Dr. Mandy Norgaard's Personal and Professional Journey

Growing up with hearing loss, Dr. Mandy Norgaard’s personal journey fuels her empathy and dedication to providing exceptional care.

July 19, 2024

Growing up with hearing loss can be isolating, challenging, and stigmatizing. Hearing loss can be a profound and life-altering experience that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. It can lead to feelings of isolation, communication difficulties, and a reduced ability to engage in social activities. At the same time, advancements in hearing aid technology have revolutionized the way people with hearing loss experience the world. Dr. Mandy Norgaard's personal experience with hearing loss shapes her empathy and commitment to providing exceptional care to her patients.

At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, Dr. Mandy Norgaard's personal experience with hearing loss sets her apart as an exceptional audiologist. Growing up with hearing loss, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with living with this condition. This personal experience gives her a unique perspective and a deep empathy for her patients.

Dr. Norgaard’s Early Experiences with Hearing Loss

Dr. Norgaard was born with significant hearing loss in both ears and has worn hearing aids since the age of three. Her firsthand experience with hearing loss has given her a deep understanding of the frustrations and challenges that come with it. This personal connection fuels her passion for helping others navigate their hearing health journeys.

Dr. Norgaard's journey began at the tender age of three when she was born with significant hearing loss in both ears. This condition, which affected her ability to hear and process sounds clearly, had a profound impact on her life. To compensate for her hearing loss, Dr. Norgaard relied on hearing aids, which became her constant companions.

Growing up with hearing aids presented its own set of challenges. In noisy environments, such as busy classrooms or crowded playgrounds, Dr. Norgaard often struggled to keep up with conversations and participate fully in activities. She also faced the stigma associated with wearing hearing devices. Some peers viewed her hearing aids as a sign of difference, leading to feelings of isolation and self-consciousness.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Norgaard never allowed her hearing loss to define her. Instead, she embraced it as an opportunity to develop resilience and empathy. Her firsthand experiences with hearing loss gave her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the frustrations and challenges faced by others with similar conditions.

As she progressed through school, Dr. Norgaard's determination to make a difference in the lives of others with hearing loss grew stronger. She became an active advocate for hearing awareness, educating her peers and community members about the importance of early detection and intervention. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in audiology, where she could use her own experiences to guide and support individuals on their hearing health journeys.

Today, Dr. Norgaard is a respected audiologist, dedicated to empowering individuals with hearing loss to reach their full potential. Through her work, she provides comprehensive evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and rehabilitation services tailored to each patient's unique needs. She also advocates for accessible healthcare, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life have equal access to quality hearing care.

Dr. Norgaard's firsthand experiences with hearing loss have shaped her into a compassionate and dedicated professional. Her unwavering commitment to helping others navigate their hearing health journeys is a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of human connection.

The Important of Real Ear Measurement

With hearing loss playing a huge factor in her life, it is no wonder that Dr. Norgaard stresses the efficiency and efficacy of Real Ear Measurements (REMs). Think of REMs as an advanced hearing aid fitting technique that verifies the performance of hearing aids in the real ear of the wearer. Unlike traditional hearing aid fittings conducted in a sound booth, REM measures the sound output of the hearing aids in the ear canal, taking into account the unique shape and acoustics of the individual's ear. This information is used to fine-tune the hearing aid settings, ensuring that the wearer receives the optimal sound quality and clarity. REM is particularly beneficial for individuals with complex hearing loss patterns or those who have difficulty achieving satisfactory results with conventional hearing aid fittings.

Lots of Experience in the World of Hearing

Dr. Norgaard's background includes working in private practice, ear nose and throat (ENT) clinics, educational settings, OSHA hearing conservation, and the Department of Veteran Affairs. This diverse experience has equipped her with a broad understanding of hearing health and the various factors that can affect it. Dr. Norgaard's personal journey with hearing loss has shaped her skills as an audiologist, enabling her to provide exceptional care and support to her patients.

At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, Dr. Norgaard's approach is deeply rooted in empathy and patient-centered care. Dr. Norgaard's own childhood experiences with hearing loss have shaped her into a compassionate and dedicated audiologist who is committed to helping others navigate their hearing health journeys. She takes the time to listen to her patients' concerns, thoroughly evaluate their hearing, and explain the available options in a clear and compassionate manner. Her goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their hearing health and find solutions that fit their lifestyles and needs. 

Advancements in Hearing Aid Technology

One of the most exciting aspects of modern audiology is the rapid advancement in hearing aid technology. Today's hearing aids are far more sophisticated and effective than those of the past. Features such as digital sound processing, Bluetooth connectivity, and rechargeable batteries have revolutionized the way hearing aids function and integrate into daily life.

From her first devices as a child until now, Dr. Norgaard is committed to staying at the forefront of these technological advancements. She continually updates her knowledge and skills to ensure that her patients benefit from the latest innovations in hearing aid technology. Whether it's helping a patient stream phone calls and music directly to their hearing aids or providing devices that automatically adjust to different listening environments, Dr. Norgaard leverages technology to enhance her patients' hearing experiences.

Hearing Loss Solutions in Sioux Falls

Dr. Mandy Norgaard's personal journey with hearing loss and professional expertise make her uniquely qualified to understand and address the challenges faced by individuals with hearing issues. At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, her compassionate approach and commitment to utilizing the latest hearing aid technology ensure that patients receive the highest quality care.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, don't hesitate to reach out to Sioux Falls Audiology Associates. Dr. Norgaard and her team are dedicated to helping you improve your hearing and quality of life. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey towards better hearing.

Written by
Reviewed by
Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard Au.D.
Audiologist
Read full bio

Dr. Norgaard has over 15 years of experience in practicing audiology, and a lifetime of experience wearing hearing aids. Dr. Norgaard was born with significant hearing loss in both ears and has worn hearing devices since the age of 3.

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