Bob Ruck
Folsom, LA
“If a person is constantly asking people to repeat themselves or to turn down TV or radio sound, I would suggest they get a hearing test.”
How and when did you first realize you were experiencing hearing loss?
I have had tinnitus and hearing loss for many years. I was subjected to extremely loud noise in the Army. I had to turn up the volume on TVs and radio. I could not hear or understand normal conversations. I could not follow conversations at restaurants or other gatherings. I always had to have people repeat themselves, so I could understand them. The tinnitus was affecting my sleep.
Where did you first go for information or help? Why?
I went to the VA in order to get help for tinnitus. The VA audiologist determined the extent of my hearing loss.
Based on your experience, do you have suggestions for others on how and where to start? Any other important things for them to consider?
If a person is constantly asking people to repeat themselves or to turn down TV or radio sound, I would suggest they get a hearing test. There are many companies that offer tests. If a person is a veteran or a law enforcement officer go through the VA or the agency to get hearing checked.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids? Did that turn out to be true?
I really had no concerns except whether they would really help or not. They make a world of difference, all positive.
How have hearing aids changed your life? How do they help you at your job, in your hobbies or at volunteer activities?
I can hear conversations, the TV, the radio and phone conversations. I play the clarinet as a hobby and when I set my aids at the right level it is much easier to distinguish correct tones. While reading in a quiet room I turn on the background sounds to lessen tinnitus.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
Get them!
Which ReSound Hearing Aid(s) do you have?
ReSound LiNX Quattro
What do you like best about your ReSound LiNX Quattro hearing aids? How do they compare to your experience with other hearing aids?
These are my first hearing aids. I did not know how bad my hearing loss was until I first used my aids. I can now hear and understand the TV. When my friends and my wife talk to me, I have to ask them to lower their voices. They all tell me they are used to raising their voices, so I could understand them. I can now hear and understand phone conversations. I can carry on conversations in restaurants and crowded rooms.