Six years ago I changed careers, got my teaching certificate, and ventured into the high school classroom. Among other challenges, I discovered that I suffered from hearing loss. Often, I could not understand what my students were saying. While not being able to hear what teenagers are saying may seem like a blessing to some, for me, in the context of my job, it was frustrating and stressful. I was exhausted each day from the strain of simply trying to hear.
I stayed in denial for a few years, and finally went to see an audiologist whose name and place of employment will remain unmentioned. He saw me a total of two times, stuck a hearing aid into my ear, and sent me out the door. I had to return the aids two weeks later, finding them utterly useless, adding to my stress instead of helping reduce to it.
I spent another three frustrating years in the classroom before I was driven by desperation to give hearing aids another try. I contacted the president of the Washington State Hearing Loss Association of America. She referred me to Dr. Cherri Hoyden of the Hearing Specialty Center in Kirkland. I made an appointment and, not entirely hopeful, went to see Dr. Hoyden.
For the first time I felt that I was talking to someone who completely understood my struggles with hearing loss, and who genuinely cared about helping me. She was patient, accessible, and extremely knowledgeable.
We tried several aids before I decided on the one I now wear (and am very, very happy with). What impressed me most was Dr. Hoyden's willingness to see me as often and as many times as I wished. In fact, she insisted on multiple appointments to monitor and adjust each of the three hearing aids that I tried. I never, not once, felt rushed or ignored. The overwhelming quality that I experienced from her was one of concerned and caring patience.
I offered to write this letter about Dr. Hoyden purely from my feelings of gratitude. In this day and age where medical treatment is often dispensed in the manner of fast food, Dr. Hoyden clearly values the human element. I do believe her primary intent is to provide the best service and help to those who suffer from hearing loss. read more
