Sweet sounds of retirement: Sally’s story
For many people, hearing loss creeps in gradually — easy to ignore at first, but increasingly difficult to live with over time. For Sally Smith, a 65-year-old retired night duty nurse, taking action on her hearing health became one of the most meaningful decisions of her retirement.
Sally first noticed changes in her hearing well before she did anything about it.
“I was having some hearing difficulties about 10 years before acting on it.”
Like many, she adapted at first—until the impact became impossible to ignore.
Over time, Sally found her hearing difficulties affecting both her work and personal life.
“I found myself avoiding group conversations because I couldn’t quite hear what was being said or people would be annoyed that I was mishearing them. My family noticed that I would respond to things that had not actually been said.
At work I also noticed I was not hearing sounds that my colleagues picked up on, and understanding anyone who spoke with an accent was very difficult. My hearing loss was making me feel isolated and less involved in life.”
This growing sense of isolation is something many people with untreated gradual hearing loss experience—but often delay addressing.
For Sally, the biggest hurdle was cost.
“The main barrier for me was the financial impact of taking action. I had a hearing test done some years ago, but I could not afford the hearing aid then. So, once I retired, doing something about my hearing loss was one of the first things I did. After working for many years, it was time for me to enjoy my retirement, and I wanted to be able to fully experience it.”
Retirement marked a turning point—a chance to prioritise her own wellbeing.
“I went to my local Hearing Australia centre for a hearing test based on the recommendation of a friend who is a Hearing Australia client. I had the test and the audiologist was fantastic. On trying the hearing aid she recommended, I almost cried because I could hear so much more and hear everything more clearly.”
The difference was immediate—and profound.
"I can use different settings on the device depending on where I am, for instance whether I am out walking, in a crowded room or at home.
I feel more confident when I am caring for my grandchildren and in groups of people. Even small things like watching a TV program with my husband is more enjoyable for both of us now.
And my former colleagues are stoked that I finally have a hearing aid!”
If there’s one message Sally wants others to hear, it’s this: don’t wait.
“Go and do it – it’s just a life saver. With a hearing aid you feel part of the group again and people stop being frustrated that they can’t communicate with you. My friend who uses a hearing aid encouraged me too."
Sally’s story is a powerful reminder that addressing hearing loss isn’t just about sound—it’s about reconnecting with people, regaining confidence, and fully enjoying life’s moments, especially in retirement.
