“I just can’t get that stubborn old mule to go get his ears checked!”
The frustration you experience when you’re trying to get someone you love to get help for their hearing loss is shared by thousands in and around Lufkin, TX.
Just like you, people call us almost every day with lots of questions, plenty of worries, and no idea what to do. All too often they don’t know anybody else with hearing loss or who wears hearing aids—so they don’t know who to turn to for advice or help.
We provide professional guidance and advice, but what they really need is to hear from somebody who has been in a similar position to their loved ones.
This article just might provide the answers you need.
Several of our patients volunteered to share their stories to help empower other individuals in the area to follow in their footsteps. They were eager to share how their lives were transformed for the better.
Feel free to share their stories with whoever needs to see them.
James Was Worried About How Hearing Aids Would Look, Feel, and Cost
It is often said that the best things in life are free. For James, this couldn’t be closer to the truth.
According to James, “I didn’t realize I had a hearing problem until I participated in a free hearing test offered by Audiological Services. I was surprised by the result, but then realized I needed help with my hearing.”
Shocked by the news, he said, “My biggest concern was simply wearing a hearing aid and how it would look, feel, and cost.”
James’s hearing journey can easily be described as an eye-opening experience.
“I didn’t know what I was missing,” he says. “Even my family members noticed the difference in my hearing right away. They didn’t have to repeat things as often, we could play the TV volume lower, and I even didn’t talk as loudly as before.”
Furthermore, the technology also impressed James. He continues, “An added bonus … the hearing aids link directly to my Apple smartphone, so sounds from phone calls and mobile apps are crystal clear without bothering others!”
“Audiological Services was great! All staff members are knowledgeable, caring, friendly, and helpful.” James notes that he was so impressed with their “first-rate facilities.”
James has these encouraging words to share: “Don’t be concerned about wearing aids. Better hearing is worth it, and they are barely noticeable. Audiological Services can help you hear your best!”
John’s Experience Was Life Altering
John was tired. Tired of being told how loud he was by his family.
“I was constantly being told I was yelling, and when I went into restaurants or movies, I always had to ask what was being said.”
He remembered his grandpa’s hearing aids, and that had him concerned about any devices he might need to wear. “My grandpa had hearing aids and they were always squeaking and bulky,” John says. He’s quick to point out, “The ones I wear are barely noticeable and never squeal because of the newer technologies.”
John remembers the initial appointment that led to his new hearing aids.
“The team at Audiological Services was professional, courteous, and always called me by name.”
John describes his new hearing aids as “life altering.” He says, “At the initial fitting, I was demonstrated how others hear me. When I got back to my vehicle, I messaged my wife and kids apologizing for always being so loud. Now the TV is quiet in the house, music and my volume of speech, much more harmonious.”
His advice to others is “to go!” He adds that “the tests are simple, easy, no fuss, and if hearing loss is significant, with the new technologies available, the sound quality is wonderful, the Bluetooth is awesome. Easier and better than earbuds for phone calls, music, etc. They’re almost invisible and hardly noticeable.”
These are just two of the stories from others in our area who realized that their hearing was not as great as it once was and made a decision to confront their challenge.
Most Have to Get Over Two Hurdles Before Getting the Help They Need
You’re probably not aware that, on average, people wait up to seven years from the time their hearing challenges become noticeable until they finally seek treatment.
Ironically, if you ask anybody who achieved better hearing after seeking treatment, they’ll tell you that they wish they had done it sooner.
While you’re putting off getting the help you need, your hearing continues to deteriorate and puts you at a greater risk of developing depression, anxiety, dementia, balance disorders, and other negative health consequences.
Most people have to get over two hurdles before getting the help they need.
The First Hurdle: I don’t want to be seen as a hearing aid wearer
Do you remember flipping through the pages of a hearing aid catalog, dreaming of the day when you could finally wear your first pair of hearing aids?
No! Neither can anyone else, because we don’t ever want to have the stigma “hearing aid wearer” attached to us.
Here’s some good news! That stigma is all but disappearing thanks to the powerful innovations that are now built into the smaller, lighter, and more discreet hearing aids of the 21st century.
In fact, many of our patients share with us that family, friends, and colleagues never catch on to the fact that they’re wearing hearing aids.
Better yet! Today’s hearing aids are more powerful, provide background noise control, come with rechargeable batteries, and can connect directly to your smartphone, television, computer, and other digital devices.
If the “hearing aid wearer” stigma is a massive hurdle you’ve got to get over before you’ll get the help you need with your hearing, then you’re encouraged to schedule an appointment and try one out—the experience will blow your mind!
The Second Hurdle: I can’t afford them
If you can afford a car or a boat, then you can afford a pair of hearing aids.
What are you putting your money into when you invest in hearing aids?
- Better hearing that enhances your relationships by allowing you to enjoy conversations with family and friends in a noisy restaurant, social event, or family gathering
- Decreased risk of cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, balance disorders, and other negative health concerns
- The capacity to connect your hearing aids directly to your phone, computer, television, and other digital devices
- Personalized support to choose the device that addresses your specific needs, along with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair from a team of hearing care experts who are dedicated to helping you achieve your better hearing goals
- A one- to three-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers repairs and/or replacement for damaged or lost devices
- Cutting-edge technology, like AI or machine learning that automatically adjusts your listening profile as you move from one sound environment to another
In some cases, you’ll experience a hearing advantage over those with normal hearing in certain situations. Your expertly crafted, long-lasting premium hearing aids are worth every dime you invest.
Not all of your investment has to come out of your pocket. With insurance benefits, payment plans, and financing available, you can breathe easier about paying for your hearing aids and just enjoy the enriched quality of life they provide.
What Should I Do Next?
You’ve read some testimonies from hearing aid wearers and gotten over the two most common hurdles between you and the better hearing you desire. If you’re ready to make a decision your future self will thank you for, your next step is to schedule a hearing evaluation and discuss your options.
Click here to schedule your consultation or give us a call at (936) 632-2252—you’ll encounter a friendly member of our team to help with scheduling or to answer any questions you may have.
