Your year is halfway gone and some things have changed while other things have stayed the same. That is pretty much how it is for most everyone.
The things that have stayed the same is mainly for what reason? Don’t have the time? Everyone has the same amount of time. The time you have to do anything is based on your priorities. Don’t have the opportunity? The opportunity is yours if you put your mind to it. Don’t know what to do? Ask someone who knows. If they don’t know, then keep asking until you find the person that has the information you need.
Things get done when you make it a priority, seize the moment to create the opportunity, and seek the information needed. However, there is one key ingredient — MOTIVATION. The person must have the motivation to take ownership and follow through. I have had the opportunity to evaluate tens of thousands of patients over the past twenty-eight years. I can perform audiological evaluations all day and detect hearing loss in patients that can be successfully addressed with new digital amplification. However, if you are not motivated, don’t waste your time and money. Procrastination is a killer, on obstacle, to achieving the possible.
The same goes for the hearing difficulty you have known about for years. How long has it been? The same hearing difficulty that affects your ability to understand speech from family and friends on a daily basis. The same hearing difficulty that everyone notices and you keep denying. Right?
How much longer will you wait?
Let’s see where you are right now:
- I need to have the television, stereo, or radio volume at a higher level than others.
- I need to ask people to repeat.
- I do not understand in the presence of background interference.
- I do not understand when someone is speaking while facing away from me.
- I do not understand when someone is around the corner or in another room.
- I mistake some words for other words and give inappropriate responses.
- I have difficulty with women’s or children’s speech.
- I have a tough time understanding soft spoken people.
- I always ask my spouse or a friend, “What did they say?”
- I do not respond to people when they speak because I can’t hear them.
- I often shake my head and smile when I don’t understand what someone says.
- I feel fatigued at the end of the day when trying to listen so hard with my eyes.
- I often avoid social situations because I have difficulty understanding speech.
- I think that some people may feel I have an intelligence problem when I know it is my hearing.
- I suffer and am self-conscious because of my hearing.
Sound familiar? Do you know someone like this? Is that someone, YOU?
The first thing you need to do is realize a problem exists. Secondly, you need to make it a priority to have your hearing checked. Third, you need to be motivated to do something like pick up the phone and schedule an appointment to get your hearing evaluated. Fourth, you need to make the time for this opportunity to get the answers to your dilemma. Most insurance plans cover the evaluation.
Now that you’ve agreed with the profile, had your hearing checked, and received the results and recommendations, what’s next? Follow through with the recommendations to get the hearing aids you need. Make it a point to take control of your life and do something about it.
Take that next step to find out about digital (computerized) hearing aids and how they can help. Discover the various models from a variety of manufacturers. Become familiar with the features, benefits, and limitations of entry level, mid level, and premium level hearing aids. Make the choice of which level and style device may be best suited for you.
Finally, get the recommended hearing aids you selected and wear them every day. Make notes as to what is good and what is not good about the fitting. Seek assistance from the hearing care professional for computer adjustments, counseling, etc.
Take charge of the quality of your life. It’s easy to do. But it is up to you.
When was the last time you can remember that you heard well? How long has it been, really? Stop making excuses and trying to fool yourself.
Pick up the telephone and get the process started.
What are you waiting for?