Hyperacusis symptoms and treatments?

Hyperacusis is an auditory disorder when a person experiences difficulties tolerating sounds at a normal level. In some instances, low level or normal sound levels can become unbearable or the person can experience pain within the ear. External sounds including conversations, vacuum cleaning, kitchen appliances, or busy offices can become difficult to tolerate the sound.

People who suffer from Hyperacusis often feel pain when they hear high-pitched sounds, for example, car alarms, phones ringing, or dogs barking can cause extreme discomfort. Unfortunately, if these high pitch sounds are common in your workplace or environment, a person can become anxious and quite uncomfortable.

What does Hyperacusis feel like?

Hyperacusis can cause physical pain in your ear or a fullness (pressure) within the ear. This can become uncomfortable as people quite often leave the issue undiagnosed.

Our patient's experience:

Hyperacusis can cause physical pain in your ear or a fullness (pressure) within the ear. This can become uncomfortable as people quite often leave the issue undiagnosed.

Our patient's experience:

• Sharp pain within the ear
• Fullness feeling within the ear
• Low/Normal sounds cause pain
• Increased anxiety or stress
• Balance issues
• Experience headaches

Types of hyperacusis

Cochlear hyperacusis

With cochlear hyperacusis, people can experience pain within the ear, irritation, discomfort when they hear certain sounds. Sounds at a low or high pitch can cause extreme discomfort. Unfortunately, cochlear hyperacusis can cause discomfort or anxiety when hearing normal level sounds.

Vestibular hyperacusis

With vestibular hyperacusis, people can experience a loss of balance or dizziness when exposed to certain sounds. Vestibular hyperacusis can also cause vertigo or nausea.

Causes of hyperacusis

Hyperacusis can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Changes in hearing due to aging
• Head or ear trauma
• Prolonged exposure to loud noises
• Ototoxic Medications can cause hearing loss/hyperacusis
• Blockages can cause temporary hyperacusis
• Tinnitus – People who experience tinnitus can also experience hyperacusis
• Viral infections that affect the inner ear or facial nerve
• Ménière’s disease

Hyperacusis tests & treatments?

An audiological assessment including a pure-tone hearing test can detect levels of hearing loss at both high and low frequencies. Once a full hearing test is complete, the Audiologist can analyse the level of hearing by reviewing the audiogram.

Hearing Aids

If hearing loss is present, hearing aids can be specifically programmed to compensate for hearing loss to help ease Hyperacusis. In some cases, patients suffering from Hyperacusis also experience Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear). An Audiologist can advise if a patient is a potential candidate for hearing aids.

GP

In most cases, a GP will recommend a hearing test to investigate if Hyperacusis is caused by hearing loss. If no loss is present, further referrals to an ENT specialist to investigate the issues.

ENT Specialist

If hearing loss is not present from the results of a hearing test, the Audiologists may refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist) who may investigate the issue further.

10 Tips For Buying Hearing Aids in 2025

1. Find a qualified Audiology company

The first step in the process is finding a reputable Audiology company that employs fully qualified Audiologists. In order to be a fully qualified Audiologist, a Degree (BSc) or Master’s Degree (MSc) must be completed in order to attain accreditation and practice as a qualified Audiologist. Our Audiologists have completed the necessary training & attained either a BSc or MSc in Audiology.

Speak to your GP about your concerns regarding your hearing. Your GP will be able to refer you to a reputable Audiology company using an electronic referral system. We have been a member of eHealth Ireland since 2020 which allows GP’s to refer patients for Audiology assessment.

Take some time to read customer reviews online, customer feedback both positive and negative can be a fantastic way to learn more about an Audiology company and get a sense of their customer service, aftercare service & how they treat their customers.

In 2025 we have further improved our customer experience by increasing our online offering. We now use web chat as a customer service tool, dedicated mobile numbers to our Audiologists and support staff, make bookings through Facebook & Instagram.

2. Book a hearing consultation

The first step is to discuss the concerns you may have about your hearing and if you may benefit from hearing aids. Our Audiologists will note any concerns or symptoms you may have.

In order to understand if you have hearing loss, our Audiologists will conduct a full pure-tone hearing test which includes a full Audiogram. The Audiogram is a graph of your specific hearing result for each ear and it distinguishes if hearing loss is present or not. Our Audiologists will explain the Audiogram and results in detail, explaining the type and degree of hearing loss.

We will always encourage patients to bring a loved one to the consultation if they are feeling nervous. Having a loved one at the appointment can be a great way of expressing family concerns or questions. Our Audiologists can offer in-clinic hearing tests or home visits if the patient prefers

3. Discuss if you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids

When discussing your Audiogram if the Audiologist determines that you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids they will highlight the benefits that they could make to the quality of your life. In some cases, patients feel they may not be ready for hearing aids and prefer to revisit them at a later stage.

Understanding the level of hearing loss and where you are on your journey is critically important. Some styles of hearing aids may not be suitable for your ear canal. In some cases, we can arrange custom moulds for the most comfortable fit. 

4. Understand what you need from your hearing aids

There are vast amounts of hearing aids available, understanding what you need and require from your hearing aid is important. Hearing technology has improved dramatically over the past number of years and consistently gets more advanced each year. Understanding what features you require is really important.

Some features now include:

• Rechargeable models for people constantly on the move
• Smart connectivity to your iPhone, Android, Laptop or iPad
• Multiple sound environments
• Machine learning that learns and adapts to your hearing loss
• Tinnitus masking
• TV streaming for a personalised experience

5. Get a demonstration on the day

Understanding how to put a hearing aid in your ear and experiencing how it feels is an important step. Our Audiologists help you to try on and experience how it feels, sounds and looks for yourself. 

There are several styles of hearing aids including:

• BTE – Behind the ear
• CIC – Completely in Canal
• RIC – Receiver in Canal

Understanding which type of hearing aid you prefer the look and sound of is also important. Once you are comfortable with how the hearing aid feels, our Audiologists will demonstrate the different sound levels allowing you to experience improved hearing for yourself.

6. Ask about aftercare service

One of the key misconceptions about hearing aids relates to after-care service, and what to do if any issue arises. Once you become a Blackberry Hearing customer, you are allocated a designated Audiologist and a support member who is your main point of contact.

Your support member:

• Can schedule service calls
• Arrange home visits
• Arrange filters, domes, and batteries posted directly to you

Our Audiologists

• Provide service calls in a clinic or in your home
• Program or tune your hearing aids in a clinic or remotely
• Address any issues you may be experiencing
• Provide follow up hearing consultations and appointments
• Provide Microsuction wax removal

7. Ask about payment plans, grants & tax relief

Purchasing hearing aids can be daunting due to the cost involved in purchasing for the first time. Ensure you ask about available payment plans to help spread the payments across several months. Some Audiology companies provide this service but others offer it through a third party.

In Ireland, you can avail of a PRSI grant that can reduce the cost of hearing aids up to €1,000. For more information please visit our PRSI Grant Page.

9. Ask about additional costs or extras?

Ensure you ask about any additional costs you may incur like service calls, wax removal, batteries, filters or domes. Being aware of additional costs can help you make an informed decision about purchasing hearing aids and the provider you choose.

We offer batteries for a minimum of two years, and four years on selected models. We do not charge for service calls or home visits. We do charge a small fee for filters and receivers which only need to be purchased every six months or so.

10. Warranty & returns policies

Understanding the warranty policy on your hearing aids is critically important. Be sure to check how many years are included on your warranty with the hearing aids you purchase. If your hearing aid has a manufacturer fault, we will replace the damage parts free of charge during your warranty period.

• Widex – 4 Year Warranty
• Unitron – 4 Year Warranty

Ensure you ask the hearing aid provider about their returns policy. Most Audiology companies offer a cooling-off period where you can receive a full refund within a time period.

We offer a 45 day money-back guarantee for customers once the hearing aids are returned with original packaging and in original condition.

 

 

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost In Ireland?

The cost of hearing aids is a frequently discussed topic as there can be vast variances in costs. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of confusion about costs relating to hearing aids & service charges in Ireland.

In this article, we discuss all the different options to provide you with a fully transparent guide to hearing aid prices.

Medical card users can avail of free hearing aids and do not require to pay a fee for their hearing aids. The HSE provides a free Audiology service to medical cardholders. Medical cardholders require a referral from their GP to attend a hearing consultation and then get added to a waiting list to be tested & fitted.

For those who are not entitled to HSE hearing aids or do not wish to wait, there are several options available including the PRSI hearing aid grant and payment plans. For those who do not qualify for free hearing aids from the HSE, PRSI hearing aid grants are available.

Eligibility for the grant is based on the PRSI contributions you have made. The grant can cover up to €500 per hearing aid. The grant can be claimed once every four years and can be checked online using our online form. Our approach to hearing aid pricing is 100% transparent, our Audiologists will never recommend something that does not suit your hearing loss or exceed your budget.

How much should I pay for hearing aids?

This depends on the hearing aid you choose, the technology level, and specifications. With the hearing aid grant applied, you can purchase a pair of digital hearing aids for €1,000 or choose our best in the class rechargeable model for €4,500 with the grant applied.

The top of the range hearing aids with Blackberry Hearing cost €5,500

The level of hearing loss may also dictate the hearing aid you require. People suffering from severe-to-profound hearing loss may require a more powerful hearing aid that is programmed to meet their exact requirements. People suffering from Tinnitus may also require a Tinnitus masker feature on their hearing aid, to help ease the symptoms. Specific Widex & Unitron models include these features.

Our Audiologists will provide you comprehensive information on each hearing aid and demonstrate which hearing aid may suit your level of hearing loss. Furthermore, our range of hearing aids can be custom fitted with personalized moulds tailored to you.

Our Pricing

Our pricing is 100% transparent and appears on our product brochures & website. Our pricing table below breaks down each model with the type of hearing aid with pricing per pair.

Type	Model	With Grant	Without Grant
Digital	Unitron Vivante 5	€1,998	€2,998
Bluetooth	Widex Evoke 440	€2,798	€3,798
Invisible	Widex Moment 330	€2,998	€3,998
Rechargeable	Unitron Vivante 7	€2,998	€3,998
Rechargeable	Widex Moment 440	€3,798	€4,798

Digital hearing aids from €1,998

Our digital hearing aids include the Unitron Vivante 5 which is suited to mild to profound hearing loss.

The Unitron Vivante 5  has grown to be one of our most popular hearing aids as it offers excellent value for money while packed full of features. Our range of digital hearing aids comes with a 4-year warranty and free batteries for 2 years.

Bluetooth hearing aids from €2,998

Bluetooth hearing aids tend to be more expensive as they incorporate more features to enhance the performance of the hearing aid. Bluetooth hearing aids allow wireless connectivity to your smartphone, iPad, laptop and stream your TV directly to your hearing aids. As there is more functionality and features, prices tend to be higher than digital hearing aids.

Specific Bluetooth hearing aids also allow remote programming, this means our Audiologists can program and adjust your hearing aid remotely. By simply linking the Bluetooth hearing aid to one of our apps, our Audiologists can remotely adjust your hearing aids without you leaving the comfort of your home.

We have three hearing aids that include Bluetooth functionality including the Widex Evoke 440, Unitron Vivante 7 and Widex Moment 440.

Invisible hearing aids from €2,998

Invisible hearing aids have grown in popularity due to their discreet design. Invisible hearing aids are also known as completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, as the hearing aid is placed into the ear canal & barely visible to the human eye.

We supply the Widex Moment 330 CIC which incorporates smartphone connectivity, long-lasting battery life while in a discreet design. The Widex Moment 330 CIC is available for €2,798 with the hearing aid grant applied.

Rechargeable hearing aids from €2,998 - €4,500

Rechargeable hearing aids have grown to be one of our most popular choices. Both the Widex Moment 440 & Unitron Vivante 7 incorporate lithium-ion batteries that allow up to 14 hours of streaming from your smart device. Each model is packed full of features including smartphone connectivity, tv streaming, tinnitus masking & dedicated listening environments.

 

 

Can I claim tax back on hearing aids?

A further 20% can be claimed back on the cost of your hearing aids, by completing a MED 1. In order to make a successful expenses claim you will be required to keep your original receipts for 6 years and submit the original. If you require any additional information our team will be happy to help. Make sure to ask our team about tax

Need Help?

Our team are on hand to answer any of your questions, simply call our team on Call 01 6978470 , email info@blackberryhearing.com or chat with us online.

What treatments are available for Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an auditory condition in which there is the perception of sounds or noise within the ears or head when there is no external sound source. Common descriptions of perceived tinnitus include buzzing, ringing, humming or music. The British Society of Audiology estimates that 1 in 10 people in the UK lives with persistent tinnitus.

Tinnitus can affect people in different ways. There are 4 forms of tinnitus:

• Subjective tinnitus – the most common form of tinnitus whereby only the individual themselves can hear the sound.
• Sensory tinnitus – a form of subjective tinnitus associated with disorders of the auditory system such as Meniere’s disease.
• Somatic tinnitus – this is tinnitus related to the musculoskeletal system primarily the neck or jaw.
• Objective tinnitus – a rare form of tinnitus in which the individual and others can hear the sound.

In order to treat any auditory conditions, we recommend booking a consultation with a qualified Audiologist and discussing your concerns with them. They can then complete an appropriate audiological assessment.

Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus, however, the following methods can help to manage the condition:

Tinnitus maskers

A tinnitus masker is an electronic device that outputs low-level noise to overshadow the perceived sounds of the tinnitus. Outputting a sound like white noise can draw your attention away from the tinnitus. Physical tinnitus maskers are available but as technology has developed, this feature can be digitally incorporated into modern hearing aids.

Both Widex & Unitron incorporate tinnitus masking features in certain models of their hearing aids, and these features can be controlled by a smartphone app. In some cases, our patients have reported a noticeable difference in their hearing experience when using the masking feature on their hearing aids.

Hearing aids

As hearing loss can be a contributing factor to tinnitus, using a hearing aid to amplify specific sounds can result in the positive management of tinnitus. By amplifying natural environmental sounds, a hearing aid can make the unpleasant ringing or buzzing of tinnitus less prominent. As previously mentioned, several of our hearing aid models incorporate technology to help relieve symptoms of tinnitus.

Smartphone apps

Over the past number of years, hearing aid manufacturers have developed smartphone apps to help patients with everyday relief. Widex has developed the Widex Zen app available for both iPhone & Android devices. Zen Sounds provide a relaxing background sound for those who suffer from tinnitus and this can reduce the perceived sounds of the tinnitus as well as reducing the stress that can be caused as a result of having tinnitus.

You can download both Android & iPhone apps for free.

Ear wax removal

Obstructions in the ear canal can cause some level of hearing loss which can contribute to tinnitus. Over time, compacted ear wax can cause sound waves to be obstructed. One treatment for this issue is to remove the ear wax by microsuction. An Audiologist can advise if this treatment is suitable.

Audiology evaluation

We always recommend speaking to an Audiologist if you are concerned with your hearing. Our Audiologists provide a comprehensive examination of both ears combined with a full pure-tone hearing assessment, free of charge. Once the consultation is complete our Audiologists can provide you with advice on how best to treat your tinnitus, refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant if required, or recommend if you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids.

Mens Shed Association

Modern hearing aids change people’s lives yet only 1 in 7 people with hearing loss wear them!

According to the World Health Organization correcting hearing loss may be the single biggest contribution to positive mental health in the over 60s.

Startling statistics!

Blackberry Hearing was established in 2015 by Dave Gleeson and John Ryan to address the issues around people not acting on their hearing loss. These have been identified as;

• The long finger syndrome- or putting it off for too long!
• Expense – We are typically up to 40% less than other longer established providers
• Transparency – How to go about checking it out!
• Quality and customer care – Ensuring people get the most out of their hearing aids
• By addressing these concerns, Blackberry Hearing has quickly become the country’s largest Irish owned provider of quality hearing aids. The company employs BSc and MSc qualified Audiologists and combines that with the latest technology hearing aids at much more affordable prices. Hundreds of Blackberry Hearing customers have left comments on Facebook commenting on the difference their Blackberry Hearing solution has made to their lives! These may be seen on Blackberry Hearing’s website.

Blackberry Hearing has been chosen by the Irish Men’s Shed Association and the ICA as their hearing aid provider of choice!

Treating Hearing Loss Sooner Rather Than Later?

There are many benefits of treating hearing loss when first diagnosed. Quite often people become hesitant in engaging in conversation for fear of not being able to hear clearly.

Our Audiologists are frequently asked, Should I treat my hearing loss now or will it get worse?

Hearing loss occurs due to the tiny hair cells within your ear become damaged. These tiny hair cells are called stereocilia (types of receptors that can detect sound). Loud noises, environment sounds including the loud volume on your tv or radio can further damage these tiny hair cells. By addressing the hearing loss with hearing aids we can balance the loss by tuning the hearing aid to your exact specification.

Improved Communication
When our Audiologists speak to patients, communication and the ability to hear conversations clearly with family and friends is often a challenge. Quite often we hear patients say they are hesitant because they become fearful of not understanding or asking the person to repeat themselves. The sole purpose of hearing aids is to improve the quality of your hearing allowing you to hear conversations more clearly and become more comfortable with communicating.

Improved Independence & Confidence
One piece of feedback we frequently receive from our patients who use hearing aids is the difference they experience within their social lives. Hearing loss unfortunately can cause isolation as patients often speak about their hesitance to engage in social events. The fear of not being able to hear & understand a friend or family member is unfortunately very present. Our Audiologists speak frequently to patients about how hearing aids have impacted their day-to-day lives. Hearing aids can improve a person's independence as they allow you to communicate more throughout your daily life. Collecting prescriptions from the local pharmacy, engaging in conversations with the local shopkeeper & the rest of your community.

Treating Tinnitus With Hearing Aids
Tinnitus can be caused by hearing loss, with people experiencing a ringing, humming, or murmuring noise. Others experience high sensitivity to external sounds including the volume of the television, road works, or traffic noise. Tinnitus can be treated with hearing aids. If the patient's tinnitus is due to hearing loss, hearing aids can be tuned to specifically treat the tinnitus. Tinnitus masking features are included on some hearing aid models, allowing them to specifically treat the issue. Tinnitus unfortunately can become worse if untreated.

Work & Employment
Hearing loss can make people feel uncomfortable while in the workplace. Not being able to hear clearly in meetings or requests from colleagues can make people feel comfortable and disillusioned in meetings. We often receive feedback from patients who can't believe the difference hearing aids have made to their careers and daily jobs. Another added benefit of using modern hearing aids is the ability to link your smartphone, iPad, and laptop. We have both Widex and Unitron hearing aids that can allow you to take calls through your hearing aids. As our working environment has changed drastically during Covid-19, we now have more requests from people to link their laptops and smartphones to their hearing aids. This allows you to hear telephone calls, Zoom, Skype, and video meetings with clarity.

Watch some of our success stories below (video testimonials on page)

Ann Ryan – Customer Stories

Ann's story was featured in the Irish Daily Mirror, read the full article below or download a copy here.

A woman who was diagnosed with severe hearing loss in her 30’s was told she had the hearing of an 85-year-old and said pride is preventing people from getting help. For over a decade she struggled in her daily life until she discovered a hearing aid that changed her life for the better.

Naas native Ann Ryan shelled out thousands of euro on hearing aids she found to be underwhelming and so uncomfortable they ended up in a box never used. When she heard that hearing loss over time can be associated with Alzheimers she decided to act.

Ann told the Irish Mirror: “Hearing loss is a quiet disability – pardon the pun. “It is not spoken about and those who have it generally stay quiet about it. It is associated with old age! “The reality is that many people suffer needlessly. But life can be normal again.”

The former primary school principle admitted that suffering with hearing difficulties affects your day to day life. She said: “I went to a well known brand to get tested and was given a lump of hard plastic so never wore it.

“This was when I was 41, in due course I couldn’t hear what kids were saying in classrooms, I had to get them to stop talking so I could hear one voice. “So I went to the Mater hospital and was told for someone at 42, I had the hearing of an 85-year-old. “The doctor advised me he’d highly recommend I learn how to lip-read, it turned out I had a profound hearing loss in one ear.

I don’t hear sounds such as birds singing, or th e washing machine pinging to say it’s when it’s finished. “With my hearing aid in I now do.” As a disability, Ann adds: “It’s the silent embarrassing one” that people in their middle years don’t talk about. “If you go into a shop and you’re deaf and you ask for something they say, ‘would you like such and such with that’, and you’ll say, ‘excuse me, can you repeat that’, and they’ll say it again and you still can’t hear them.

“I’m much better now though, I tell the person I’m sorry I have a hearing loss and people are very understanding, but a lot of people are too embarrassed to say it or it’s a time waster and all of that.

“Nearly 15 years ago I went to a hearing loss provider and got a hearing aid which cost €5,000. “I had to break them in because you couldn’t just put them in because they’d blow the ears off you. “It turned out to be five grand down the Swanee, they were irritating, hard in my ear, and while it didn’t bother me if people noticed them, they were brutally uncomfortable.

Studies have shown that even mild hearing loss under the age of 50 can double the risk of dementia in later years as the brain is forced to work at a higher capacity than usual. Ann said: “In 2014 I read there was a correlation between dementia and hearing loss and so if you don’t regularly hear things, your brain forgets that sound. “They’ve done a lot of research that ties forms of dementia to hearing loss, in other words it doesn’t cause it, but it makes it worse. Luckily for Ann the timely intervention of two Irish businessmen helped with the improvement of her hearing.

“It just happened to co-incide that John Ryan and Dave Gleeson started this Irish company, Blackberry Hearing, as up until then, you had the standard providers who charge exorbitant amounts,” she explained. “I was one of the first guinea pigs, I trialed one of their first hearing aids. “That was 2015, they were a third of the price, I paid €1400, I put them in and they haven’t taken out since, they transformed the quality of my life and my social interaction.

“It meant I didn’t have to sit any longer with my back to the wall so I could hear. “I didn’t have to watch where I’d be sitting because my right side is better than my left. “About six months ago I upgraded, to the Rolls Royce aid, they’re called Evoke.

As I’m speaking to you, you’re coming straight into my ear as if I have earphones in. “In the car if I’m on the hands free, the conversation comes into my ear, the sound isn’t lost on the car engine. “It’s changed my life, I could go out without my rings, if I stepped out to work or social interact without my hearing aid I’d turn the car around and go back for it.

“That’s about as strong a recommendation as I can give, I’m 62, I’m fit and able bodied but I know there are men, women who for pride sake don’t want to give in and wear hearing aids, but this is life changing.”

Mick Flavin – Customer Stories

Irish country music star spoke to the Sunday World about his experience with Blackberry Hearing. You can read the article below or download a copy here.

After half a lifetime on the road, Mick Flavin has finally been forced to hang up his mic, but promises it’s only temporary. Although not yet 70, the country music legend isn’t taking any chances, cocooning at home with his wife Mary during the current health crisis.

Seven weeks on, he tells Magazine+ how he’s eventually relaxed into a routine of Skyping his grandchildren and tending to the vegetable garden, while dreaming of a big comeback.

“It’s hard to come to terms with it all,” concedes Mick over the phone from the Longford base he shares with his partner of 47 years. “When you’re a person like me, the whole lockdown thing is very, very tough — if I wasn’t on the road, I’d be doing a bit of farming and stuff like that.

“The days are very long — but I have a lovely vegetable garden where I sow potatoes and beetroot and cabbage, and I listen to CDs. “We’re all hoping this thing will pass as quickly as possible,” he adds. “When it’s all over, people will be mad to get out and enjoy themselves again, and mad to go dancing, whenever that’ll be - it could be next year.”

Facing an uncertain future, O’Farrell County’s most famous son can at least reminisce on a remarkable past while staying at home. Former county council worker Mick got his lucky break after performing at a charity night alongside pal Declan Nerney in a local pub. But the 69 year-old says singing on the same stage as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams is a career highlight unlikely to be outshone.

“I was very friendly with the American country singer George Hamilton IV, who passed away a few years ago,” explains Mick, who sang in pubs on the side in the beginning. “When I was in Nashville in 2006, George asked me would I come to the Opry and sing with him, and I did that.

“That was a huge highlight because not very many Irish acts get a chance to sing at the Grand Ole Opry.” The Drumlish star has released nine albums, furnishing dozens of hits including ‘I’m Gonna Make It After All’, but his proud sons Michael (47) and Brian (46) haven’t heard a single one as both men were born deaf. Yet, it wasn’t until his own hearing began to degenerate a decade ago that the granddad-of-six truly began to understand the reality of a world without sound.

“I remember having a hearing test and they told me I had lost about 90pc of my hearing in my right ear,” tells Mick, who also suffers from tinnitus. “Of course, I didn’t do much about it because for years you’re singing into a mic, and if it’s not loud enough, you keep turning it up. I’d be at home here watching the television, I’d have it up at 90 and my woman would be going off the head, and I’d say, ‘Sure it’s not loud!’” Today, the Gentle Giant of Country Music boasts perfect hearing thanks to the intervention of nationwide clinic, Blackberry Hearing.

Last year, he got two subtle but life-changing hearing aids, which can even be controlled by an app on his smartphone. “I never liked wearing hearing aids, but eventually I took the bull by the horns and went in,” says Mick. “They put hearing aids into both ears and it was just unbelievable. There’s a huge difference in my life with them. “They’re so small and so powerful — even Mary does say to me, ‘Have you your hearing aids in?

I can’t see them!’” It’s given him no excuse not to listen to his missus while cocooning ahead of their 48th wedding anniversary next month. “The secret to it all?” he repeats, when asked about the key to a successful marriage. “Keep well apart — keep isolating all your life! “Ah no, Mary’s a great woman, honest to God, because in all fairness, I’d be away a lot.

In the early days, I’d be away for weeks at a time, and she’d be always holding the fort when I was gone. “We get on great and, of course, since I stopped drinking, it made such a difference in the house as well. “It’s just a much happier house.”

After marking 34 years of sobriety in February, now Mick is hoping to get the chance to celebrate his milestone 70th birthday with “a bit of shindig” in August too. Until then, he’s busy planning his next career move, and after seeing Billy Ray Cyrus join forces with rapper Lil Nas X on Grammy-winning smash ‘Old Town Road’ last year, he teases that it may not be what his older fans expect.

“People like Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan have brought out a whole new young audience,” agrees Mick of the country music revival. “It’s lovely to see the youngsters, the way they’re able to jive — it gives you a lift on stage.

I’ve done quite a few duets. I did a full album of duets with Philomena Begley way back in 1990. “Would I duet with Justin Bieber?” he laughs heartily. “You never know what’s ahead of you! I wouldn’t mind doing something like that to be different.”

How To Use The Widex PerfectDry Lux

The Widex PerfectDry Lux is an electronic hearing aid dryer that efficiently dries and cleans your hearing aids. The PerfectDry Lux uses UV lights to remove moisture, bacteria making them completely hygienic and reducing the risk of ear infections.

Step 1: Switch on the Widex PerfectDry Lux

Step 2:  Remove the batteries from both hearing aids.

Step 3: Remove the domes from your hearing aids.

Step 4: Press the power button the PerfectDry Lux once, a blue light should start to blink. This indicates 45 minutes of UV drying time has now started.

Step 5: Place both hearing aids in the PerfectDry Lux and close the door.

Step 6: Once the flashing light has stopped, this indicates that the drying is complete.

Step 7: Please insert batteries and reattach the domes.

Step 8: Power on your hearing aids.

How To Change Wax Filter On Widex Hearing Aids

This quick & helpful guide will show you how to change the wax filter on your Widex hearing aid.

The following guide can be used for the Widex Moment, Evoke, Unique and Dreams.

1.  First, open your pack of Widex Wax Filters.
2.  Remove the dome on the end of the receiver.
3.  When the dome is removed you will see a white small white filter. This is the filter we will be replacing.
4.  Remove one of the black sticks from the kit.
5. You will notice at one end of the stick has a removal tool, a small raised circular tip with a raised tip. On the opposite end of the stick, you will see the new white filter.
6. Clip the removal tool into the filter, this will allow you to remove it. Once clipped in simply pull the old filter out.
7. With the opposite end of the stick, push the new filter into the receiver. Please do not force it.
8. Place the dome back on the receiver and ensure the dome is securely on the receiver.
9. Place the hearing aid back to your ear so it is comfortable.
10. Test and make sure you are happy that is comfortable.

If you have any concerns on how to replace the wax filter, simply call our team and we can assist.