Kerry writes to Lipreading Mom: “I don’t know if you remember me but we met when you came to speak to the tinnitus support group at Midwest Hearing Institute. I had recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperaccusis from meningitis. It was the first support group and I didn’t know what to expect. I was still so overwhelmed with everything that was happening. You talked to us about your hearing loss and learning how to lip read. For a moment I couldn’t still believe what was going on and all the damage I had from the meningitis. At the end of the meeting you showed us your bright blue hearing aids and I thought they were so cool. Much different than What I expected hearing aids to look like. It was a turning point for me. That night on the way home my mom suggested I put her hearing aids in to see how they worked. I was completely shocked at how much better I could hear and the clarity. I heard crickets chirping, and the leaves blowing in the wind. I also was surprised that the ringing in my ears wasn’t as loud. That next day we had an appointment with Heidi and I decided I wanted the hearing aids now, but there was one condition…they had to be cute! So I ordered the bright pink ones! And my hearing aids have programs like white noise and chimes that help decrease the loudness in my head from the tinnitus. I realized the ability to communicate with others and hear again was so much more important than any hang up I had about having to get hearing aids. Meeting you that day and seeing how you have coped inspired me to be strong also. And of course I wanted them to look cool like yours. I always tell people this story about you and thought it was time I shared it with you. I am still recovering from the meningitis and haven’t been able to resume my life quite yet, but I am still going to brain the therapy and making some progress…one day at a time. Wanted to SHOW you MY EARS! I wear these babies with pride now! thanks for all you do to help others and make them feel proud to wear hearing aids and cochlear implants. It’s really a cool thing.”