A TEAM of Knutsford hearing specialists are helping improve the quality of life of veteran British servicemen and women discharged from the army for damaged hearing.

Hearing Matters, on King Street, have teamed up with Help for Heroes and Phonak, the world’s leading manufacturer of hearing instruments, to help those who have suffered a hearing impairment free of charge.

Ex-serviceman Carl Canavan travelled to Knutsford from his hometown of Liverpool earlier this month to meet with Peter Jones of Hearing Matters to have his hearing tested and have moulds taken and returned a week later to have the aids fitted.

Carl, who served over 27 years with the Royal Engineers, was medically discharged in early November owing to hearing impairment and a knee injury.

“I served in the UK with the bomb disposal unit, mainly dealing with Second World War munitions and clearing military ranges.  The role has, not surprisingly, had an impact on my hearing,” he said.

“I met with some people from Help for Heroes who told me about the hearing support available.  Hearing Matters have been really helpful.  I didn’t realise how bad my hearing had become until Peter fitted my new hearing aids.”

Peter said that service men and women are regularly exposed to the blast of guns or ‘medium’ explosions measuring 140 decibels – which far exceeds the noise level of 85 decibels at which hearing damage can occur.

He added: “It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to offer our assistance to Carl and make a positive impact on his life.  We look forward to welcoming discharged service men and women to Knutsford and our other centres in the North West.”