Robin Taylor has had hearing loss since she was six years old due to chemotherapy. She spent years in constant frustration from trying to communicate with others. Her inability to hear clearly caused her to isolate herself from others and develop a more introverted lifestyle. As a result, her hearing loss has had a huge impact on her social life.

“The hardest thing about having hearing loss is being thought of as “simple minded” because I don’t hear people’s requests or questions,” states Robin. “I have become quite introverted in order to avoid my own emotions or the frustration of others caused by me not being able to hear them.”

Robin was nominated for the Campaign for Better Hearing’s Give-back Program by Hearing Aid Practitioner, Tennille Ramstead at HearingLife Canada in Red Deer. For every free hearing test taken, the sponsors of the campaign donate $4.00 towards the purchase of aids for those who really need them. These aids are then distributed through the campaign’s Give-back Program to improve the hearing experiences for dozens of people a year like Robin Taylor.

After being fitted with her new aids, Robin’s quality of life improved significantly.

“These hearing aids are amazing!” Says Robin, “I went out for dinner and I was able to have conversations with people. Previously, I would zone out and just sit there and pretend to socialize; it was nice to be able to engage with everyone at the table! I’ve adapted to them quickly too. At first, I was absolutely amazed by a lot of sounds I’ve never heard before and now that I’m used to them I always question if they’re still working! I’ve learned that the elevator makes sounds and I can hear the alarm on the fume hood I work under now. I heard my friend’s ringtone on her phone for the first time. I even watched a bugs life with my niece (which I’ve seen a million times,) and heard the cricket sound for the first time ever. Thank you!”