Many people don’t realize how much they’ve been missing until they start hearing clearly again. That was the case for John Holladay, a scientist living in Utah County, who recently shared his story with me in a heartfelt interview. You can watch the full conversation here on YouTube.
Table of Contents
- When Hearing Loss Sneaks Up
- The Turning Point
- Overcoming the Stigma
- Rediscovering Connection and Clarity
- What Surprised Him Most
- Life After Treatment
- John’s Advice to Others
- FAQ
When Hearing Loss Sneaks Up
Like many patients, John didn’t recognize his hearing loss at first — his wife did.
“I didn’t realize I was missing parts of conversations. I just thought people were mumbling.”
Hearing loss often starts gradually, especially in higher frequencies. People notice trouble hearing in noisy environments or miss softer voices. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), this is one of the most common early signs of age-related hearing change.
The Turning Point
John’s physician referred him to our office after his wife’s persistent questions. He expected a quick test — “just raising my hand when I heard a beep” — but was surprised by how thorough the evaluation was.
“I had no idea how detailed hearing testing really is. I learned about frequencies, background noise, and even how hearing loss connects to total health.”
Overcoming the Stigma
John admitted that wearing hearing devices felt embarrassing at first.
“When I was young, people made fun of glasses. Now glasses are stylish. I hope hearing devices get the same acceptance.”
Over time, better hearing outweighed his self-consciousness.
“It’s more valuable for me to hear well than to worry about what others think.”
Rediscovering Connection and Clarity
Once fit with hearing devices, John quickly noticed how much easier life became — especially at work and at home.
“I could finally hear my wife on our walks again. I wasn’t saying, ‘What?’ every few minutes.”
He also found that his tinnitus (ringing in the ears) improved dramatically. Many patients experience the same benefit once sound input is restored and balanced through hearing treatment. Learn more about tinnitus treatment options here.
What Surprised Him Most
John was impressed by both the technology and the care:
“The staff spent time explaining how hearing works and why treatment matters. I felt respected and informed.”
He appreciated our follow-up care, especially when his devices needed service after outdoor activities.
“I’m out hiking and biking all the time. They’ve been amazing about support.”
Life After Treatment
Better hearing has given John new confidence and energy.
“I don’t have to concentrate so hard to understand people. I can actually listen now.”
He even discovered fun perks:
“I can take phone calls or listen to podcasts right through my hearing devices. They double as Bluetooth headphones!”
John’s Advice to Others
“Get over yourself. People don’t care if you wear hearing devices. Just get treatment and live life fully.”
At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus, we’ve helped thousands of people across Utah County — from American Fork to Spanish Fork — find that same freedom and clarity.
If you’re wondering about your own hearing, take our Hearing Self-Assessment below to get started.
Hearing Health Self-Assessment
Take this quick 10-question assessment to evaluate your hearing health.
FAQ
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume, or struggling to follow conversation in noisy places.
Will hearing aids make my tinnitus go away?
Many people notice their tinnitus improves once they begin hearing treatment, but results vary by individual. Learn more in our Learning Center.
Are hearing aids still noticeable?
Modern devices are small, comfortable, and often nearly invisible. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
How long does a hearing test take?
A full evaluation usually takes about an hour, including discussion and review of your results.
What’s the first step if I’m ready for help?
You can start by taking the Hearing Self-Assessment below or request a free consultation.
