It was many years ago since my husband and I were on a bird watching trip that we had one of those “Eureka moments” The Black Grass Wren was exactly in the area that our guide book had listed it to be, but the joy was in seeing it moving amongst the rocks. After we had checked the details we gave ourselves a ‘tick” to register that we had seen the bird. We were rather pleased with ourselves that it had not been a journey wasted. We were setting off to go back down the track when David said, STOP! I can hear calls on your left. We halted and in a few minutes a group of small birds came scrambling through the bushes, amongst them, the Purple-Crowned Wrens, if we had stretched out our arms we could have touched them. Delighted as I was to see the Wrens, I asked myself “Why had I not known the birds were so close?” The answer was simple: I had not heard them call.
On returning home I went for a hearing test and was very sad to learn that I no longer possessed an acute level of hearing. This was my introduction to hearing aids.
Over the following years as my hearing loss was increasing, the scientists were upgrading the quality in the manufacture of new models of hearing aids. I have now had 5 different types of aids all of which periodically have greatly assisted me in hearing and socializing, in fact letting me lead a fairly normal life-style. It is a blessing to be able to hear and communicate.
Late 2016, I heard and read about a new aid which was causing quite a stir and was being highly praised. I committed the news to memory and I said I will investigate it later. That time occurred when I was walking down The Parade and saw a shop window with a sign above namely HEARING SENSE. I went inside to ask questions. I was impressed with their presentation I proceeded to have the test and accepted the free trial for one month. I can assure you that within minutes I realised how much improved they were and smaller too.
I was intrigued by the various pieces of electronic equipment involved in the testing and fitting process in comparison to 30 years ago. I was rather keen to choose the type that sits more into the canal and is removed about eight days later for cleaning but I was advised against that model as it was not the best for my needs. I chose a similar design to my existing ones with the battery container anchored behind my ear. It cannot be seen because of my hairstyle.
The staff are friendly and are trained to assist clients in need of new batteries, a monthly cleaning aid programme for those with not so nimble fingers and possibly not such good eyesight and or try to solve whatever problem they may encounter.
I enjoy wearing my aids because they give me more freedom and increases my awareness of what is going on around me and in today’s world that needs my highest priority.
I hope my little story will encourage anyone who does not hear to take the next step and be tested. I am sure that you will not regret it.
I say THANK YOU to the clinicians and Directors of Hearing Sense for being there.
