Hearing Health Journeys
Embarking on the path to better hearing can be life-changing, and often, the most inspiring stories come from those who have walked this journey before you. We are proud to share our patients' personal experiences—real stories of triumph, hope, and renewed connections.
These narratives not only highlight the transformative power of hearing care but also underline the importance of taking that first step toward improved hearing and enhanced quality of life. Let these journeys inspire you to take your first step into a world full of clearer sounds and deeper connections.
"No need to procrastinate and make your immediate family be frustrated with you not hearing them. Make the appointment."
I realized something might be up with my ears when the issue, though not a huge concern, was confined to just one ear. This localized hearing loss led to me not wearing my aids consistently. When I first contacted SLA Audiology, I had no preconceived fears because my hearing loss was isolated. My initial impressions of SLA Audiology were very positive, as they were professional and genuinely interested in understanding my needs. Since wearing my hearing aids more consistently, I have become more comfortable in restaurant and business meeting settings. For anyone concerned about their hearing, I would advise not to procrastinate and ignore your family's frustration; make the appointment. My favorite aspect of working with SLA Audiology is that it is an owner-operated business, providing individualized care, unlike other places where I often saw a new technician each time.
Inspiring Quote: "No need to procrastinate and make your immediate family be frustrated with you not hearing them. Make the appointment."
David R.
"Shannon invests the time to really understand what you think about how the aids are helping and what may need to be adjusted."
About 15 years ago, I began to notice trouble with my hearing, particularly through comments from my wife about my misunderstanding of words. Additionally, movie outings became challenging due to difficulties following dialogues, attributed to high-frequency hearing loss. It all crept up slowly. My initial experience seeking help involved a different audiologist and Siemens hearing aids around 2011, which lacked personal adjustability and introduced distortion—leading me to give up. However, a year later, my cousin observed my struggle and let me try his Oticon hearing aids briefly. Despite not being personalized for my hearing loss, they were markedly better. My wife knew Shannon from SLA Audiology, and soon I had a properly set-up pair, realizing quickly that I needed them. For nearly 12 years now, I've exclusively used Oticon aids, wearing them consistently except when sleeping or showering.
My first impressions of SLA Audiology, having previously known Shannon Austin from Whisper Hearing, were positive. Shannon is incredibly customer-focused, and having her own business nearby only enhances customer support. 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. I cannot live without my hearing aids; without them, typical speech recognition is arduous. 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 anyone concerned about their hearing and considering SLA Audiology, rest assured you'll receive personalized service. Shannon allows for trial periods to ensure an informed purchase decision. My favorite aspect of working with SLA Audiology is the very technical yet personalized service. Shannon invests time to truly grasp how the aids benefit you and what adjustments might be necessary.
Douglas G.
"You won't find a kinder, more knowledgeable or friendly audiology office."
After the birth of my first child, I experienced a very high fever, and aspirin was prescribed, which caused my ears to ring and eventually led to a hearing loss. Initially mild, it progressively worsened over the years, leaving me feeling somewhat isolated. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I wondered if the hearing aids would help and was very self-conscious about wearing them. However, my first impressions of Shannon at SLA Audiology were remarkable. She is like no other—gracious, reassuring, and knowledgeable—and I felt very comfortable with her from my initial visit to the present day. Wearing hearing aids has no doubt improved my life. As my hearing loss has progressed, so has my realization of their necessity become evident to me. If anyone is concerned about their hearing and considering visiting SLA Audiology, I would say you won't find a kinder, more knowledgeable, or friendly audiology office. My favorite thing about working with SLA Audiology is their sensitivity to your situation and their knowledge to find the best solutions, all performed with kindness and compassion.
Christine F.
"My hearing aids have given me the ability to interact with the hearing world that I remember as a young adult. Priceless."
The moment I first realized I had a hearing challenge was three days after oral surgery. As a young adult, I was panic-stricken, wondering how I would ever survive this loss. For the next 45 years, I struggled to find an appropriate solution until I was introduced to Dr. Austin. Reflecting back, I wish I had discovered her practice much sooner, as I was completely blown away at my first consultation. Dr. Austin was the first to take my hearing loss seriously and design a solution around me, the patient, rather than just pushing whatever hardware had been sitting in inventory. My first impression of the clinic was that they were genuinely patient-centric, caring, and dedicated to working with me, not just for me. Since getting hearing aids, I've regained the ability to interact with the hearing world I once remembered as a young adult—it's truly priceless. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would urge you not to wait as long as I did. Schedule your consultation now. My favorite thing about SLA Audiology is that everyone in the office sees how my improved hearing enhances my life every day.
William S.
"They will not regret their visit."
The moment I first realized I had a hearing challenge was when I frequently misunderstood what was being said, which was very upsetting. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I was concerned about what the hearing aids would look like in my ears. However, my first impression of SLA Audiology was very positive; everyone was pleasant, informative, and helpful. Now that I have hearing aids, I can hear again, which has been life-changing. To anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, I assure you, they will not regret their visit. My favorite thing about working with SLA Audiology is the friendly, kind, and well-informed staff.
Inspiring Quote: "They will not regret their visit."
Mitchell P.
"Once I got my hearing aids, it was a game changer. Didn't realize truly how much I was missing."
I first realized there was a problem with my hearing when I found myself asking people to repeat themselves multiple times. I knew then that it was time to get this looked into. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I had no preconceived fears or concerns. My first impressions of the clinic were extremely positive, as they were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. Since getting my hearing aids, they've been a game changer in my profession where listening is essential. I hadn't realized how much I was missing out on before. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I have recommended and will continue to recommend SLA Audiology to anyone who asks me about wearing hearing aids. My favorite thing about working with them is their friendly, caring, and helpful nature whenever I need to chat or have things checked out.
Brian V
"Hearing aids have kept me active in social activities; my family and friends enjoy not having to raise voices."
I first realized I had a hearing challenge when I found myself constantly asking my family to talk louder and needing the TV to be turned up. It became clear that my hearing wouldn't improve without help. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I had researched the office and felt happy to have made an appointment. My main concern was whether they could help me as I wasn't hearing very well with my four-year-old hearing aids. Thankfully, the answer was a resounding yes. I now have new hearing aids and can enjoy conversations with my family and friends without difficulty, and they are pleased that I can hear them clearly.
Walking into SLA Audiology, my first impression was positive—the nice office set a happy tone, and the friendly receptionist welcomed me warmly. Meeting Dr. Shannon Austin, who greeted me with a handshake and smile, immediately put me at ease. Since getting my new hearing aids, I've remained active in social activities, and my family and friends appreciate not having to raise their voices.
To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would strongly recommend making an appointment for a hearing test to make an informed decision. Working with Dr. Austin and her team is fantastic; they genuinely care about your hearing and go out of their way to help. In my own experience, when I needed replacement filters while in Florida, Dr. Austin sent them to me promptly, showcasing the great service and reliability at the clinic.
Inspiring Quote: "Hearing aids have kept me active in social activities; my family and friends enjoy not having to raise voices."
Carolyn B.
"SLA Audiology is very professional, up on the latest technology, simply the best place to go."
I first realized something was up with my ears when I began searching for an audiologist. Initially, I was concerned about the experience of wearing hearing aids. However, upon my first visit to SLA Audiology, I had a good feeling and knew I was at the right place. Since getting hearing aids, my life has greatly improved—I can now participate in conversations and enjoy TV and radio like never before. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say that SLA Audiology is very professional, up-to-date with the latest technology, and simply the best place to go. My favorite aspect of working with them is that they make you feel very comfortable and truly stand behind what they sell.
Robert C.
"They view you as an individual and what your needs are. They don't just try to sell you a product."
The first moment I realized something was up with my ears was when the tinnitus initially became an annoyance. As an SLP, I was already aware of how hearing impairment could affect my daily interactions. Before reaching out to SLA Audiology, I wasn't particularly worried, but I did have concerns regarding hearing aids—how much they would help and their cost. My first impression of SLA Audiology was that the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Currently, I use over-the-counter hearing aids which have improved my hearing, but not to the degree I had hoped. For anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, this is the place you want to go. They are thorough, informative, and truly listen to your concerns. What stands out most about working with them is how understanding they are, treating you as an individual rather than just trying to sell a product.
Inspiring Quote: "They view you as an individual and what your needs are. They don't just try to sell you a product."
Michelle P
"You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
I first realized I had a hearing challenge when I was a child dealing with ear infections and started losing my hearing. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I had no preconceived fears or concerns because I have known Dr. Shannon for many years. My first impression was that at SLA Audiology, I wouldn't just be a patient, but also a friend. Since wearing hearing aids, I've found that they allow me to be a part of the conversation, significantly impacting my life. To anyone worried about their hearing and considering a visit, I'd say that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. My favorite things about working with SLA Audiology are their professionalism, friendliness, and caring nature.
Inspiring Quote: "You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
Howard T
"I have no problem referring folks to SLA Audiology. Well trained and very focused on meeting client needs."
I first realized that there might be a hearing challenge several years ago. My biggest concern at the time was being able to communicate effectively with my wife and family. Before contacting SLA Audiology, I didn't really know what to expect, although cost was somewhat of a concern. However, my first impressions were very positive—the doctor and support staff made a very good initial impression. Since wearing hearing aids, there has been noticeable improvement, although at times I still have to ask speakers to repeat their words. For anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit to SLA Audiology, I have no problem referring them, as the team is well-trained, extremely thorough, and very focused on meeting client needs. My favorite aspect of working with SLA Audiology is their highly focused attention on client needs above everything else.
Michael C
"For anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, I would highly recommend SLA Audiology."
I first realized there was something up with my ears around 2015. When I decided to contact SLA Audiology, I had no preconceived fears or concerns. My initial impression of the team was that I was very impressed by their professionalism and approach. Since I started wearing hearing aids, there has been a big change in my life—I can communicate and understand better. For anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, I would highly recommend SLA Audiology. My favorite part about working with them is how they treat you like family.
Inspiring Quote: "For anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit, I would highly recommend SLA Audiology."
Rex L.
"That quickly changed when I received my first pair of aids and realized how many wonderful sounds I was missing."
For months, my family insisted that my hearing was weak, but I denied it. Eventually, I made an appointment with Shannon at SLA Audiology to prove them wrong, but, as it turns out, they were right! Fortunately, I found Shannon and have been with her for about eight years now. Initially, I was concerned because at 52, I didn't want to need hearing help—I felt too young for hearing aids. Shannon, however, helped me find the best device and guided me through all my apprehensions. She's the best! My biggest concern before contacting SLA Audiology was wearing hearing aids. I was vain and embarrassed to have them, but that quickly changed when I received my first pair and realized how many wonderful sounds I had been missing. My first impression of SLA Audiology was that Shannon was welcoming and knowledgeable, and I have had only positive interactions with her and her staff. Now that I wear hearing aids, my hearing is sharper and clearer, which has made communication, social interactions, and life more enjoyable. If you're concerned about your hearing, I would say schedule an appointment with SLA Audiology; it's the best decision you can make, and you won't be disappointed. My favorite part about working with SLA Audiology is their genuine concern for my issues, prompt scheduling when I have concerns, and their clear explanations of my hearing tests to ensure I get the best hearing possible.
Marianne B
"Poor hearing robs you of so much in your life you should invest in fixing it. Skip your next vacation to pay for it if you need to so you can enjoy your life."
The moment I first realized I had a hearing challenge was when I found it increasingly difficult to talk with people on my phone, especially if there was background noise. Before contacting SLA Audiology, my main concern was whether or not hearing aids would be too uncomfortable to wear all day. My first impression of the clinic was that they were very professional. Since wearing hearing aids, they've transformed my life; without them, my social life would be non-existent, and my wife would be constantly frustrated because I couldn't hear her. Additionally, I would have had to change jobs as I relied on phone consultations often conducted in noisy environments, where hearing clearly was crucial. If someone is worried about their hearing and considering a visit, I strongly believe that poor hearing robs you of so much in your life, and you should invest in fixing it. You might even consider skipping your next vacation to pay for it if needed, to fully enjoy your life. My favorite thing about SLA Audiology is the wonderful people there who are genuinely doing their best to help you.
Harold B
"No need to worry. Staff is attentive and caring."
I first realized there was a challenge with my hearing back in November 2010 due to a viral infection in my right ear. Fortunately, I didn't have any preconceived fears or concerns before contacting SLA Audiology. My first impression of the clinic was that they provided outstanding attention to both patients and their needs. Hearing aids have greatly improved my daily life, and to anyone concerned about their hearing, I'd say there's no need to worry as the staff is attentive and caring. My favorite thing about working with SLA Audiology is Dr. Austin—she embodies what I wish all physicians were like.
Jeff M