What first made you notice changes in your hearing?

I was born with hearing loss. Initially, there were certain letters that I couldn’t pronounce as a child, such as the letter “S,” since I wasn’t able to hear it. My parents first took me to an audiologist when I was 4, but they rejected the notion that I needed to wear hearing aids. I was later fitted at age 12 with Siemens analog hearing aids, which I couldn’t bear and eventually lost.

How long did it take you to take action and get hearing aids after you noticed your hearing had changed?

As I mentioned earlier, hearing aids when I was a kid didn’t help since they were still analog and would amplify a lot of frequencies I was already able to hear as a normal person back then. I eventually was unable to progress in my professional career, and when digital hearing aids were launched, I decided to get fitted with one aid only—when I was 25.

How did your hearing loss affect your daily life, lifestyle, or relationships?

Being born with hearing loss that kept deteriorating throughout my life affected my learning at school. I would always sit at the back and avoid questions since I barely understood the classes. I was constantly bullied and mocked by other students, and it was difficult to socialise or make friends. It also prevented me from understanding any movies prior to subtitles becoming common, or from understanding song lyrics and being able to engage or party like other people. I was also very insecure and unable to initiate conversations with the opposite sex, and was always the awkward one. Later in life, I had difficulty communicating or attending meetings at work or collaborating in an office environment.

What held you back — or motivated you — to get hearing help?

It was still a stigma back in the day to wear hearing aids, and it wasn’t very common or socially acceptable. So I mostly relied on lip reading and other measures to communicate and remain aware of my surroundings. I was motivated because by then I was already married, working a professional job, and expecting a child. I wanted to be able to engage and hear every little detail possible with my newborn, as well as lead a normal life as much as possible.

Had you been to other clinics before coming to Hidden Hearing? If yes, what made you choose us in the end?

There are too many reasons to list. I’ve been with Hidden Hearing for over a decade now. I had been to many clinics before. I chose Hidden Hearing for several reasons: the way I felt welcomed, and that they were interested in actually working with me and helping me get fitted with the right product to make an impact on my quality of life, rather than just selling me a product. Since I was not eligible for any government funding due to my age at the time and had to pay the total cost out of pocket, they were the only clinic willing to work with me to pay off the cost in instalments. They helped figure out the best way to do so. The kindness, help, support, follow-ups, and constant effort to meet my personal needs in many different aspects was just outstanding. Hidden Hearing is not just an audio clinic—they are my extended family.

What was your first impression when you visited Hidden Hearing?

I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped into the clinic. Everyone was kind and very helpful.

What type of hearing aids do you use now?

Rechargeable BTE with AI and Bluetooth.

Was there an adjustment period? What did you find helpful while getting used to them?

There’s always an adjustment period between changing aids and different technologies. Constant visits and re-adjustments greatly help.

How have hearing aids changed or improved your life?

With today’s technology, hearing aids have transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I have bilateral profound loss, but strangers can’t even tell I have hearing loss unless I mention it. I can speak on the phone, attend meetings, and even play the piano again. I listen to music that sounds as natural as I remember it before losing my hearing. I’ve started hearing sounds I didn’t know existed.

Can you share a moment or memory where you really noticed the difference?

The moment I was fitted with my hearing aids and started playing music again through Bluetooth was emotional—it sounded so natural that it brought back memories from when my hearing was almost normal. It encouraged me to start playing the piano again after decades of not touching it.

What advice would you give to someone who’s unsure about getting hearing aids?

I would advise not to delay or struggle—get fitted with what works for your needs. Take things slowly and understand that you can be in control. You can adjust the volume and re-adjust the settings if they don’t work for you. It will take time, but it will transform your life and rebuild bridges you may have thought were gone.