People of KHSC: Allyson McLean

“A most satisfied patient,” that’s how Debbie D. described herself in a letter to audiologist Allyson McLean, who had assessed and explained Debbie’s hearing loss, then prescribed and fitted her with appropriate hearing aids.

I’m feeling much more engaged with the world around me and enjoying sounds I didn’t realize I had been missing… waves cresting on the beach, walking in the forest and noticing leaves crunching underfoot, playing with my grandchildren and keeping up with their chatter, and especially not having to ask my sister to repeat everything she says.

“Every day I encounter another sound that I was happily surprised by. My gratitude for your assistance in opening my world again is immense.”

McLean thinks what resonated with Debbie was the way she tries to make each patient feel heard and understood.

“I always want people to feel like they are an active part of their hearing care, rather than simply being told what they need,” she says. “Everybody comes in with different goals, lifestyles and priorities so I think their plan of care should reflect those individual needs.”

Sounds like family

A big part of that philosophy comes from being introduced to audiology through attending appointments with her paternal grandparents who experienced hearing loss.

“I’ve seen firsthand what great care can look like, but I’ve also seen moments where goals and concerns weren’t always heard. That has stayed with me throughout my career. I try to treat every patient the way I would want my own family to be treated and recommend hearing devices I would feel comfortable suggesting my family use.”

She also credits her family, especially the women, for being her biggest source of inspiration. She says she is grateful to come from a long line of hardworking women who have always encouraged her to do her best and take pride in her work.

“They have taught me that there really isn’t a ceiling on what I can accomplish, and I should always strive to challenge myself, keep learning and push outside of my comfort zone. I carry that with me every day.”

Another thing that stays with her in her work is seeing patients respond to gaining clear access to sounds for the first time ever or the first time in a long time.

“Hands down, it’s the best part of my work and still brings a smile to my face every time. I especially love seeing infants respond to their parents’ voices, but I also hear incredible stories from older adults about being able to hear their child’s wedding vows, their grandchild’s graduation ceremony or simply being able to fully participate in conversations with family and friends.

“So many emotions come out during appointments and tears of joy are incredibly meaningful. It’s a big part of why I love what I do.”

Listening first

Being a compassionate listener (pun unintended) is an important quality McLean uses to counsel people about their individual hearing loss, which includes explaining what it means, how it might affect them day-to-day and providing strategies to communicate better.  

“Every patient should feel that we’ve worked together to find the best option. For that to happen, I have to listen and adapt my approach to meet what matters most to them.”

If hearing aids are recommended, she not only considers their hearing needs, but also listens to people to understand if they are looking for specific features, want them to stand out with an array of colours and styles or blend in and look and feel as small as conventional earbuds.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about hearing aids is that it’s a one-size fits all situation and every device looks, feels and costs the same. Hearing aids have come a long way over the years. There are so many more options and price points than people realize.”

Good to know

Even before hearing aids are needed, McLean wants people to know how quickly noise can damage our ears and there are things we can do to help preserve hearing like working with her to obtain earmold impressions for noise-protection earplugs.

While hearing loss has plenty of causes — genetics, age — regular exposure to loud noise, whether from machinery, music, firearms, or power tools, can cause permanent damage even when it doesn't feel like it in the moment. And once that damage is done, it doesn't reverse.

It's not just a hearing issue, either, she notes; it ripples into personal safety (detecting hazards before you see them, for instance) and into the everyday social fabric of a person's life.

Hearing allows us to stay connected with the people around us, participate socially and remain engaged in the things we enjoy. When someone notices a change in their hearing, addressing it early can make a real difference.

In her letter to the audiologist, Debbie expressed that McLean’s reassurance and competence left her feeling well prepared to start her new adventure. That kind of interaction is clearly the product of a philosophy McLean has carried since childhood, handed down by the women in her life, and now shared, one patient, one fitting, one rediscovered sound at a time.

Opinion disclosure: The patient experience expressed in this story may not be applicable to all patients.