Patient Testimonials

John M. needed hearing aids in his 40s, and he admits that he had a bit of an "ego issue" to overcome before visiting an audiologist. Today he is thrilled with his hearing aids and can't believe how discreet they are. Click here to read about John's experience at Hearing Care Specialists.

Click here to read about John’s experience at Hearing Care Specialists.

When did you first notice hearing loss or have concerns?

I have an inherited hearing loss. It became more acute at about 40 years of age.

Did you have any reservations about seeing an audiologist?

Not at all. I knew an audiologist is a trained professional. I wanted, however, an independent audiologist who was free to recommend whatever product was best suited for my hearing lose, regardless of brand.

Did you have any preconceived notions about using hearing aids?

Starting at 40 years old, I had somewhat of an “ego issue” to overcome. The miniaturization of the instruments has help a lot in this area. I finally determined that if I can wear glasses to help a vision problem, there was no reason to avoid aids to help a hearing problem.

How has that perception changed since you started wearing hearing aids?

Very few people have ever notice that I am wearing aids. I now proceed under the assumption that no one will know I am a wearer unless I tell them myself.

What factors made you choose Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

A personal recommendation from a staff member of a major aid manufacturer.

How was your first visit with Dr. Pfaff?

Dr. Pfaff undertook my care as I would expect a professional would. He did a complete evaluation, explained my various options and left the decision to me. There was no pressure, just facts from which to evaluate my situation and a possible solution.

How has your life been impacted since visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

Once fitted properly and my aids fine tuned for my specific hearing requirement (outdoors for golf, indoors for business lunches and dinners and singing with a large choir under a large pipe organ) my life became much less stressful. The “what was that?” phrase left my vocabulary.

What do you like best about the hearing device you currently use? Has it met your expectations?

The ability to change hearing profiles “on the go” with my personal controller to address changing hearing environments is the best feature for me.

What advice would you give someone who’s considering visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

First, trust Dr. Pfaff to fit you with the right instrument for your particular set of hearing needs.

Second, give you self two weeks of continual use of the new aids to give your mind the opportunity to adjust to the “new normal”. Going back and forth between wearing them and not wearing them just does not work.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with Hearing Care Specialists/ Doctor Pfaff, or as a hearing aid wearer?

The ongoing support from Dr. Pfaff and his staff make the “after purchase” experience very pleasant. I always feel welcome at HCS.

John R. was initially reluctant to try hearing aids even though he knew he had hearing loss. Now a satisfied hearing aid user, John has realized just how much he was missing out on before he visited Hearing Care Specialists. Click here to read his full interview.

When did you first notice hearing loss or have concerns?

Although I knew I had hearing loss that resulted from my service time in Viet Nam, it was not until mid-forties that I felt it had become more pronounced, and that I couldn’t wait any longer to do something about it.

Did you have any reservations about seeing an audiologist?

I had developed a friendship with Dr. Pfaff, so my reservations were minimized. I’m not sure I would have gone to a complete stranger at that time …. I probably would have waited a whole lot longer.

Because Dr. Pfaff is so sensitive and understanding of the issues surrounding hearing loss, it just made it so much easier to finally go in for a professional consultation.

Did you have any preconceived notions about using hearing aids?

I knew that those big, ugly hearing aids were not for me and I felt all hearing aids were for OLD people - and that certainly wasn’t me.

How has that perception changed since you began wearing hearing aids?

I have come to realize how much I was missing during all those years of not hearing – quiet conversations between friends, conversations in a crowd, the sound of leaves under my feet.

What factors made you choose Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Kurt Pfaff?

I first met Dr. Pfaff though our church and this led to a friendship, which made it so much easier to address my hearing loss.

How was your first visit with Dr. Pfaff?

Dr. Pfaff has a nice, non-threatening friendly style, which made the visit so comfortable.

How has your life been impacted since visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

My life has been impacted dramatically since visiting Hearing Care Specialists. I can carry on a conversation while in a crowded room, my employees don’t have to raise their voices in order for me to hear, and my wife even notices the difference. I know an important part of my life has been given back to me, and for that I am very grateful.

What do you like best about the hearing device you currently use? Has it met your expectations?

Unlike the inner ear aids I wore for many years and liked, the over the ear hearing aids I wear now are unobtrusive, match my hair color, and it doesn’t even feel like I am wearing hearing aids. I have better sound clarity. I like them.

What advice would you give someone who’s considering visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

Get in to see Dr. Pfaff! You don’t realize how much you are missing. I recommend this practice to anyone I meet who has a hearing loss problem. Dr. Pfaff is caring, kind and so professional. One thing I did notice after first getting the hearing aids was that it was a little hard to get used to hearing again. The outside world is very noisy! So expect a period of adjustment.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with Hearing Care Specialists/ Doctor Pfaff, or as a hearing aid wearer?

I feel fortunate and blessed to be able to hear as well as I do now. Dr. Pfaff worked so hard to make sure that happened.

Adelina dislikes her eyeglasses. She finds them uncomfortable and bothersome. Before visiting Hearing Care Specialists, she worried that wearing hearing aids would present similar problems. Click here to read about her experience and her current thoughts on hearing aids.

When did you first notice hearing loss or have concerns?

About fifteen years ago.

Did you have any reservations about seeing an audiologist?

Not at all.

Did you have any preconceived notions about wearing hearing aids?

The same I had before wearing glasses.

How has that perception changed since you began wearing hearing aids?

Wearing glasses is uncomfortable, especially when it rains or when you cook. There’s nothing like that with hearing aids.

What factors made you choose Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

I live in France and I was not too satisfied with my hearing aids. As I was on vacation in the US, visiting Minnesota, I had the opportunity to visit Dr. Pfaff and see what new options he could offer.

How was your first visit with Dr. Pfaff?

Dr. Pfaff conducted various tests and audiograms. My husband, who is a medical doctor, was with me, and noticed that Dr. Pfaff had very good equipment. It appeared he knew his job perfectly well. On top of all of that, he was very friendly. We felt that we could trust him. To help with my hearing loss, Dr. Pfaff recommended an Oticon Epoq XW product which I have worn ever since.

How has your life been impacted since visiting Hearing Care Specialist/Dr. Pfaff?

My life has completely changed. I am very satisfied with these hearing aids. It is really wonderful. I can hear clearly, even in noisy restaurants, using different settings on the hearing aids that I can choose.

What do you like best about the hearing device you currently use? Has it met your expectations?

Well I would say that they are over my expectations. Something like a dream. At Dr. Pfaff’s suggestion I got the Oticon Bluetooth enabled Connectline devices which allow me to watch TV, talk on the telephone and use my cell phone anywhere in a very comfortable way. Really, I wonder what my life would be like now without these hearing aids and their additional devices.

What advice would you give someone who’s considering visiting Hearing Care Specialist/Dr. Pfaff?

I would say it’s a damn good idea!!!!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with Hearing Care Specialists/ Dr. Pfaff, or as a hearing aid wearer?

Yes, my happiness!!!!

Dan had reservations about seeing an audiologist because he had a negative experience with an analog hearing instrument ten years ago. Now wearing digital hearing aids, Dan can’t believe how he used to manage without them. Click here to read about Dan’s experience at Hearing Care Specialists.

When did you first notice hearing loss or have concerns?

My hearing loss is congenital.

Did you have any reservations about seeing an audiologist?

Yes, for two reasons. First, a previous experience a decade earlier with an analog device was horrible and soured me on hearing aids. The sound quality of that first device was intolerable. Second, I was worried about how noticeable the hearing aid might be.

Did you have any preconceived notions about using hearing aids?

Yes, see the response above.

How has that perception changed since you began wearing hearing aids?

The added volume provided by my aids now allows me to participate in a broad set of environments (meetings at work, conversations with friends, concerts) My enhanced ability to hear far outweighs any hassles caring for the aids or any worries about how they look on me. As an added bonus, the sound quality of my new hearing aids is absolutely awesome.

What factors made you choose Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

Kurt was recommended by a physician on staff with my company.

How was your first visit with Dr. Pfaff?

Excellent. Kurt listened to my concerns. Kurt was thorough in his interview and examination. Based on what he heard and saw, he allowed me to test a number of hearing aids for a couple of weeks to ensure my needs were met.

How has your life been impacted since visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

I wear my hearing aids about 70 hours a week now. I consider them both a necessity and a part of me, which is amazing considering I “managed” without them the previous 50 years.

What do you like best about the hearing device you currently use? Has it met your expectations?

I miss far less conversation. People around me are less frustrated: they can talk at a normal volume. Music sounds MUCH better. TVs, radios and computers are not blasting. I can Bluetooth to TVs and cell phones.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering visiting Hearing Care Specialists/ Dr. Pfaff?

Come prepared to discuss both your expectations AND concerns. Take your time, too.

Steve has been a patient of Dr. Pfaff’s for nearly twenty years. Click here to read about Steve’s experience at Hearing Care Specialists.

When did you first notice hearing loss or have concerns?

1983, when I was 20.

Did you have any preconceived notions about using hearing aids?

Yes, as a 20 year old kid, hearing aids were not something I wanted to have to wear. My hearing loss at the time was not such that it absolutely required hearing aids. The concept of wearing hearing aids took some time to adjust to. I had to accept the fact that I would need them, just like a person needs glasses.

How has that perception changed since you began wearing hearing aids?

My hearing loss has gotten worse over the years due to additional trauma. I realized at about age 23 that I needed hearing aids in order to function in society and be able to have a normal life.

What factors made you choose Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Kurt Pfaff?

I like the way that Kurt takes the time to understand your hearing loss and recommends what is best for you and the environment that you live and work in. He will explain the “what” and “whys” of a hearing aid and your hearing loss. He is always willing to go the extra mile and make sure you, the patient, are satisfied with how the hearing aids are performing.

How was your first visit with Dr. Pfaff?

Great, we hit it off immediately; Kurt understands the process of obtaining hearing aids. He also understands that the investment in hearing aids has to justify the return.

How has your life been impacted since visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

Without the hearing aids I would not be able to function in the hearing society.

What do you like best about the hearing device you currently use? Has it met your expectations?

My hearing aids have allowed me to hear as near to normal (or should I say as to what I interpret as normal) as I have been able to since my hearing losses over 20 years ago. Most certainly, these hearing aids have exceeded my expectations.

What advice would you give someone who’s considering visiting Hearing Care Specialists/Dr. Pfaff?

Do not hesitate to visit and investigate what Hearing Care Specialists has to offer and can accomplish to improve your hearing world.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with Hearing Care Specialists/ Doctor Pfaff, or as a hearing aid wearer?

Kurt has always been willing to do whatever he can to accommodate my needs, believe me, in over 20 years there have been some unique experiences. I moved north 2 ½ hours from the Hopkins office 15 years ago and never once have I felt that the distance has been a factor in obtaining top notch service.

When I make an office visit it is like stopping in for a family visit with the staff and checking up on how everyone is doing. You do not feel rushed or pushed through to get to the next patient, that does not happen by accident, that takes devotion, which is what you will find in a visit to Hearing Care Specialists.

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