Blackberry Hearing Supports Laois Couple Facing €10,000 Hearing Aid Bill

At Blackberry Hearing, we believe hearing care should never be out of reach. Recently, we had the opportunity to help a couple whose story highlights just how difficult accessing essential hearing technology can be for many working families in Ireland.

James Reardon and Ruth McSkane, a couple from Portarlington, Co. Laois, were facing a €10,000 bill to replace their hearing devices. Their situation came to light on World Hearing Day (3 March) when the national charity for the deaf, Chime, shared their story.

A Working Family Facing a Difficult Situation

James and Ruth are both deeply committed to helping others in their daily work. Ruth works as a Special Needs Assistant at The Holy Family School for the Deaf in Cabra, while James is a healthcare assistant working in Mental Health Services in Dublin. At home, they are busy parents to three young children aged three, two and nine months.

Despite both working, the couple found themselves in a difficult position. They are above the income threshold for a medical card, meaning they do not qualify for support to replace their hearing devices — an expense that can arise every five to seven years.

Speaking about the impact, James explained that he had been using Ruth’s older hearing devices while they tried to manage the situation.

“Without hearing devices, we are essentially both isolated from our community,” he said. “We can’t talk with our neighbours, we can’t talk to our children.”

Blackberry Hearing Steps In to Help

When the team at Blackberry Hearing learned about their circumstances, we knew we wanted to help.

Managing Director Matthew Gleeson invited the couple to our Portlaoise clinic where our audiologist, Claire Bolger, carried out a full hearing assessment and worked with them to find the most appropriate hearing solutions.

“We were compelled to help,” said Matthew Gleeson. “It is deeply unfair that a working couple who themselves support others in healthcare and education are left struggling to afford essential hearing technology.”

Raising Awareness of Hearing Health

World Hearing Day is an important moment each year to highlight the importance of hearing health. This year’s theme also shines a light on paediatric hearing care, at a time when thousands of children across Ireland are waiting for hearing assessments through the HSE.

At Blackberry Hearing, our audiologists provide comprehensive hearing assessments for both adults and children, using advanced technology to deliver accurate results and personalised solutions.

Investing in Advanced Hearing Technology

We are proud to work with leading global hearing technology providers including Widex, Signia and Philips, ensuring our patients have access to some of the most advanced hearing solutions available today.

Since our founding in 2015, Blackberry Hearing has grown into one of Ireland’s leading hearing healthcare providers. Today, we operate more than 60 clinics nationwide, including seven dedicated stores in Portlaoise, Maynooth, Naas, Ballincollig, Gorey, Mallow and Dún Laoghaire.

Our Commitment to Hearing Care in Ireland

Our mission remains simple: to improve quality of life for people experiencing hearing loss by providing expert care, innovative technology and accessible hearing solutions across Ireland.

Stories like James and Ruth’s remind us why hearing healthcare matters so much, because hearing connects us to our families, our communities and the moments that matter most.

How Your Hearing Can Help You Stay on Your Feet

We usually think of a hearing test as something we do to make sure we can hear clearly. What many people don’t realise is that taking care of your hearing can also help keep you steady on your feet.

A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that older adults who received hearing interventions, including hearing assessments, advice, and hearing aids experienced fewer falls over three years compared to those who didn’t. The number of falls dropped by around 27% for people who had hearing care. That’s a significant difference, especially when falls can lead to injuries, hospital visits, and a loss of independence.

Hearing helps with spatial awareness, letting us pick up sounds around us, like traffic, footsteps, or other cues in our environment. When hearing is impaired, the brain works harder to process sounds, which can make it more difficult to notice what’s happening nearby, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. Essentially, our ears are part of how we stay aware of our surroundings, and supporting them can help support our stability.

It’s also interesting to note that the study focused on adults with untreated hearing loss. This highlights an important point: even mild changes in hearing can have wider effects on health and safety. Many people don’t realise that going for a hearing test isn’t just about improving what you hear, it can also help maintain your independence and confidence in daily life.

How Blackberry Hearing Can Help

At Blackberry Hearing, our Audiologists are here to help. From routine checks to personalised advice and hearing aids, we focus on supporting your hearing in a way that fits your lifestyle. Even small improvements can make a difference to your awareness, balance, and overall wellbeing.

Alongside hearing care, there are simple things you can do to reduce your risk of falls: keep walkways clear at home, make sure your shoes fit well, and stay active with regular exercises that improve strength and balance. Combining these steps with hearing care can help you stay safer and more confident on your feet.

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, it’s worth getting checked. Drop by one of our clinics located in Tesco stores or give us a call, we’d be happy to help you protect your hearing, your balance, and your independence.

Rita’s 10-Year Journey with Blackberry Hearing

Starting the Journey: Blackberry Hearing in 2015

I began working with Blackberry Hearing in 2015, while the company was still very much in its development stage and before a single customer had been tested or fitted with hearing aids. Fast forward 10 years and I’m still here, proud to see Blackberry Hearing grow into the largest Irish owned supplier of hearing aids.

My Role as a Regional Audiologist

I took on a full-time role as a regional audiologist with Blackberry Hearing in 2016 and have worked across the entire East of the country, from Cavan to Dublin, Offaly to Wexford, and have met some of the nicest people along the way.

Building Trust and Delivering Care

It has been a pleasure to see our customer base increase year on year. Most importantly, we as a company have always delivered the best possible customer care, which sets us apart from other hearing aid suppliers. Our customers recognise and appreciate the reputation we’ve built, and they’ve trusted us to look after their hearing needs for many years. I’ve loved getting to know so many of our customers and their families. They’ve truly become like an extension of my own.

The Reward of Restoring Hearing

Giving people back the ability to converse easily with friends and loved ones will always be hugely rewarding, and I’ll never take for granted how lucky I am to have such a fulfilling career.

We also have the best team at Blackberry Hearing, staff who genuinely care about our customers, and that is without doubt one of the company’s greatest strengths.

I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years has in store for Blackberry Hearing.

Celebrate 10 Years with Blackberry Hearing!

In honour of our 10-year anniversary, we're offering a 10% discount on all rechargeable hearing aids. This exclusive offer is available until 25th November 2025. Plus, enjoy free lifetime support, a 4-year warranty, and the option to book a free hearing test.

Claim your voucher now!

Blackberry Hearing Grows with Access Hearing Acquisition

We’re excited to announce that Blackberry Hearing has acquired Access Hearing in Dun Laoghaire, marking an important milestone in our growth journey. This acquisition strengthens our presence in Dublin and allows us to continue delivering high-quality, evidence-based hearing care to more people across the city.

We are delighted to welcome Joseph and Rita Ronan to the Blackberry team. With over 30 years of experience in audiology, Joseph has built a reputation for excellent patient care, and together with Rita, they’ve created a business that aligns closely with our values. Their expertise and dedication will further strengthen our services and help us continue providing the highest standards of hearing care.

This acquisition also allows Blackberry Hearing to broaden our clinical footprint in Dublin and strengthen partnerships with GPs, optical providers, and other healthcare professionals. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to continuing the great work already established at Access Hearing.

Read the full press article here: Blackberry Hearing makes Access Hearing latest acquisition

Introducing PHILIPS Hearing Aids at Blackberry Hearing

We are excited to announce that PHILIPS Hearing Aids will soon be available at Blackberry Hearing in select Tesco stores across Ireland. This collaboration brings together the trusted PHILIPS brand and our expertise in hearing care to offer you advanced hearing solutions.

A Trusted Name in Healthcare

While many recognise PHILIPS for their consumer electronics like TVs and electric toothbrushes, the company has a longstanding commitment to healthcare innovation. In 2019, PHILIPS partnered with Demant, a leading global hearing healthcare group, to re-enter the hearing aid market. This collaboration combines PHILIPS' brand presence with Demant's world-leading hearing aid technology, aiming to enrich the hearing healthcare experience and support healthier lifestyles.

Our Audiologists Are Ready

To ensure we provide the best possible advice, our Audiologists recently completed specialist training with the PHILIPS team from England and Denmark. This means they are fully prepared to guide you through the features of the new hearing aids and help you find the solution that best fits your lifestyle and needs.

Advanced Technology for Better Hearing

The PHILIPS HearLink series offers premium hearing aids designed to improve speech clarity, even in noisy environments. Features include:

• AI-powered sound technology for seamless listening experiences

• Connectivity with smartphones and other devices

• Rechargeable options for convenience and sustainability

These features make everyday conversations and activities more enjoyable and effortless.

Available Soon at Blackberry Hearing 

PHILIPS Hearing Aids will be launching in the coming weeks. When they arrive, our trained Audiologists will be ready to:

• Show you the latest models in person

• Provide personalised guidance to find the right hearing aid for you

• Explain available hearing aid grants and financing options

Stay Tuned for the Launch 

Keep an eye on your nearest Tesco store and our social channels for updates. We’re excited to welcome you and help you experience the difference PHILIPS Hearing Aids can make.

Blackberry Hearing & Letsbuyhealthcare

At Blackberry Hearing we always put our patients first. Making hearing care easy to access and affordable has been at the heart of what we do since the very beginning. That is why we are glad to be partnered with Letsbuyhealthcare.

What is Letsbuyhealthcare?

Letsbuyhealthcare is an Irish healthcare platform where people can browse services, compare options and book appointments online. It is designed to make healthcare more transparent and easier to access, while also giving members the option to save money in advance towards treatments.

Booking Made Simple

Through our partnership anyone using Letsbuyhealthcare can now book hearing tests, consultations and treatments with Blackberry Hearing in just a few clicks. It means patients have another straightforward way to reach us and the reassurance of trusted care from our audiologists.

Choice and Convenience for Patients

For patients this partnership is about more choice and more convenience. With Letsbuyhealthcare you can plan ahead for healthcare costs, and when this is combined with supports such as the PRSI Grant and Tax Relief it helps make better hearing more affordable.

Opening Doors to Better Hearing

We are proud to work with Letsbuyhealthcare because it opens another door for people to access our services. Whether you are booking your first hearing test or need ongoing support we are here to help you every step of the way. Find out more - Click here 

Understanding & Managing Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, is more common than you might think. For many people, it comes and goes, but for others, it can be a constant distraction. While it can be frustrating to live with, there are ways to manage it, and you don’t have to go it alone.

At Blackberry Hearing, we speak to people every day who are experiencing tinnitus. The good news is that support and solutions are available. From identifying the cause to exploring treatment options, here’s what you need to know.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of something else. It’s often linked to hearing loss, but it can also be caused by:

• Exposure to loud noise
• Earwax build-up
• Certain medications
• Stress or anxiety
• Conditions like hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound)

We’ve seen many cases where excessive earwax is the culprit, luckily, that’s an easy fix. If your tinnitus has come on suddenly or is affecting your day-to-day life, it’s worth getting your ears checked by an audiologist.

Treatment options

There’s no one size fits all treatment for tinnitus, but there are effective ways to reduce its impact:

• Hearing aids: For people with hearing loss, hearing aids often provide significant relief. They help by amplifying external sounds, making the internal ringing less noticeable.
• Sound therapy: Background sounds like soft music or white noise can help mask the tinnitus, especially in quiet environments.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Managing the emotional response to tinnitus is key. CBT helps reduce anxiety and stress, which can make symptoms feel worse.
• Earwax removal: If wax build-up is causing your tinnitus, a quick removal might be all you need to get relief.

We also recommend addressing any underlying issues, like hyperacusis, which can often go hand in hand with tinnitus.

A helpful app from Widex

We often get asked if there’s anything people can try at home, and there is! Widex offers a free app called Widex Zen - Tinnitus Management, which uses soothing sounds and relaxation techniques to help manage tinnitus symptoms. You don’t need to wear hearing aids to use the app, making it a great option for anyone looking for some extra support.

You can find it here.

Talk to us

If you’re experiencing tinnitus and not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Our team of expert Audiologists can guide you through a personalised plan, whether that’s a hearing test, treatment options, or simply pointing you in the right direction.

You don’t have to live with tinnitus alone, there’s plenty you can do, and we’re always just a phone call or clinic visit away.

Blackberry Hearing Customer’s Story Featured in Irish Examiner

As featured in the Irish Examiner.

At Blackberry Hearing, we hear stories every day from people whose lives have been transformed by better hearing, and we were delighted to see one of those stories featured recently in the Irish Examiner.

The story comes from Vickie Maye, the Irish Examiner Weekend magazine editor, who spoke openly about how difficult life had become due to untreated hearing loss, from feeling isolated to struggling with confidence in social settings. Everything changed when she visited our Audiologist, Emer O’Reilly, for a free hearing test. 

With the right support and hearing aids fitted to suit her needs, she described the moment she could finally hear clearly again: “I just cried when I could hear everything again. I feel like a new person.”

We’re so proud of Emer and the difference she makes in the lives of the people she looks after, and even more proud of this wonderful woman for sharing her story.

For more details, you can read the full press release.

Introducing The All New Widex Allure

Meet the Widex Allure, the latest in smart, discreet hearing devices. Powered by AI, it offers clear speech, natural sound, and up to 25 hours of battery life. With Bluetooth® streaming and simple app control, hearing has never been easier! The Widex Allure isn’t just any hearing aid. It's been designed to give you the most natural, effortless listening experience possible. Whether you're chatting with friends or watching TV, it’s built to handle it all.

AI-Powered Personalisation – Smarter Sound That Learns with You

The Widex Allure goes beyond just adapting to your surroundings as it learns from you. With built-in AI, you can personalise your hearing through the Widex app using quick A/B comparisons (just pick the one that sounds better). Over time, the Allure learns your preferences and adjusts automatically to match how you want to hear things. The Widex Allure has 11 unique listening environments, it fine-tunes sound in real-time without you needing to adjust anything manually. It's that simple, smart, and designed to fit into your lifestyle.

Speech Enhancer Pro – Hear Every Word Clearly

The 52-band Speech Enhancer Pro works by intelligently amplifying speech while reducing background noise. Whether you're in a noisy restaurant or at a family gathering, Allure works hard to keep voices clear, crisp, and easy to follow. No more missing important words in conversations!

Adaptive Feedback Control – No More Whistling

One of the standout features of the Widex Allure is its Adaptive Feedback Canceller. This technology actively detects and prevents unwanted whistling or feedback, without affecting sound quality. So, you can enjoy natural sound at any volume, without interruptions.

Smart Compatibility – Stream from Your Apple Watch and More

The Widex Allure makes it easy to stream calls, music, and more, straight from your phone, including iPhone, many Android devices, and even your Apple Watch. It also works perfectly with Widex’s full range of accessories like TV Play, remote controls, and the Widex app, giving you complete control over your hearing experience from the devices you use every day.

Rechargeable Battery – Power That Lasts All Day

The Widex Allure is fully rechargeable and gives you up to 25 hours of battery life on a single charge. With continuous streaming, you’ll get around 18–20 hours of use. When you're not using your Widex Allure device, just place your hearing aids in the compact charging case overnight, no more worrying about changing batteries. It’s all about reliable, all-day power that makes hearing effortless.

Pricing & Offers

• €4,500 after PRSI grant
• 4 year warranty
• Free servicing
• Free aftercare
• Free remote care worth €275
• Free TV Play or Sound Assist
• 45 Day money back guarantee
• Claim €859.60 In Tax Relief

Blackberry Hearing Partners with Uniphar Group

Blackberry Hearing is now available in over 60 Uniphar pharmacies across Ireland. This partnership means even more people can get expert hearing care right in their local pharmacy, making it easier than ever to take the first step on their hearing journey.

We’ve always believed hearing care should be easy to access, affordable, and led by experts. By teaming up with Uniphar Group, one of Ireland’s leading healthcare providers, we’re reaching into communities across the country.

Whether it’s a free hearing test, a friendly chat with one of our qualified audiologists, or ongoing aftercare, our approach stays the same. You’ll still be looked after by a qualified audiologist, have access to top quality hearing devices, and get the personal support that Blackberry Hearing is known for, now just in a location that might be five minutes from your home.

Pharmacies play such an important role in the healthcare journey, and we’re proud to be part of that experience, offering trusted, expert led hearing care in a place people already feel comfortable.

Hearing loss is incredibly common but still underdiagnosed. This partnership is a big step towards changing that by making hearing checks part of everyday healthcare.

For more details, you can read the full press release by clicking the PDF attached.