A former police officer has been given a "new lease of life" after an audiologist helped restore her hearing.

Margaret Cartwright hearing had deteriorated significantly in the past year before her appointment at the Specsavers store in Marlowes where audiology director Geeta Patel and hearing aid dispenser Anton Rajasooriya fitted her with the Slim Ric Model hearing aid.

The 82-year-old is now looking forward to watching her favourite classic comedies, without having to turn the TV volume all the way up.

"I was so delighted with Geeta and Anton. The service they delivered was exemplary," Margaret said.

"They were very patient, and their care was excellent. I have discovered lots of sounds I did not realise I had lost, thanks to these hearing aids.

"I love watching classic comedies such as Dinner Ladies, Porridge, Open All Hours, and The Last of the Summer Wine and also crime dramas, so the new hearing aids mean I no longer need to guess words. 

"I don’t feel left out of conversations, and I can interact better at Tea & Chat events with my friends. I can hear much more clearly our chair exercise instructor, so I now really enjoy taking part in the sessions.

"I have a new lease on life and that is thanks to the wonderful work of Specsavers Hemel Hempstead."

Margaret has been a Hemel Hempstead resident for more than 40 years, working as a chef at the town's hospital, before becoming a police officer in Welwyn Garden City.

"We were delighted to help Margaret live life to the full again," said Geeta.

"It can be very easy to let your hearing slip as it is often a gradual decline. A sudden change in hearing can prompt a visit to the audiologist, but that isn’t always the case.

"If anyone feels like they are not hearing as well as they think or if friends and family are constantly telling you that your TV is always too loud, don’t delay in getting your hearing checked.

"It is always better to spot these symptoms sooner rather than later."