Optical assistant has her hearing back after test at her own Specsavers store
SPECSAVERS Cavan optical assistant Lorraine Smith recently viewed the Main Street store through a different lens, as the customer. After struggling with poor health, to the point where she was hospitalised, Lorraine was recommended by her doctor to have a hearing test. It was because of this test that Lorraine’s life changed for the better.
Lorraine had suffered for a long time with severe bouts of vertigo – a strong sense of motion and spinning - which in turn led to nausea. Because of this, Lorraine’s balance was affected, and she would become unsteady on her feet. These symptoms resulted in Lorraine not being well enough to work and in turn, she was hospitalised. When in hospital, Lorraine was advised by the doctor to book a hearing test to rule out hearing and inner ear issues. Lorraine swiftly booked an appointment at Specsavers Cavan where she was met by her colleague, audiologist Kieran Kenny.
Kieran explained the hearing test process in depth and explained to Lorraine that she would benefit from the hearing aids as he had detected a degree of hearing loss. Within a week, her hearing aids were fitted. Lorraine was a little conscious about wearing them, but once fitted, she was impressed about how discreet the hearing aids were.
Over the next few days, Lorraine took time to adjust to the increase in sounds that she could now hear again and was delighted with the difference the hearing aids made.
Lorraine explains: "It’s been a life changing experience for me, I feel like myself again.
"I would highly recommend anyone who thinks that their hearing is declining to be tested. Without that advice, I never would have thought my hearing was the issue. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to looking after your health."
Heart-warming
Audiologist Kieran Kenny adds: "We have noticed such an improvement in Lorraine’s overall quality of life, and it is so heart-warming to see such a positive change in both a customer but even more so, in a friend and colleague. We truly live for these moments where we can see such an uplifting shift in someone’s life after receiving the right care for their hearing difficulties."
Following changes to the PRSI scheme last year, those eligible for the benefit can now avail of a pair of hearing aids up to the value of €1,000 or put their PRSI contribution towards the cost of a more expensive pair of hearing aids at Specsavers. Even with a medical card, many will also have PRSI entitlements which would make them eligible for a free pair of hearing aids.
For more information or to make an appointment at Specsavers Cavan, please call (049) 489 4016 or visit https://www.specsavers.ie/hearing