Our story begins with two different experiences of participation friction.

Michelle was born with hearing loss but was not tested until high school. She received her first hearing aid at nineteen and has now worn hearing aids for more than three decades.

Steve discovered his hearing loss much later in life. Like many people with mild to moderate hearing loss, the changes were gradual and easy to explain away at first. Listening in noisy places took more effort. Conversation became more tiring. Certain environments became less enjoyable without him fully realizing why.

Together, we’ve experienced how hearing loss often shows up first as reduced participation in life.

Every person’s hearing, lifestyle, communication needs, environments, and sensory tolerance are different. Independent audiologists have the freedom to recommend technology and care based on the individual person sitting in front of them, not a single manufacturer ecosystem.