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Singing sensation Daniel O'Donnell is music to his elderly mother's ears again after the 91-year-old had her hearing restored following years of problems.

The Irish star said he was delighted his "mammy" had been given a boost and was now able to enjoy conversations.

Julia O'Donnell was fitted with two miniature hearing aids that solved a decade of difficulties and her heartthrob son said a weight had been lifted from the family.

Daniel O'Donnell, 48, said his mother suffered from quite a severe hearing impairment, so conversation became "increasingly difficult for her,"

"It also put quite a strain on the rest of the family.

"We are so thankful that we have found a solution for Mammy."

Mrs O'Donnell said she was delighted her hearing had been restored, allowing her the chance to talk to Daniel's fans, take part in sing-songs, and hear her famous son on the phone when he's away on tour.

Picturesque

"If you are lucky enough to get to my age, you'll realise just how important your hearing is to you," she said.

"Enjoying conversation with your family and friends or a good sing-song is what keeps me going.

"For instance when Daniel is off touring, I really look forward to his telephone call every day, but with my deteriorating hearing I was finding it very difficult to hear him properly."

O'Donnell has a loyal fan base, mostly made up of women, and is renowned for his approachable and affable manner.

He has even invited followers to his home in Kincasslagh, in Donegal's picturesque north-west coast, for tea.

But he broke hearts in 2002 when he married Majella McLennan in a ceremony in his native county, and hundreds of his music lovers lined the streets outside the church.