Life is on… Scoring a Hole in One With Positivity

By Jo-El M. Grossman, Phonak Communications & Content Manager

When you meet Kaylin Yost, LPGA Pro and 2017 Deaflympics Summer Games gold medalist, the first thing you notice is her never-ending smile, which is quickly followed up by an aura of positivity. “My mom has always been a positive person throughout my life,” said Yost. “That’s why I am the way that I am.”

We had the opportunity to sit down with Kaylin after the Child’s Voice 13^thAnnual Golf Tournament on June 12. She talked about her journey, what she loves about her rechargeable hearing aids and of course, winning the gold medal!

Hearing loss wasn’t your first challenge to face in life. Would you share more?

Kaylin:I was born with two dislocated hips. The doctors told my parents that I wouldn’t walk, ride a bike … let alone play golf. I was in a body cast for the first 16 months of my life. It wasn’t until after the surgery and the body cast came off that miraculously I could walk.

However, my parents found out when I was 2 that I had severe hearing loss. Ever since then, I have been wearing hearing aids. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Who inspired you to start golfing?

Kaylin:I followed in the footsteps of my father and brother. I always had a club in my hand; however, I didn’t get serious until I was 9 years old.

My brother and I are very competitive on the golf course. I was always playing his friends and him. He’s a big reason why I play.

What do you enjoy most about your current hearing aids?

Kaylin:I have been wearing my Audéo B-R rechargeable hearing aids since July 2017. Without a doubt, it has been life changing. I love the rechargeable feature. That is definitely my favorite part — just taking them out at night and sticking them in the recharger.

The funniest thing is that my mom would always find hearing aid batteries all over the place, and to this day, I am still finding hearing aid batteries in my car even after a year.

The funniest thing is that my mom would always find hearing aid batteries all over the place, and to this day, I am still finding hearing aid batteries in my car even after a year.

I also have different programs set for me by my audiologist. When I am on the golf course and it’s windy, I can monitor the wind. Another setting is a mute setting. I like to go silent when I am taking a shot, so I hit a button on my hearing aid three times to go mute.

Have you ever encountered a situation that truly challenged you because of your hearing loss?

Kaylin:There have been a few trial and errors along the way. In school I definitely struggled with my hearing. I just had to make sure to sit in the front row in each class and have note takers. I had to really work hard in school, so I would say my biggest challenge was just hear first and then writing down what was said.

What golf tips do you have?

Kaylin:Let the club do the work. Plus, the biggest thing I can share is really don’t overthink it.

I use my hearing aids as an advantage in golf. I always turn off my hearing aids before a pre-shot, so if there are other hearing impaired golfers out there, I would use that to your advantage.

I use my hearing aids as an advantage in golf. I always turn off my hearing aids before a pre-shot, so if there are other hearing impaired golfers out there, I would use that to your advantage.

What motivated you to become an active volunteer and role model for children with hearing loss?

Kaylin:That was definitely a of mine goal, and it is forever a goal. The sky’s not the limit. Just shoot for the stars! I always want to impact kids in a positive way.

Who inspires you in your life?

Kaylin:Family … also, my fiancé. He tries to make me a better person every day.

What did it feel like to win the gold medal?

Kaylin:The coolest, most amazing feeling. The whole experience in itself was awesome: Going to Turkey for two weeks. Seeing all the other athletes who are hearing impaired like me.

Not only was it great to bring back the gold, but the support I received from Phonak, family and friends made all the difference.

I had to fight my way during the event, because I was down three after six holes. I was defeated after walking into seventh fairway — however, I didn’t come all the way to Turkey to lose. The way I fought back … I was so proud of myself and the experience.

Not only was it great to bring back the gold, but the support I received from Phonak, family and friends made all the difference.

What advice do you have for others living with hearing loss?

Kaylin:Don’t let it limit you. Make the best of every day. We do go through trials like everyone else, but because of those trials, it makes us even stronger.

If you are feeling lonely, there are a lot of groups online who can support you. For example, the Deaflympics was happening for years, and I didn’t know about it. That’s 5,000 athletes coming together!

What advice do you have for family members or friends with a loved one with hearing loss?

Kaylin:Be patient. I remember when some of my family members would tell a story, and I would ask, “What did you say?” They would say never mind. They realized as I got older that not repeating something hurts me … that I felt that I wasn’t worth repeating what was said.

We are trying to do the best that we can. We might not be able to hear everything, so repeating things when we ask for it is important.

How do you explain your hearing aids to people you just meet?

Kaylin:The easiest way I explain it is  describing how people with glasses need them to see better. So especially for kids, I say, “You know how Mommy and Daddy have glasses to see? I wear hearing aids to hear better.” This puts it in a positive perspective.

Just last Christmas, my cousin who is just five years old said she wanted to get hearing aids for Christmas. When I asked her why, she said because I want to hear like you.  Kids are curious, and they’re going to ask questions.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Kaylin:Established with a career; continuing to help kids by being a role model, especially kids with hearing aids.

What’s your favorite sound?

Kaylin:Hitting a crisp drive off the tee is an amazing sounds. Another would be water, especially when you’re out on a boat in the ocean. Hearing the waves crash.

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