As a teacher in a community college, I began to recognize my hearing loss when I couldn't hear what the students in the back of the room were saying in class. I had to walk toward them to understand them. I came to this clinic on the recommendation of my physician and have had a very successful transition into hearing aids. I chose to use the behind-the-ear type because of the level of control I would have. I move in and out of very noisy areas and very quiet ones and have been learning which setting work best in each situation.

When I got the hearing aids, I was really surprised about how everything sounded. I expected it to be just like it used to be, only louder and clearer! Initially, I felt rather bombarded with sharp noises. I was hyper-aware of paper being crinkled, doors slamming, and how loud everything in my car was. In terms of getting used to the hearing aids, I decided to go the "jump right in" route, and wore them all day from the first day on. This is how I adjusted to the first time I got trifocal glasses, so I decided to do the same with the hearing aids.

By the third week, I began to have moments when I forgot I had them on and where the world "sounded normal" to me, rather than "amplified." As I continued to get used to them, I had more and more time where I didn't notice them. I still am challenged a little when in situations where there is significant background noise like traffic, fans, or other engine sounds, but I'm figuring out which settings and volume level work best.

All these adjustments in addition to adding yet another routine to my mornings and evenings have been well worth it. I now can hear my students and rarely have to say, "Pardon me, what did you say?" The radio and T.V. in our house is now at a "normal" level and my husband is the one who turns the volume up. And, as an amateur backyard bird watcher, I can now hear 3 to 4 times as many bird calls and am delighting in learning which bird they each belong to! I had no idea what our yard really sounded like!

For many years I had worked in an environment where noise was prevalent, i.e. logging, construction and mills. About 30 years ago my hearing tests showed some hearing loss but not enough to do much about (should use ear plugs and muffs).

About 15 years ago my work environment changed and I moved into an office situation. While in this capacity my hearing was tested and I was notified that I was marginal for going with hearing aid assistance. I thought I could get along without hearing aids and put the recommendation/appraisal in the back of my mind.

Now, about five (5) years ago, I noted that I was missing out on what was being said to me and around me. I would sit in a company meeting and not hear what was being said. I would politely nod my head and not say anything in response. At the same time my wife was noting and commenting that I wasn’t responding to her questions and conversations, aka selective hearing, while periodically coming up with totally unassociated responses or comments. I finally consented to again having my hearing tested.

My hearing was tested at OHSU by the Audiology department and diagnosed with loss in both ears. The losses being enough to definitely consider hearing aids.

All things considered, I chose to go through the process and get the aids. With some adjustment and style change, I have settled into wearing them on a regular basis with good results, and oddly several comments of congratulations and admiration.

I have discussed the difference in life with the hearing aids with numerous people. The most enlightening comment I received was the statement, “If you are losing your sight, would you hesitate to get glasses? So why hesitate to get hearing aids if you are losing your hearing?”

My experience with the aids has been mixed. One of my previous problems was hearing with heavy background noise. This continues to be of some problem as the aids amplify background noise as well as the voices you’re trying to hear. With my aids I can adjust the setting and filter some of this out.

I can now hear speakers in meetings, colleagues at work, conversations over the phone, and yes, my wife’s voice and conversations.

I do my best to keep the aids out of inclement situations. Wind seems to be the greatest problem, but also realizing of course that they don’t work while swimming.

The bad part, if you will, is amplified ambient noise. The good part is being able to hear. The best part is getting to know the Audiology people at OHSU.