How Hearing Aids Helped Elena Tune Back into Music

For Elena, sound has always been a lifeline. As a professional musician with a visual impairment, her ears connect her to the world in ways most of us take for granted. Yet, over time, she began to notice subtle changes that made her question whether her hearing was still as sharp as it needed to be.

The first signs

Elena’s awareness of potential hearing difficulties started with a message from the Musicians’ Union encouraging members to check their hearing. It struck a chord. She remembered the trauma of the 7th July 2005 attacks in London and wondered whether her hearing changes were real or just a product of her imagination.

“At first, I couldn’t tell if something was wrong,” Elena recalls. “Because of my visual impairment, I rely on hearing more than most. It’s how I navigate the world and my music.”

At the time, living in Scotland, she had tried NHS hearing aids. They helped, but her professional needs were complex, and she longed for a solution that fit both her musical career and her daily life.

The impact on daily life

Before finding the right support, Elena often felt frustrated and isolated. “I struggled to follow conversations, and once I even sang the wrong note while harmonising,” she shares. “Having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves was embarrassing.”

The challenges weren’t limited to music. Crossing streets or navigating busy areas became daunting. “I rely on hearing to cross safely. When I couldn’t hear properly, I felt nervous and unsure. I might have annoyed a few motorists too,” she says with a laugh.

Finding specialised support

Elena reached out to the Royal Society of Musicians, who guided her toward more tailored options. That led her to Harley Street Hearing, where audiologist Matthew Allsop took the time to understand her unique situation.

“Matthew has been incredible,” Elena says. “He listens carefully, not just to what I say, but to what I need as a musician and as someone visually impaired.”

After a detailed discussion of her hearing challenges, Matthew recommended Widex Moment RIC hearing aids. These devices adapt automatically to different environments, reducing the constant need for manual adjustments.

“One of the things I love most is that the aids adjust themselves,” Elena explains. “I can also tweak settings using the Widex app when necessary. It’s made life so much easier.”

Life with hearing aids

Adjusting to her new hearing aids was smooth, and four years later, Elena has noticed profound improvements.

“I no longer sing off-key, I can tune my instrument accurately, and I feel more confident moving around,” she says. “Social situations are easier, too, though public spaces still have room to become more hearing-friendly.”

Elena emphasizes the importance of a collaborative relationship with an audiologist. “Many people don’t know what to ask for or how to describe their struggles. Having someone who listens and adapts makes all the difference. Without Harley Street Hearing, I’d probably still be missing out.”