By Deb Castor
I had an incredible experience yesterday that I am compelled to share with all of you – under the category of “why we do what we do”….
I had the pleasure of spending the day with one of my customers at a VA Outpatient Clinic in Florida assisting with Alera TS fittings. The patients, of course, are Veterans and many have tinnitus. Throughout the day we fit patients with a range of hearing loss but all presented with tinnitus issues. All patients responded positively to the Alera product’s sound quality and for those needed it, responded well to the Tinnitus Sound Generator settings.
One particular gentleman, a Vietnam Veteran and a member of the 101st Airborne, had been troubled with tinnitus for several years which he did not discuss until now because his hearing was becoming so poor. He described the sounds as “jungle noises” or screeching but he could not discuss it any further. When we connected the Alera devices his expression immediately changed to surprise and then to quiet tears of joy and relief. His wife, who accompanied him, asked “Are you hearing now, Honey?” and she began crying when he nodded through the tears. His tinnitus was significantly reduced and he was speechless at how comfortable he felt. It was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time when you consider his past experiences.
This was a great day and a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do.