A musician from Oxfordshire can now appreciate her performances more fully after obtaining new hearing equipment.

Jenny Hellyer, 71, from Eynsham, reports that both her musical pursuits and everyday activities have been significantly enhanced following assistance from Specsavers in Abingdon.

Years of orchestral work had gradually impaired her hearing, and she had been using hearing aids since turning 60.

Ms Hellyer noticed the initial problems during piano practice and also found it challenging to follow spoken discussions.

After growing dissatisfied with alterations made by her previous audiologists, Ms Hellyer sought assistance from hearing specialist Syd Smith at Specsavers, who guided her towards selecting hearing devices best suited to her requirements.

Mr Smith explained that upon Ms Hellyer’s visit, he conducted a hearing assessment which revealed mild to moderate impairment in both ears. After discussing her specific difficulties to identify where improvements could be made, she trialed an initial set of hearing devices that proved unsuitable, so they were replaced with a different model.

The replacement equipment features Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, digital technology and smartphone compatibility, enabling audio to stream straight into the ears.

Ms Hellyer expressed her satisfaction with the marked improvement in her hearing, noting how transformative the change has been. She can now confidently pick up her violin and play, assured that she is perceiving every note distinctly.

Mr Smith observed that individuals frequently wait between seven and ten years before addressing hearing difficulties they first recognise, and that diminished hearing frequently results in feelings of solitude and disconnection.

He urged anyone experiencing similar concerns to arrange a hearing assessment, describing the process as straightforward, painless and at no cost.