Dr. Shannon Frymark Au.D., CCC-A
Aug 13, 2026
For a long time, Frannie had been thinking about having her hearing checked, but like many people, she gradually learned to adapt. At one point, Frannie thought she owned the world’s quietest dishwasher, only to realize later that she simply wasn't hearing it run. It's easy to assume everything is fine when changes happen so gradually.
"I became a very visual listener,” she admitted. “You really don't know what you're missing. You know that intellectually, but you feel it when it changes."
The real turning point came when Frannie found herself struggling to understand conversations with her young granddaughter. She didn't want to force her five-year-old granddaughter to speak louder just to be heard.
Wanting to stay connected with the people she loves most, Frannie realized she was missing more than she thought, and she decided it was time to take the next step.
Finding the Right Fit: Why Word-of-Mouth and Expertise Matter
When you decide to take control of your hearing health, finding a clinic you can trust is essential. Frannie wanted a personal recommendation rather than relying strictly on cold star ratings.
She noted, "I did ask for referrals from people I know. It's not the same thing as watching stars on reviews online... It's so personal that to say, 'This is for you. This is what works.'"
Having an audiologist daughter gave Frannie additional insight into the value of taking action early rather than waiting until her hearing struggles caused deep frustration.
After researching her options and hearing positive experiences from friends, Frannie took the leap. She even had a fun coincidence during a weekend trip with friends:
“It turned out that I have friends, two sisters, one in Greensboro and one in South Carolina, both of whom wear Oticon or use Oticon hearing aids, which I didn't know at that particular time,” Frannie shared. “We went away for a weekend, and everybody pulled out their Oticon hearing aid cases, and it was like bonding. Never mind the friendship. Look, we all have the same hearing aids!”
Sharing that common ground with her friends reassured her that she was on the right path to better sound.
The Aim Hearing Difference: A Medical Experience Like No Other
"When you're more anxious about something, it's very nice to be in an atmosphere where people are eager to help,” Frannie said when thinking back to her first time at Aim Hearing. “You're all good listeners, which is very helpful when people have trouble hearing."
Our expert team took the time to explain every part of the evaluation process clearly. More than a year after her first appointment, Frannie continues to appreciate the care she receives with us. We continue to reach out, keep her informed, and offer continuous support for every step of her hearing health journey.
“It was the atmosphere not only of professionalism but also sitting, waiting for my appointment, watching other clients be greeted, and seeing people come in cheerfully. I thought, ‘[They’re] all happy to be here,’” Frannie shared.
Our commitment to kindness, professionalism, and genuine care immediately put her at ease, taking the stress completely out of the equation.
You can rest assured that exceptional hearing care doesn't end after your initial fitting. You benefit from knowing you always have a dedicated team to turn to whenever you have a question or need reassurance.
Bringing the Color and Intensity Back to Everyday Life
Since receiving her hearing aids, Frannie rediscovered the everyday sounds she didn't realize she'd been missing. Audiobooks in the car sound richer, and simple moments like hearing birds singing outside, leaves rustling in the wind, or waves at the beach have taken on new meaning.
With her new devices, Frannie stopped straining to listen. Conversations with family are easier, and she can fully participate in shared laughter in busy environments without exhausting herself.
"It's almost like the color in your life… a question of intensity. Everything was fine, but it's just finer now. It really is.”
Frannie realized how much energy she'd been spending compensating for her hearing loss and how many little moments had quietly slipped by.
She compares her hearing healthcare to a total quality of life upgrade, similar to her experience with cataract surgery. Today, she wholeheartedly recommends taking charge of your hearing, knowing it enhances your daily joy in countless ways.
Ready to Add Color Back to Your Life?
You don't have to wait until frustration sets in or until you find yourself missing out on conversations with your loved ones. Proactive hearing care protects your relationships, your brain health, and your overall peace of mind.
You deserve a supportive team that treats you as an individual and guides you through every step of your hearing journey. Contact us today at Aim Hearing to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation, because as Frannie said, "I wouldn't go anywhere else... It's great, and it's life changing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I'm adapting to hearing loss without realizing it?
A: Many people adapt to hearing loss unconsciously by turning up the TV volume, asking others to repeat themselves, or leaning on visual cues like lip-reading. You might also feel exhausted after social gatherings due to the intense concentration required to follow conversations. A professional hearing test pinpoints subtle changes in your hearing before they significantly affect your daily communication.
Q: Why should I choose a specialized audiologist over buying direct-to-consumer hearing devices online?
A: Hearing healthcare is a personalized medical journey rather than a simple product purchase. While online devices offer generic amplification, an experienced audiologist performs comprehensive diagnostic testing to tailor solutions specifically to your degree of hearing loss, ear anatomy, and lifestyle. Additionally, working with a local clinic ensures you benefit from ongoing professional support, precise device adjustments, and long-term care.
Q: What should I expect during my first visit if I feel anxious about hearing testing?
A: It's completely normal to feel apprehensive about taking the first step. During your initial appointment, our team focuses on creating a relaxed, welcoming environment. We explain every part of the evaluation beforehand so there aren't any surprises, conduct comfortable diagnostic tests, and clearly review the results with you. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions and explore potential options at your own pace.
