Over a year ago, Johana Guerrero’s life took an unexpected turn when she experienced sudden hearing loss.
Balancing a demanding job as a correctional officer in Sydney and raising two young children, she initially thought her hearing issues were temporary. “I thought it was just my ears being blocked, that it would go away on its own,” she recalled. But as the days went by, the problem only worsened.
At home, she found it increasingly difficult to communicate. Her husband’s once-clear voice became a mumble, and even the sounds of her children became difficult to hear. “The kids’ cries, once a normal part of our routine, now sounded sharp and painful,” she said. This led to constant frustration and tension, as she kept asking her husband to repeat himself, which strained their relationship.
At work, Johana developed coping strategies, like lip-reading, to get through meetings. “I’d watch people’s lips move instead of actually hearing what they were saying,” she explained.
However, when she returned from maternity leave, the reality of her hearing loss hit harder. Due to her condition, she could no longer continue her role as a correctional officer and had to explore other career options.
Hearing loss is a common problem across Australia. In fact, it affects as many as 1 in 2 Australians over the age of 60 according to the Hearing Care Industry Association.
After months of struggling with the condition that impacts many other Australians, Johana saw an audiologist at Audika Hearing Clinic, where she learned her hearing loss was permanent and severe. “I sat there in disbelief, thinking about all the moments I had missed with my family,” she reflected.
Audika’s support made a huge difference in her journey. “From the first visit, they really listened to my story, not just my hearing loss,” she said. Their flexibility and care helped her feel more engaged in conversations and improved her communication with her husband and children.
Today, she’s no longer just coping with her hearing loss but thriving with the right support.
“I’m amazed at how much I was missing before addressing my hearing loss,” she added.
For anyone facing a similar challenge, she encourages seeking help early. “Don’t wait like I did. Find the right support, and you can regain control of your life.”
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