For the longest time I would just nod my head if I wasn’t sure what was being said to me.
People constantly had to repeat themselves.
Loud restaurants, Any place with crowds?
I might as well have stayed home. I couldn’t hear squat.
How did I get here?
It’s complicated man.
Little bit of loud music at home, in the car. concerts, parties, festivals & hootenannies. I like to get down with my bad self.
It Probably didn’t help I’d worked in a very loud environment for 11 years.
Ask yourself this?
Do you happen to know anyone you are constantly having to repeat yourself to?
Perhaps a loved one who says, “I’m sorry?” Cupping a hand to their ear as they lean in to hear you repeat what you’ve just said.
Un-huh, I thought so.
Someone who says, Huh or Wha? frequently during a conversation?
When your hearing begins to worsen. Misunderstandings can become more frequent, and embarrassing.
I knew it was time to look into getting my ears checked when my colleagues gently voiced their concerns.
Are you deaf? You really need to get that hearing checked. Did you hear what I just said? or my favorite. Get the shit outta your ears!
Nobody wants to admit that they have this issue. you just put your head down and bulldoze your way through. I understand.
It’s not something I haven’t been able to overcome. certainly hasn’t stopped me from anything I’ve wanted to do or see.
Everyone is different.
How did I first get started?
I ended up making an appointment with a Otolaryngologist. or ENT (ear,nose& throat) specialist. First thing they’ll do is recommended a hearing test. After the test is completed, it was back to consult with the Doctor.
He suggested I meet with an Audiologist.
Things were progressing quickly.
Next thing I know? I’m getting fitted for a pair of hearing aids.
I don’t regret my decision. In fact? I should have gotten mine a little earlier than I did.
The first step is to ask your doctor.
Most likely you are past the pride stage of I don’t need any help. or It will make me look like an old man/old woman.
Look around you.
Certainly you see people with them today.
Perhaps you have a friend or co-worker who wears them?
This is a good place to gather information. Ask them.
They can steer you in the right direction. I’m pretty sure in the coming years, more and more people will be wearing them.
Everywhere I look these days I see people of all ages wearing them.
It’s a New Era.
Today, Grandpa isn’t sitting out on the front porch holding a funnel in his ear.
What’d ya say Sonny?!?
Grandpa where were you born?
Wha?!? What’s That?!? Eh? My Pants Are Torn? Oh Dammit! Whose got the keys to the car? I gotta go buy some new goddamn pants…
No Grandpa. Where were you born?
What’s That?
These aren’t your Grandparents hearing aids.
Today’s are well constructed, equipped with the latest technology. They are ultra small and well concealed by design.
Protect these miracles of modern science when you get them.
Care for them as instructed by the Audiologist.
If you do? they will most likely last longer.
Prior to my Purchase, I’d be out with friends or on a date with my girlfriend in someplace lively with lots of background noise. smiling and nodding a lot.
Studying facial reactions trying to gleam information from people’s expressions. in the hope of gaining insight into what was being said. I had no idea in some cases.
Are they angry? Are they showing concern? Is this serious? Is This? or Am I? being told a funny story? Should I be laughing? Have they reached the punchline yet? Is the building on fire? Should I be running?
It can be a horrible feeling to add something to a groups conversation only to find out you were way off topic. it gets more than a little embarrassing.
Soft talkers were really difficult. having to lean in close to hear. clearly a space violation. it makes many people uncomfortable.
C’mon man! Way too close. Back up will ya?
I began avoiding environments where I knew I would have a difficult time hearing.
I wanted to hear my girlfriend better. I needed to hear my co-workers better.
Sound familiar?
They won’t solve all your problems. like all things, there are some limits.
I do know this, hearing aids can and will help improve the quality of your life.
It might shock you how much you’ve been missing.
Today, Hearing Aid Technology is making huge strides. Advances My Audiologist and Doctor tell me I will live to see, and hear.
I think mine are incredible. they absolutely have changed my life for the better.
You’ll know when the time is right.
It’s not the end of the world. So take it easy.
Help is available, if you want it?
If you have a question I might be of help with?
Feel free to contact me through my site.
Good Luck on Your Journey.