Reflecting on My Incredible Experience with the Armenia Hearing Aid Project
This past September, I had the privilege of traveling to Armenia to volunteer with Starkey Cares for the Armenia Hearing Aid Project. Over five whirlwind days, I had the honor of fitting nearly 700 people with hearing aids—nearly 1,400 devices—bringing the gift of hearing to those who needed it most in my home country. The experience was humbling, exhausting, and deeply fulfilling, and it made me reflect on just how grateful I am for the work I do.
Throughout the trip, I kept a journal of my thoughts and reflections, and today I want to share a bit of that with you. I hope my journey through Armenia can give you a glimpse into the powerful impact of hearing aids on people’s lives—and what it’s like to be part of such a transformative experience.
Day 1: Getting Organized
The first day was all about logistics—updating laptops, establishing network connections, recording serial numbers, and charging hearing aids. It was chaotic but necessary to get everything set up. I was immediately struck by the generosity of the organizers, a wonderful group of people, and Heidi, the event leader, who answered all my logistical questions and made me feel welcome.
The Armenia Hearing Aid Project was hosted by the Arabkir Hospital, and the hearing aids were purchased directly from Starkey with funds raised through various events and fundraisers held by Heidi’s team. By the end of the day, I felt like part of the family—literally! Heidi told me I was now an extended member of the Armenian community, which made me feel incredibly honored.
Day 2: The Challenges of a Busy Day
Day two began with a bit of a technological hiccup—my computer was the only one that wouldn’t connect to the hearing aids! Thankfully, a team member sorted it out, and I was back on track. Despite the rocky start, the day was incredibly productive. I managed to fit 11 people with new digital hearing aids. By the end of the day, the entire team had fitted 39 people—a solid number for the first full day. Afterward, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with my parents in the city, reflecting on the day and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Armenia.
Day 3: Teaching and Learning
On day three, I was focused on training other volunteers to fit hearing aids. I spent a good portion of the morning teaching others how to use the devices, adjust directional microphones, and make sure the devices fit comfortably in the ear. It was rewarding to teach people with no prior experience in digital hearing aid fittings.
Later in the day, we had a special fitting for a prominent local woman. My fellow volunteers were starstruck, but I was just focused on making sure her hearing aids fit well. The fitting wasn’t without its challenges—she didn’t like the sound of her own voice through the hearing aids—but after some adjustments, we found a comfortable setting for her.
Her visit highlighted something important: there are so many people out there wearing hearing aids that don’t meet their needs. It’s a reminder of how crucial it is to find the right fit to improve quality of life.
Day 4: A Seamless Assembly Line
Day four was by far our busiest yet. We fitted almost 300 patients with hearing aids, and the team worked seamlessly to ensure everyone received the care they needed. The assembly line of volunteers made it possible to move quickly but efficiently, making sure no one was rushed or overlooked.
It was on this day that the well-known lady from the previous day returned to thank me. She shared how she had heard and understood something on the radio for the first time in years, which was incredibly moving. She even gifted me a beautiful piece of art as a token of her appreciation. It was a special moment, one that I will treasure forever.
Day 5: Serving Armenia’s Heroes
The final day was filled with gratitude and pride as I had the chance to work with soldiers and veterans. It was the first time I truly felt patriotic, seeing firsthand the sacrifices these men and women had made for their country. Helping them improve their hearing felt like a small but meaningful way to give back.
Each day, our team started with a “gratitude circle,” where we gathered together, put our hands in the center, and shared something we were thankful for. It was a simple but powerful tradition that helped ground us after long days of hard work.
By the end of the trip, I was exhausted but overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project. I’ve come back home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the work I do every day.
Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Experience
The Armenia Hearing Aid Project was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Being able to help so many people hear again—seeing their faces light up as they experienced the world in a new way—was nothing short of life-changing.
I’ll carry the lessons from this trip with me for years to come. The feeling of gratitude, the connections made, and the difference we were able to make in the lives of so many people will stay with me forever. I’m proud to do this work, and I’m grateful for the chance to serve.
