Everybody can’t be wrong….

There is a point of view from some persons that hearing difficulties are a problem with the world around them and not the person with the hearing loss. In other words, they may feel that if others talked louder. If people looked at them when speaking. If others removed their mask when talking, and if it were quieter in a restaurant. If people didn’t mumble when they spoke they would hear much better. The hearing issues aren’t theirs, but due to what others may or may not be doing, they may say.

This past week a patient mentioned many of the above situations, while her husband accompanied her. He stated that it has been a challenge to communicate with his wife. This has been a progressive concern and way of life for years, such as not going out to restaurants due to his wife’s hearing loss, misunderstandings, and also the tv volume being too high. After I tested the hearing, I explained the results and how the hearing loss can impact understanding and hearing others. She said, “I suppose everybody can’t be wrong”. It was like there was an awakening! We went on to discuss ways to help. I demonstrated an improvement in hearing possibility with digital hearing aids. She loved it and the sense of joy on both of their faces meant so much! Afterward, they had a much better sense of relating to each other and what frustrations each may have been going through. The affects of hearing loss goes both ways, with the person having the hearing loss and those that are with them.

When we delve into our health concerns, there can be a great sense of humility. Hearing loss typically has such a slow progression, and more often than not goes unnoticed, until others bring it to our attention. We are here to help.