You may not notice that your hearing has changed. But believe us when we say that everyone else around you does. Until you actually experience what you’ve missed, it’s hard to believe.
We have a patient who came in for regular hearing checks. He didn’t do anything to correct his hearing until the day he turned around to see his 5-year-old granddaughter standing with her hands on her hips. “Papa, you didn’t hear anything I said.” His daughter was also standing there while this adorable kindergartener described her first day of school. He was surprised that he missed the whole conversation.
Not treating a hearing loss can result in negative consequences. If you are employed, consider the potential mistakes that can occur when you only hear part of a conversation. We know a jeweler who made a serious design error because he didn’t fully hear his customer’s request. And we’ve met a server who missed instructions in setting up for an event. Her employer insisted that she schedule a hearing check-up.
When your physician relays information that is misinterpreted because of poor hearing, consider the negative impact on your health. Changes in hearing can also hamper relationships. Here’s a story that always resonates with us. A patient told us when he asked his wife for help, he heard, “I can’t help you, I’m busy.” He was angry when she refused to assist him until he learned what she really said was,” I can’t help you, I’m dizzy. “
When we don’t hear, it can make us appear old and confused. We can’t tell you how many people we see each year that are diagnosed with memory loss. In many cases, an untreated hearing loss contributed to their confused state and lack of socialization.
Pay attention to the number of times you have asked someone to repeat what they’ve said. Is the TV turned up louder than others like it? Do you feel left out with conversations in noise? It’s time for you to work on your new normal because you shouldn’t miss a word.
There are so many reasons for you to get your hearing checked. But most of all, we’d love to meet you.