Breaking Barriers: Finding an Audiologist Who Truly Speaks the Language

In my work as an audiologist, I meet people with incredibly diverse life experiences, but every so often, a patient story stays with me in a profound way. Sarah’s journey is one of those. 

Sarah is not only the captain of the USA National Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team but also an actress, motivational speaker, and YouTuber whose signed performances have gained recognition from major creators and productions. Her connection to communication and expression is powerful, shaped by a life lived fully within Deaf culture. 

She lost her hearing at the age of three following a medical complication that resulted in sudden, complete hearing loss and facial nerve damage. When she first came to see me at 18, she had already worked with many audiologists throughout her life, but she came to me through a deeply personal connection: her grandmother, who had been a long-standing patient. 

One of the first things Sarah ever shared with me reflects something many people don’t often consider. She said,

“The biggest thing is that he knows sign language, which is amazing. It’s not often you find an audiologist, ironically, who knows sign language.” 

For Sarah, communication wasn’t just about hearing levels or devices; it was about being fully understood in her own language. That connection shaped the foundation of trust from the very beginning. 

Beyond the Clinic: Lifeline Support from Los Angeles to Turkey 

Hearing care doesn’t exist in isolation from real life. For many of my patients, especially those with active, international lifestyles, their hearing technology is essential to how they work, travel, and connect with the world. 

Sarah’s career takes her across the globe, and one moment in particular highlights how critical that support can be. While competing with the US national team in Turkey, she was preparing to continue traveling with her father when her hearing aid suddenly stopped working. 

She reached out to me while overseas, uncertain of what could be done from such a distance. In moments like these, urgency matters, and not just technically, but personally. 

We coordinated a replacement device, ensured it was programmed correctly, and arranged for it to be fast-tracked directly to her Airbnb in Turkey so she would not be left without support during her travels. 

Sarah later reflected on that experience, saying,

“No other audiologist would take the time, effort, and care to figure out a way to get my hearing aid to me… He was willing to pay the expenses to take care of me, and it showed how much he really cares.” 

For me, it was about making sure she could continue living her life without interruption or fear of being unsupported, not just figuring out the long-distance logistics. 

The “Part of the Family” Standard: Why Personalized Care Changes Everything 

One of the most important aspects of hearing care is the relationship built over time. Technology matters, but trust is what allows that technology to truly succeed. 

Sarah has been clear about what that relationship has meant to her. She shared,

“He knows the personal things about you, so he’ll ask those questions and make sure you’re doing okay.” 

In my practice, I make it a priority to understand how you’re actually living: what matters to you, what challenges you’re facing, and how hearing loss fits into the bigger picture of your lives.what matters to them, what challenges they’re facing, and how hearing loss fits into the bigger picture of their lives. 

Sarah went on to say,

“He’s very personable, and he’s very knowledgeable in giving you the answers that you feel uncertain with… He’s like part of the family.” 

That sense of familiarity is not something that can be manufactured. It comes from consistent care, open conversation, and a willingness to listen just as much as to diagnose or treat. 

Your Turn to Take the Leap: Sarah’s Advice on Partnering With Pacific Hearing Inc. 

Hearing concerns are easy to delay, especially when life feels busy or manageable. But Sarah’s experience is a reminder of what becomes possible when you take that first step. 

She encourages others simply to

“have an open mind and trust that he will take care of you because he’s taken care of me all these years, and I couldn’t ask for a better guy.” 

In my experience, the first appointment is often the most important one. It’s where questions are answered, concerns are understood, and a clear path forward is built together. 

At Pacific Hearing Inc., you can expect an open dialogue, detailed clinical insight, and a commitment to ensuring your hearing care fits your life. 

If you’ve been unsure about whether now is the right time, consider this your starting point. Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Book a consultation with Dr. Gregory Frazer or one of his equally knowledgeable and awesome 8 colleagues and experience care that’s built around you. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How common is it for audiologists to know sign language, and why does it matter? 

A: While some audiologists may have exposure to sign language, it is not universally common. For Deaf patients who use sign language as their primary mode of communication, working with a clinician who understands it can significantly improve clarity, trust, and comfort during care. 

Dr. Julie Skille is fluent in sign language, and Dr. Lajayah Medina is fluent in Spanish and Sign Language (having attended Gallaudet University). 

Q: What should I do if my hearing aid stops working while I am traveling? 

A: If your hearing aid stops working while abroad, the first step is to contact your audiologist immediately. Many modern clinics can troubleshoot remotely, arrange replacements, or coordinate repairs quickly, depending on the situation and device type. Having a care provider familiar with your device makes urgent support much more effective. 

Q: Can hearing care really feel personal when clinics have many patients? 

A: Yes. While audiologists do work with many patients, long-term care allows for continuity, familiarity, and relationship-building. When your clinician understands your history, preferences, and lifestyle, care becomes more tailored and responsive over time, rather than purely transactional. 

Source 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 

A trusted professional organization providing evidence-based resources on hearing loss, audiology care, communication accessibility, and hearing health standards.