The Hearing Aid Lady

BY Jacqulyn Keenan, BS-HSS

And So it Begins

So recently, a very good friend encouraged me to begin writing and posting a blog about my experiences with the hearing impaired. I must admit, I was mostly apprehensive about the notion of putting myself out there, but I did realize that after twenty-seven years of having the honor of providing better hearing to those in need, I felt I might have just a little to say. If I could help or encourage even one person, it would make it all worth it.  You see, I have been affectionately known as “The Hearing Aid Lady” for many years.  Admittedly, I have likely forgotten more about patient encounters than I can recall; however, my years as a hearing healthcare professional have provided me with many fulfilling and rewarding experiences.

Nearly twenty-eight years ago, luck would have it that I was given the opportunity to purchase my hearing aid business.  I didn’t know it at the time, but the fellow I was purchasing from was a highly respected hearing instrument specialist and was fundamental in orchestrating the Hearing Society for the state of West Virginia. Stephen Zelinsky was his name, and to my advantage was purchasing a car from my husband, (then fiancée) and that is how it all started.

Mr. Zelinsky had owned and ran his successful, however modest, business for almost forty years.  I remember the first time I visited his quaint office, located in what was the “Plaza” in Wheeling, WV, I admittedly felt as though I was walking into a time warp. As I stared at the outdated furnishings, primitive typewriter and calculator, not to mention the old Qualitone Audiometer set up in the back room with no booth or even a door, I wondered…is this what the hearing aid industry is all about?  It wasn’t long that I realized, however primitive the office may have seemed, the fundamental knowledge, identifying and treating hearing loss, the important lessons of how to carefully treat your customers and how to gain the respect of those who are entrusting you with helping them hear again could not have been taught by a better mentor, teacher, and supporter.  I owe my career to this man, one who helped to establish the very laws and code of ethics we abide by today, protecting those we serve.  One who would diligently teach me the fundamentals of carefully treating the hearing impaired, to care for their every need to enable them to hear as best they can.  The most rewarding part about this is that he entrusted ME to care for those he so diligently served.  I will be forever grateful…thank you, Mr. Zelinsky.

Stephen Zelinsky

October 26, 1923 – February 22, 2018