A deaf former-electrical engineer from Hampton who was fitted with life-changing cochlear implants 18 months ago will be celebrating International Cochlear Implant day on February 25.

Peter Rogers, 68, had to continually ask the registrar to repeat the marriage vows during his wedding to wife Sandra, due to his otosclerosis, diagnosed in 1974.

But Mr Rogers had an implant fitted at London’s UCLH in 2012 and said the surgery has been a greater success than he ever imagined.

He said: “I can talk in group situations, hear TV, enjoy music - I was amazed how much I could appreciate the music at a Jools Holland concert this summer - and even talk on the phone, including my mobile.

“Sandra no longer has to come along on appointments with me to act as translator or to hear my name being called over the tannoy. It’s given me back my independence and zest for life.”

For more information visit iwanttohear.com.