Patient Stories

About five years ago, I suddenly lost all hearing at work one afternoon. Before contacting Cornerstone Audiology, I was concerned that it would be a "one size fits all" approach. My first impressions were that they were quite professional and thorough. I had hearing aids from elsewhere that eventually weren’t helping at all, so I came to the clinic to see if I was a cochlear implant candidate. I was, and received an implant in my left ear, but the CI experience has been awful, with vertigo, pain from sound, ongoing balance issues, and, after two years, still no word comprehension with the implant. Cornerstone has got me hearing again with a standard hearing aid and a bridge. Throughout, they have worked with me, worked with the manufacturer, and tried really hard to resolve the issue. Their compassionate persistence stands out. As of yet, I wouldn't say I have a fully resolved solution, but they keep trying, and I’ve not had that experience elsewhere. Before Cornerstone, I was absent in my own life, avoiding public outings and missing out because I couldn’t hear and felt humiliated. Now at least I can have conversations at some level, even if I still sometimes ask for repeats. That’s a whole lot better than sitting at home missing out on life all the time. If you’re worried about your hearing, absolutely look at doing this.

As a professional musician and songwriter, I have always been concerned with even the slightest changes in my hearing. In 2007, after a head cold and a flight from Houston to Lubbock, I landed and discovered I was completely deaf in my right ear. Years of working with ear specialists, surgeries, tubes, and medications followed, but due to years of performing loud music, an ear infection requiring mastoid surgery in infancy, and a genetic predisposition to hearing loss, nothing could repair or improve my hearing. My only solution was to invest in hearing aids, and from 2013 on, I have trusted Cornerstone Audiology to supervise my hearing solutions. Approaching solutions to my hearing loss was intimidating, as I couldn't continue missing so much in daily life and music, but the friendly staff and the first audiologist I worked with were very professional and informative. The first set of hearing aids was a challenge to fit, and staff helped me understand my brain needed to relearn how to process sound. That first morning with hearing aids, it hit me how much I had been missing, like the sound of birds and human voices. Even with state-of-the-art devices, there are still challenges like noisy restaurants and conversations with multiple speakers, but hearing aids have truly been a miracle in my life. My favorite part about working with the clinic is their professionalism, friendly smiles, and honest care every time I visit. I encourage anyone experiencing hearing loss to make an appointment with the staff at Cornerstone Audiology as soon as possible because life is worth hearing and you don’t want to miss a single beautiful song, a loved one’s voice, or an important message.

I was in denial at first, but as my hearing loss progressed, I could no longer ignore the fact I had a real loss. I was desperate for audiologists who could help me hear better because my previous experiences were disastrous. I spent a lot of time and money trying to hear, and it was awful for me since I am very socially plugged in and was feeling left out in social and family settings. When I found Cornerstone Audiology, I felt relief because finally someone understood and was invested in helping me. The hearing aids and cochlear implant have been the best ever, and I am a new person. The caring, empathetic audiologists “listen” and truly understand the impact of deafness. If you are concerned about your hearing, by all means, go find out what they have to offer you. You need to at least try to hear their opinion.

I was a young child when I started wearing a hearing aid and using lip reading, as I would not have been able to attend public school without them. When I needed a new hearing aid to replace my old analog one, I did my homework and researched Cornerstone Audiology. I am sold on their personal and professional approach and have complete faith in their knowledge. From my first visit, I was welcomed with a smile and quickly greeted by Dr. Arnold, whom I felt comfortable with right away. She truly cares for her patients and helps them hear better. My digital aid has been incredibly helpful, especially with my iPhone and Mac computer. When I urgently needed help after my dog got my aid, Dr. Arnold met me personally on a weekend to provide a loaner until we could discuss the latest options. She did more research and found a great digital aid for me. I have complete confidence others will be happy choosing the clinic, as they match each patient with the right aids to better their lives.

Hearing loss is a process, not an event, and as a man with a family history on my mom’s side, it wasn’t a surprise when I started noticing problems. I mostly experienced high frequency loss, so clarity, especially with women and little children, was my biggest issue. I’d already tried two sets of hearing aids before coming to Cornerstone Audiology, having been dissatisfied with my previous provider as my hearing continued to deteriorate. My first impression walking into Cornerstone Audiology was “WOW!” Everything was new, attractive, and bright, including the receptionist, who couldn’t have been nicer. That friendly, caring attitude turns out to be their culture; it’s real, not forced. I’m now on my second set of hearing aids from the clinic, and the advancements have truly benefited me. The rechargeable batteries are a huge improvement, and features like Bluetooth and apps are very helpful if you make the effort to use them. Hearing aids are not perfect, but I am way better off with them. I can hear my grandchildren, which was probably my biggest problem before. There are big differences in audiology providers, and I doubt you’ll find anyone more professional, competent, or caring than the team at the clinic. I can’t pick just one favorite thing: it’s the whole package: their friendly, caring culture and incredible customer service.

I lost my high-pitched sounds from loud engines in the oilfield and was having trouble hearing and understanding what people were saying, either asking them to repeat or just nodding as I heard them. Before contacting Cornerstone Audiology, I was concerned about the high cost, but my first impression was that they were very professional and easy to work with. I didn’t fully realize how much I was missing out on, especially being able to hear my grandchildren. My favorite thing about working with the clinic is the friendly staff.

I was born with my hearing loss, so I didn’t notice anything was different until I failed a mass screening hearing test in school. That moment made sense of why I sometimes got in trouble for not following directions I hadn’t actually heard. My biggest concern when seeking help was always cost, since an ENT once told my family that hearing aids wouldn’t be worth it as long as my grades didn’t slip. I thought hearing care was out of my budget, even after I started working. I also worried about comfort, since over-the-counter amplifiers had left me with blisters. My first impression of Cornerstone Audiology was that everyone is SO NICE. Every step of the way, the whole team was kind, warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Getting hearing aids has made everything in life better. I’m able to teach and manage my classroom because I can hear my students and their conversations. I am more social, can confidently talk on the phone, and have taken up playing my instrument again because the sound is so much fuller. I now enjoy live events and my hobbies more, and I am happier and more successful professionally. The team has always been helpful with any issue, big or small, and they always work with my schedule. Getting treatment was easy, and taking that step made a bigger difference than I could’ve imagined.

About 20 years ago, I realized I had a hearing challenge. I didn’t have any concerns before contacting Cornerstone Audiology. My first impression was that the people were very nice and very thorough. Since getting hearing aids, I can actually understand what people are saying and phone conversations are much more pleasant. I also realized how noisy I am when I walk and eat. My favorite thing about working with the clinic is the kind, considerate, professional people who help with all your questions and hearing needs. I would tell anyone concerned about their hearing to set up an appointment for a hearing exam and follow the recommendations of the doctors.

About eight years ago I started noticing that I was having difficulty engaging in conversation with family and friends, and had to turn the volume up on my TV just to listen. This made me feel out of touch with society, so I knew I had to do something. My biggest concern was whether I could afford something or not and whether I had medical insurance that might help. After moving to Lubbock and already having purchased my hearing aids, I found Cornerstone Audiology and they have taken care of me in an amazing way over the last three years. Every member genuinely takes an interest in helping me achieve a better hearing experience and they have never let me down. I believe picking the correct hearing aid is important for each individual and getting that aspect correct matters. The best thing about working with the clinic is that they consider each person's needs and do not try to coerce anyone into something that might not fit their needs or finances. They listen and make accommodations to suit each situation. I believe anyone that may have a hearing issue should have their hearing checked as soon as possible so a solution can be found quickly, and, in my opinion, Cornerstone Audiology has the team to put together the best option for each person as they consider each person special.

My hearing became noticeable when I started asking family members to repeat themselves, which I didn’t want to do in a new job. My hearing loss was minimal, but my new hearing aids took years off my sound perception. I had high expectations after hearing that Cornerstone Audiology was both competent and caring, and all my expectations were met. The women at the clinic cared for me as a person, not just as a pair of ears. They were friendly, caring, and always accessible, responding to my needs anytime. With hearing aids, my directional hearing is restored and I can locate flocks of geese by their calls. I recently sent my wife there and she agrees that they are great. Our marriage is improved! Go to Cornerstone.