Good hearing has added to my quality of life
I’ve always loved 70s music, so when our family visited the UK recently, we sought out all the homes of the Beatles. As a ‘baby-boomer’, I have been part of the music revolution, transitioning from record players to Walkman and in recent years to streaming services. Part of my hearing problem now is undoubtedly the loud volume at which I listened, and I couldn’t have realised then just how that would impact my hearing down the track. Music remains important in my life and I guess it’s a large part of why I now need hearing aids.
My hearing had been deteriorating over time and I lost some of my confidence with socialising, particularly in restaurants where there is often a lot of noise. In these difficult listening environments, it’s perhaps OK to ask twice for a repeat of what is said, but you just can’t ask three times. In meetings, it’s important for me to understand the discussion, especially when specific issues are in my area of expertise. I’d try to get the key word of a conversation, but 20 seconds in, if I hadn’t understood any of it, then the situation could become quite challenging.
Within the family, jokes around the dinner table initiated bets that I ‘hadn’t heard that one’ and it’s disappointing when perhaps I caught the lead-up, but missed the punchline. And I was also missing out on precious moments with the three kids’ conversations.
I don’t think I’m an orphan and guess that like many males, I put off investigating hearing aids for too long. Maybe this was because of my reluctance around what I thought they looked like and also facing the fact that I and people in my generation are getting older. But I have to say that with the fitting, I found right away that I felt more connected and relaxed. Around the home, it’s great because I’m in the conversation and not out of it. And everything at the office is easier. I took the plunge and what the aids have done for me is tremendous. I now hear the punch line of jokes. I can happily socialise and have a laugh along with everyone.
Being able to hear better adds a lot to my quality of life. Let’s face it, most of socialising is about talking and listening, so because I improved my hearing, I am more confident about going out and joining in on conversations, and I enjoy myself much more.
From my very positive experience, I have to say it’s well worth trying to improve your hearing. Can I recommend that anyone with hearing loss should call Brad’s clinic for an appointment.
Tim Kerr
