When Joey walked into our clinic, we immediately sensed the depth of experience he carried with him. His hearing loss began very early in life: at 11 months old, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which led to profound hearing loss.  

He received his first hearing aids at just 13 months. Although Joey doesn’t remember that part of his journey, what he does remember is the transition that changed everything. 

Moving from the Newfoundland School for the Deaf into a mainstream school was a turning point. “To say it was hard is an understatement,” he told us.  

The shift from signing to spoken communication was intense, demanding, and at times overwhelming. Yet he believes those early challenges strengthened him and shaped the way he faces obstacles today. 

Joey also shared that adjusting to different learning environments gave him a strong sense of self-advocacy. Even as a child, he learned to share his hearing needs with teachers and peers, a skill he still relies on daily. Joey’s story is a reminder that long-term hearing aid users have unique insights into what makes technology truly effective and what support matters most. 

Why Joey Came to Us Excited, Not Afraid 

Many people take the next step toward hearing care with worry or hesitation. Joey approached it differently: he was eager to explore options that suited him. 

The devices he was previously provided with “were inadequate,” he said, and he was ready for hearing aids that truly enhanced his communication in everyday life. 

He spoke about how certain sounds, like background noise in classrooms or group conversations, had always been a challenge. Joey looked forward to technology that could help him hear more clearly in those situations.  

That excitement made it easy for us at Maico Hearing Service to dive into his preferences, test features and discuss what matters most in his daily routines. 

The Care That Stood Out from the Very First Appointment 

One of the most meaningful parts of Joey’s story is how strongly he felt listened to. “Maico’s willingness to listen and address my concerns was invaluable,” he shared.  

That statement comes from someone who has used hearing aids for decades and has seen many providers, which makes it particularly powerful. 

Joey noticed our friendliness, knowledge, and dedication, but what truly mattered was our ability to understand his lived experience. From adjusting volume settings to considering his daily listening needs, our approach was shaped by listening first and problem-solving second. 

He even joked that our slogan should be “Maico Listens!” because that’s exactly what he felt throughout every appointment. Joey explained that feeling heard wasn’t just comforting – it was a critical part of achieving better hearing success. 

Hearing Aids as Connection, Humanity, and Hope 

Joey described hearing aids with a sense of grounding and honesty. For him, they are not simply devices – they are part of how he connects with the world. “They allow me to function and feel human,” he said. 

He talked about stigma, noting that many people worry about how hearing aids look or what others might think. His perspective was refreshingly straightforward: most people don’t care what’s on your ears, what matters is how much better life becomes with improved hearing. 

Joey also shared small details from his daily life, the joy of hearing the subtle sounds of nature during walks, following conversations in busy cafés, and joining lively family gatherings without missing a beat.  

Updating his devices every few years keeps those experiences clear and enjoyable, and he embraces each new opportunity to improve his quality of life. 

Joey’s Advice: Give Maico a Try, You Might Be Surprised 

When we asked Joey what he would say to someone considering hearing care, he didn’t hesitate: “I highly recommend giving Maico a try.” 

He believes that exploring hearing support is worth it – whether someone has struggled for a long time or is just beginning to notice changes.  

Joey’s story reflects a life shaped by resilience, curiosity, and the positive impact of being truly heard. For anyone wondering what the first step might be like, his experience shows that feeling listened to can make the entire process easier and more empowering. 

If you’ve been noticing challenges with your hearing, whether it’s a new concern or something you’ve managed for years, we’re here to listen. 

Let’s explore solutions that feel right for you. Book an appointment today. 

FAQs 

1. How often should someone who relies on hearing aids upgrade their devices? 
Many people benefit from new technology every four to six years as features improve and daily communication needs evolve. 

2. Why is it important for a hearing provider to listen carefully during appointments? 
Listening helps the provider understand real-world challenges and tailor solutions with fine-tuning that match each person’s communication style and experience. 

3. What should long-time hearing aid users look for when seeking new care? 
Look for a clinic that respects individual history, asks thoughtful questions, and focuses on creating solutions that feel practical and personal. It is also important to find a provider that uses the most advanced measurement and fine-tuning techniques and keeps up with the latest in hearing technology. 

Source 

https://chha.ca/hearing-aids/ – This page from the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association explains how hearing aids work and their benefits for communication, quality of life, emotional well-being and more.