“I felt a hearing aid was ageing but the modern one I have is so discreet”

Wendy Clark, 56, works as a business support manager on the Isle of Wight, where she lives with husband

Steve, an aero engine technician.

I was 49 when I noticed my hearing was deteriorating. I found myself turning the TV volume up very loud. Phone calls became more difficult, and Steve and our daughter Zoe, 36, also started to comment.

So in 2009, I decided to visit my local Specsavers audiologists to rule out hearing loss. But I was shocked when Sam, the audiologist, told me I had age-related hearing loss. He recommended hearing aids but I didn’t feel ready to commit to wearing them every day; I felt they were ageing. I put them in the kitchen drawer and forgot about them. Unfortunately, my hearing kept deteriorating.

And at work it was crucial I could hear properly in meetings. So in 2015, I went back to Specsavers and was given receiver in canal hearing aids (RICs). They tuck behind my ears and have a clear wire that goes into the ear, which is almost invisible – it resembles a strand of hair. These aids have buttons for an increase in amplification whenever I need it and I can do it myself discreetly. This is a dream in a busy boardroom or restaurant when I might need to amplify what is being said due to background noise.

I wish I’d had my hearing checked again sooner as it has made such a big difference to my life. As a professional person I’m now able to compete on a level playing field with my peers. Hearing aids have changed my life for the better.

Wendy has advanced hearing aids, which were £1,395 at Specsavers; prices start at £495. For more information or to book a free hearing test, visit specsavers.co.uk/hearing W&H