What Is The Best Advice To Improve My Hearing?

I’m going deaf and I do not like it one bit.

“I shall hear in Heaven.” — Ludwig Von Beethoven

I was speaking before seventy religious leaders in Poland. I heard the beeping in my ear when my hearing aid battery died. Standing before them I said, “I run on batteries and one went dead, so I have to change it now.” Which I did right in front of the seminar attendees. Mind you, these were Leaders of Faith in their country. Putting the hearing aid back in my ear I told them, “I do not lack faith, I lack hearing, this is why I wear these aids.” You see, I do not deny my problem, but take care of it as best I can. All the while I believe for the Lord’s healing power to restore my hearing. The Polish pastors applauded me for my honesty.

But my hearing problem remains.

I’m a social person.

I enjoy a meal with my friends, but I can’t understand what they are saying. Even the one sitting next to me is mumbling his words. I’m fortunate to have the best of friends that understand my predicament as best they can. My wife is the perfect mate for me. She repeats sentences to me, without complaint, multiple times until I understand.

Here’s the short story of my ‘hearing impairment’.

• I do not hear normal sounds like birds chirping and rain on the windowpane.
• My recognition of words spoken in conversation is terrible. It is because consonants and vowels no longer reside in my hearing ability.

I am not writing to rant about how lousy life is to me. No, not at all.

My hearing condition pales in comparison to the problems people face in the world. I’m grateful for the health I do enjoy.

Continue to the end since I have questions for you. For the hearing impaired and those living with a deaf or almost deaf person. I want your help.

I am blessed, and I know it. But I’m going deaf.

Thirty-two years ago I walked out of the factory for the last time. The factory had done its job on my hearing. Now, years later the progression towards total hearing loss continues its insidious work.

Joining the world of Wonder.

In groups with family and friends, I live in a world of wonder. I wonder what was said. Suddenly everyone is laughing, was it a joke? I smile.

I own the best hearing aids I can afford. Hearing Aids do help. But they are ‘aids”, not corrective devices as glasses are to the eyes. Please understand, I am grateful for the hearing aids I wear. They do an exceptional job without them, I would live in isolation.

So what is the next step for me?

I have the best Doctors and Audiologists. They have helped me to hear better.

However, my hearing ability is deteriorating.

You that have hearing impairment understand what I am about to write better than most other people.

I’m slowing descending into isolation mode — this is scary!

I am not a hermit and never want to stay hidden within the four walls of my home.

So, what is next for me?

A Surgical implant may be in my future. Don’t know for sure but I’m beginning the testing to see, ‘hear,’ what is possible for me.

Here is where the comments you leave below will help me through this process. I want to determine if a surgically implanted device is the route I take for better hearing.

Give me your best advice.

• Do you get questions about the thingamabob on the side of your head?
• What questions should I have about this type of hearing device?
• Have you experienced improved hearing since having the implant?
• I understand it takes two or three months to adjust to this or other similar devices, is this true?
• I’d appreciate your comments or suggestions.

Thank you for reading and leaving your comments.

Richard