Pamela Tonkin

Before being fitted with Conversa™ Pamela Tonkin rarely spoke or sang in the car. She seldom spoke in restaurants and resigned herself to nodding during conversations to give the appearance that she could hear what was being said. Living with a severe hearing loss and having worn hearing aids for the past 12 years, she believed that listening in the car, at movie theaters, and in restaurants was a challenge that she would have to live with for the rest of her life.

Pam Tonkin, Conversa Power BTE wearer, with son Jim

“I am sure that people often misinterpreted my behavior, thinking I was snobby because I rarely spoke. When my son and I went to the park, I didn’t speak to other people because wind and traffic noise made it impossible.”

Since being fit with Conversa hearing aids in both ears, Pam loves car rides with her husband and 15-month old son. Her husband notices that she talks more. She also wants to go more places and enjoys going to the movies and talking on the telephone.

“Conversa hearing aids are the first hearing aids that I have been able to use on the telephone. Voices are clear and I can pick up the telephone without worrying about adjusting the phone or my hearing aids. Before these I used an amplifier and I cannot believe how convenient and easy listening on the telephone is now."

Her Conversa hearing aids have also had a positive impact on Pam's 15-month old son. She notices that he is talking more.

Pam Tonkin's audiogram depicting her severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

“I began to realize that he was quiet probably because I was not talking to him as much as I should have been. Now we go more places together and I can hear him in just about any situation.”

During a recent car ride, Pam heard a noise that she did not recognize. She turned down the radio and looked around her, glancing up in the rearview mirror. She realized the sound was her son singing to himself in the backseat of the car. When she realized what she was hearing, she had to pull the car over to the side of the road because she began to cry.

“I had no idea that my son sings while he is in the car. I can also hear him singing and talking to his teddy bear through his bedroom door. I am never without my Conversa hearing aids because I don't want to miss a thing in my little boy's life. These are the first hearing aids in 12 years that when I get up in the morning, I immediately put them in.”

“Conversa hearing aids have changed everything and my son is benefiting from these positive changes every step of the way.”