Keeping in touch with family and friends

Spending time with loved ones and friends can be a noisy and challenging time for those with hearing loss. It can also be when many notice a hearing loss. During a social gathering, struggling with hearing can cause people to withdraw, be quieter than normal as they struggle to keep up with conversations.

Learning to accept and take action about hearing loss, and discovering the benefits of wearing hearing aids is a journey.

Phil Smith, found the 2022 festive period much easier to feel part of the family, after being fitted with Phonak Audeo Paradise hearing aids in time for Christmas.

Phil, had been told by his wife and family that he was constantly mis-hearing them or repeating himself. He began to notice himself during the last two years, recognising signs he had seen with his own father and the feeling that in certain situations, especially social gatherings, it was difficult to feel part of the family and be involved in conversations and jokes. More often not realising the family were joking about his not being able to hear.

Spending time with loved ones and friends was a different experience this year for Phil, being able to hear full conversations even with a lot of background noise. Phil’s wife Christine enjoyed not having to listen to Phil watching videos on his phone at a high level as the sound was directed straight to his hearing aids.

Phil said: “I didn’t realise how much my hearing had deteriorated until i first used the Phonak hearing aids. Suddenly, I heard paper rustling, my shoe soles squeaking on the floor and conversations on the TV were clearer to follow without turning up the volume!

“These digital hearing aids are so easy to recharge and comfortable to wear. As they are paired to my Android mobile phone, I am amazed at the clarity of calls direct to my ear pieces as previously I would have used the speaker facility on high volume to be able to hear and my daughter told me I looked like I was using a walkie talkie.

“Also, when I went to a busy pub with friends on Christmas Eve, I was able to easily follow the conversations and join in. Previously, I would only be able to converse directly with the person sitting next to me.”

Phil’s wife, Christine, has also noticed the difference since he started to wear hearing aids.

“I am so pleased that Phil has finally got around to accepting that he did actually need hearing aids. Around two years ago he decided that we needed a sound bar for the TV as he was struggling to hear certain dialogue. Also I was having to repeat myself, even when I am in close proximity despite having a particularly loud voice.”

“Now, when we’re in social situations it seems that Phil is so much more relaxed now that he is no longer struggling to tune into the conversation.”

“Thank you to Gatwick Audiology!”