Woman, 33, who was left lip reading can hear again thanks to AI hearing aids

Woman, 33, who was left lip reading can hear again thanks to AI hearing aids Megan Fawcett, 33, first experienced temporary hearing loss following flights, and by 2023 she was relying extensively on lip reading - she felt embarrassed having to ask people to repeat themselves A civil servant whose hearing loss made her embarrassed to chat with her friends has praised AI-powered hearing aids for restoring her confidence. Megan Fawcett, 33, says she first experienced temporary hearing loss after plane trips, and by 2023 she was increasingly relying on lip reading. She'd feel embarrassed having to ask pals to repeat themselves when they were chatting in a room that was busy or had background noise. Megan said: "I went to the pub with friends and quickly realised I couldn't hear the conversation that was happening right in front of me. I was aware I would be asking people to repeat themselves and I would also find it difficult to keep up with the conversation as I would be lip reading." Megan's husband encouraged her to book a hearing test after noticing she couldn't hear her cat Merlot crying to be let into the house. She began wearing an NHS hearing aid in 2023 but found it uncomfortable and was unhappy with its sound quality and appearance. She then tried a Signia MaX hearing aid, which uses four AI networks to analyse speech, background noise, the listening environment and the wearer's own voice simultaneously. It is said to adapt as conversations and surroundings change and is designed to help wearers follow group conversations in loud environments, such as those Megan found challenging. Megan said: "The sound quality and AI function is amazing - the technology is fantastic. The ability to detect the tone of voices and adapt the sound to my hearing needs is brilliant. Very comfortable too and I often feel like I'm not wearing them at all. I feel like it has given me my life back." Megan says she adjusted very quickly to her new hearing aids and despite moving from one hearing aid to two initially feeling unfamiliar. She said the Signia MaX hearing aids have made her feel more confident and says they're 'extremely simple' to manage. She adds that she finds the charging pod particularly handy as she knows they will last through the day. Megan, who works in a police staff role for British Transport Police, wants other young people to know that hearing loss can happen at any age and they should feel comfortable seeking support. Megan said: "Don't be worried what others will think of you because it isn't something to be ashamed of. Don't be afraid of the outcome." The first device on the Signia MaX platform, Pure C&G MaX, is designed for everyday use, with up to 28 hours of battery life. It includes five hours of streaming and uses Signia's OneConnect technology, making streaming music and calls a seamless experience. For Megan, the discreet design and choice of colours help challenge the image she once had of hearing aids. Her most recent experience shows how hearing aids can fit around everyday life, with comfort and simplicity making them easy to wear. Megan said: "My past knowledge of hearing aids was large, and disruptive aids that were very visible. Signia MaX is completely different and feels more wearable in everyday life "I now feel more confident and the experience has left me feeling empowered." For more information and to find how to book a hearing care professional, click here.