Lee W. Bailey
Bandera County, TX
“I am much more engaged with family and friends. The new hearing aids have such better sound quality, are easier to use and much more comfortable.”
How and when did you first realize you were experiencing hearing loss?
I first became aware of my hearing loss 30 years ago during a routine appointment. I love spending time outdoors. I’ve enjoyed participating in shooting sports for a long time, since before there was the increased awareness around hearing protection while shooting. I feel this greatly contributed to my hearing loss.
How long did it take to first seek care from a professional? How did that go?
I got my first pair of hearing aids 15 years ago. However, I wasn’t very happy with them. They didn’t have any vents and were just amplifiers.
I would go into noisy environments, like a restaurant, and I would just remove them. My second pair of hearing aids had vents, but were still uncomfortable. When I wasn’t wearing them, I found myself missing out on conversations with friends and family.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids? Did that turn out to be true?
I dealt with those uncomfortable hearing aids for more than five years, until I was introduced to ReSound LiNX² by my audiologist at Audicles Hearing Services.
How have the new hearing aids changed your life?
I am much more engaged with family and friends. The new hearing aids have such better sound quality, are easier to use and much more comfortable. I can carry on a conversation much easier than I could before.
Were there any unexpected or surprising benefits?
I was able to get rid of the hands free accessories that I had to talk on the phone while driving. Now I can just stream everything directly into my hearing aids from my iPhone. And I make hearing adjustments through my app. I even used the “finder feature” to locate my hearing aids when I lost them.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
I never thought I’d want a (Behind-the-Ear, BTE) hearing aid, but I’ve been amazed by the comfort and forget I’m wearing them. For over five years, I didn’t really wear my old hearing aids. Now I’m thankful for my ReSound LiNX². I recommend that others try them – they’ve made a big difference.