"I was lying in bed when my husband Martin climbed in beside me and said, 'I got the distinct impression that you didn't hear much of what was said this evening.' His comment struck a chord with me, but I just laughed off his concern. I agreed that the restaurant in which we'd spent the evening with friends had been rather noisy - but wasn't the food really delicious?

As a diversion tactic it was brilliant, but I couldn't sleep because what he'd said was true - the evening had indeed been one long battle for me, trying to follow the conversation and straining to catch what my friends were saying.
The next morning I went to the post office and was mortified when I had to ask the cashier to repeat herself no fewer than four times. And so I decided to have my hearing checked and made an appointment at my local Boots Hearingcare centre. Following a hearing test I was fitted with hearing aids.

The positive impact on my life is fantastic - things are so much simpler, easier and clearer, from listening to music to watching the soaps on television. I've even learnt that checkouts beep as they scan your shopping. I've regained my confidence, socialise more and no longer feel left out of people's conversations. It's wonderful to be part of the world again."