Passion for Hearing

Five years ago, I will admit that I did not know much about hearing loss and only knew the very basics about hearing aids. When we are young, I think we can all agree, we are a little naive and take things for granted, including our hearing. I am guilty of it. I have had my share of attending loud music concerts without ever stopping to think about wearing any kind of noise protection. I never would have guessed that I would be helping people with hearing loss in my chosen career! So, if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how I ended up where I am today.

A turning point for me was seeing my grandfather, who was a talkative and social individual, slowly become withdrawn and keep quiet during family gatherings. I suspected he had trouble hearing and blindly came to the conclusion that it was common with age but NEVER thought it was the cause of him becoming isolated and even depressed. When he was diagnosed with hearing loss and fit with his first hearing aid, it was an adjustment. It took some time to get used to, which the majority of new hearing aid users will find to be the case. Over time, however, it has really made a difference in his life. After hearing aids, I saw huge improvement in his overall energy. It was like he was back to being himself again. That really struck a note in my heart.

I then decided to do some more research about hearing loss and came upon the Hearing Aid Practitioner Program through Grant MacEwan University. I knew I wanted to be the person to make a difference in someone’s life, like the person who fit my grandfather with his new hearing aids.

So here I am now. I have recently completed the Hearing Aid Practitioner Program, and I am so excited to be with the Living Sounds team of hearing professionals to educate and help people who have become affected by hearing loss and improve their quality of life. I have done my practicum and several months of training with Living Sounds, and I’ve noticed that you can just see the passion and kindness within the staff to help their clients work through any obstacles that hearing loss can bring.

I hope that reading my story inspires you to bring someone you care about to have their hearing checked, or if it is you that is putting it off – now is the time to do it.

Danielle De Roose
Hearing Aid Practitioner
Trainee