Karen Peter
Chula Vista, CA
“The hearing aids did take some getting used to; luckily, the time investment was so worth it.”
Tell us everything that you would care to share about your hearing loss, such as: How and when did you first realize you were experiencing hearing loss? What problems was that causing in your day-to-day life? Did you hesitate to seek care? Why or why not?
I taught classes to adults and realized in my mid-50s that I was often putting my hand behind my ear asking students to repeat themselves so I could hear their questions.
I figured I was missing at least a little and maybe a lot. Luckily, I was working with a wonderful, capable, up-to-date audiologist early on.
My parents both had scarlet fever, hearing loss and had waited a long time to seek help. I didn’t want that to happen to me. Plus, I wanted to serve as a good example to my children so they would also seek help if and when they needed it.
Based on your experience, do you have suggestions for others on how and where to start? Any other important things for them to consider?
A hearing test with a reputable medical or hearing professional is a good place to start. Personal testimonials from trustworthy friends are also very helpful.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids? Did that turn out to be true? How have hearing aids changed your life?
I thought they might be heavy and obnoxious. They were neither, but they did take some time getting used to; luckily, the time investment was so worth it.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
How bothered are you? How bothered are your family and friends with your hearing loss or need for them to be louder and repetition?