Having had hearing problems and using NHS and then Specsavers hearing aids for approximately 25 years I was very disappointed at the fast deterioration of my hearing. I was well looked after and tested thoroughly by the staff but the hearing aids I had were the most powerful and on the highest adjustment level. Not at any time did any of these professionals question why the worsening of my hearing was happening so quickly.
After a chance conversation with a golfing friend of my husband about our deafness he told me that a lady in Aberdeen had been recommended to him as being an excellent audiologist….Jayne Bryce. I phoned to make an appointment the next week and went to see Jayne within a fortnight. We had a very in depth conversation about when and how I had realised I had a problem initially and worked through everything from there. She was very patient with a very emotional me and lots of questions from my husband; I ordered hearing aids from her and the service was second to none. I was also given an aid to try out ‘a Roger’ to help inter person communication but after a couple of odd experiences with this I decided it wasn’t for me. Jayne helped by recommending a device to plug into our TV which enabled me hear the sound directly through my hearing aids; this helped tremendously in that we were again able to enjoy a program together.
However the deterioration continued and Jayne took us completely by surprise saying that she felt there was more going on than just worsening deafness. Again much discussion about the way forward – possible cochlea implant or operations of another kind; I went to my GP and was referred to ENT who sent me for MRI and CT scans. This took a while but eventually the results came through and confirmed I had otosclerosis in both ears which for me was great news as it meant I didn’t have to take the implant route. Obviously there are no guarantees but I went ahead and had two stapedectomies which involve having a prosthetic stapes inserted in the ear to replace the natural calcified bone. The result of the first one was amazing, giving myself and my family a new lease of life and much easier communication; the difference within a very short time was incredible. The second operation didn’t work quite as well but some improvement was still achieved. I don’t need the gadget for the tv anymore and life has improved enormously. I now have had the aids ‘turned down’ and have a considerable amount of adjustment left to play with which hopefully won’t be needed any time soon.
At the risk of sounding melodramatic it is no exaggeration to say that Jayne has transformed not just my life but those close to me too. It is a delight to hear my grandchildren properly. I can’t thank Jayne enough for being the person who looked deeper and cared enough to push for a result.
