“It’s Never Too Early Or Too Late To Get Hearing Aids” – Mary Harris’ Story

November 15, 2021
An elderly woman in a yellow jacket is sitting in a chair.

As we focus during May on celebrating Older Americans Month and Better Hearing and Speech Month, longtime Johnson Audiology patient Mary Harris’ journey to better hearing is a fitting one for the telling

You see, now 108 years old, Mrs. Harris got her first set of hearing aids at 103, proving that, as she says “it’s never too early or too late to address your own hearing health care.”


Interviewing Mrs. Harris, a resident of Signal Mountain’s Alexian Village, for this feature was indeed an interesting hour as she recounted a life spent watching the world change in very drastic ways. At the time of this interview last Fall 2018, the world was marking the 100 th anniversary of Armistice Day, that pivotal historic milestone when the cessation of hostilities between the Allies and Germany became official, and the world’s bloodiest war—at least up to that point—drew to a close.


Mrs. Harris remembers that day—November 11, 1918—well as she says the whole world seemed to come together to take a deep, collective sigh of relief and celebrate the end of World War I. People around the world had been instructed to go outside and join together with neighbors and friends for a time of reflection, commemoration and celebration “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Mrs. Harris says she and her family did just that. “I was seven years old at the time, and I remember mother giving me pots and pans and spoons to make noise with. We went out on the front lawn, and all up and down the street our neighbors were out doing the same,” Mrs. Harris relates. One hundred years later, Mrs. Harris remembers vividly the sounds from that day, punctuating how our sense of hearing can mentally cement the events that pave the foundation of our life’s story and link us together with others.


For more than 95 years, Mrs. Harris engaged with her world through sound with seemingly little to no hearing loss, quite a feat since the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders shows that an estimated 28.8 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids as a way of addressing their hearing loss.


As is often the case in families where a member has hearing loss, one of Mrs. Harris’ daughters was the first to notice when her mother started asking her to repeat herself. The issue seemed less pronounced when she was looking straight at her mom, a common warning sign of hearing loss since the individual is filling in the gaps by lip-reading. “Reading lips and gestures tends to be a common coping mechanism for people with hearing loss,” says Megan Johnson, Au.D., the founder of Johnson Audiology. “A person’s brain is having to work overtime when they are challenged with hearing loss. This can lead to ‘listening fatigue’ that can affect the person in a myriad of ways from decreased awareness of surroundings, which can cause safety concerns, to accelerated brain tissue loss over time.”


Mrs. Harris is the perfect example of a person who took control of her own hearing health, not waiting years to be tested and fit with hearing aids. Fewer than 30% of those with hearing loss have ever actually used hearing aids. In fact, research suggests that most hearing aid users wait at least 10 years after the onset of their hearing loss to seek intervention.


While Mrs. Harris says she was a bit resistant when her daughter first mentioned it, she quickly realized that being able to hear her friends and family was a simple quality of life choice and that stubbornness was not going to cause her to miss out on engaging fully in the world around her. Johnson says, “I remember Mrs. Harris’ first appointment in the summer of 2014 when she was 103 years old. I applaud her choice to act quickly.”


Johnson goes on to say that for those who are candidates, hearing aids treat hearing loss by giving the user access to sounds they are unable to detect with their ears alone, improving speech understanding and awareness of environmental sounds. “One of the first things Mrs. Harris mentioned to me at her hearing diagnostic appointment was her difficulty in understanding normal speech,” Johnson says. The large population of patients with untreated hearing loss is not only missing out on these direct benefits, but also are at risk for additional physical and psychological health issues.


Hearing loss affects every individual differently, but research has identified numerous potential negative consequences that are more likely to arise in people who are hearing impaired. One of the most basic concerns with untreated hearing loss is general safety. Sounds such as alarms, sirens, car horns, or verbal warnings can signal threats to personal safety, prompting individuals to react accordingly and protect themselves. Inability to detect these signals can therefore put a person in danger.


The list goes on, Johnson says. “Decreased environmental sound awareness also has been associated with an increased risk of falling and thus for injury. Hearing loss has an emotional impact as well. It is linked to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, frustration, and social isolation. This likely stems from the impaired communication that results from declined speech understanding,” she says.These connections highlight the importance of addressing hearing loss as soon as it is noticed. Whether seeking intervention, concerned about a medical issue, or simply monitoring hearing status, Johnson says that “we all need to start thinking of addressing our hearing health as just another way of addressing our overall body health.”


Mrs. Harris continues to have appointments with Johnson Audiology whenever she needs supplies, regular maintenance or a programming adjustment on her hearing aids. The audiologists from Johnson Audiology visit once a month to offer various hearing health care services to Alexian residents. Additionally, all five of offices of Johnson Audiology are accepting new patients.


Mrs. Harris’ suggestion to others about hearing aids is as no-nonsense and straightforward as her seven-year-old self banging on pots and pans at the Armistice Day celebration: “If you need hearing aids, I would say you need to get them.” Sound advice from this lady who has heard a few things in her 108 years.


Recent Posts

By Jan Hollingsworth March 12, 2026
Starkey Omega AI Is Now Available at Johnson Audiology There's a kind of exhaustion that comes with straining to hear — following along, nodding, guessing — and feeling like you missed most of it anyway. Better hearing technology doesn't just help you hear more. It helps you stop working so hard to listen. Starkey's newest platform, Omega AI, was built with exactly that in mind. And we're proud to now offer it at Johnson Audiology. Smarter Sound, Right When You Need It At the heart of Omega AI is DNN 360, the world's first deep neural network–powered directionality system. In real-world terms, that means voices stand out more clearly in the places that have always been the hardest: noisy restaurants, busy family events, crowded spaces. Starkey reports up to 28% better speech intelligibility and an 8 dB signal-to-noise improvement — without any sacrifice to battery life, which runs up to 51 hours. The AI doesn't stop there. A feature called TeleHear AI listens to your sound concerns and makes an instant adjustment with 93% accuracy right from the My Starkey app. And the built-in Gen AI Smart Assistant lets you ask questions, change programs, and set reminders using your voice, the same way you'd interact with a smart assistant on your phone. For patients who want more control between appointments, it's a meaningful shift in how hearing care works day to day. Built to Keep Up with Your Day Omega AI is waterproof with a coating tested to last 10 times longer than previous generations, so daily life; rain, sweat, an active schedule, isn't something you need to work around. New LED indicator lights let you confirm power and Bluetooth connection immediately, and in an industry first, those same lights double as a find-my-hearing-aid tool through the My Starkey app. More Than Just Hearing Omega AI also brings two health-focused tools to the My Starkey app. Balance Builder offers guided at-home exercises to support stability, especially valuable for patients managing fall risk. And an automatic respiratory rate monitor quietly tracks breathing in the background throughout the day, helping patients and their care teams stay a step ahead. Omega AI also supports Auracast™ connectivity, which lets you tune in to broadcast audio in public spaces including airports, theaters, places of worship, etc. directly through your hearing aids with a simple tap. It's the kind of feature that quietly makes a big difference in the moments that matter most. It's a reflection of something we believe deeply at Johnson Audiology: hearing care is health care. Let's Find the Right Fit for You If you're wondering whether Omega AI could be right for your hearing and your lifestyle, we'd love to help. Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation at any of our locations across Tennessee and North Georgia, and let our team guide you from there. Because better hearing isn't just about sound, it's about everything sound connects you to.
By Jan Hollingsworth March 12, 2026
Oticon Zeal™ Is Now Available at Johnson Audiology Johnson Audiology is pleased to now offer Oticon Zeal, a breakthrough in hearing technology that delivers premium sound performance in an exceptionally compact and discreet design. Oticon Zeal represents a significant advancement in both engineering and sound processing. By combining durability, artificial intelligence-driven sound clarity, rechargeability, and seamless connectivity, Zeal offers patients a comprehensive hearing solution — without compromise. A Breakthrough in Design: Innovative Encapsulation Technology One of the defining innovations behind Oticon Zeal is its advanced encapsulation technology. This method encloses the body of the device in a single, solid structure, creating a hearing aid that is both robust and moisture resistant (IP68-rated). This innovative design allows Zeal to be: More protected against everyday wear and environmental exposure More compact and discreet More durable without sacrificing performance Patients no longer have to choose between premium sound quality and a small, cosmetically appealing device. Zeal is engineered to provide both. Advanced AI Sound Processing — Always On Oticon Zeal is powered by Oticon’s most advanced AI-driven sound processing technology to date. This “always-on” system continuously analyzes the listening environment, helping the brain access clearer, more balanced sound in real time. The result is improved speech understanding, even in complex listening environments. Zeal provides up to 6 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement and has been tested on more than 1,500 ears, demonstrating measurable performance benefits. Rather than simply amplifying sound, Zeal works intelligently to support how the brain naturally interprets speech and environmental cues. Always-On Connectivity Modern hearing technology must integrate seamlessly into daily life. Oticon Zeal introduces uncompromising connectivity through a newly designed skin-coupling antenna and optimized tap control for discreet and intuitive use. Patients can enjoy seamless connectivity with: Smartphones Tablets Personal computers Televisions Zeal also supports hands-free calling through Bluetooth® LE Audio and is compatible with Auracast™ broadcast audio in public spaces. This expanded connectivity allows patients to stay engaged at home, at work, and in community settings with greater ease and clarity. Reliable Rechargeability As a true all-in-one hearing aid, Oticon Zeal features rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology. Users can: Charge overnight for a full day of power* Gain up to four hours of use with a quick 15-minute charge This flexibility provides peace of mind, especially for active individuals who are frequently on the go. Patients no longer need to manage disposable batteries or worry about running out of power during important conversations or events. Flexible, Personalized Fitting at Johnson Audiology Oticon Zeal is designed to support a personalized fitting experience. Its dome-to-mold flexibility allows clinicians to begin new users with a dome and transition to a micromold if needed to meet individual anatomical or acoustic requirements. At Johnson Audiology, we use comprehensive diagnostic testing and individualized programming to ensure each device is tailored to your specific hearing needs and lifestyle goals. Zeal enables us to offer a premium, discreet solution while maintaining the personalized care our patients expect. Schedule a Consultation If you are interested in learning whether Oticon Zeal is right for you, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation at one of our locations in Tennessee or North Georgia. Our team is here to help you explore your options and find the hearing solution that best supports your daily life.
By Jan Hollingsworth March 9, 2026
How Healthy Hearing Strengthens Social Bonds and Relationships Strong relationships are built on communication. From conversations with coworkers to family dinners and time spent with friends, hearing clearly allows us to stay connected to the people who matter most. When hearing begins to decline, those everyday moments can become more difficult. Conversations may feel exhausting, misunderstandings can happen more often, and some people may even begin avoiding social situations altogether. Maintaining healthy hearing plays a powerful role in protecting the social bonds that enrich our lives. At Johnson Audiology , we see every day how better hearing helps patients reconnect with family, friends, and their community. Why Healthy Hearing Is Essential for Strong Relationships Healthy hearing allows you to participate fully in conversations and social experiences. When you can clearly hear what others are saying, communication becomes easier, more natural, and more enjoyable. Without clear hearing, people often miss parts of conversations or struggle to follow along in group settings. This can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and feelings of isolation. By protecting your hearing health and addressing hearing loss early, you can continue to engage confidently in the conversations that keep relationships strong. Hearing Clearly Improves Emotional Connection Communication isn’t just about words. Tone, laughter, and subtle vocal cues help us understand emotion and intention. When hearing loss occurs, these important details can be missed. Someone may hear the words but not the emotion behind them. Over time, this can make communication feel less meaningful or more strained. Healthy hearing allows you to hear the warmth in a loved one’s voice, the excitement in a grandchild’s story, or the humor in a friend’s joke. These emotional connections are what make relationships meaningful. Better Hearing Builds Social Confidence Many people with untreated hearing loss begin to withdraw from social situations. Noisy environments like restaurants, family gatherings, or community events can become difficult to navigate. Instead of asking others to repeat themselves or worrying about missing something important, some individuals choose to stay quiet or avoid social events entirely. With proper hearing care and modern hearing technology, patients often regain the confidence to fully participate in social activities again. Clear hearing makes it easier to stay engaged, enjoy conversations, and feel comfortable in group settings. Stronger Family Connections Start With Hearing Well Family relationships often benefit the most from healthy hearing. Spouses, children, and grandchildren all rely on communication to stay connected. When hearing loss interferes with everyday conversations, it can create frustration for everyone involved. Simple moments like sharing stories, talking about the day, or laughing together can become more difficult. Addressing hearing loss can restore those everyday interactions. Many patients tell us that better hearing allows them to reconnect with loved ones in ways they didn’t realize they were missing. The Health Benefits of Staying Socially Connected Research consistently shows that maintaining strong social connections is important for overall health and well-being. Social engagement has been linked to: Lower risk of depression and loneliness Better cognitive health Reduced stress levels Improved quality of life Because hearing is essential for communication, protecting your hearing health helps protect your social health as well . Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing If conversations have become harder to follow, the television volume keeps creeping up, or family members have mentioned your hearing, it may be time for a professional hearing evaluation. The good news is that hearing care has advanced dramatically in recent years. Today’s hearing technology is discreet, comfortable, and designed to help you stay fully engaged in everyday conversations. At Johnson Audiology , our team is dedicated to helping patients reconnect with the sounds and relationships that make life meaningful. Schedule Your Hearing Evaluation Today Don’t let hearing difficulties create distance between you and the people you love. A simple hearing test can provide valuable insight into your hearing health and help you take the next step toward clearer communication and stronger relationships. Contact Johnson Audiology today to schedule your hearing evaluation and start enjoying conversations again. Better hearing doesn’t just improve sound—it strengthens the connections that matter most.
By Jan Hollingsworth March 12, 2026
Starkey Omega AI Is Now Available at Johnson Audiology There's a kind of exhaustion that comes with straining to hear — following along, nodding, guessing — and feeling like you missed most of it anyway. Better hearing technology doesn't just help you hear more. It helps you stop working so hard to listen. Starkey's newest platform, Omega AI, was built with exactly that in mind. And we're proud to now offer it at Johnson Audiology. Smarter Sound, Right When You Need It At the heart of Omega AI is DNN 360, the world's first deep neural network–powered directionality system. In real-world terms, that means voices stand out more clearly in the places that have always been the hardest: noisy restaurants, busy family events, crowded spaces. Starkey reports up to 28% better speech intelligibility and an 8 dB signal-to-noise improvement — without any sacrifice to battery life, which runs up to 51 hours. The AI doesn't stop there. A feature called TeleHear AI listens to your sound concerns and makes an instant adjustment with 93% accuracy right from the My Starkey app. And the built-in Gen AI Smart Assistant lets you ask questions, change programs, and set reminders using your voice, the same way you'd interact with a smart assistant on your phone. For patients who want more control between appointments, it's a meaningful shift in how hearing care works day to day. Built to Keep Up with Your Day Omega AI is waterproof with a coating tested to last 10 times longer than previous generations, so daily life; rain, sweat, an active schedule, isn't something you need to work around. New LED indicator lights let you confirm power and Bluetooth connection immediately, and in an industry first, those same lights double as a find-my-hearing-aid tool through the My Starkey app. More Than Just Hearing Omega AI also brings two health-focused tools to the My Starkey app. Balance Builder offers guided at-home exercises to support stability, especially valuable for patients managing fall risk. And an automatic respiratory rate monitor quietly tracks breathing in the background throughout the day, helping patients and their care teams stay a step ahead. Omega AI also supports Auracast™ connectivity, which lets you tune in to broadcast audio in public spaces including airports, theaters, places of worship, etc. directly through your hearing aids with a simple tap. It's the kind of feature that quietly makes a big difference in the moments that matter most. It's a reflection of something we believe deeply at Johnson Audiology: hearing care is health care. Let's Find the Right Fit for You If you're wondering whether Omega AI could be right for your hearing and your lifestyle, we'd love to help. Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation at any of our locations across Tennessee and North Georgia, and let our team guide you from there. Because better hearing isn't just about sound, it's about everything sound connects you to.
By Jan Hollingsworth March 12, 2026
Oticon Zeal™ Is Now Available at Johnson Audiology Johnson Audiology is pleased to now offer Oticon Zeal, a breakthrough in hearing technology that delivers premium sound performance in an exceptionally compact and discreet design. Oticon Zeal represents a significant advancement in both engineering and sound processing. By combining durability, artificial intelligence-driven sound clarity, rechargeability, and seamless connectivity, Zeal offers patients a comprehensive hearing solution — without compromise. A Breakthrough in Design: Innovative Encapsulation Technology One of the defining innovations behind Oticon Zeal is its advanced encapsulation technology. This method encloses the body of the device in a single, solid structure, creating a hearing aid that is both robust and moisture resistant (IP68-rated). This innovative design allows Zeal to be: More protected against everyday wear and environmental exposure More compact and discreet More durable without sacrificing performance Patients no longer have to choose between premium sound quality and a small, cosmetically appealing device. Zeal is engineered to provide both. Advanced AI Sound Processing — Always On Oticon Zeal is powered by Oticon’s most advanced AI-driven sound processing technology to date. This “always-on” system continuously analyzes the listening environment, helping the brain access clearer, more balanced sound in real time. The result is improved speech understanding, even in complex listening environments. Zeal provides up to 6 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement and has been tested on more than 1,500 ears, demonstrating measurable performance benefits. Rather than simply amplifying sound, Zeal works intelligently to support how the brain naturally interprets speech and environmental cues. Always-On Connectivity Modern hearing technology must integrate seamlessly into daily life. Oticon Zeal introduces uncompromising connectivity through a newly designed skin-coupling antenna and optimized tap control for discreet and intuitive use. Patients can enjoy seamless connectivity with: Smartphones Tablets Personal computers Televisions Zeal also supports hands-free calling through Bluetooth® LE Audio and is compatible with Auracast™ broadcast audio in public spaces. This expanded connectivity allows patients to stay engaged at home, at work, and in community settings with greater ease and clarity. Reliable Rechargeability As a true all-in-one hearing aid, Oticon Zeal features rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology. Users can: Charge overnight for a full day of power* Gain up to four hours of use with a quick 15-minute charge This flexibility provides peace of mind, especially for active individuals who are frequently on the go. Patients no longer need to manage disposable batteries or worry about running out of power during important conversations or events. Flexible, Personalized Fitting at Johnson Audiology Oticon Zeal is designed to support a personalized fitting experience. Its dome-to-mold flexibility allows clinicians to begin new users with a dome and transition to a micromold if needed to meet individual anatomical or acoustic requirements. At Johnson Audiology, we use comprehensive diagnostic testing and individualized programming to ensure each device is tailored to your specific hearing needs and lifestyle goals. Zeal enables us to offer a premium, discreet solution while maintaining the personalized care our patients expect. Schedule a Consultation If you are interested in learning whether Oticon Zeal is right for you, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation at one of our locations in Tennessee or North Georgia. Our team is here to help you explore your options and find the hearing solution that best supports your daily life.