Deaf student graduates with flying colours

While hearing loss and deafness is undoubtedly a disability and one that needs a great deal of care and specialist attention, it's not the end of the world.

By this, we mean that life can still go on, largely as normal, but with a few extra things to remember or wear such as hearing aids and other similar devices.

There's certainly no reason why wearing such a device needs to negatively impact on your professional or family life or, indeed, any other part of your day-to-day existence.

One woman who will be able to tell you exactly that is Bethan Hindson, 26, who is set to graduate from her veterinary course with flying colours, despite being told not to bother applying when she first expressed an interest because of her deafness

As a 16-year-old she wrote to various schools for advice and information on courses but was told, by and large, there was little point in applying.

Speaking to the Barnet and Whetstone Press, she explained that she hoped her example would help others not to be dissuaded from achieving their goals just because of hearing loss.

"I just hope that people can see that I’m as capable as the next person and that my diligence makes up for any disadvantage caused by my deafness," she said.

"I am extremely proud of my achievements. I think my passion stems from my belief that nothing as superficial as a lack of hearing should hold me back."

Right from the start, with your free hearing test at Leightons, we can talk you through everything you need to know and offer advice not only on the technical side of hearing but also coping with the personal issues that can come with it.

Chances are, whatever concern you may have, we'll have heard it before and will have helped to allay those fears many times.

It's also worth remembering that we can offer you your free hearing test at home, if you can't make it out to see is in-branch.