Dr. Shannon Frymark Au.D., CCC-A
Feb 4, 2026
“The first time I suspected I needed a hearing evaluation and might have some hearing loss was when I repeatedly noticed that the sounds I heard… were muffled,” Martha recalls. “Almost as if the person speaking or the sound from the TV was fuzzy.”
For years, retired nurse Martha noticed the world around her was growing quieter, but not in a peaceful way. The sounds she heard were muffled, conversations blurred, and she found herself asking people to repeat themselves more often than she cared to admit.
For Martha, the idea of seeking help felt like admitting something she wasn’t ready to face.
“I felt like admitting that I needed a hearing evaluation meant that I was truly old now,” Martha admits, “so my conflict was with myself; it wasn’t fear of having an evaluation.”
The stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve spent your life as a capable, active professional.
But age is just a number – and hearing challenges can affect you at any age. The right care can help you move past the stigma and open up a “whole world” of connection and clarity.
Comfort Overcoming Stigma
Martha’s biggest hurdle wasn’t the hearing loss itself; it was the mental block of admitting she needed help. Like many, she worried that seeking care would mean acknowledging she was “getting older.”
But the day she walked into Aim Hearing thanks to a dear friend’s recommendation, everything changed.
“The first impression I had because of the lobby, that it was real homey and warm,” Martha says. “I thought someone who goes to this much trouble to set up this lobby in this way cares about people coming through the door.”
From the moment you step into our office, you’re greeted by a space that feels comfortable and warm, not cold or clinical. Martha immediately felt “really comfortable.”
The inviting environment helped dissolve her fears and the shame she’d associated with getting help. Instead of feeling judged or out of place, Martha felt welcomed and understood.
You can rest assured that when you walk through our doors, you’ll find a team that cares about you as a person, not just a patient. Our goal is to make you feel safe, supported, and confident as you take the next step in your hearing health journey.
Seeking the “Real Thing”
When you’re searching for hearing care, you want to know you’re in the right hands. Martha, with her background in healthcare, was no stranger to the importance of professional competency and ethical care.
“I think often when we approach a practice for our healthcare and our betterment as humans, we see a wonderful sign, or we see a wonderful door, or we see a gorgeous display in a magazine or a newspaper, but we don’t know whether or not it’s the real thing until we get there,” Martha explains.
“I knew as soon as I stepped in this office that it was the real thing, and my opinion has only gotten better from that point.”
At Aim Hearing, Martha found what she calls “the real thing.” To her, that meant more than just expertise; it meant genuine compassion, integrity, and a commitment to high-quality service.
You benefit from our dedication to ethical, patient-centered care. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
Rest assured that you’re never just another appointment at our clinic: you’re a valued individual with unique needs and goals, and we’re here to help you achieve them!
The Revelation: “I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know”
The day Martha received her hearing aids was nothing short of transformative. Suddenly, the world came alive in ways she hadn’t realized she was missing.
“Having hearing aids opened a whole world to me, and I’ve said that very phrase over and over and over, because I didn’t know what I didn’t know until I had them,” she recalls.
She found herself exclaiming to friends and family, “This sounds so good! It was a whole new world. I just didn’t know it was there. But now I do, and I like it.”
Gradual hearing loss can be deceiving; you may not notice how much you’re missing until you experience true clarity again. Like Martha, you might not realize how much richer, fuller, and more connected life can be.
“I realized the little intricacies of sound that I was hearing for the first time, or it felt like the first time, and I was just amazed!”
When you move past the muffled sounds and experience the world in high definition, you regain more than just hearing; you reclaim your confidence, your relationships, and your joy in everyday moments.
Hearing the Life You Love
Martha’s journey is a testament to the power of moving past stigma and denial. Seeking hearing care isn’t about admitting you’re old; it’s about choosing to live fully and remain connected to the people and experiences you love.
If you’re like Martha, highly competent, independent, and maybe a little hesitant to seek help, you’re not alone. You can trust that at Aim Hearing you’ll find a warm, professional environment where your needs come first.
You have the opportunity to experience your own “whole world” of sound, just like Martha did.
Don’t let stigma or fear hold you back from hearing the life you love. Take the first step today, and discover what you’ve been missing!
Get in touch with our team via requesting a callback or giving us a call at (336) 295-1064.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is hearing loss really that easy to miss? How do I know if I need help?
A: Absolutely. Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook. You might notice sounds are muffled, or you’re asking people to repeat themselves more often.
If you find yourself avoiding conversations or feeling left out, it’s time to get your hearing checked. You could be missing out on more than you realize.
Q: I’m worried that getting hearing aids means I’m admitting I’m old. How can I move past this stigma?
A: Many people share this concern. The truth is, seeking hearing care is about prioritizing your quality of life, not your age. Remember, choosing to hear better is an act of self-care and empowerment, not a sign of aging.
Q: What makes Aim Hearing different from other clinics?
A: You benefit from a team that combines professional expertise with genuine compassion. Our office is designed to feel welcoming and comfortable, helping you feel at ease from your very first visit.
You’re treated as an individual, not a number, and our commitment to ethical, high-quality care ensures you receive the support you deserve.
