The Insurance Specialists

Don't wait ... mid-40s is not too early for hearing aids.

Whether you're like me with a family history of hearing loss or not, it can be difficult to realize after turning 40 that your hearing is not optimal.  From 43 to 47 I was able to cope by sitting closer in meetings, concentrating on the speaker, and watching lips to supplement words I was missing.  No one outside my family could tell that I was having trouble, but I was expending a lot of energy at work without even realizing it.  Making the choice to start wearing hearing aids was both tough and easy.  Tough because I'm young, what would people think when they saw? - would they look at me differently or doubt my professional ability?  Easy because I remember the extreme reluctance of my grandmother to wear hearing aids and it negatively impacting her quality of life.  I felt terrible having to talk so loudly and worrying that I might hurt her feelings because she thought I was yelling at her.  She wasn't able to participate fully in family functions... you know, everything that's in the brochures telling about how hard it is on the family.  I decided I didn't want to do that to my spouse/kids/coworkers and that doing nothing was not an option.  

I started by personally researching what was on the market and how this would impact my lifestyle.  I wanted to not only hear better but to also turn hearing aids into a professional tool since I'm on conference calls multiple hours a day.  Being young and tech savvy has been a benefit when considering the newer types of aids now on the market.  Reading reviews online and searching for a knowledgeable, quality provider helped me realize that this was indeed the right decision and that I needed an equally forward-thinking provider partner.

In that searching I found Dr. Shital Patel at Clarity Hearing who confirmed not only the information but also encouraged me to embrace the change and capitalize on the technology.  We found what works for me ... Resound LT9 MIH (microphone in helix) "Made for iPhone" aids.  I have two iPhones (one work, one personal), an iWatch, and an iPad.  I tossed the headphones and now do everything through my aids.  I chose a clear color and when folks ask I say I've got new Bluetooth headphones.  I've learned to switch between devices and maximize the functionality.  Plus, I can hear live conversations with more clarity fulfilling the baseline need for getting these devices in the first place.  

Dr. Patel has been incredible during this impactful time.  I would absolutely recommend her to lead others through their own search.  For those who think you are too young, jump in and make these new devices not only work for you but also enhance your hearing options.  Working with her and wearing aids has been a great decision and I'm already glad that I didn't wait.

We took our daughter to Clarity Hearing hoping to find answers to a condition that very few people know about. Not only had Dr. Hawkins heard of the condition, but she had studied it so that she was quite knowledgeable about it.

Staff is wonderful, the quality of the Drs is excellent... Felt like they put the patient first!! Couldn't recommend them more strongly!!

I was diagnosed, fitted, and trained with hearing aids at Clarity Hearing in the Woodlands. My life changed dramatically for the better. And, even after I forgot some of the basic instructions, Dr. Marquand was extremely gracious and helpful again weeks later. The Best.

Dr. Patel was fabulous!  Such a patient doctor.  Having a hard time hearing is not a pleasant thing and it makes you feel rather old.  She never made me feel that way.  They checked insurance first to see what my costs might be and then offered me the best options after my hearing test.  Very happy with the product and felt very informed before I left the office with my new "ears".  Thank you Dr. Patel.  You and your staff are the best!