87 year old Gorey woman, Peggy Hopkins will be the guest of honour at Hidden Hearing’s upcoming Open Day on Friday, April 11th, at 103 Main Street, Gorey…
Peggy is the latest recipient of Hidden Hearing’s ‘Gift of Hearing’, a simple, yet life-changing campaign that provides free hearing aids to deserving individuals.
Peggy first noticed hearing loss five years ago, increasing over time. She was first tested with Hidden Hearing in 2023, and again in March this year. Upon comparing both hearing tests, her audiologist identified clinical evidence of decline, which both Peggy and her son Ronan had also noticed. For example, at home, Peggy had to have her TV on louder in order to hear it; while socially, Peggy was missing out in conversations, not hearing clearly in mass, and according to her “often feeling on the outside of what was going on”.
Peggy has a great network of friends in Gorey and is a familiar face to many on the main street. A steadfast member of the local community, Peggy attends mass in St. Michael’s on a daily basis, has volunteered in the SVP clothes shop for over 20 years, and can be found selling daffodils every year on Daffodil Day.
Upon receiving her new hearing aid, Wexford woman Peggy said:
“I can’t wait to be involved in what’s going on around me again. It will be wonderful not having to second guess what I heard, or try to piece bits and pieces together.”
Peggy’s son Ronan added:
“It will be great for Peggy to not have to rely on others to relay the conversation to her, and as she says herself, to be in the thick of the conversation, rather on the outside. She can take part with confidence and independence again. We are really grateful to Grace in Hidden Hearing for everything she has done to support our family on this journey.”
As the recipient of a hearing aid through Hidden Hearing’s compassionate initiative, Peggy’s experience highlights the importance of restoring the ability to hear the sounds that matter most, from voices of loved ones, to the melodies of favourite songs, to the joy of simple conversations.
Grace Kelly, Audiologist at Hidden Hearing Gorey, told Wexford Weekly:
“We understand how hearing loss can affect a person’s life in profound ways. It’s about much more than just sounds – it’s about connection, memories, and experiences. That’s why we’re so proud to be able to give Peggy the ‘Gift of Hearing.’
“The fitting of her hearing aid is just the beginning for Peggy. At Hidden Hearing we will guide her through our aftercare programme, with follow up consultations, to ensure she’s comfortable with her new hearing aid technology and that she feels supported every step of the way,” she said.
“Personally, for me, audiology is as much about the human element, empathy, and compassion as it is science and technology. I find there is something really rewarding about helping someone regain their hearing and improve their quality of life.”
The Gorey clinic is inviting everyone to attend the Open Day on Friday, April 11th, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about hearing health and the services provided by Hidden Hearing. Attendees are encouraged to drop by between 10am and 1pm for a free ear health check and to meet the team. At 12pm, audiologists Grace Kelly and Eric Foy will give a presentation on the importance of good hearing care habits and the proactive steps people can take to protect their hearing for years to come.
The upcoming Open Day offers an excellent opportunity for anyone with questions about their hearing or hearing devices to call into Hidden Hearing Gorey and have a chat with the team, in a relaxed environment, over a cup of tea or coffee.
With over 35 years of experience, Hidden Hearing operates a nationwide network of 85+ clinics, providing more than 60,000 free hearing tests annually.
To find out more about the full suite of services available from Hidden Hearing, visit www.hiddenhearing.ie or call the Gorey clinic on (053) 901 6111.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.