For Clare, 50, hearing loss had gradually begun to affect more and more areas of her everyday life. Despite using NHS hearing aids, she was increasingly struggling to hear conversations and found herself feeling disconnected from those around her. At home, she felt cut off from her family, while social situations such as parties became increasingly difficult. Even speaking to strangers on the phone had become something she struggled with.
It was a friend who works as a music producer who suggested that Clare visit Harley Street Hearing. Having already used NHS hearing aids, Clare knew she needed more support but was still looking for a solution that could make a real difference to her everyday life.
“I was using NHS hearing aids and increasingly struggling to hear in everyday life.”
After discussing her options, Clare chose new hearing aids that would give her the level of support she needed.
“They were the best on offer – I need every bit of help I can get!”
One of the features she has found particularly useful is the ability to connect her hearing aids directly to her phone, allowing calls to be streamed straight through to her devices. For Clare, this has been one of the biggest changes since receiving her new hearing aids.
“The massive change has been with the phone – I can phone strangers and talk rather than using my husband as a PA (!) so I feel I have agency again.”
That newfound confidence has already opened up opportunities that Clare previously would not have felt comfortable taking. As an English specialist, she was recently able to appear on Radio 4 to talk about reading – something she says she would not have felt able to do before.
“I was able to go on Radio 4 and talk about reading (I am an English specialist) – this is something I could not have done without the new hearing aids, as I would have been too afraid that I would not hear the cues or questions.”
For Clare, the difference is not just about being able to hear more clearly. It is about feeling able to take part, communicate independently and do things she may previously have avoided.
A big part of that experience has also been the support she received from her audiologist, Keran Jervis. Clare describes her as “approachable, very patient and very easy to talk to”, highlighting the time she took to explain everything and make sure Clare felt comfortable throughout the process.
“She really took the time to talk things through and explain everything – she was fantastic. I know that I can contact her and would not feel awkward about that or ‘a pain’ as other audiologists have made me feel.”
Clare is still getting used to some of the features of her new hearing aids, having only recently gained the ability to change the settings herself. However, she is already noticing the difference they make in her everyday life.
“When I put my hearing aids in in the morning I realise the immense difference that they make.”
Looking back, Clare admits that fear had played a part in delaying her next step. There was always the worry that treatment might not help as much as she hoped, and that discovering this might be harder than simply continuing as she was.
“Sometimes I think that it is fear that stops us taking the next step – ‘what if it can’t help – I would rather live in hope that things will get better than find they definitely won’t’ (that was me a bit for a while).”
Her advice to anyone experiencing hearing difficulties but putting off seeking help is simple: “Just do it.”
“It can change your life for the better: it can help your relationships with those around you and give you agency in your life that your hearing difficulties have taken from you.”
Clare is also keen to stress that hearing aids are not a “magic bullet” and that things will not suddenly be perfect. But for her, that does not mean they cannot make an enormous difference.
“What I would say is don’t bury your head in the sand and just soldier on. Admittedly, it is not a magic bullet – things won’t be perfect, but when I put my hearing aids in in the morning I realise the immense difference that they make.”
For Clare, taking that first step has meant more than simply improving her hearing. It has helped her feel more connected to her family, more confident in social situations and, perhaps most importantly, more independent.
“But why not give it a try – you will no doubt find it does help and improves your quality of life.”
If you’re experiencing difficulties with your hearing and would like to explore how the right hearing solution could help you feel more confident and connected in everyday life, get in touch with the Harley Street Hearing team here.
