J'AIME SEPTEMBER 2021

was a massive issue at first, and then
we started to use hearing aids,”
explains Jack.
“However, I struggled for many years
with my aids breaking as soon as they
came into contact with sweat, which
was frustrating, and really hindered
my improvement as a judo fighter.
Then along came Phonak, and their
receiver in canal Audeo hearing aid.
Wow! What a difference! Not only do
they sit completely in the canal, so
they are safe, clear and comfy, but they
also have the NEW UV drier/cleaner
portal which will dry and clean the
aids usually within three hours! I never
even knew about this technology, so
it’s brilliant to have it at my fingertips! Also, Roger
On is a microphone dedicated to conversations that
occur over distance – so now my coach can shout at
me from the side-lines!”
Audiologist Steven Hale, who fitted Jack with his
equipment, says: “These hearing aids are also
Bluetooth compatible, so if Jack has any issues while
he’s in Tokyo, I can help him! It’s a bit like standing
in his corner with him!”
Phonak’s latest hearing aids Audéo Paradise deliver
a crisp natural sound, brilliant speech understanding
and personalised noise cancelling. Not only that, they
are rechargeable and connect to a large array of
multimedia devices including smart phones, tablets
and TV.
Roger On will give Jack the flexibility to focus on
conversations whenever and wherever he may be, it is
fully automatic depending on when used on a table,
held in his hand or clipped on to a main conversation
partner. Roger On uses Multibeam 2.0 technology
JACK IN TRAINING
JACK WITH AUDIOLOGIST STEVEN HALE
to distinguish the direction of incoming speech and
automatically selects the person who is talking. Jack
is also using the Phonak Charge and Care which is a
charger that dries hearing aids - perfect for athletes
and their gruelling training regimes.
“I hear so much better with my new hearing aids
compared to my older ones,” says Jack.
“I have been super impressed with the clarity. It
is great that they are rechargeable and can be
controlled by an app. This makes it easy to turn the
volume up and down and change programmes. I also
think Charge and Care is a fantastic piece of kit! In
the past when I’ve had a hard, sweaty training session
I have to take my aids out and it takes some time for
the aids to dry out – if they ever do! But now using
Charge and Care is quick, easy and successful.
“My Roger On is great as I can hear my coach - he
just has to remember that I can now hear him and
not say anything he doesn’t want me to hear! I’m also
really looking forward to using Roger On during the
flight to Tokyo. To listen to music
or watch a film on my phone has
always been difficult, so now my aids
have Bluetooth and I can stream my
multimedia direct to my ears, it will
be much easier. I am also hoping I
will get some sleep easier as I won’t
be having to wear bulky headphones
and still have some awareness
around me.”
Jack adds: “I am honoured to
represent Paralympics GB, in what
has been a life-changing time for me.
The support and investment from
Phonak and Steven Hale Hearing
has been immense and means that I
really can ‘Go for Gold’ to the very
best of my ability!”
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