Consistency is the Key to Success...

Consistency is a value that has shaped my entire journey as an audiologist and an advocate for the hearing-impaired. It’s often said that consistency is the key to success, and I’ve come to believe in this more deeply every day through my work. For me, consistency means showing up for my patients with empathy, optimism, and dedication, even on the toughest days. Watching these children grow, connect, and flourish has shown me that success is not always about major milestones; sometimes, it’s in the steady, small steps we take each day to bring light and positivity into their lives.

God is the one true constant, and it’s because of His consistency that we all survive. He consistently gives us sunlight, the moon to dispel darkness, air, food, and water to sustain us. The beautiful part is that, to God, everyone is the same—be it His devotees or those who stray. Just because some people may not be good, He does not alter His consistency. It's we, with our given intellect, who create divisions, which is perhaps why some of us struggle to find true success. Once, Lord Krishna told the Pandavas that if they wished to win the hearts of their own people, kindness couldn’t be shown just for a few days. To truly touch lives, kindness must be consistent and unwavering.

Positivity is the foundation of the work I do with these children. It’s not somlething that just appears; rather, it’s something we build together, step by step. I remember one child who once in a science exhibition a child said, I live on earth, when asked why he said this, he replied, "I live in Mumbai, it is in Maharashtra and Maharashtra is in India, it is on the world map and world map is on earth". Hearing those words were eye opening for me that such a small child knows the purpose of his life. There I realised positivity in my life is all about feeling within and giving hope to others . While being with patients with persistence, doesn't just bring growth for the patient but for both of us that results in building hope and positivity.

The impact of sound on emotional well-being is immense. Sound, which many of us take for granted, becomes a bridge to the world for my patients. Hearing is so important that it makes feel and understand emptions. When you just hear you don't understand but when you feel and understand you have pleasure of hearing. I remember a young girl who, at first, struggled to accept her hearing aids, feeling frustrated and withdrawn. But week after week, I guided her to associate sound with positive memories and joyful experiences. Slowly, her frustration faded, and she began to open up to the idea of sound as something meaningful, even beautiful. Watching her transformation reminded me of the importance of consistency—it is often the only way we can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Empathy is the heart of my work, and being consistently empathetic is crucial in building trust with these children. Many of them have been misunderstood or ignored, creating emotional barriers that take time and care to break down. By showing up consistently with a listening ear and open heart, I aim to create a space where they feel safe, seen, and valued. True empathy is not just about understanding their struggles; it’s about being there, day in and day out, so they know they’re not alone. Over time, I’ve learned that the more consistently we show empathy, the more we empower these children to believe in themselves.

Of course, challenges are a constant part of this journey. Hearing-impaired children face many hurdles, from communication barriers to feelings of isolation. These challenges can seem overwhelming, but my role is to help them see these as stepping stones rather than walls. I think of one boy who, at first, struggled immensely to communicate in school, often feeling left out and even teased. Through consistent encouragement and tools like sign language and self-advocacy strategies, he gradually learned to face these challenges with courage. Consistency helped him not only succeed but also develop resilience, teaching him that he could handle whatever life threw his way.

Motivation is essential, and it’s something I aim to bring into every session. One boy, in particular, comes to mind—he was so hesitant and unsure of himself at first. Every week, I showed up with the same positivity and encouragement, helping him step out of his comfort zone one little bit at a time. He began to see that every small effort was a victory, part of a larger journey of self-discovery. Watching him transform over time reminded me that consistency is the foundation of confidence. By showing him that his efforts matter, I could help him believe in himself and take steps toward his dreams.

Finally, consistency is vital for mental health. Many of the children I work with face social isolation, which can deeply affect their self-esteem and mental well-being. Through consistent support, I try to be a stable presence in their lives, someone they can rely on, no matter what. This is particularly important when life feels unpredictable or challenging for them. Being there for both their highs and lows teaches them that they are not alone, that they are valued, and that they have a community. Through my work, I’ve come to understand that real success isn’t just about milestones or achievements; it’s about helping these children build resilience, confidence, and a positive outlook on life, one small step at a time.