Joy of hearing aids
It’s easy to overlook the joy of hearing aids. They become part of our routine very quickly. So let’s sing their praises for a moment.
I’m working on a podcast episode that focuses on hearing, and especially the joy of hearing aids. And I need your opinions. An audiologist is soon going to squeeze an expert interview into her day, and I’m doing quick interviews with two people who use different sorts. One is a theatre critic, and he talks about how critical (!) they are to his work. For him, it’s a joy — and relief — to hear actors’ voices clearly again. (Imagine how unprofessional it would be to complain about actors mumbling if the fault is in your own ears.) The other is my son-in-law, an ornithologist. To him, it’s a joy to hear bird calls in a certain range that he was losing.
For you, if you use hearing aids, what are the benefits? Can you think of one special or unusual benefit that brings you joy — or great relief? It may be the simplest, most obvious thing. Or it may be something highly specific to your own life.
Asking for your audio feedback, my hearing-aided friends
For my podcast, I’ve started quizzing strangers in the street. I ask them one question and record their answers. It’s quick and casual and anonymous. (You can hear the result in “A Good Conversation.) This really adds sparkle, don’t you think? But I think selecting wearers of hearing aids would be dicey.
So I would love you to have a shot at this, if you’re game. Imagine I’ve just asked you, in the street, a stranger, “I see you wear hearing aids. What benefit do they bring you?” and answer that question.
How to tell me about the joy of hearing aids
Obviously you can comment in the usual way. Then I could get my co-host (my 12-year-old grandson) to read some of them out.
But I’d love you to record your answer and email it to me. Come on, it’ll be fun!
One easy way: open a voice-recorder app on your smart phone and speak in to it.
For the next few days I will look for your emails to robin@writing.co.nz. Be quick: I hope to edit it next week. (It’s Wednesday 19 June 2024 today.)
Watch this space—I certainly will be.
Welcome to the wonderful world of sound club where we get to tune in when we want. Quite frightening how much I didn’t hear just muffling sounds due to tiredness of having to ask “What did you say?”.
Suzanne, I may have answered this already — if so you get a double dose. You’ve put your finger of this wonderful bonus of hearing aids: our personal information and education and companionship comes when we call. It’s true, what you call frightening is indeed frightening. Luckily, you only discover this when you get the problem fixed. Or maybe not so lucky, because if only you had known earlier…
My eight-year-old daughter has been reading El-Deafo about a little girl that gets hearing aids after she lost her hearing because of meningitis. It’s a fictional story – but a great way for kids to understand the effect of lost hearing and getting it back again!
That does sound helpful. It is a miracle, historically.
Getting hearing aids for me was the equalivent of opening the curtain to look outside as apposed to trying to look though the wall! I did not realise how deaf I had become! One unexpected benefit is using them as headphones for music, podcasts or online meetings. I have been known to hand the washing out while in a meeting that did not need my full attention!
That image captures the impact vividly. In fact — how can we ever know how deaf we have become? We don’t know what we don’t know. I love the idea of hanging out the washing while you’re at a meeting 🙂
I think the worst of having hearing loss was the inability to participate in conversations and it’s a nightmare to hear with multiple conversations going on at the same time. It’s not always age related. I think I’ve had hearing loss for many years. No, I didn’t receive your reply twice, Rachel 🙂
That experience of exclusion feels hurtful, even shameful, even though we know it’s not our fault.
My hearing aids allow me to be part of the conversation. Hearing loss made me a spectator rather than a participant.
So succinct and so telling.all the difference in the world.
I don’t have hearing aids
what bugs me about those who do – is still using the battery type – or forgetting to put the aids in – or not going for a hearing check regularly
and then getting annoyed when they can’t hear – almost insinuating it’s my fault
That’s what hearing loss does to you. It is humiliating, and some people respond by lashing out.
I am happy to say that, coming up for 82, I have no need of hearing aids, so cannot join in your research.
Oh Derrick, you lucky man. You know that’s true from many signs around you. If it ever happens, others will tell you, or they will start to mumble.
I am a hearing aid failure. I have tried them twice, both times for several months. The first time I wasn’t ready and they didn’t make a significant difference so I often opted out of wearing them. The second pair, which was rechargeable, was much better. My issue was more with the fitter I had. By the time the trial period end was coming up, I hadn’t gotten a full benefit and returned them. I will try again because they did help, just not as much as I thought. My hearing may be right on the edge of needing help but not truly bad.
Kate, you’re certainly not alone in your struggles here. Another friend was ready to dump her hearing aids in frustration. Then she heard about a particular nurse who was locally famous for her clear, complete instructions. We need a professional help from someone who is able to teach! Without that, we’re sunk. I applaud you for being open and willing to get help when your need for hearing aids is marginal. Please don’t give up: much is at stake.
I’m on my third set of aids now, and have tried out two others that did not suit. RIC for me, (Receiver in Canal). However with being a user of spectacles too (just like you) there is limited space behind the ears. In December last year I had to have an excision on my right ear due to BCC (basal cell carcinoma). I am now faced with restricted availability of behind the ear space!!!!!!! No problem though! – try out some “In the Ear” aids – not successful. Trials ongoing. Soft lenses instead of glasses? Glasses with aids built in? Watch this space.
Great things about the aids – hands free phone calls, TV/phone/laptop/ straight to aids, ability to adjust balance between devices/live sounds. I well remember the bad old days of my father’s hearing aids whistling and having to be constantly adjusted.
You look so cute in polka dots! An excellent ad for hearing aides!
Haha! I adore this sweater which is now 15 years old, I think.
I’m sorry I can’t be of any help, but all the comments I’ve read are so informative and I’m learning so much. All the best with your interviews and research!
Thank you! This episode is taking longer than usual to edit, party because I’m learning so much myself.