Patient Stories
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Phil’s Story
My journey was borne out of an accident on the golf course in Sydney, where some 10 years ago I was hit by an errant golf ball on the left side of my head. I remember feeling a metallic like sound in my head then blacked out for a short while. The ambulance arrived and I was transported to a nearby hospital where I had 9 stitches to repair the wound. Whilst waiting in the emergency area, I could sense then that my hearing had been affected in some way. It was recommended that I should undertake a hearing test to determine the extent of the damage. This disclosed I had suffered a not insignificant loss in hearing in my left ear, which was subsequently attributed to damage to a large portion of the cochlear hairs by the golf ball hit.
My wife and I had decided to retire and move to Ballina in the NSW Northern Rivers. We had sold our home in Sydney and preparations were well advanced for the move. So we had a brick wall date by which we had to move out and head north. This was particularly stressful in terms of trying to see hearing specialists to assess what actual damage had happened, and what steps were needed going forward. Fortunately, we were able to gain an appointment with a specialist in the days leading up to the move. He determined the extent of hearing loss was irreparable but was not sufficient to warrant a cochlear implant. He warned that hearing aids would be a necessity though, and acquisition of these should be undertaken as soon as possible upon arrival in Ballina.
With absolutely no background nor experience in this area, we had to identify a local hearing practice to assist us with the procurement of the hearing aids. This we did via the local newspaper ads and internet search, and we subsequently made an appointment with one of the large chainstore clinics. Another hearing test there led to the recommendation of a set of aids. These were at the second level of capability out of a possible 4 levels. Obviously, my naivety of this field didn’t enable any questioning on my part as to why this was the optimal answer, and this was probably compounded by the rapid rise in price as the levels increased. There was also only one brand of aid available.
Warranty on the aids was for 3 years. It seems the usual practice is to visit the clinic prior to the warranty expiration so the aids could be sent to the manufacturer for an inspection so any repair work could be done under the warranty. The clinic supplied a loan set of aids, which in my particular case turned out to be a set of level 4 aids. I had them for a week and was astounded immediately at just how much better these were than my level 2’s, both in the hearing resolution and range of capability. I said to my wife “I need a set of these”! The downer came when we were given the cost; to put it mildly it was outrageous. Accordingly, I resolved to persevere with the level 2 set.
Given the impact on me of the level 4 aids, my wife started to search the web looking at offerings from other providers. The startling observation from this was that the cost for the same level 4 aids was significantly less than the chainstore clinic. Not only that, there were a number of manufacturers to choose from as opposed to one. Accordingly, we selected a clinic that gave us a good vibe, based on the research we did. This has proved to be a great decision for us.
Again, another hearing test was undertaken from which a set of recommendations was put to us. We trialled the suggested solutions before selecting the aid which provided the optimal solution for our circumstances. Audiologist support from Therese (and subsequently from Louai) was thorough, caring and supportive. There were a couple of follow-up visits included in the package to review progress and adjust the aids as required. I’m now on my second set of aids and we are very happyto continue our relationship with Therese and Louai.
Interestingly, a year or so along the way I was contacted by the chainstore clinic as to why I hadn’t been in touch to have a check-up and aids inspection. I advised I had moved to another clinic, as they were too expensive and the customer experience was far inferior. The answer I received to that feedback was “Oh OK, a lot of people are saying the same thing”!
In my case, it was imperative that I addressed the hearing loss following the accidental hit. Those that are suffering a gradual decline as the years go by should at the very least get a test done to determine where things are at. It doesn’t cost anything at most clinics, but at least you are aware. So don’t dither.
Be cognizant that your hearing loss has an impact on those nearest and dearest to you. I don’t know how many times over the journey I’ve replied to my wife “what was that again” ? Also, not being able to hear what your family or friends are saying in a group environment can be very stressful, especially in a noisy environment like a restaurant. Not only will you feel uncomfortable, but the others will be too. The technology has evolved whereby many of these situations can be improved/resolved with correctly prescribed aids.
Hearing aids aren’t cheap. Last I was aware the industry remains unregulated, so clinics can charge what they want. You need to do your homework and ensure you’re not being overcharged. Further, what a chainstore clinic might charge you for a lower level set of aids may very well provide you with a higher level set for the same outlay at another clinic. Be mindful that not all clinics spell out their costs and freebies in the same way. I undertook a 3 year cost of ownership analysis to guide me in the decision we ultimately made.
To me it’s key to select an audiologist/clinic that takes a holistic approach to your hearing situation. Certainly in my case, the difference in level of service, cost and client support from the initial clinic to now is chalk and cheese. Everyone’s needs and situation are different; your challenge is to identify an audiologist to help you through that and work with you to get the optimal solution and on-going support.
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Loretta’s Story
My hearing journey began in childhood. I had a lot of infections and had reconstructive surgery in my early teens to save what little hearing remained in my left ear.
Growing up into my late teens and through my 20’s I knew my hearing wasn’t ‘right’. I always knew I needed something to help me hear people properly, and I noticed I would miss some sounds as my partner, friends or family would hear things that I hadn’t, I struggled with some tones/pitch and even accents.
I always had some sort of excuse to put my hearing health off to the side. I would put money towards a holiday, or on the rent, or even towards my physical health. I ended up telling myself after we bought our first home, then, and finally then, I would see someone about my hearing.
After we had bought our home, it was time to address my hearing. Personally for me, it was difficult as I have always been sensitive about my hearing. It frustrated that people would assume I was just a lazy listener, that I purposely ignored people or that I lacked focus, and they wouldn’t understand despite my young age that I actually was impacted by hearing loss.
It was also difficult as it brought up all my childhood infections and the role my parents played in my hearing journey so I knew I didn’t want to walk into a big store and have to try to act like it was easy.
I saw Therese’s ad on a local Facebook community and immediately I felt that perhaps this is the person to go see, to help guide me gently through assessing my hearing loss. To see where I’m at now, in my early 30’s and to walk me through what options I have moving forward. I am so glad I went with my gut instinct.
Our appointments were always positive and she was so responsive to my sensitivities and my emotional challenges about addressing my hearing. She assessed my hearing and discussed my results with me, as well as showed me what kind of hearing aids might suit me best while considering budget.
We talked about what concerns I might have regarding technology, size and look of the aids, colours and fit. I was glad to trial a pair and couldn’t believe the difference! It was a shock to see what I had been missing out on, but in the trial I finally felt like my ears were ‘even’ with the world. I felt apprehensive to spend money on the aids, because for so long I’d found excuses to avoid this! However, I knew that it is something I needed and the trial period allowed me to see that this product would work for me and would be the investment my hearing health needed. I knew that I would have follow up care, access and support from Therese and this also brought me peace of mind.
Now, months later, my hearing aids are just part of life for me. It is second nature to use them, and it has been so emotionally fulfilling to take this big step for my own health. My friends and family were very supportive, and it helped some people in my life understand that hearing loss is an invisible condition but something that can impact a person in so many ways. My hearing aids are now a part of my identity, replacing the part where my hearing loss sat and this makes me feel really good, every day.
