Patient Stories

I first realized something was up with my hearing when I was talking on the phone and noticed that I couldn’t hear well with my left ear—it sounded like everything was far, far away. I just wanted to be able to hear again.

Since getting hearing aids, I can actually hear others talking. I remember hearing my car’s blinkers, the change on my dresser clinking, and the sound of coffee brewing—all sounds I hadn’t heard in years and had forgotten about. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say, go, don’t wait. My experience has been great, and I know they will take good care of me and my needs.

I was having a hard time understanding some people and found myself nodding along without really grasping what was being said. This led to some awkward moments where it became clear that I hadn’t truly heard what was being said.

I didn’t have any big concerns before contacting Audiological Services, although I was still in my late 30s when I first received hearing aids. I had started to notice how many people wore hearing aids, so I tried not to worry about being judged, and my experience has been nothing but positive. My first impressions were that the staff at Audiological Services were so nice, professional, knowledgeable, and understanding.

The people that work there are great!

To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would recommend visiting Audiological Services to see what they have to offer. At least try some hearing aids to see how much better you can hear with them—they’re completely adjustable and can help filter out background noise, which is a huge help in public settings where you’re trying to hear a conversation.

I got tired of not being able to hear conversations that involved me. If someone was speaking at a function, I often couldn’t hear clearly or, sometimes, not at all. My main concern before contacting Audiological Services was confirming that I did, in fact, have hearing loss before investing in a hearing aid program.

My first impressions were very positive—I was impressed with everyone, from the front desk staff to the doctors and technicians. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say that Audiological Services made a positive impact on my life, even at this late stage of my age, which is 69. My favorite thing about working with Audiological Services is probably the customer service and kindness that the entire center embodies. I’m very comfortable there and never feel out of place.

I was sent to Audiological Services by the VA after previously going to Houston for hearing problems incurred during my service time. I was given 30% disability due to my service-connected hearing loss. Audiological Services saves me from having to go to Houston.

I’ve used other services before, and none compare. I didn’t have any real concerns before contacting Audiological Services. My first impression was that I was very impressed with the professionalism, friendliness of the staff, and the care they gave.

Since getting hearing aids, I’ve started going places again because now I can hear conversations, even at family gatherings. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would simply say, just go.

Lori was fitted with hearing aids when she was two years old. However, she continued to struggle with her hearing throughout her life.

Although she didn’t have any major concerns prior to visiting Audiological Services, she still had plenty of hope that her hearing issues could be resolved. Lori says, “I had hoped they could fit me with a hearing aid so that I could hear like normal people hear.”

Lori has been a patient at Audiological Services for a long time and is thankful for the fantastic care she’s received. She says, “It was many years ago when Sally first opened her office. I was relieved that she and her team could help me, and they did. Now I can say I hear things I didn’t hear before with a better hearing aid.”

Giving Audiological Services an 8/10 rating, Lori adds, “I’ve seen other hearing services in Houston and in Dallas in the past. I’m happy to find someone local and does all that the city could do.”

Ray’s hearing aids were letting him down and this was putting a damper on his social life. He recalls he was “no longer engaging with people at family gatherings or other get togethers.”

Prior to visiting Audiological Services, Ray didn’t have any particular concerns. “I had already been evaluated by the VA & fit for hearing aids before,” he says. So, he pretty much knew what to expect.

However, his first appointment exceeded his expectations. He says he was “very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of all of the staff.”

At his appointment, Ray’s hearing was thoroughly assessed, and new hearing aids were prescribed according to his individual hearing needs.

Ray’s new devices have proven to be a great success. He says they allow him “to become part of the conversations around me.”

Giving Audiological Services a 10/10 rating, he encourages others to give them a try. “Go for it!” he says. “You won’t be disappointed!”

Clifton became aware of his hearing loss while at work. He recalls, “I was having trouble hearing customers. I needed to have good hearing to be able to analyze the problem with customers’ phones.”

Knowing that he couldn’t carry on working this way, Clifton decided to visit Audiological Services. He says, “I just wanted honest answers and to correct my hearing problem.”

Clifton found everyone at Audiological Services “very professional and helpful” and he is happy with his new hearing aids. He says his new devices “made me able to hear and appreciate sounds that I thought I could not hear again.”

Giving Audiological Services an 8/10 rating, Clifton recommends that others “call and get an honest answer to questions with no pressure.”

John has a meaningful story to share. A story that is all too common for thousands of military personnel but is often overlooked or simply forgotten by others.

Hearing loss is actually quite common for those men and women who have devoted their lives to the military. Long-term exposure to machinery, gunfire, and explosives can damage the ears, with hearing loss and tinnitus common among active-duty personnel and veterans alike.

John’s been there and done that. But with determination and perseverance, he’s come out on the other side and thrived.

John recalls, “I was in the Army for 26 years. Hearing loss was almost an expectation. We were required to take annual hearing exams. The last 15 years of my service I already had written proof of the decline in my hearing. I was an Armor Soldier, so heavy weapons, tanks, and loud noise were the norm. Being deployed to combat areas, I was exposed to even more explosions and loud noise.

“About 10 years prior to my retirement, the audiology section recommended that I reclassify in a different job to avoid loud noises,” he says. “I had been living with hearing loss and constant ringing tones in my ears for so long, I did not notice how bad it had gotten, or didn’t know what I was missing.

“Finally, at around 5 years prior to my retirement, the audiologist wrote an official medical hearing profile, which technically could have made me lose my job. Due to my position and lack of replacements, I remained in service. Finally, about 3 years prior to I was provided with hearing aids. As soon as I put them on and had them adjusted, I was floored by all the sound that I had been ‘not hearing.’”

John’s hearing loss not only affected how he performed his duties but also how he communicated with others. “It was affecting my job in many ways, fear of not hearing critical data over radios, not hearing orders correctly, etc.,” he begins. “My hearing issues also had an effect on my professional speaking and communication. I really didn’t know how loud and clear I was speaking. Sometimes, I would mumble or speak softly when situations required solid communication.”

Thinking back to his pre-hearing aid days, John says, “Originally, I was afraid of the audiological section. I did not want to do the tests because it was embarrassing, and their assessment [the Army’s] could potentially have ended my career.”

However, a visit to Audiological Services was a completely different experience for John. He notes, “Audiological Services was surprising different from the military teams that I had seen in the past. The appointment was timely; the staff received me and quickly began the process. Everyone was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I did not feel like I was being judged, etc. I got the feeling that the team was on my side and wanted to help me however they could.”

John is thrilled with the hearing aids Audiological Services recommended, and he now clearly recognizes the difference in his life before hearing aids and after hearing aids. He says, “The hearing aids have definitely improved my life by improving my ability to communicate with people and overall, just hear what is happening in my surroundings.

“It was not just a burden for me, but for my family as well. They would get aggravated by saying things that I didn’t acknowledge or hear, as well as having to repeat themselves more than should be expected.”

John continues, “Hearing aids have definitely made a huge impact on my life. I can hear! That would be the most important thing. But I redeveloped confidence to effectively participate during interactions and communications with others. My wife is happier that she doesn’t have to repeat herself all the time as well.”

Giving Audiological Services a 10/10 rating, he concludes, “I would say that I cannot describe the importance of good hearing. And that if I can continue with Audiological Services, I definitely will. They make it easy, and it isn’t a bad experience. They are professional, know what they are doing, and offer a friendly and caring experience. The equipment used seemed to be top of the line, and I trust the results and I trust them to continue my care.”

It is often said that the best things in life are free. For James, this couldn’t be closer to the truth.

Recalling how he discovered he had a hearing loss, James said, “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.”

Once the news had sunk in, he says, “My biggest concern was simply wearing a hearing aid and how it would look, feel, and cost.” However, he adds, “Audiological Services was great! All staff members are knowledgeable, caring, friendly, and helpful.” James notes he was also impressed with their “first-rate facilities.”

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!”

Giving Audiological Services a 10/10 rating, 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!”

Robert has lived with an untreated hearing loss for quite some time. He first became aware that he had a hearing loss about 20 years ago “when my mother-in-law noticed I wasn’t hearing her very well.” He decided to seek treatment when he became concerned about miscommunicating with people.

Robert’s first appointment at Audiological Services was a positive experience. He says, “Everyone was very friendly, and the doctor explained things very well.”

His new hearing aids have vastly improved his life. Robert says, “Hearing aids have improved my confidence and overall well-being immensely.”

Giving Audiological Services a 10/10 rating, Robert advises others, “Don’t wait, get tested and get hearing aids. It’s well worth it and you won’t regret it.”

For many people, accepting they have a hearing challenge is often an obstacle they must overcome before doing anything about it. Take James, for example.

Despite misunderstanding words, James says he felt like “I don’t need help. I can hear just fine.” However, a comprehensive hearing assessment at Audiological Services soon revealed the truth, prompting James to take further action. “I realized I didn’t hear as good as I thought,” he admits.

With his hearing aids, he finds that he can “hear and understand better.” James gives Audiological Services a 10/10 rating and advises others, “Go get checked out. Your friends and family will appreciate it.”

John was tired. Tired of being told how loud he was by his family. He recalls, “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 this initially had him concerned about any potential devices he might need to wear. “My grandpa had hearing aids and they were always squeaking and bulky,” John says. And he’s quick to point out, “The ones I wear are barely noticeable and never squeal because of the newer technologies.”

Remembering the initial appointment that led to his new hearing aids, John says the team at Audiological Services was “professional, courteous, and always called me by name.”

John describes his new hearing aids as “life altering.” He explains, “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.”

Rating Audiological Services a 9/10, his advice to others is “to go!” John reassuringly adds, “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.”

Doug first noticed his hearing loss while attending a meeting at work. He recalls, “I was sitting in a meeting with my peers and not being able to hear the conversations was not only embarrassing but also professionally concerning.”

While he knew he had to take action, he says, “The embarrassment of having to wear hearing aids was my largest concern.”

Nevertheless, Doug made an appointment at Audiological Services where he immediately felt welcomed and cared for. “The staff was amazing,” he says. “Everyone made you feel like family.”

Nowadays, work meetings are no longer embarrassing or difficult to follow. Doug’s new hearing aids have benefitted him outside of the office as well. He says, “The ability to hear in meetings, listen to television, and talk on the phone in lower audibles was incredible. No longer having to guess at most conversations and hearing sounds that you had missed was a wonderful experience.”

Doug rates Audiological Services a 10/10 and advises, “Go visit them. You will realize what you have missed, and they will make sure that you are 100% satisfied.”