Hearing loss is not an overnight thing; it builds quietly over time, often beginning during service and becoming harder to ignore later in life. Our veteran in this success story, Mr David Stead, had hearing difficulties that began many years ago during his time in the Army; he served with the Parachute Regiment from 1959 to 1972, a period of service that involved regular exposure to loud military noise.
During those days, hearing protection was not always available or commonly used as it is today. Mr Stead recalls regular rifle practice on the ranges, where he would often have ringing in his ears for several days afterwards. As he explained to us in his application, there was little effective ear protection available to him at the time; just like many young men in their twenties, he did not seek medical advice back then, and it was something he lived with and carried on from. Now, years later, the impact of that noise exposure became harder to manage.
Hearing loss after service
Hearing loss affects people in different ways; for some, it is the struggle to hear speech clearly, while for others, it is the fatigue from trying to follow conversations all day. It is also the frustration of knowing that the hearing difficulties may be connected to years of service for many veterans. Mr Stead’s biggest challenge was the background noise; he found that his existing NHS hearing aids gave him limited benefit, especially during any social events where there was too much surrounding noise. This made it harder for Mr Stead to hear anyone around him.
As time passed, all these things began to affect his confidence and made social situations more difficult. When hearing becomes tiring or unreliable, it is easy for someone to step back from conversations and feel more isolated. This is why the right hearing support matters, and it is not only about making sounds louder but about helping people reconnect with the conversations, places and moments that make everyday life feel easier.
The support meant for him
Mr Stead contacted the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation for help after continuing to struggle with his hearing. We, as a charity, exist to support veterans living with hearing loss, tinnitus, and related hearing difficulties. Many of the veterans who come forward have served their time in noisy environments, often long before hearing protection became a standard part of their military life. Every story is different, but the need is often the same: veterans want hearing support that helps them communicate better, feel more confident, and take part in life without feeling held back by their hearing.
We at UK Veterans Hearing Foundation were able to help Mr Stead access hearing technology suited to his needs with the support of Doris Field Charitable Trust. He was fitted with Phonak Audeo hearing aids by James Hearing. The Phonak Audeo hearing aids are designed to support clearer hearing in everyday situations, including conversations and different listening environments. He has struggled with background noise and has not benefited much from earlier hearing aids; the right fit and aftercare will play an important role.
A successful hearing aid fitting is not only about the device itself, but also about professional care, listening to the person’s needs, and making sure they feel supported as they adjust. The new hearing aids have already made a clear difference for Mr Stead.
A message from Mr Stead
Mr Stead’s hearing aids have already made a clear difference. After receiving his hearing aids, he shared a heartfelt message of thanks. Here is a message from Mr Stead,
‘Just to thank you so much for your recommendation and support. The hearing aids as supplied have made a huge difference to me.
Early days yet, but I can’t thank you enough, for your help and Generosity.’
His words say a great deal, and for someone who has lived with hearing difficulties for so many years, the early days after a new hearing aid fitting can feel like a turning point. There is often an adjustment period as the brain gets used to hearing more sounds clearly again, but the difference can still be felt quickly. The support has already helped him feel the benefit of better hearing.
Thank You to Doris Field Charitable Trust & James Hearing
UK Veterans Hearing Foundation would like to extend sincere thanks to Doris Field Charitable Trust for funding this support. Charitable funding makes a direct difference to veterans who may otherwise continue to struggle with hearing loss, tinnitus, or hearing aids that no longer meet their needs. It helps remove any barriers and gives veterans access to professional hearing care and suitable hearing technology. Mr Stead’s story is a clear example of what this support can mean, and it is not just a hearing aid fitting, it is a chance to hear more clearly, communicate more easily and feel less isolated in daily life.
We would also like to thank James Hearing for fitting Mr Stead with his hearing aids and providing professional hearing care. Such partnerships with trusted hearing care providers help UKVHF make sure veterans receive not only the right tech but also proper clinical support.
Moving ahead
Noise exposure during military service can leave a lasting impact; its effects are noticed soon after service. But for some, hearing problems become more noticeable later in life, when conversations, background noise and daily communication start to feel harder. At the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, we remain committed to helping veterans access hearing support where it is needed most.
We are grateful to Mr David Stead for sharing his story, to Doris Field Charitable Trust for making this support possible, and to James Hearing for their care and expertise.
