For Jane and her daughter Sarah, hearing is more than just sound; it is how they connect with each other, with family, and with the world around them. But for both, everyday life had become frustrating and isolating.
Jane, 88, was struggling to hear much at all. Her existing hearing aids were difficult to manage, and her family was growing increasingly concerned as her inability to follow conversations left everyone feeling frustrated. Sarah, 62, meanwhile, was pretending she could hear, missing much of what was said around her, and quietly dreading social situations.
“Before coming to Harley Street Hearing, it was incredibly difficult,” Jane recalls. “I felt isolated. I could not follow conversations in a group, could not watch much television, and struggled to share moments with my grandchildren.”
Sarah adds, “I was starting to dread dinner parties and gatherings. I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and the little things my partner whispered just passed me by. It felt like I was missing out on life.”
Searching online for solutions brought them Harley Street Hearing, where they met Clinical Lead Audiologist Fiona Butterworth. Fiona took the time to understand their unique needs, offering practical advice and support at every stage.
For Jane, this meant guidance on choosing hearing aids she could manage despite limited technical experience. Fiona recommended the Oticon More 1R hearing aids, which were straightforward to use.
For Sarah, it meant realising her dream of wearing pink hearing aids and learning how to insert her Oticon Real 1R hearing aids properly. “Fiona is just wonderful,” ays Sarah. “It took three visits before I could even insert the aids correctly, but she was endlessly patient and supportive.”
Adjusting to the devices came with challenges. Jane struggled initially to learn how to charge her aids, while Sarah found wearing them strange at first. Fiona even created a reminder video for Sarah to help her get the hang of it. Now, Jane has been using her hearing aids for three years, and Sarah is fully confident in managing hers.
The difference has been profound.
“For me, the defining moment was attending a wedding and being able to join in the conversation around the table,” Jane says. Sarah recalls a special holiday: “Walking along the beach with my partner and actually hearing what he was saying was magical. I felt like I could finally connect again.”
Both agree on one simple piece of advice for anyone experiencing hearing difficulties: “Go for it! It makes such a difference to everyday life.”
Jane and Sarah are grateful for Fiona’s support. “We are so glad we found her,” Sarah says. “She really guided us every step of the way.”
Discover how personalised hearing care can help you reconnect with the sounds, conversations, and moments that matter most. Get in touch to learn more or to book your appointment today.
