For Paul, 59, hearing aids have been part of his life since he was 12 years old. Over the years, he had become accustomed to hearing clearly with his trusted Siemens Prisma analogue hearing aid. But when it began reaching the end of its life, he knew it was time to find a replacement.
“My very old Siemens Prisma aid was nearing the end of its life though the sound quality was still delivering well but I knew I needed to upgrade.”
Although he explored NHS options, Paul felt they weren’t delivering the sound quality he had experienced for decades.
“NHS was limited and the sound quality was muffled, I was constantly told that I had to get used to it but having a hearing aids since 12 years old I knew what it was like to transition from old to new.”
Because hearing had been such a significant part of his life, choosing a private hearing care provider felt like an important decision.
“So I decided to go private, but with who was a daunting prospect as I didn’t want to be challenged on how the sound should when I have experienced good sound for many years.”
After trying another provider without success, Paul and his partner came across Harley Street Hearing through one of Matthew Allsop’s YouTube videos.
“My partner saw a YouTube video and suggested to give Harley Street a go, so in December 2025 we did, and we met Joyce the consultation great I felt comfortable explained everything.”
Paul initially trialled ReSound hearing aids before switching to Widex. It proved to be the turning point.
“I started with the Resound hearing aid but changed to the Widex Hearing Aid. In the space of 6/7 months I’m over the moon and wished I did this years ago.”
For Paul, the biggest difference was how natural everything sounded.
“Widex worked for me the sounds sounded natural, we were able to mirror the Siemens Prisma sound levels and work from there.”
The improvements extended far beyond clearer conversations. Everyday moments became more enjoyable, from listening to music to taking phone calls on the move.
“Oh yes! I love being able to now hear all the songs I used to listen to in my earlier years, and I’m surprised the lyrics in some had now idea… Being able to take calls at random anywhere… I just wished I had this in my job years ago it would have made a huge difference.”
Like many hearing aid users, Paul found there was an adjustment period. But he understood that adapting wasn’t just about the hearing aids themselves—it was also about giving his brain time to adjust to new sounds.
“I knew initially Widex was 90% okay, the other 10% I knew I had to weigh up the positives, negatives and compromises… Joyce was amazing she listened and worked hard and I knew the penny will drop and today I sit hear submitting this story, I’m so pleased with the result.”
Throughout the process, Paul’s audiologist, Joyce Ho, worked closely with him to fine-tune his hearing aids and ensure they met his expectations.
“Joyce Ho as previously mentioned listened carried out the tests the mould is the best I have ever had… Joyce was brilliant couldn’t wish for a good audiologist.”
Today, Paul feels more relaxed and more confident in everyday conversations.
“I feel a lot more relaxed, I am confident but feel a lot more confident and assertive and not afraid to say, ‘sorry I didn’t quite catch what you said.'”
Looking back, Paul believes the relationship between patient and audiologist is just as important as the technology itself.
“There are so many different levels of hearing loss and getting a new hearing aid will always be challenging, but know that there is going to be that 10% being your brain that’s going to do the final touches, tweaking and that’ll come in time, you just need to wearing your hearing aids and get used to the sounds.”
He also encourages people to trust their instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
“But one thing I will say is if you feel at any moment something doesn’t sound right tell your audiologist and they need to listen to you… Joyce was great at simply that we worked together and I could be happier.”
Today, Paul continues to enjoy the natural sound and confidence his hearing aids have given him. His experience is a reminder that the right technology, combined with an audiologist who listens, can make all the difference.
“Yes, Thank you Joyce Ho and Thank you Harley Street Hearing.”
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids or would like to learn more about the latest hearing technology, our team is here to help you find the right solution for your hearing needs. Contact us today.
