I have had hearing problems for quite some time, and let me say before I go any further, that getting hearing aids was the best decision I’ve ever made. I tried to ignore my hearing issues as long as I could. I thought that I was too young to have hearing problems and definitely too young for hearing aids! Finally, after I found myself saying “what” or “can you repeat that” after almost every sentence in a conversation, I had to admit that what my family had been telling me was true.
If this sounds like you, please understand that there is nothing wrong with getting hearing aids and it doesn’t mean you are “old.” Lots of people have hearing problems for a variety of reasons. Hearing aids have helped me in so many ways, from making my brain process things faster for business to literally hearing the birds sing again. I hope the information below helps you move forward to a hearing life again.
The first step to correct your hearing is admitting that you need to correct it. The second step is finding an audiologist. I would recommend doing a little research first to find a reputable practice, one that will walk you through the whole process and the many options you have for improving your hearing.
If you’ve never had your hearing checked, it is an easy process, and you get the results right away. Before you leave the office in most cases. The audiologist will have you sit in a small soundproofed booth for about thirty minutes. They connect small microphones to your ears, and you listen for sounds. They give you a handheld device with a button to push whenever you hear the sound. That’s it. Pretty easy.
Once you know what you are dealing with, the doctor should go over everything with you and explain what your options are. Before scheduling your audiology appointment, I suggest you do your research; you want an audiologist who will walk you through everything as there are many types of hearing aids and the features vary along with the prices.
As it turned out, I needed hearing aids in both ears. When I purchased my hearing aids, I decided to go with a model that had features that were a huge help in my business as well in my personal life. The new models will connect to your cell phone so that you can hear the conversation directly in your ears. Pretty cool, right! I work from home and spend most of the day on the phone, so this incredible feature was critical for me. Some hearing aids can connect to the TV in your home too. No more loud blaring TVs.
From a business perspective, something the doctors explained to me was that being hearing impaired also impacted my ability to think quickly. My brain was so busy trying to understand what was being said, that it didn’t have the ability to process and respond as would be expected. Once I had my hearing aids in, I noticed a huge difference in my understanding and responding, as well as in my memory and retention. Significant improvement.
Everyone is different, so your experience will likely be different than mine, but I assure you, the improvement will be amazing.
A little side note, hearing aids do not restore your hearing to normal. In fact, my son still complains that I cannot hear him, but he has a deep voice in a pitch I have difficulty hearing. Overall, though, the improvement has been significant.
I wear my hearing aids from the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night. I don’t even know I have them in anymore.
It’s difficult to express the change having hearing aids has made to my life. I began hearing things that I had not heard in a long time. Birds chirping outside, cars going by, people talking who were facing away from me. It is such a blessing to be able to hear again. Please do not wait as long as I did, find a doctor, and make your appointment today. You will not regret it.
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