How Expert Care and Expert Technology Helped Douglas Hear the Life He Loves Again

Dec 10, 2025

Douglas began noticing that his hearing was not what it once was several years before seeking assistance. 

“I began to notice trouble with my hearing, particularly through comments from my wife about my misunderstanding of words,” he recalls. “Additionally, movie outings became challenging due to difficulties following dialogue, attributed to high-frequency hearing loss. It all crept up slowly.” 

Multiple instances of challenges with his hearing signaled more than just a passing issue, and Douglas knew he needed to get assistance for his hearing health. He was told he had high-frequency hearing loss, which develops gradually and slowly begins to affect daily interactions. 

His first encounter with hearing aids was with a different audiologist in 2011, but the devices lacked the personal adjustability Douglas needed and, unfortunately, introduced a disturbing distortion. Thankfully, through a mutual friend, Douglas found his way to me and my team. 

“My wife knew Shannon from SLA Audiology, and soon I had a properly set-up pair, realizing quickly that I needed them,” he shares. “I now wear them consistently except when sleeping or showering.” 

Understanding High-Frequency Hearing Loss 

High-frequency hearing loss often affects the ability to distinguish consonants such as s, f, and th. It can make conversations in noisy environments, enjoyment of television shows, and even simple word recognition increasingly challenging. 

Without proper care, untreated hearing challenges like Douglas’s can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and exhaustion. Constantly straining to fill in the missing words can add cognitive stress and may even impact your overall quality of life. 

The Life You Get Back When You Hear Clearly 

Hearing aids offer impressive features, from multiple volume controls to smartphone application adjustments, but the real difference is in how they are fitted and maintained. 

Success with hearing aids lies in the details of personalization, as Douglas found when he came to visit me at SLA Audiology, along with our expert team. With professional guidance and expert programming, not only was his hearing improved, but he also began to regain his enjoyment of life. 

“I cannot live without my hearing aids; without them, typical speech recognition is arduous,” Douglas says. “The aids offer a range of volume controls and can be adjusted individually by buttons or through an app on my smartphone, a crucial feature for adapting to various conditions.” 

For Douglas, clear hearing has meant a restoration of his confidence, increased comfort in social gatherings, and a renewed connection with life. The simple act of hearing has transformed his everyday experiences into moments filled with meaning. 

Through the combination of advanced technology and individualized attention, you can rest assured that your hearing health journey will be tailored to your unique needs by myself and the rest of our compassionate team.  

Personalized care provides both technical excellence and the comfort of knowing that you are truly heard, from your first hearing assessment to your latest follow-up.  

I had the privilege of working with Douglas to optimize his hearing health, and I made sure he came out of our clinic doors with a smile on his face feeling confident and ready to hear the life he loves most. 

“Shannon is incredibly customer-focused, and having her own business nearby only enhances customer support,” Douglas enthuses. “Shannon and her staff strive to find the best solutions for their clients. In fact, I've referred friends who have also had favorable experiences.” 

Douglas’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right help, you can reclaim the vibrant sounds of life

Hear the World as It’s Meant to Be Heard 

If gradual high-frequency hearing loss is making everyday conversations or your favorite movies less enjoyable, don’t wait to get in touch with our team. Like Douglas, you deserve care that focuses on you, not just the devices. 

Don’t let hearing loss quietly distance you from life’s precious moments. Schedule your hearing assessment today and rediscover the vibrancy of sound. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What makes Oticon hearing aids different from other brands? 
A: Oticon systems offer customizable controls with smartphone compatibility, ensuring adjustments fit your unique hearing needs in different environments. 

Q: How soon can I experience improvement with personalized hearing care? 
A: Many patients notice clearer sound almost immediately after adjustments, with continuous improvements as the device is fine-tuned. 

Q: Is there a trial period for hearing aids at SLA Audiology? 
A: Yes! At SLA you are provided with a 30-day evaluation and adjustment period, so that you can experience the benefits firsthand and ensure the hearing aids meet your specific needs. 

Kaitie E. Alsman, Au.D.

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Get expert hearing care at SLA Audiology. Whether you need a hearing test, tinnitus treatment, or custom hearing solutions, our specialists are here to help.

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Get expert hearing care at SLA Audiology. Whether you need a hearing test, tinnitus treatment, or custom hearing solutions, our specialists are here to help.

Get Back on Track Today

Don't let faulty hearing aids disrupt your life. Take the first step toward restored clarity and confidence.

A brick building with large windows, featuring a logo on the front, under a clear blue sky.

Get Back on Track Today

Don't let faulty hearing aids disrupt your life. Take the first step toward restored clarity and confidence.

A brick building with large windows, featuring a logo on the front, under a clear blue sky.

Get Back on Track Today

Don't let faulty hearing aids disrupt your life. Take the first step toward restored clarity and confidence.

A brick building with large windows, featuring a logo on the front, under a clear blue sky.
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