One of Ireland’s best-loved country and folk singers, Brendan Shine, has joined Hidden Hearing as an ambassador, drawing on his own experience to encourage people across Ireland to prioritise their hearing health and seek support if they are struggling with their hearing aids.
A Hidden Hearing patient at its Athlone clinic, Brendan has developed a wonderful relationship with the team there and understands first-hand the value of ongoing care. His experience has also shown him that successfully adapting to hearing aids can take time and that the first fitting is just the beginning of the process, rather than the end.
Brendan is supporting Hidden Hearing’s message that people should not give up if their hearing aids do not feel perfect immediately. Instead, they should remain patient, wear them consistently and continue working with their audiologist until the devices are properly adjusted to suit both their hearing and their lifestyle.
The announcement comes as new research commissioned by Hidden Hearing reveals that, among those who stop using their hearing aids, more than half (52%) do so within the first two weeks following their fitting, including 30% within the first week. Among respondents who never wear their prescribed devices, 17% gave up within just three days of being fitted.
Brendan Shine said: “As a singer, hearing has always been central to my life, but it is also vital for the everyday moments that matter, from enjoying conversations and spending time with family to staying connected to the people around you.
“What I have learned through my own experience is that you have to give yourself time to adjust and stick with your hearing aids until you get them right. You may need some fine-tuning along the way. I have a wonderful relationship with the team at Hidden Hearing in Athlone, and knowing that they are there to listen, make adjustments and support me has made all the difference. I hope that sharing my experience will encourage others to have their hearing checked and, if they already have hearing aids, not to leave them sitting in a drawer!”
Alan Johnston , Brendan’s audiologist at Hidden Hearing Athlone, said: “Brendan understood from the beginning that being fitted with hearing aids was only the first step. It takes time for the brain to adjust to hearing sounds clearly again, and the devices may need to be fine-tuned as the person becomes accustomed to wearing them.
“Brendan stayed with the process, told us honestly what was and wasn’t working for him, and returned for the support and adjustments he needed. That commitment to the process is what has made such a life-changing difference to his hearing.”
Hidden Hearing’s research found that early difficulties were common among hearing aid users, including challenges handling or maintaining the device (27%), everyday sounds feeling too loud (27%), embarrassment (25%) and physical discomfort (23%). These are issues that can often be addressed through professional guidance, follow-up appointments and adjustments.
The findings also demonstrate the benefits experienced by those who wear their hearing aids for the recommended eight to ten hours each day. Among these respondents, 43% reported an improved social life, 40% experienced improved mental health and 38% said their confidence had increased. Others reported improvements in their relationships with partners, family and friends, as well as benefits in their working lives.
The research found that 67% of respondents left their first fitting appointment feeling unsure about their hearing aid, while 25% of those who stopped wearing their devices said better access to post-fitting care could have helped them continue.
The emotional consequences of hearing aid abandonment can also be significant, with respondents reporting social isolation (29%), anxiety (27%) and stress (25%). Encouragingly, 86% of those who have stopped wearing their hearing aids said they intend to try again, suggesting that many remain open to re-engaging with hearing care when the right support is available.
Through his new role with Hidden Hearing, Brendan will help to raise awareness of the importance of regular hearing checks, early intervention and continued support following a hearing aid fitting. Hidden Hearing is encouraging anyone concerned about their hearing, or experiencing difficulty with their hearing aids, to speak to a hearing care professional rather than giving up.
