Jeff Jenkins
Concord, OH
“I put off getting help because I didn’t want to admit to myself that I had a problem.”
How and when did you first realize you were experiencing hearing loss?
The ability to hear what people were saying to me had been becoming more and more challenging for some time. My wife was always yelling at me and she was getting frustrated with the fact she had to constantly repeat everything that she said to me.
How long did it take to first seek care from a professional?
1 to 2 years
Did you have hesitation? Why or why not?
I put off getting help because I didn’t want to admit to myself that I had a problem, just like when I finally gave up and had my eyes checked. I should have known that, just like with my glasses, a much better life was waiting for me.
Where did you first go for information or help? Why?
I did research on the Internet and found that one of my doctors had an audiology department attached to the practice. I made an appointment and had a test run.
Based on your experience, do you have suggestions for others on how and where to start? Any other important things for them to consider?
The first step is to realize that this is not a weakness or a deficiency in who we are. Life has a tendency to wear us down and our ears and hearing are sensitive and damage is very common. Today hearing aids are almost invisible.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids?
I didn’t have any real concerns as I had done quite a bit of research and spoken to a number of people that I know that have been wearing hearing aids. To a person, their lives improved once they had gotten their aids. The fact that I didn’t even know most of them had been wearing hearing aids since they are almost invisible these days, was a big help in making my decision.
How have hearing aids changed your life? Were there any unexpected or surprising benefits?
It is such a great feeling to be able to go into a room and hear the conversations that I am having with who I am talking to. My job depends on me being able to communicate an on being a good listener. Now I can be again.
My wife had to learn how to TALK to me and stop yelling at me all the time. I think that she loves the fact that she doesn’t have to say everything to me two or three times before I can hear what she is saying.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
Please don’t let your vanity cause you to not realize the improved life that is waiting for you once you put on a set of hearing aids. Life happens so fast and one can miss so much if they can’t hear properly. Go for it. You won’t regret the decision.
Which ReSound Hearing Aid(s) do you have?
ReSound LiNX 3D