For Phil, 59, finding the right hearing aids had been a challenge. His hearing loss predominantly affected the low and mid frequencies, making it difficult to find a device that met his needs. Despite trying hearing aids recommended by other audiologists, he continued to struggle with clarity, leaving him working harder to follow conversations and feeling increasingly tired by the effort. It was a referral from his medical consultant that led him to Harley Street Hearing, where he finally found a more personalised approach to managing his hearing loss.
From his first visit, Phil felt that Harley Street Hearing offered something different: a greater understanding of his individual needs and the expertise to help him find a suitable solution.
“I first heard about Harley Street Hearing through my medical consultant. From the outset, the clinic felt far more personalised and knowledgeable than anything I had experienced before. I sensed immediately that this was a place where my hearing challenges would be understood.”
Phil’s hearing loss was predominantly in the low and mid frequencies, which meant that the hearing aids he had previously been given did not provide the support he needed. Despite trying to adjust to them, he struggled to achieve the clarity he was looking for.
“My main challenge was that my hearing loss is predominantly in the low and mid frequencies, which is unusual compared with the typical high frequency loss most people have. As a result, the hearing aids I’d been given previously simply didn’t match my needs. They amplified the wrong parts of the spectrum and left me struggling with clarity.”
Over time, his hearing continued to decline, making everyday conversations increasingly demanding. He found himself constantly trying to piece together what people were saying, relying on context to fill in the gaps.
“My brain was always working to find context, fill in gaps, and piece together meaning. It became increasingly tiring.”
Having already tried two audiologists without success, Phil needed a solution that took account of his specific hearing profile. At Harley Street Hearing, he met George Dashfield, who helped him understand how hearing aids could be tailored to his needs.
Phil now uses the Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere, having previously worn the Oticon Opn S. Both devices were recommended by George, whose expertise and understanding of Phil’s hearing loss have been central to finding the right solution.
“The combination of choosing the right device and having it precisely tailored to my hearing pattern has made all the difference. George has done a fantastic job in both respects.”
One of the biggest improvements Phil has noticed with his current hearing aids is clearer speech and a better listening experience. However, he also highlights the importance of taking time to get the settings right, particularly for someone with a less typical pattern of hearing loss.
“With the new Phonaks, we took time to tailor them properly through follow-up sessions, which I found invaluable. It takes time for the ears and brain to adjust and those later tweaks really helped.”
For Phil, this ongoing support has been just as important as choosing the right hearing aids. Having an audiologist who understands his needs and takes the time to make adjustments has helped him get the most from his devices.
“I’ve come to trust George’s advice and expertise over the years – I genuinely believe that if I had gone anywhere else that my hearing aids would not be working as well as they do now.”
Beyond his hearing aid appointments, Phil values the reassurance of regular care. He attends an annual review and has ear wax removal, giving him the opportunity to discuss his hearing and stay informed about developments that might benefit him.
He describes George as professional, supportive and clear in his explanations, making it easier to navigate what can sometimes feel like a complicated process.
“From the moment I met him, I knew I was in good hands. He is incredibly professional and supportive. His clear explanations make navigating hearing issues much easier.”
Looking back, Phil sees his first visit to Harley Street Hearing as a turning point. After years of struggling to find hearing aids that worked for him, understanding his hearing loss and having a clear way forward made a meaningful difference to his everyday life.
“George understood my type of hearing loss immediately and explained how hearing aids could be tailored to help. Gaining that understanding – and a clear way forward – was transformative. In practical terms, the difficulties I had faced for years simply fell away.”
Phil is keen to encourage others who are experiencing hearing difficulties to take that first step rather than continue struggling without the right support.
“There has never been a better time to take that first step. Hearing aids are more advanced than ever and the impact on quality of life can be remarkable.”
For Phil, finding the right hearing solution has been about more than the technology itself. It has been about having an audiologist who understands his individual needs, takes the time to get the details right and provides ongoing support.
“Only that I feel fortunate to have found the right clinic and the right audiologist. The care I’ve received has made a meaningful difference to my everyday life.”
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties and finding it hard to get the clarity you need from your current hearing aids, the right assessment and personalised support could make a difference. Contact the Harley Street Hearing team here to explore your options.
