Why Olympian Tessa Sanderson Is Urging the Nation: “Fitted Isn’t Finished”
Contributed by James Pocock
14/04/2026 • 3 min read
On 9 April 2026, ITVs Good Morning Britain presenters Anil Ray and Ranvir Singh shone a spotlight on a hidden challenge facing millions of people across the UK: the lack of early support for new hearing‑aid users.
Their interview with Olympic legend Tessa Sanderson CBE opened a conversation many don’t realise needs urgent attention and later that day, Tessa reinforced the same message on Channel 5 News, in a powerful sit‑down interview with Julian Druker.
Tessa isn’t just fronting this campaign. She’s lived it.
A Silent Struggle Millions Share
New research* from Hidden Hearing on over 55s hearing aid users has uncovered a worrying trend:
- 1 in 3 over‑55s fitted with hearing aids say they were never offered a follow‑up appointment more than double the national average.
- Over half say their hearing aid felt uncomfortable at first.
- A third felt the sound “wasn’t right”.
- Many give up in just 11 days, with two‑thirds reporting that earlier support could have helped.
These early days matter. They shape confidence, long‑term success, and quality of life.
Tessa's Own Turning Point
Tessa first received hearing aids in 2016 and admits she nearly gave up. She left her initial fitting confused and disappointed, not realising that sound would feel unfamiliar and require fine‑tuning.
Later, on Channel 5 News, Tessa reflected on why she chose to speak out twice in one day:
“These findings are shocking and they match exactly how I felt. I thought I was the only one struggling, but one in three people my age aren’t given the follow‑up support they need. That can be the difference between flourishing with your hearing aids or hiding them in a drawer.
I’m backing this campaign because people deserve better and they need to know support is available.” Tessa Sanderson CBE
Why She’s Supporting the Campaign
Tessa believes passionately that no one should feel alone, ashamed, or confused when adapting to hearing aids.
Her message is simple: don’t give up too soon.
Introducing: Fitted Isn’t Finished
To tackle the national support gap, Hidden Hearing has launched Fitted Isn’t Finished a free online hub offering which includes a FREE guide and planner.
A National Call to Action
Tessa’s media appearances mark the start of an important conversation one that affects three million hearing‑aid users across the UK. Her parting message:
“Please don’t give up. The first few days are the hardest — but with support and guidance, you can succeed. I did, and it changed everything.”
For more on Tessa’s story visit here:
Sources
*The survey was commissioned by Hidden Hearing and carried out by Censuswide in November 2025. It involved 2,035 UK adults who had been prescribed a hearing aid. The sample included quotas for 500 people who always wear their device, 500 who sometimes wear it, and 500 who never wear it.
