Patrick — “It’s been absolutely transformative.”
After years of gradual hearing loss, Patrick found the support he needed to bring clarity, brightness and connection back to his life.
For decades, electronic artist and multi instrumentalist Patrick Carpenter has dedicated his life to sound. From his early years as DJ Food to performing with the Cinematic Orchestra, and now as a saxophonist, flautist, producer and teacher with a studio based in Brixton.
But gradually, almost imperceptibly at first, the world around him began to dull.
“I’ve had tinnitus since I was 25… and slowly, slowly, slowly, I started losing my hearing.”
What began as a familiar hum evolved over years into something far more disruptive. Conversations became difficult. Social spaces felt exhausting. And the quieter the world became, the heavier everything began to feel.
“I hadn’t realised how depressed I’d become as a result… It was very gradual, and that made it even harder.”
Encouraged by a friend, Patrick tried seeking hearing support through the NHS, but after 18 months of cancelled and rearranged appointments, he still wasn’t any closer to the help he needed.
Living on a boat – a home he was simultaneously struggling to restore – added another layer of complexity. Costs were mounting, and the idea of paying for private hearing care felt impossible.
He approached several music charities for help, eventually securing part funding from another organisation. But it still wasn’t enough to move forward.
That’s when Patrick reached out to Help Musicians again.
Patrick first contacted Help Musicians in 2017, when we supported him with therapy and temporary help covering rent on his studio. Years later, when he got back in touch, his circumstances had changed but the need for support hadn’t.
With additional funding from Help Musicians, Patrick was finally able to access high quality hearing aids tailored to his needs.
“The difference has been immeasurable. It’s been absolutely transformative.”
When he first began wearing the hearing aids, sound returned to him in a way he hadn’t experienced in years.
“I remember hearing all the high frequencies – knives and forks in a restaurant, the cocktail shaker at the bar, conversations as I cycled past a bus stop… crystal clear.”
It wasn’t just the sound that changed. His wellbeing lifted with it.
“Everything lifted and became brighter.”
And what stood out to him just as vividly as the hearing aids themselves was the experience of being supported.
“It wasn’t just the financial support. It was the unquestioning support – ‘How can we help?’ That strength and depth meant so much.”
Patrick describes the help he received from Help Musicians as “Proactive, rigorous and clear.”
Although he doesn’t use the hearing aids while performing, they have transformed his everyday life. Social moments, teaching, conversations with friends, and even the ambient sounds of London have become accessible again.
The change has rippled into his mental health, confidence, and connection with others.
As for musicians unsure about seeking help, Patrick is unequivocal:
“You’ve got nothing to lose by asking. Help Musicians is rooted in the wellbeing of people like me.”