At 5 years old, I was diagnosed with a mild mid-frequency bi-lateral hearing loss. Since that…read moretime, I have been to at least 15 different audiologists and 7 ENTs; going through the dreaded annual hearing evaluations for 25 years. For years, my mother was berated for not putting hearing aids on her child, mostly because I refused to wear them and I was functioning "well enough" in school. As I grew older I went from a mild to moderate hearing loss. Understanding speech became increasingly difficult. I began to realize my ability to "hide" my disability without amplification wasn't "well enough" for the professional world and personal life.
That's when I started my journey to find hearing aids.
As a young professional living in Boston and working 2 jobs, it was easier to buy a new car than get financing for hearing aids. Insurance doesn't cover it and my company didn't offer a HSA account. Additionally, I made too much money on paper to get government funding. The technology for mid-frequency hearing loss is not quite here yet, but significantly better than 20 years ago. I shopped around from audiologist to hearing aid distributors who all turned me away when I said I could not pay $8k - $10k within 30-days. I was devastated, defeated, and felt no one could help me...until I went to Brookline Hearing Center.
The first time I visited, I met Judith Chasin. This was a very emotional situation and sensitive decision for me. She sat down with me to really listen. Judith made me feel comfortable and gave me the reassurance that hearing aids will increase my quality of life. We must have spent 2 hours talking! I have never received this kind of support and attention from an audiologist in 25 years.
With a little bit of coaxing, and encouragement, I got molds for Orticon hearing aids. I came back a second visit to find out the molds didn't fit comfortably in my tiny ears but Judy found me an alternative solution that made them fit much more comfortably. I tried them out for a couple weeks, but realized they were not doing enough for me.
I came back a second time and met Judy Arick. Again, this visit was over an hour as she mostly listened to my needs. It was suggested to try another brand, Plantronics, and was sent home for another 30-day trial.
I returned a third time, ready to give up, convinced the technology doesn't exist for my mid-frequency hearing loss. I remember being in tears and ready to call it quits when both Judy's told me they'll never give up on me and will find me the right amplification - no matter how many times it took! I was fitted for Widex hearing aids, top of the line, with the most advanced technology. They were very expensive, but did work!
This process took 3 months, 6 + visits (at least an hour each), and both Judy's gave me emotional support and technical advice. During the 3 trials and many visits, never once was I asked for payment! At the time of purchase, they worked with me to come up with a financial plan to afford my hearing aids.
Almost 2 years later from that first visit, my quality of life has significantly increased, more than I could have ever imagined. With the help of Brookline Hearing Center, I was given the confidence to leave my old company and interview for a new job. I not only got the job, but a major promotion with a Fortune 100 company. Also that year, I met the man of my dreams and will be getting married this summer.
I can't express my sincere gratitude to Brookline Hearing and their unbelievably kind and helpful staff. Lastly but not least, I thank both Judy Arick and Judy Chasin for helping me achieve my goals. My story is unique and has impacted my life in many ways. I give my utmost recommendation and will never go anywhere else for my hearing needs again.
