My Dad and His Hearing Aid Experience – Finally!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Being in the audiology/hearing aid industry for 20 years, I’ve worked with thousands of people with hearing loss. I have repeatedly seen the numerous benefits hearing aids can provide to not only the person with hearing loss, but their loved ones as well. So when my dad started showing signs of hearing loss 2 years ago, I was curious how to approach him. He’s 68 and extremely active, arguably more so now that he’s retired. To my dad’s credit, he always told me that if he ever needed to do something about his hearing, he wouldn’t wait.
Back in June my dad called me to say he had scheduled an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test because he had finally reached a point where it was really affecting his quality of life. After reviewing his hearing test, I selected a pair of open-fit hearing aids for him and he was fit the end of June. Here’s Dad’s account of the experience as sent to me by email:
“For two years I avoided a hearing test because of the thought of wearing hearing aids. But, I noticed more and more that I was missing out on some things I enjoyed, such as, movies, television shows, meeting and talking with friends and, most importantly, talking on the phone with my grandchildren.
Believe it or not, one of the best days of my life was the day I had a hearing test and was told that I was a candidate for hearing aids! The next best day was when I put on the hearing aids for first time and suddenly a new world opened that I had not experienced in many years.
Today, after one month, I look forward to the start of the day when I put on my hearing aids. Watching movies, either on TV or at the theater, has become a new experience. I now hear the “whole” phone conversation I have with my grandchildren. The person who loves my new hearing aids as much as I do is my wife. No more “huhs?” or “what did you say?” I didn’t enjoy crowded rooms at restaurants or parties because of the noises. Now, no problem; bring on the parties!”
This past weekend, I spent time with my dad since he was fit. When I first saw him, I actually asked him if he was wearing his hearing aids because I couldn’t see them. Afterwards, I was amazed at how well he participated in all conversations in all types of environments. The difference the hearing aids made was very obvious. This personal experience has brought my experience as an audiologist to a different level. For my dad, it’s improved his quality of life so much he’s become a “hearing aid ambassador.”
Steve