When Justin VanDyk noticed a decline in hearing in one of his ears, he initially ignored it.

This is a common reaction to a newly perceived hearing loss. Most Canadian adults wait an average of seven years to seek help when they notice their hearing is diminishing.

“I was able to adapt and adjust,” says Justin, a chartered professional accountant with Capstone LLP. “It became a new normal for me.”

Justin’s hearing continued to worsen over time until it began to affect his daily life and his family – including his young kids – noticed the challenges. Hearing loss doesn’t just affect one person; it impacts the entire family. 

“A lot of people – especially my family – were saying it was getting worse and I should get it looked at.”

Justin’s family doctor referred him to Audiology First for a comprehensive hearing test. Dr. Femi Nyatepe-Coo determined there was damage inside one ear but the cause of the damage was not known.

There was a chance the ear could be repaired surgically, but the procedure came with significant risks. The alternative was to be fitted for a hearing aid.

Justin decided he could manage with his diminished hearing and opted to leave things alone.

“I didn't want to wear a hearing aid,” he explains. “There's stigma tied to hearing aids, and I didn't want to be seen wearing a hearing aid.”

As an accountant with a young family, Justin didn’t match the profile of people that typically have hearing challenges.

“I was nervous because I figured most people they fit with hearing aids are older, but I was shocked at how many younger people Audiology First works with.”

In October 2020, Justin suddenly lost hearing in his good ear. His hearing was limited so he made an appointment to see Dr. Coo again. Fortunately, the issue with his good ear was temporary and was another opportunity to reassess the damaged ear.

After discussing the options for treatment with Dr. Coo, Justin decided to try a hearing aid.

“I didn’t feel pressured to choose a certain hearing aid model,” Justin says. “Dr. Coo went through all the options in different price ranges and listed the pros and cons of each model.”

Audiology First provides a risk-free trial period on new hearing aids to confirm the devices are as helpful as expected. Justin tried a different hearing aid before settling on the device that was the best match for him.

“It didn't take me long to adjust to the new hearing aid,” Justin describes. “In the beginning, it was loud and there was some discomfort. But within two weeks I couldn't even notice I was wearing it.”

The patience and care shown by Dr. Coo helped him overcome hesitation to wear a hearing aid.

“I have nothing but good things to say about Audiology First,” he says. “They are always tailoring their treatment and their care to help me achieve my goals.”

Justin’s daily life has improved since wearing the hearing aid. He no longer needs to strain to understand conversations in meetings and he can relax and enjoy the time he spends with his family.

“Now I just think: ‘You should've gotten a hearing aid five years ago.’”