I am currently in my first year of Physical Therapy school at Temple University. I attended undergraduate school at McDaniel College and majored in English. After working for a year, I determined that I wanted to make a more significant impact on the life of others. I thought back to when I was younger and endured several months of physical therapy after tearing my ACL in my right knee. I began by volunteering at two physical therapy clinics and started taking the necessary prerequisite courses. I am thrilled to be in a position where I will be able to give back to the community and make a difference for others.

Essay: Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have been the most instrumental medical device in my life and the life of millions of others. Hearing aids can play a major role in the lives of anyone, ranging from a child being able to hear for the first time, to an elderly adult regaining the ability to communicate with his or her family.

While hearing aids certainly are not a new medical device, the technological advances and increased accessibility have allowed significantly more disabled individuals to receive benefits from them. Unfortunately, according to the National Institute of Health, only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing aids, actually use them. As the technology continues to improve, and the cost congruently decreases, it is important for the public to be educated about the opportunities available to improve the quality of their lives with hearing aids.

When I was 18-months old, I was diagnosed with a severe to profound bilateral sensory neural hearing loss. Shortly thereafter, I received my first pair of hearing aids and my life was forever changed. My parents report that before my diagnosis, I was an overactive toddler but when my hearing aids were first put into my ears, I stood perfectly still, eyes wide as I came to understand that there was a world of sound that I didn’t know existed.

Throughout my academic career, I have had the support of an audiologist who helps to find the best hearing aids to match the particularities of my hearing loss. Not all hearing aids are created the same way, as they are intended for people with different types and severities of hearing loss. His expertise has allowed me to be fitted with the correct type of hearing aids and given me the best chance to succeed in school and life. I learned to advocate for myself, requesting that teachers repeat information if I missed anything and positioning myself appropriately in the classroom to maximize my hearing. Thanks to my hearing aids, I played baseball and soccer with my peers, performed in musical programs, and was able to participate in the same activities as my classmates.

Through the use of hearing aids, I have been able to overcome many obstacles and lead a normal life. As the technology of hearing aids has advanced, I continually notice a significant improvement in the quality of my life. I am able to hear more, as my hearing aids can now successfully block out background noise and allow me to focus more effectively in conversations. This technology will continue to be incredibly important for me when I am working in a physical therapy clinic, because it will improve my communications with my patients. I look forward to the continued advancement in the technology of hearing aids as they continue to improve my life, as well as the lives of other disabled adults and children.