Lerissa Pillay introduced Marilyn to the Oticon Ponto 5 Mini, a highly discreet bone-anchored hearing aid. Unlike conventional hearing aids, which amplify sound through the ear canal, a bone-anchored device conducts sound through the skull directly to the inner ear, making it a solution for single-sided or conductive hearing loss. Lerissa explained how the Ponto Mini worked and how it could improve hearing in everyday life. To allow Marilyn to experience the device without committing to surgery, Lerissa arranged for her to try it on a headband.
“She made sure I understood how it worked and how it might fit into my life.”
Marilyn tried the device, gradually getting a sense of how it could enhance her hearing.
“I could really hear the difference, even just with the headband. It gave me confidence that this might actually work for me. I was almost moved to tears because I thought, ‘Oh wow, this could actually be a reality.’”
Encouraged by the trial, she was ready to move forward, but as she was leaving the UK, the surgery wouldn’t be for a while. Before the procedure, Lerissa arranged for her to use a Ponto on loan while abroad, so she wouldn’t have to return to her previous hearing experience.
“I would have had to go back to my former hearing experience, but Lerissa made sure I could keep using it for those few months. That was really positive. I could also try it at work and see how effective it was.”
Given Harley Street Hearing’s strong referral network with highly specialised ENT surgeons, Lerissa was able to arrange for Marilyn to be seen within the short time she was in the UK, effectively fast-tracking the process compared with typical NHS waiting times for a bone-anchored hearing aid, which can be much longer. She was referred to Mr Harry Powell, a consultant ENT surgeon at HCA at The Shard. Mr Powell has extensive experience treating both children and adults with a wide range of ENT conditions, and has a specialist interest in auditory implants, ear diseases, and hearing rehabilitation.”
“He was very reassuring and explained everything clearly, which made me feel completely confident going into the procedure.” Together, they decided the Ponto system, implanted via an abutment, would be the best solution.
The surgery itself was a smooth, same-day experience.
“I was surprised by how painless it was. I didn’t need any painkillers, and recovery was very quick.” Once the permanent processor was fitted, Marilyn was impressed by its discreet design.
“It’s very small. No one can really see that I’m wearing it.”
She also emphasises the importance of careful aftercare and ongoing monitoring from Lerissa, Harry, and the rest of the care team.
“Lerissa has been excellent. She has been invaluable in programming the processor and ensuring I achieved the best possible sound quality. The level of attention during the programming stage was incredibly thorough, which made a real difference. The nursing support was equally reassuring, providing guidance on caring for the site, as well as sharing helpful videos and supplies. When I had a concern, I sent a message and the nurse explained exactly what to do – it was immediately resolved. The aftercare and ongoing support are really important. Don’t underestimate it.”
This coordinated care between Lerissa and the admin team, together with Harry and the nursing team, ensured Marilyn always felt supported and confident. By working closely together, the teams made her treatment seamless, answered her questions, and helped her recovery feel smoother, giving her peace of mind and the best possible outcome.
The difference in Marilyn’s daily life was immediate.
“Watching TV with my daughter, I realised I had been setting the volume too high for her in the past. I also run on roads where there aren’t proper pavements, and now I can hear approaching cars much sooner. It has made my daily life safer and more enjoyable.”
For anyone experiencing hearing difficulties but hesitant to take the first step, Marilyn advises:
“You owe it to yourself to really experience the full potential of your senses. When you don’t have your full hearing, you may get used to it and just strive on without it, but it’s really stopping you from having a full experience in your day-to-day life. It’s only when you restore it that you realise how much you’ve been missing out. It’s really for people to know that they are deserving of having a solution found for them, and without taking that first step, you won’t know what solutions are available.”
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, don’t wait to explore your options. Book an appointment with Harley Street Hearing today and discover what solutions could work for you.
