1. What first made you notice changes in your hearing?

“Initially, my hearing loss was subtle — little things like missing a few words of what people were saying, struggling to hear things on the TV, and finding I was having to really focus on the person speaking to understand what they were saying.

It was something joked about in our house — that I had “domestic deafness” — because my wife was always having to repeat what she said, or I didn’t hear things she told me. I found I was withdrawing from social situations because I wouldn’t catch everything being said.”

2. How did your hearing loss affect your daily life, lifestyle, or relationships?

“I found I was getting frustrated a lot. I felt like I couldn’t engage in group conversations as much — I would miss too much of what was being said. My wife and family were very patient, but I could see them getting frustrated as well. It was often joked about to make it lighthearted, but it was definitely impacting relationships.

It was also having an impact at work. As a paramedic, I often need to ask people a lot of questions to best understand how I can help them, and I was very often asking people to repeat things. My partners at work would often have to help with things I missed, or I’d ask people to write something down.

I found I was becoming more anti-social — actively avoiding social engagements and feeling embarrassed about always asking people to repeat things.”

3. How long did it take you to take action and get hearing aids after you noticed your hearing had changed?

“I initially resisted for a few years. I had several tests at different clinics and just didn’t want to accept that it was a problem, or that I couldn’t just learn to live with it. There was no getting around it.

I also never found a clinic I felt any connection to. It felt like they were just doing tests and giving standard advice to sell equipment. It didn’t feel personalized, or like my hearing was the priority — selling devices was their priority.”

4. What held you back — or motivated you — to get hearing help?

“My family were super supportive of me getting hearing aids, encouraging me to try several different clinics and audiologists to find a solution.

I also found it really starting to impact my work — especially in noisy environments. I just couldn’t hear what people were saying, and it was getting to a point that it could have serious consequences — for me and for patients.”

5. Had you been to other clinics before coming to Hidden Hearing? What made you choose us in the end?

“After several years of avoiding it, my GP eventually suggested an audiologist. He seemed great and found a hearing aid that was specific to my needs, and I purchased some devices from him. Once I made the purchase, that was the last I ever heard from him. No follow-ups to see if I was getting used to them, needed any advice or support, and never any advice around service or maintenance.

The only time I ever heard from that clinic again was five years later — when I needed new ones.

This is when I found Alex and the team at Hidden Hearing. From my initial phone call, I knew they were the right team. They were all about dealing with the person, helping the person, and finding the right help for the person. It was like dealing with people I had known for years — and they were helping a friend, not just a client.”

6. What was your first impression when you visited Hidden Hearing?

“From the first phone call, it felt familiar — like dealing with people I had known for years. I immediately felt comfortable. It was professional and personal.

I had to make some changes to appointments due to work commitments, and it was never an issue. My original devices had been lost while travelling, and I was replacing them through insurance.

Alex and the team were super helpful and patient with quotes, information, and support in answering requests from the insurance company and finding the best possible device for my hearing needs. Fast replies to emails. No request too hard. Every question had an answer. Very supportive.”

7. What type of hearing aids do you use now?

“I now have Phonak — rechargeable and Bluetooth-enabled. Waterproof and programmable via an app.

Perfect for the diverse environments I can find myself in between work and life.”

8. Was there an adjustment period? What did you find helpful while getting used to them?

“Definitely an adjustment period. With the initial devices, it took a while to get used to having this thing in my ear — but also hearing the things I had previously not heard. It does take a while to adjust. I’d say it took me a couple of months to be really comfortable wearing them.

I didn’t really get good at how to use them most effectively until I met Alex. She took the time to show me their features — how I can make quick adjustments on the move. Even before buying the replacement set, she went through all the features of the different models and brands. She explained why she was recommending a certain brand over another, to suit my specific needs and budget.

Then after she set them up to meet my needs, she showed me how to use them — the features, how to clean and maintain them — and made it clear I can call any time or come see the team if I have any issues. The support that was missing from my first purchase.”

9. How have hearing aids changed or improved your life?

“With the right devices now, and knowing how to really use them effectively, I am engaging in more social activities. Spending more time with family and friends and being willing to do more.

My wife and daughter are super happy. We engage more as a family and have much better conversations. Less frustration. Fewer arguments. Fewer avoidable problems.

It’s also made a huge impact at work. I don’t need to rely on my partners as much to tell me the things I’m missing. I don’t need to ask people to write things down (like names, etc.). I don’t feel worried that I will miss vital details.

Being a paramedic makes the details very important. I was always worried I would miss a critical detail — and I no longer have that concern.”

10. Can you share a moment or memory where you really noticed the difference?

“I’ve started playing pickleball with my wife and her friends. I’ve been more willing to engage in social activities with family and friends.

Most importantly, I can have better engagement with my teenage daughter. Teenagers can be tricky to engage with, but having to ask them constantly to repeat things just adds to the complexity. I have a much more rewarding and fulfilling relationship with my family.”

11. What advice would you give to someone who’s unsure about getting hearing aids?

“Get the right audiologist and clinic. Find one that makes it all about the person and your needs — not one that just wants to sell you the devices they get the biggest profit from.

Find a clinic that makes after-sales support part of the pre-sale. Not just saying they offer support — but look at what actual support they give.

Find the right devices for your needs — that fit your lifestyle requirements. The right device can change your life in such a positive way. The wrong device, and you’ll end up not wearing them.”