By Lily Jobson for Mailonline
08:39 02 July 2024, updated 09:10 02 July 2024
Holly Hagan has revealed she was fitted with hearing aids after years of ‘struggling’ with hearing.
The 31-year-old Geordie Shore star detailed her shock health battle with her fans on Instagram on Monday, saying she was overjoyed to finally hear.
Holly explained how she read lips most of the time and that in the past she often felt ’embarrassed’ when she couldn’t keep up with the conversation.
In the video, Holly walked fans through the process of fitting hearing aids and emphasized the importance of breaking down the stigma of getting them at a younger age.
The mother of one said: ‘I have finally got my hearing sorted with Boots Hearingcare after struggling for over 7/8 years.
“I have a strict judgment for certain sounds, which explains why turning on the TV never helped.
“I worked so hard on deciphering conversations and I always felt awkward asking people to repeat themselves. I was able to tune in to the family, but in a busy environment I struggled with new voices that often came across as rude or disinterested.’
Click here to resize this module
Holly revealed that Covid made her hearing “10x worse” because she wouldn’t be able to lip read, which she relies on when people were wearing masks.
She added: “Covid made it worse because I realized I was lip reading and the masks made it 10x harder. The difference between the hearing aids was overwhelming but unbelievable. I’m starting at 70% to let my brain adjust.
“There is a stigma around hearing aids, but if you can’t see properly, wear glasses regardless of age, premature hearing loss can happen for many reasons. They also have great features like built-in Bluetooth so I no longer need headphones.
“I would say to anyone with a hearing problem to go to Boots Hearingcaring and get it checked, it’s worth it to be honest, my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
“If you’re over 50, you can get a free hearing test at Boots Hearingcare. If you are under 50, you must be referred by your GP for a free hearing test at Boots Hearingcare.”
Fans praised the reality star for opening up about her secret health battle and poured into the comments to congratulate her for speaking out.
Some of the comments read: “Well done hunni for coming and saying something!! My 26 year old son has had hearing problems since birth and needed massive surgery and a new ear drum and he has titanium like little bones!!
“He now has 75-80% hearing. He still struggles in large crowds and can’t hear very well if everyone is talking at once etc.. hearing loss can really affect people especially young adults!! So thanks again and it will help so much xxxx’
“I’m so happy for you Holly, such a lovely lady, you’re doing well to speak up and take us along and educate us. I didn’t realize you could get hearing aids that small. X you look beautiful as always.
Holly shares son Alpha, 12 months, with professional footballer husband Jacob Blythe.
Jacob, 31, and Holly confirmed their relationship in June 2017. They announced their engagement in June 2019 and married in June 2022.
Holly previously dated fellow Geordie Shore alum Kyle Christie from 2014 to 2017.