Over fifteen years ago Tommie had her hearing tested and was told she was loosing the ability to hear high tones.  She knew her hearing loss would be progresive, and as years went on, Tommie noticed she was having more and more difficulty hearing.  She found it hard to hear people in conversations and in meetings.  Tommie says, "Before I got my hearing aids, I would be in a conversation and would know that someone had said something, but I couldn't hear them.  That was annoying to me and to the other person as well.  It's silly to be in a conversation with someone and just smile and nod; knowing that you aren't really hearing what is being said.