Hearing Friends

The stars of this true story are a lively couple enjoying their golden years in the early months of 2007. They make their living from farming; they are full of life and obviously very happy together.

And yet she says: ‘I get very cross with him.’ Why? ‘Because he won’t wear them.’ Why not? ‘They’re no good,’ he says. ‘You go back for adjustments, surely?’ I ask. He shakes his head. ‘They just want to sell you these things. That’s all they’re interested in.’

He has two digital hearing aids: a well-known international brand fitted by a reputable high street dispenser. Total cost, over £4,000. He might just as well have saved his money. He doesn’t wear them. As a result he and his wife have no respect for the instruments or the company that supplied them; no confidence in the claims and promises on which they were sold. What about after-care? Hard to believe it was not offered. Adjustments should have made a difference. But something hasn’t worked, and this story is far from unusual.

Why do people who have problems with their hearing aids give up? This farmer and his wife would never accept unsatisfactory service from one of their trade suppliers. And yet with his hearing loss they have decided nothing can be done, and they just have to put up with it. Why has there been no follow up?  Why were they not told that problems are almost inevitable in the early stages? They would have been quick to accept help if it was offered in a way that they could relate to. Instead they are now convinced they cannot expect caring support because all hearing aid companies have commercial priorities. Their feelings are probably exaggerated by the self-consciousness that we all experience with hearing loss. We feel vulnerable; not in control. It’s a very private problem.

I’m sure they expected and hoped that his hearing aids would instantly make a wonderful improvement. That seldom happens. There is a new dimension to learn about. We have to adjust our thinking. In the early stages, we may feel strange, even a bit disorientated. So much depends on our personal contacts with whoever prescribes and fits our aids. We need careful coaching. But if we don’t get it, we may not have the confidence to insist on more helpful support to which we are entitled. In my experience, the farmer’s negative feelings are, sadly, quite common.

Fortunately there are many good stories where after-care is unstintingly given to help our learning process. I have been treated by quite a few audiologists over 30 years and almost all of them have been wonderfully helpful and patient with me; I have been very fortunate. Howeverthere is no denying that, outside the NHS, there are very powerful commercial pressures caused partly by a shortage of suitably qualified hearing professionals. More and more of us need their help. There seems to be more business available than they can comfortably handle. Unlimited time and patience is something they clearly have to balance against business objectives.

Here at Hearing Friends I hope we can share positive experiences and ideas that show the kind of best practice that can be available so that people like the farmer and his wife do not have to feel hopelessly frustrated or self-conscious. If they can share in our good stories, they can be more confident about getting the counselling and support they deserve. Best of all, they will know that they do NOT have to give up. Nor do any of us – ever.

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