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Josephine Khairy was born with hearing loss and got her first hearing aid at age six but it took her more than 10 years to start using it.
The delay was a result of bullying at school due to the stigma around hearing aids which resulted in her withdrawing from social situations to avoid embarrassment.
At 17 she decided to start wearing her hearing aids.
"I became more socially active and willing to participate in conversation and group activities," Josephine said.
"Wearing hearing aids is a journey, when we first realise there is a problem we tend to be in denial, however, with courage and support from our loved ones we can gain acceptance and learn to climb our mountains and get back to living a full meaningful life."
The stigma surrounding hearing aids is still the leading reason people delay getting help according to Starkey Chief Technology Officer Achin Bhowmik.
"We are eliminating that barrier by transforming hearing aids from need-to-wear devices, into want-to-have technology. Today's devices are designed to be nearly invisible," Achin said.
"The new, ergonomic design of Genesis AI makes the hearing aids more discreet so it can rest behind the ear for superior comfort, allowing those with hearing loss to get the help they need, without the stigma.
"It can mimic the sound-processing capabilities of the brain while also streaming audio, monitoring health, detecting if you fall, responding to your questions, translating languages, and more.
"We are transforming hearing aids from single-function products to multi-functional devices that help you hear better and live a healthier life.
"These multifunctional devices are the future."
Having a Genesis AI hearing aid has opened up a whole new world of sound for Josephine.
"The new Genesis AI hearing devices have given me connectivity and clarity I have not heard before," she said.
"I not only can connect my hearing aids to the telephone for direct streaming but also the TV. The hearing aids have also helped me gain further confidence as I go about my daily life."
Hearing loss can impact everyone, it's not just age-related but also can be genetic, trauma related or environmental.
After noticing a change in hearing, seek help without delay.
"Give up on being physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially drained without hearing aids, go out, get fitted and let the life you were meant to lead back in," Josephine said.
"I cannot function without wearing my hearing aids, I encourage anyone having difficulty to reach out to a Hearing Care Provider to have a hearing test no matter what age they are.
"Life is short, I certainly do not want to miss out on hearing anything and neither should they."
Achin echoes this sentiment and also urges people to seek help early.
"Many times, it's a loved one who signals something is wrong - noticing the TV volume is too loud or that someone is withdrawing from social situations," he said.
"Start conversations early. The sooner you can catch a hearing problem, the sooner you can begin to treat it.
"We recommend yearly hearing screenings, even if you don't suspect hearing loss, to get a hearing health baseline."
Learn more about Genesis AI hearing aids here.
