Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Sample hearing aids are seen on display at Upper Peninsula Audiology in Houghton. The business recently awarded hearing aids to two customers of its Houghton and Iron Mountain offices as part of its Hearing for the Holidays contest.

HOUGHTON — As her hearing gradually diminished, Cathy Campbell-Olszewski found herself shrinking away from things.

A lecture at the Rozsa Center. A book club discussion.

“I realized I was going, ‘Oh, what’s the point of going anyway, because I’m only going to get half of it,'” she said.

Finally, one of her friends convinced her to get hearing aids. But the ones Campbell-Olszewski needed were expensive, even with insurance.

“It was a big expense, and I was a little reluctant, and then (audiologist) Kati (Stilwell) said, ‘Why don’t you put your name in?'” she said.

What she entered was Upper Peninsula Audiology’s annual Hearing for the Holidays contest. It paid off, as Campbell-Olszewski was named a winner. One person each from Upper Peninsula Audiology’s locations in Houghton and Iron Mountain was chosen to receive new hearing aids.

Entrants were nominated by another person who knew them. A panel of anonymous judges, which did not include Upper Peninsula Audiology employees, reviewed the applicants. They looked at several categories, including hearing needs and community involvement.

Campbell-Olszewski has served in many capacities in the area, including as family service coordinator for Head Start, social worker for (UPCAP), counselor at C-L-K Elementary School, social worker for Copper Country Mental Health and The Institute and a board member of the Keweenaw Co-op.

Tuesday, Campbell-Olszewski came in for a follow-up appointment with audiologist Kati Stilwell. Being able to help people in need is why she entered the field, Stilwell said. Their annual contest is part of fulfilling that mission.

“It’s awesome to be able to help them and to see their quality of life change, to better communicate with people,” she said.

Hearing problems run in Campbell-Olszewski’s family. She remembered her mother’s frustration, and her determination not to pay more than what her insurance would cover.

The technology has improved over what her mother was looking at even a decade ago, Campbell-Olszewski said. The batteries are rechargeable now, and the aids are compatible with Bluetooth.

They even offer translation, which will come in handy during her upcoming trip to Europe, Austria and Poland.

“This is amazing,” she said. “What an upgrade.”

With better hearing, Campbell-Olszewski plans to get even more involved.

“I told Kati, when I went to the last (Keweenaw Co-op) board meeting, I could actually hear them,” she said. “I could hear them before, but the clarity wasn’t there. You learn how to cope … but when you don’t have to, it’s just incredible.”