People are often shy about admitting they need hearing aids. Wendy is the exception—she volunteered to share her story: “I started noticing I couldn’t hear well, but I ignored it. Then, when people told me I was missing some of what was being said, I took notice. A free hearing test confirmed it: I became one of the lucky seniors who wear hearing aids. I say, ‘lucky,’ because modern hearing aids are almost invisible—yet so functional! True, it took some time to get used to hearing in a different way—and true, background noise can be a hindrance. Still, they’re amazing little gadgets. Batteries are no longer required. No more blasting the TV—it speaks into my ear. I can answer my phone in complete privacy. They’re even waterproof. From what I hear (so to speak,) part of our brain can go dormant if we avoid using hearing aids when we need them. Why would anyone risk that—and miss out on so much?” That’s a good question, Wendy!
Wendy is such a vivacious beautiful woman. If hearing aides will do that for me. Sign me up! Hearing is truly a silent disability. Several years ago, I found out that I am in the profoundly deaf range on the upper third frequencies. I didn’t even know it. At this time, there aren’t any hearing aides developed that can help me, but the ranges are out of our normal speaking range, so I’m okay. Why do most people hear those ranges anyway?
I think the reason some of us put if off is ego. I was born with imperfect hearing. Then as a child and teen, I had a few inner ear infections, my eardrums burst causing more hearing loss. By the time I got hearing aids I was about 58. Hearing loss is an invisible disability. But what a new world! I was missing out on so, so much. Being hard of hearing is embarrassing both for the people who keep repeating themselves and the hard of hearing. It makes you look stupid. And often times, the talker often thinks they are being ignored.
Get a pair and rejoin the world!
I need to humble myself and get them.
And accept that just because one type does seem to be good, maybe try a different type.
Thank you for your encouragement, Wendy. I have people in my life who haven’t had such good results with hearing aids. I have been frustrated in the past by those who have told me I mumble. They probably needed hearing aids.😊
The trick is to always wear them.
I’m with Wendy! Getting hearing aids 2 yrs ago made such a difference. I no longer tell my husband he is mumbling and whispering.
I applaud your welcoming attitude towards this new “gadget” in your life. Getting older certainly is an adaption.