Stephen Brown is a runner and Genesis AI wearer...

Stephen Brown is a runner and Genesis AI wearer. Recently, he spoke about his hearing loss journey and how hearing aids have helped him keep doing what he loves.

Tell us a little bit about your hearing loss?

Approximately eight years ago, I started having major dizzy spells, followed by vomiting. With this came bouts of tinnitus and hearing loss. After many months of visits to the ENT department at Stepping Hill, I was diagnosed with Ménière's Disease. Fortunately, the dizzy spells and drop attacks have become less and less. However, my hearing deteriorated as a result of the condition, and I needed hearing aids to assist me with my day-to-day hearing.

What was your prior experience with hearing aids?

Firstly, I tried NHS aids, but these were not suitable for my needs, so I invested in some other aids that would be of more use to me. These were ok, but as I do a lot of running and get wet, this caused the aids to go faulty and eventually stop working. I had numerous replacements over two years, which wasn't ideal. A friend put me in touch with Starkey UK. She said the company was bringing out new waterproof aids, which sounded ideal to me.

What is your experience with Starkey Genesis AI?

After being fitted with Starkey Genesis AI aids, I could tell instantly that the sound was so different to my previous ones. It was a more base, realistic sound rather than a crackly old transistor radio sound. The main difference, and the most important to me, is the durability of the aids.

Do your Genesis AI hearing aids help you keep doing what you love?

I love running, so I sweat a lot, as my runs can be over an hour long, sometimes longer. The exposure to sweat and rain can be very significant. My Genesis AI hearing aids can handle all the physical activity, from running and sweating. Recently, I had a few saunas, and as you can imagine, with the extreme heat and the sweat that brings, they were certainly put to the test! I am pleased to say they passed with flying colours.

Aside from better hearing, what other benefits do your Genesis AI hearing aids provide?

I would say these aids are bombproof! They give me so much confidence, plus I no longer have to run in silence. As well as the hearing side of the things, the aids also have many other capabilities. The main one for me is that they are connected to my phone and can be used like AirPods. This means I can listen to anything that is on my phone, including calls.

Do you use the My Starkey App?

I have the My Starkey app, which is really useful because of my Ménière's Disease. One of the symptoms is that my hearing can fluctuate hour by hour, day by day. With the app's help, I can adjust the sound to suit my particular situation.

What advice would you give other people struggling with their hearing?

My message to anyone struggling with their hearing is to get it checked out as soon as possible. Get the help you need. I would also advise that you seek out the best hearing aids for you. I would also like to add that the experience I have had dealing with the staff at Starkey has been amazing. They listened to my experiences and accommodated to suit my personal needs.

Contact us to find out more about the new Starkey Genesis AI Hearing Technology, now available for you in Somerset!

With thanks to the By Starkey Hearing Technologies blog.