Every day, we see patients who are concerned about their hearing loss or a loved one who is experiencing a hearing loss. We’re always happy to share our professional advice, but sometimes it can be beneficial to speak with someone who is going through the same thing you are.
The issue is that not everyone knows someone personally who is experiencing a hearing loss or who wears a hearing aid.
To help solve this problem, we’ve collaborated with our patients to collect stories from people just like you who have improved their quality of life by choosing to prioritize their hearing health.
I hope these success stories empower you to take the next step on your journey to better hearing. If you know someone who may benefit from hearing these stories, please share this article with them.
Our first story comes from Janice, who encourages others to get their hearing tested.
Hearing loss has been a part of Janice’s life since childhood. However, it took many years before it was actually pinpointed as the reason for some of her behaviour in her early years.
Janice says,
“As a young child, I didn’t like being around a lot of confusion. For example, when family would visit, having a few more people in the house talking would be too much for me. I would always go outside in the open space, and they would be wondering where I went. I didn’t know at the time why I felt that way and it wouldn’t be until my late thirties that I finally had a hearing test that my significant hearing loss was confirmed.”
Prior to visiting Provincial Hearing, Janice didn’t have any worries or concerns. Instead, she was hopeful.
“I just wanted to be able to hear like everyone else,” she says.
“I didn’t care what the hearing aid would look like, I just wanted to be able to hear without constantly asking people again and again what they said.”
Once fitted with hearing aids, she was amazed at their impact on her daily life. Janice explains,
“Hearing aids have changed how I live my life tenfold. I work in office environments, dealing with the public in person and on the phone, which even with hearing aids can still be a challenge, but without them, I know for a fact I wouldn’t be able to do my job.”
Helping Janice immensely, her hearing aids have become a part of who she is.
“I have never been embarrassed about my hearing aids, actually quite the opposite,” Janice says.
“It is a part of my life, and I consider myself blessed that we have the technology to give the gift of hearing to those who need it.”
Our next story is from Barrie and is all too common.
Barrie’s hearing was letting him down when he needed to hear well the most. He recalls,
“I felt frustrated and angry at times, as I couldn’t hear, especially in a crowd. I couldn’t hear the sounds I needed to hear when I was hunting.”
Prior to visiting Provincial Hearing, Barrie says, “I worried about the cost. I didn’t really have any other fears. I just knew I needed help.”
Help is exactly what he found at his first appointment.
“I was impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the technician,” explains Barrie.
These days, hearing clearly is much more effortless for him. Barrie says his new hearing aids “have made me more confident socially. I now can tell where sound is coming from since I have had two hearing aids. I am more alert because now I can take part in conversations.”
When asked what words of wisdom he’d give to potential patients, Barrie says, “I would tell them that it was the best thing I ever did for myself. The staff at Provincial Hearing is caring and knowledgeable and they have the latest technology so you can get the best results.”
And finally, we hear from Helen.
Helen became aware of her hearing loss when she was in her 20s. As time went on, her world became smaller and smaller. She recalls, “I found myself reading lips more and more and asking people to repeat themselves. It was embarrassing, so I often didn’t have conversations with others because I felt a little lost during conversations.”
When Helen decided to have her hearing loss professionally treated, one concern remained.
“I cannot stand to have anything in my ears, such as noise blockers or earphones, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to stand wearing hearing aids, but it is surprisingly easy to get used to wearing them,” she says.
Remembering her first appointment at Provincial Hearing, Helen says, “I was nervous, but everyone was so friendly, and they spoke loud and clearly. I felt at ease.”
Following getting fitted for hearing aids, Helen’s life changed for the better.
“It was so amazing the first time I put the hearing aids in. My husband was far away with his back to me, and he quietly said ‘I love you’ to see if I could hear him. I did, and I cried. It was such an emotional moment, and I will never forget the feeling of hearing his voice so clearly,” she recounts.
Helen encourages others to reconnect to their world by making an appointment.
“Provincial Hearing changed my life. They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with the whole process,” she says.
“The gift of hearing is amazing. You don’t quite realize how huge of an impact it has on you and your life until that moment when you can hear clearly.”
Common Reasons for Avoiding Hearing Loss Treatment
The majority of people don’t take action right away when they first suspect they may have a hearing loss. In fact, the average person waits seven years before seeking treatment. There are two main reasons for this.
#1 – Concerns about wearing hearing aids
No one looks forward to the day that they need to rely on hearing aids. If you think of hearing aids as being bulky and unsightly, the good news is that hearing aid technology has come a long way. There are many wonderful options on the market that are nearly invisible. And hearing aids can dramatically improve your ability to hear and improve your overall quality of life.
#2 – Concerns about the financial investment
Treating hearing loss does come with some financial investment. But don’t let that stop you from seeking help. Options like insurance, financing and payment plans can help.
Remember, an investment in your hearing health is an investment in your happiness and quality of life.
What’s Next?
If you’re experiencing a hearing loss, I hope these stories inspire you to seek treatment right away.
It can be tempting to delay treatment, but keep in mind that untreated hearing loss can worsen over time.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey to better hearing, schedule a hearing assessment today.
You can reach our team by calling our Truro office at 1-888-897-1147, Bridgewater at 1-888-323-4111 or Kentville at 1-877-257-5525.
