Amy J.

I have been an existing client at HEARUSA for almost 10 years. I just walked out of the HearUSA office and will be taking my business elsewhere once my hearing aid warranty expires in the next several months. I put up with having to bounce through 5 providers and 4 offices (all at least an hour away from my home) in 5 years due to audiologist turnover and office closings. I will not, however, tolerate the complete and utter disregard for the most basic of communication needs of your neediest clients. I am profoundly deaf and have been for 35+ years. While I wear hearing aids in both ears, I read lips as my primary form of communication. Face coverings are currently necessary given the public health and safety concern, and it has been no small struggle to communicate the last 9 months. The ONE place I feel I have an absolute right to expect face coverings that still allowed for me to read lips was my audiologist office. During my appointment today, neither the receptionist or Dr. Agulo was wearing a face covering that allowed me to read lips. I am especially disappointed with this being my first appointment with Dr. Agulo as a new audiologist to the Hoffman Estates office that she did not acquaint herself with my file to even attempt to address or discuss during my appointment. I was in shock. Shame on you, HEAR USA. Deaf people, especially profoundly deaf people, have been marginalized by society for decades. We deserve and demand more.