4 Dec 2025

Dr Dunay Schmulian

From Mumbling to Clarity: Julie’s Inspiring Hearing Success Story

From Mumbling to Clarity: Julie’s Inspiring Hearing Success Story

Have you ever found yourself wondering if you're missing out on all the details in everyday conversations? 

Julie remembers the moments she wondered if her hearing was struggling: ‘I first realised I was experiencing hearing loss when the actors on TV would mumble! My husband is normally softly spoken so I was always telling him to speak up!’ 

The turning point came during a family car ride when, sitting in the back, she couldn’t catch the lively chatter of her daughter and granddaughter in the front. 

Half-jokingly, she suggested, ‘Perhaps I need hearing aids’, only to be met with a gentle but honest reply: ‘Yes you do, Mum.’  

Eek, I thought’, Julie recalls. 

If you resonate with this experience, you’re not alone; many people go through similar moments before taking the first step toward better hearing. 

A Different Kind of Appointment 

Before visiting Cotton Tree Audiology, Julie’s encounters with hearing care left her feeling underwhelmed and uncertain.  

However, everything changed during her first appointment: ‘The initial appointment with Dunay was so different to my previous one, it was laughable.’  

Here, the focus isn’t on quick tests; it’s on understanding your story, your frustrations, and your needs. Our team of experts takes the time to explain every detail of your hearing assessment, ensuring both you and your loved ones understand the outcomes clearly.  

This holistic approach doesn’t just diagnose hearing loss but opens a door to rediscovering the soundscapes you might have been missing, all while ensuring you feel safe, respected, and involved in every step of the process. 

Hearing the Difference… Literally! 

Perhaps one of the most endearing parts of Julie’s narrative is how naturally her new hearing aids fit into her everyday life after her trial period. 

‘The electronics in the devices are so smart it’s phenomenal’, Julie enthused. ‘I wear my hearing aids nearly all the time. I’ve become so comfortable with them I’ve worn them in the shower several times and have had to hurriedly remove them. No damage done, fortunately!’ 

When not accidentally taking her hearing aids for a quick dip, she could finally hear her favourite TV shows and every word in her conversations with family.  

Julie didn’t stop at just wearing the devices; she enhanced her experience with a small yet impactful gadget, a Gidgee, designed for her TV.  

This accessory ensures that her husband can enjoy his preferred volume, creating a shared experience that fosters togetherness and saves them from battling competing volume levels. 

Consider how a simple but smart piece of technology might transform your daily interactions, making each conversation clearer and every sound more vibrant.  

This isn’t merely about amplified sound; it’s about restoring the quality of your connections with loved ones. 

Why You Should Consider Cotton Tree Audiology 

It’s clear from Julie’s story that finding the right team of professionals can make all the difference in your hearing health journey.  

She wholeheartedly recommends Cotton Tree Audiology for unmatched expertise, approachability, and the genuine care invested in each patient.  

In her own words, ‘Dunay and the team are exceedingly knowledgeable and are willing to give the time to help you with any problems you have.’ 

You’re not just a patient with our team; you’re a unique individual with a story worth listening to, and you can guarantee care that puts your unique needs first. 

You can rest assured you’re receiving care that is both advanced and empathetic, especially comforting when you’re navigating the challenges of hearing loss.  

Our team believes that every sound matters, and so does every patient. Julie’s journey demonstrates that hearing aids aren’t just devices; they’re life-changing tools that reconnect you with your world. 

Taking the First Step for Your Hearing Health 

If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you feel left out of conversations, or if moments with family now pass in a blur of murmured words and misunderstandings, know that help is available.  

Your hearing and your quality of life deserve this kind of attention. Just like Julie, who took the brave yet candid leap after a moment of truth, you too can embark on a journey towards clearer, richer communication. 

With expert guidance from hearing-health professionals, stepping into a world full of sound becomes a delightful, comforting adventure. 

So, if you’re contemplating whether it might be time to explore the possibility of hearing aids, take heart in Julie’s story. 

Get in touch today, and when you do, make sure to tell us ‘Julie sent me’!  

Dr Dunay Schmulian

Dunay has been helping people hear and connect since childhood—her first “clinic” began in a South African sandpit at age four. Now a globally recognised audiologist with a PhD and Master of Counselling, she combines science and compassion to transform lives affected by hearing loss and tinnitus.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with tinnitus or complex hearing challenges and you want expert answers, Cotton Tree Audiology is here to help.

Simply complete the form, and a friendly team member will call you back. No cost, no obligation; just guidance from a team that genuinely cares.

Suite 208a, Level 2, 94 Memorial Avenue, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00pm

and open on Friday by appointment only.

Request a Callback

If you or a loved one is struggling with tinnitus or complex hearing challenges and you want expert answers, Cotton Tree Audiology is here to help.

Simply complete the form, and a friendly team member will call you back. No cost, no obligation; just guidance from a team that genuinely cares.

Suite 208a, Level 2, 94 Memorial Avenue, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00pm

and open on Friday by appointment only.

Request a Callback

If you or a loved one is struggling with tinnitus or complex hearing challenges and you want expert answers, Cotton Tree Audiology is here to help.

Simply complete the form, and a friendly team member will call you back. No cost, no obligation; just guidance from a team that genuinely cares.

Suite 208a, Level 2, 94 Memorial Avenue, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 4:00pm

and open on Friday by appointment only.

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