Carol Maksimow, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, is the IHS Northeast Coast Territorial Governor, covering the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Maksimow’s path to hearing healthcare came after sustaining a head injury in a car accident involving a drunk driver that ultimately damaged her hearing. She had previous experience in the electronic and sales industries prior to her accident. When a friend, who happened to own Miracle-Ear franchises, told her she would be a great Hearing Aid Specialist, she jumped at the opportunity and never looked back. Not only is she an active Governor with IHS, but she has also been the lead pioneer in establishing the New England Hearing Society.
Maksimow is grateful to IHS, “We’re so busy in our practice taking care of patient care and day to day operations, that individual providers don’t always have the time to stay on top of everything going on in the industry and profession. The staff at IHS is an extension of who we are as Hearing Aid Specialists and do a great job keeping us in the loop of the things that are taking place and proactively intervening when necessary.”
A key element to Maksimow’s hearing healthcare journey has been her willingness to volunteer, “Every professional, every member has so much value and talent to offer outside of your needed work. It’s not enough to come into an office and take care of your patient care. Even giving a little bit back to the profession and Society gives Hearing Aid Specialists a greater unified strength in the hearing healthcare space.”
In her free time, Maksimow enjoys having fun with her friends and family. She loves to travel, attend concerts, garden, be outside, and just live life. In her words, “After an accident like I had, you approach life differently—you appreciate the now and also the fact that how you are physically might not always remain the same.” Maksimow’s personal journey with hearing loss transformed into a successful career in helping others with their hearing health. Her perspectives serve as an important reminder to bring your passion to the profession and be inspired to get involved.