When we last spoke with Aimee in 2022, she had shared how embracing hearing aids transformed her life following a decade-long struggle with hearing loss (See her testimonial video here). Now, in this follow-up, we reconnect with her to see how her journey has evolved—how hearing technology continues to shape her daily life, the unexpected reactions from friends and family, and the features she loves most. If you've ever wondered what life with hearing aids is really like, Aimee’s story offers an honest, inspiring glimpse.
The Social & Emotional Impact: “I’m Part of the Crowd Again”
Before hearing aids, Aimee often felt left out—whether at family gatherings, dinners with friends, or casual conversations. Now, she feels fully engaged. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I wasn’t anymore,” she shares. Instead of avoiding social situations, Aimee confidently wears her hearing aids and positions herself where she can hear best. “Family is everything to me, and these hearing aids keep me connected.”
One of her fears before getting hearing aids was how others would react. Ironically, she was lovingly teased more for mishearing things than for wearing hearing aids! “I used to nod along when I didn’t understand, and once, my husband asked if I even knew what I had just agreed to!”
Today, Aimee wears her hearing aids with pride and speaks about them openly. To her surprise, many people share their own experiences. “A lot of people my age wear them—it’s just not a big deal,” she says. When Aimee has shared with others that she is wearing hearing aids, often her peers will reveal that they are wearing theirs, too!
Game-Changing Technology & Personalized Care
For Aimee, modern hearing aids have been a game-changer. She admits that it take some time getting used to putting her hearing aids in her ear canals securely and adjusting to small things like the sound of her hair brushing against them—but to her they’re “easier than contact lenses” and her hearing aid routine has quickly become second nature.
She loves the ability to customize settings through an app, hear the TV clearly, stream calls directly to her ears, and rely on rechargeable batteries for convenience.
Aimee shares how her audiologist has been an essential part of her journey, providing expert guidance and ensuring her hearing aids always perform at their best. The purchase of her hearing aids included unlimited access for adjustments, troubleshooting, and routine cleaning.
When Aimee’s charger malfunctioned, her audiologist immediately provided a loaner pair of hearing aids so she wouldn’t be without them. “I would panic if I had to go a day without my hearing aids now,” she admits, emphasizing how vital it is to have a professional to turn to when needed.
“I Wish I Had Done It Sooner”
Looking back, Aimee has one piece of advice for her past self: Just do it. Like so many, she hesitated for years, enduring unnecessary isolation. Now, she can’t imagine life without hearing aids. “It’s changed everything,” she says. She’s again a part of the workplace fun and family jokes, can hear soft-spoken neighbors, and spends her energy on life instead of trying to understand conversations. “You don’t realize how hard you’ve been working to hear—until you don’t have to anymore.” According to Aimee, the investment in her hearing health has been priceless.
Advice for Others: “Life Is Easier. Life Is Better.”
If Aimee could share one message, it would be this: Hearing aids change lives. While she acknowledges the cost of technology and professional care, she firmly believes that those who need them should seek treatment as soon as possible for their overall well-being.
For those on the fence, she offers encouragement: “Technology keeps getting better, and so does the experience. If you’re struggling to hear, don’t wait. Life is truly better with hearing aids.”
To take an online hearing screening or schedule a consultation with a licensed hearing care professional, visit Hearing.org
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