Henry Wood
Columbus, MS
“Hearing aids will improve your quality of life tremendously. “
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?
My first grade teacher was the one who caught it and recommended a hearing test. My parents took me to Oshner Clinic where the doctors found I had a moderate hearing loss. The problems I have without them are hearing ladies and children. I also had to have extensive speech therapy for difficulties pronouncing consonants. I also have trouble hearing low frequencies. My parents didn’t hesitate to make sure I had the care I needed.
Based on your experience, do you have suggestions for others on how and where to start? Any other important things for them to consider?
Make sure your audiologist is certified. Be prepared to experience a whole new world. Hearing aids are not a cure all and must be worn daily all day to receive the full benefits of using them. Hearing loss has nothing to do with intelligence or any other sense you have. Hearing aids do not change who you are, instead they enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to communicate and interact with others. I have had hearing aids most of my life and today’s hearing aids are so much better, there is no comparison. When I don’t wear them, sounds and speech are not loud or clear. I was not aware that I have learned to lip read to fill in the gaps. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the new sounds and clarity of sounds and welcome to a new world of better hearing and interactions with others.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids? Did that turn out to be true? How have hearing aids changed your life?
Hearing aids have helped me be able to communicate with others and opened opportunities I would not have had.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
Hearing aids will improve your quality of life tremendously. Better hearing can provide new opportunities for you and help you experience life in a totally new and improved way. You can have better conversations with friends and family because of improved speech clarity which allows you to hear better, so you have to ask them to repeat things less often. Hearing aids will never replace 100 percent hearing, but they definitely will help. Mine correct my hearing about 98% to 99% of the time.
Which ReSound Hearing Aid(s) do you have?
Other ReSound hearing aid