Personal stories about getting a hearing aid
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Sanjay, age 51: For some time I could not hear my family and friends talking to me as clearly as I used to. Sometimes I gave them an answer to their questions that left puzzled looks on their faces, as if I had said the wrong thing. My wife complained about how loud I kept the volume on the TV. So I decided I needed to get my hearing checked. The doctor said my hearing problem could be helped with hearing aids, so I decided to get them.
Andria, age 59: I talk on the phone a lot for my job. One day I realized I had been having trouble for some time hearing what people said. I kept asking clients to repeat what they just told me on the phone. My doctor said I had some hearing loss in my left ear, the one I use for the phone. He said a hearing aid would help. But I decided not to get one for now. I don't like the way hearing aids look, and I can get a volume control for the phone or use my other ear.
Colin, age 45: My wife kept kidding me that I needed a hearing aid because I would ask her what the characters on my favorite TV show just said. I began to think that I did need one, so I checked with my doctor. But after she cleaned the earwax out of my ears, I found I could hear much better and didn't need a hearing aid after all.
Ruth, age 69: I don't like change and didn't think I could learn to use a hearing aid. I live alone, and I'm pretty set in my ways. But I realized I was missing out on what my grandchildren were telling me. My friends encouraged me to give a hearing aid a try, and my doctor said it could help. It took some time for me to get used to wearing the hearing aid, but I'm glad I made the effort.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: April 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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