This patient journey comes from Tampa patient Janet B! Janet’s husband is a musician, and she was having difficulty hearing not only the music, but the conversations around it! Janet sought the help of Dr. Lauren Benoit at Gardner Audiology in Tampa Bay. She was kind enough to detail her journey to better hearing for you below. We also invite you to check out Phil’s music website here! If you’re ready to experience the joy of better hearing yourself, schedule your appointment with Gardner Audiology. It’s easy to schedule online by clicking here!
1. When did you first begin to notice changes in your hearing? (What moments, comments from others, or experiences made you think something may be different?)
I really had to start focusing on facial expressions to catch the meaning- was it said as a joke? What was the intent? I was missing the nuances.
2. How did hearing challenges affect your daily life? Whether in relationships, work, or confidence?
It made personal communication difficult. I had to constantly request repetition in a conversation. It became an obvious irritant for others so we interacted less. I could not hear phone calls, so I began avoiding them.
3. Were there situations you found yourself avoiding due to your hearing difficulty?
Yes- I did not want to engage with others because I could not really follow the conversations, so I basically lost interest in social conversation. When Phil was working on his music, I couldn’t keep up with where he was going with it. When he played music I couldn’t hear all the notes
4. What was the turning point that led you to schedule an appointment with Gardner Audiology and seek hearing help?
I no longer wanted to go to social gatherings- Phil is really a social person and I normally enjoyed social situations, but I could not keep up without effort. I could no longer hear phone conversations [and I] spend excessive time on visual communication switching to email as opposed to oral communication.
5. How has wearing hearing aids changed your life?
I am ME again! I have regained my confidence to handle meeting to manage my life (finances, home repair, etc.). And WE get to enjoy individual and social encounters.
6. What would you say to someone who thinks they may have hearing loss but has not taken the first step to get a hearing exam?
Do not allow hearing loss to lock you away from life! Professional hearing support can remove the protective barriers that you have built.
7. What is your favorite ‘sound’ you can hear now that you could not before?
My granddaughter’s voice! And Phil’s voice (well… most of the time!) .
