"These instruments have changed my life completely."
”I feel safe with these instruments. Whether a car is approaching, or people, I now have a better idea of where they are and how far away they are. And this makes me feel more secure.
Everything sounds clearer now. I can be certain that what I am hearing is correct and that I’m not just catching bits of things. I can hear both the primary sounds that are essential for sensing things and participating, plus the secondary sounds that provide a sense of space. It might be other people, a door creaking, the sound of traffic, or of the electric tools I use when tending the garden. All these sounds are meaningful: they help me get my bearings and react accordingly.
The sound quality is so good that I no longer need to strain to participate – whether it’s in a small room with few people or a large location with many. My family says that they find it easier to communicate with me now, and that I’m more fun to be with.
Previously they couldn’t be certain that I’d heard what they said. They also say that I’ve become more open. I used to shut down a bit, because I found it too demanding to follow the conversation. When you know that you going to tire quickly you have to say, ‘I have x-amount of energy, so I’d better save it for what’s important.’ Thankfully this is no longer the case.
The sound quality is so good that I don’t need to alter the volume manually. Not even in the theatre or at the cinema, where the volume can get pretty loud. They adjust the volume automatically. And when I’m conversing, the sound quality is clear and detailed.
The sound picture seems to have become broader – it’s like going from a 16mm film to a widescreen movie with three-dimensional sound.
These instruments have changed my life completely. It’s difficult to find the right words to describe it – also for my family. We find it so much easier to communicate with each other. My children have said, ‘You were starting to fade a bit, but not any more’. And that’s really positive.
I feel younger now – and it’s got nothing to do with the fact that spring is here. It’s become springtime for my hearing.”
