Oxfordshire violinist gets help with hearing at Specsavers

Jenny Hellyer, 71, from Eynsham, says her music and daily life have been transformed after receiving help and advice from Specsavers in Abingdon.

Years of performing in orchestras had damaged her hearing, and she had been wearing hearing devices since she was 60.

Ms Hellyer said: “I first noticed I was struggling with my hearing when I was playing the piano.

“I would also have difficulty following conversations.”

After becoming frustrated with changes at her audiologists, Ms Hellyer visited hearing expert Syd Smith at Specsavers, who helped her choose hearing devices that would work best for her needs.

Mr Smith said: “When Jenny came in to see me, I started with a hearing check which confirmed a mild to moderate loss in both ears.

“After listening to her to understand where we might be able to help sharpen her hearing, she tried a pair of hearing devices which weren’t quite right, so we switched them for another pair.”

The new devices are Bluetooth, rechargeable, digital models that are app-enabled and allow music to be played directly into the ear.

Ms Hellyer said: “I’m really pleased with how much sharper my hearing is, it’s made such a difference.

“I can just pick up my violin and play, feeling confident that I’m hearing every note clearly.”

Mr Smith said it can take between seven and 10 years for people to do something after they first start to notice a difference, and that hearing loss can leave people feeling lonely and isolated.

He encouraged people to make an appointment for a hearing check, which is quick, easy and free.