War hero’s hearing mission
The amazing story of Algernon Charles Holland, a British wartime hero who went on to create a global network of hearing centres, remained secret until 2006, when previously classified material was released.
Charles, as he preferred to be known, founded Amplifon – a global hearing specialist which now helps customers in over 22 countries across 8,600 hearing centres worldwide and more than 200 hearing centres in the UK.
However, throughout his pioneering business career the thrice-decorated World War II hero kept quiet about another astonishing chapter in his life – the years he served in the Special Operations Executive, an elite group who carried out espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines.
Charles Holland was later attached to the Canadian First Special Service Force – a crack group known as The Devil’s Brigade, who were later immortalised in a Hollywood film of the same name.
And although this incredibly modest man rarely talked about his exploits, the honours they brought him speak volumes about their importance. In 1943 he was awarded the MBE for his service in Greece and at the end of the war the Military Cross – the thirdhighest British decoration for valour. A few years later, in 1948, the US Government presented him with the Bronze Star.
But war brings many casualties, and Charles Holland was struck by the huge number of former forces personnel who carried a lasting legacy of hearing loss. So he set himself a new mission to do something about it.
In 1950, in Milan – where Charles was living with his Italian-born wife Anna Maria – he founded Amplifon and launched what has become a heritage of hearing that has helped millions of people around the world to rediscover their own world – and the joy of everyday sounds. to Apple and some Android smart phones which means you can adjust settings remotely using the ReSoundSmart™ app.
This ingenious app allows you to program your preferred settings to ensure you hear clearly and comfortably in noisy situations, like a restaurant or pub, that you might have struggled with in the past.
It even acts as a pair of headphones, letting you stream sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. With the ReSound Unite TV Streamer you can also watch your favourite shows at your favourite volume.
Hearing aid audiologist Tazmeet Anand says: “It may sound complex, but ReSound LiNX2 is incredibly easy to use.
“The technology is getting better all the time, and Amplifon’s independence means we can offer devices from a number of different manufacturers.
“But finding the optimal hearing solution is not just about amazing devices, it’s also about delivering amazing, personalised service and aftercare. We take the time to listen to our customers, and tailor a hearing solution for their specific needs, lifestyle and budget.
“That’s why so many come back and tell that us what an incredible difference their Amplifon hearing aids have made.”