Meet Hannah: How Growing Up With Deaf Parents Inspired Her Journey Into Audiology
For Hannah, audiology has always been personal.
Growing up with two deaf parents, Hannah learned from an early age that communication is about more than just hearing. It is about understanding, connection, and making sure every person feels included.
Today, Hannah is a fourth-year audiology resident at Coates Hearing Clinic, where she brings that personal experience into every patient interaction.
In this video, Hannah shares her journey into audiology, what she has learned during her residency, and why creating a better hearing healthcare experience is so important to her.
Finding a Passion for Audiology
Hannah’s path into audiology started with her own family’s experience.
Because both of her parents are deaf, Hannah grew up communicating through sign language. During seventh grade, she witnessed her mother have a frustrating experience at an audiology appointment where the provider communicated through her grandmother instead of speaking directly with her.
That moment stuck with Hannah.
She realized how important it was for patients to have healthcare providers who understand their communication needs and make them feel valued throughout the process.
From that point forward, Hannah knew she wanted to become an audiologist who could provide a better experience for patients who use sign language.
Creating Better Patient Experiences
For Hannah, one of the most rewarding parts of audiology is seeing patients recognize her passion for the field.
She believes that when patients can see how much their provider cares, it helps create trust and makes the entire experience more comfortable.
Hearing healthcare is not just about testing hearing or recommending technology. It is about understanding each patient’s story and finding solutions that fit their individual needs.
Busting Myths About Hearing Aids
One common misconception Hannah hopes to change is the idea that hearing aids are noticeable or something people should feel embarrassed about.
Modern hearing aids are smaller, more discreet, and designed with different styles and colors to fit each person’s preferences.
Today’s hearing technology looks very different from what many people imagine, and Hannah wants patients to feel confident exploring their options.
Learning From Real Patient Care
Transitioning from the classroom into clinical work has taught Hannah that every patient is different.
While textbooks provide the foundation, real-world patient care requires flexibility, problem-solving, and the ability to adjust when things do not go exactly as planned.
Whether it is finding a new way to complete testing or troubleshooting hearing aid issues, Hannah has learned the importance of working through each challenge step-by-step to find what works best for the patient.
Growing as a Resident at Coates Hearing Clinic
As a resident at Coates Hearing Clinic, Hannah has appreciated the hands-on experience and support from the entire team.
From the audiologists to the patient care coordinators, she has been surrounded by people willing to teach, answer questions, and help her continue growing as a provider.
That collaborative environment has helped Hannah learn the many aspects of private practice and what it takes to provide exceptional hearing care.
A Future Focused on Expanding Hearing Healthcare Access
Looking ahead, Hannah hopes to bring her experience back to Eastern North Carolina, where she grew up.
She wants to help expand access to hearing healthcare services, including hearing evaluations, hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing devices, and balance testing.
For Hannah, the goal is simple: make quality hearing care more accessible for the communities that need it.
Building Connections Through Hearing Care
Hannah’s story is a reminder that hearing healthcare is about people first.
Her personal experiences, passion for audiology, and commitment to patient care are what make her journey unique.
At Coates Hearing Clinic, we are proud to support future audiologists like Hannah who are dedicated to creating better experiences for every patient.
