There isn't a single style or type of hearing aid that is the best fit for everyone with hearing challenges.

For Keri Boudreau, the expertise and dedication of her audiologist at Audiology First was central to finding the technology that was the best match.

"I have sort of a different type of hearing loss – called conductive hearing loss," she explains. "I've had it since I was born."

Conductive hearing loss occurs when damage to the outer or middle ear prevents sound waves from travelling to the inner ear.

Treatment for conductive hearing loss varies depending on the characteristics of each case.

The most viable option for Keri was hearing aids. She was previously fitted with a surgically implanted hearing aid but was interested in trying a more conventional style.

Keri began researching audiology clinics in Lethbridge and came across a Facebook post from Audiology First. The review explained the features and benefits of the new technology and she decided to make an appointment.

A short time later she had an appointment with Dr. Femi Nyatepe-Coo.

"I had a bone-anchored hearing aid, and to my surprise Dr. Coo had actually worked with those before," says Keri. "He understood my struggles with it and why I wanted to move to something different."

After completing a comprehensive hearing evaluation, Dr. Coo went over all the available options for hearing aids, and what the costs and benefits were for each model.

"It felt more like a knowledge session," describes Keri. "I didn't feel pressured at all to choose a certain level of hearing aids. He explained every option and left it up to me to decide."

This was a welcome change to experiences Keri has had with other audiology clinics where few options for hearing aids were provided and little care was given to her needs.

"The previous clinics didn't seem like they wanted to help me hear better. There was no follow-up service and no real desire to improve my life," she says. "At Audiology First, they really care about me and they want me to have the best experience."

Keri selected her hearing aids and was given a 30-day trial to test them out.

Like any new devices, there was an adjustment period with the new hearing aids. She had previously worn a hearing aid in only one ear, and now she wore one in each ear. That partnered with the advancements made in hearing technology since her last device, she found the sounds to be overwhelming the first few days.

But Audiology First was there to help her at every step. They followed up with Keri to ensure the devices were working as expected and adjusted the earpieces to enhance the fit and comfort.

"They are completely life-changing. They improved my life significantly, and I can hear so much better."

It's not just the knowledge and expertise of the team at Audiology First that has led Keri to recommend the clinic to her family and friends – it's also the unparalleled service she experienced there from the start.