Read the latest from Pete Price
Pete is an award-winning radio host, stand up comedian and TV personality. He writes a weekly column for the Echo
Pete with his hearing aids from Starkey(Image: UGC)
Two years ago I went to a fabulous birthday party.
I was sitting with my lovely friend, Carolyn Hughes, who is one of the top award-winning PR consultants in Liverpool. We were having a conversation in a very noisy, lively, party atmosphere and for half an hour I didn’t hear a word she said, I was just nodding a lot and pretending.
I told her later what had happened and it was that experience that made me decide something that I had been putting off for a long time. It was time for hearing aids.
Discretion Hearing Ltd was recommended to me. David Quilliam, is an amazing audiologist, based in Southport and does home visits.
What I loved about him. He was not tied to one product.
He wasn’t pushing to get a deal. He just wanted to get it right for me with the best product for my needs.
After a couple of meetings he put me in touch with Starkey, who two years later, have changed my life completely.
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Not so long ago I had both my cataracts done which was astounding. The difference it made to my sight gave me a new quality of life.
Now I have got remarkable hearing because of this revolutionary technology of Starkey – Edge AI Hearing Aids. One of my friends asked why I didn’t just get NHS hearing aids, that would be free.
I talked to David about this too. My conclusion, they are good for basic needs.
I need something exciting, ground-breaking and modern – that would give me a better quality of life. Starkey have definitely done that.
Pete with his hearing aids from Starkey(Image: UGC)
They are known for their innovative hearing aids and I am delighted to say that they have just won the 2025 Big Innovation award for their advanced technology. They are changing all the time.
It’s just impressive stuff. To put it in layman’s terms.
A couple of things I can list: I listen while watching the television with sound coming straight into my ears. The quality is better than the tv.
Phone calls come directly through my hearing aids. I must admit I do look a bit strange, talking to myself walking down the street.
The rechargeable hearing aids, which I have a pair of, last a staggering 51 hours before they need recharging. Starkey as a company also gives back to their foundation.
In fact they have given over a million reconditioned hearing aids to people around the world who cannot afford them. I must be honest.
For a while I felt a slight stigma wearing them, but these days so many people wear earpods, that it is the norm, and no-one cares. Many young people now need hearing aids, because of their lifestyle – music, phones, games etc. so it is no longer a getting old thing.
Two years later I have now decided to try a new pair that are moulded into my ears. These need batteries and are totally different to get used to.
You cannot notice them at all. Now having both options, I may decide to alternate depending on what I am doing.
If you have hearing problems, please do not fight it. Starkey really and truly have changed my life.
So that’s my eyes and hearing sorted.
What’s next I wonder.
OPINION
Pete Price
OPINION
Pete Price