The Evangelist
After coworkers or new friends get to know me and see how open I am about my hearing loss, I start hearing confessions. Family secrets about stubborn “Aunt Daisy‘s” deafness and her refusal to wear her hearing aids are commonplace (See Steve’s article, “The Best Place for Hearing Aids is in Ears” for a similar woeful tale). Because I wear my hearing aids, I am granted authority, power, and wisdom to reach the otherwise unreachable masses.
On a weekly basis, I hear stories of people who won’t get their hearing tested, such as blundering “Uncle Bob,” with his inappropriate responses to questions, and “Grandpa Joe,” who blasts the volume on the tv, complaining everyone mumbles. The oft repeated plea of these weary souls is, “If only you could speak to him/her!”. Upon utterance of these desperate words, I go forth, hearing aids fully powered, to promote The Gospel of Hearing Aids to their loved ones.
Lilly, however, had a different reason for asking me to go into the missionary field to reach her grandmother:
“She won’t get her hearing tested because she’s afraid to get hearing aids.”
“Afraid?”
“Yes, she’s afraid hearing aids will make her look old.”
I looked at Lilly’s grandmother, noticing her blue-tinted white hair, dowager’s hump, and walker. Uncontrollable laughter hit both of us at the same time. After we wiped away our tears, I said, “Okay, let me understand this. In her mind, she doesn’t look old right now?”
“That’s right - she’s a very youthful 83.”
“Somehow, nearly invisible hearing aids will ruin her youthfulness and transform her into an ‘elderly’ person?”
Vanity. All is vanity.
Kim Said:
on August 29, 2007 at 12:53 am
What looks “old” is asking everyone to repeat everything so many times, “Eh? What was that?” I DO get so tired of being the one everybody asks to talk to relatives about hearing loss. Did you know the average person with hearing loss waits seven years before getting hearing aids? Most people go in for the test when they’re good and ready and not a moment before.
Hoh Said:
on August 29, 2007 at 1:09 am
About two decades ago, I read a thought-provoking quote in my audiologist’s office:
“A hearing loss is more conspicuous than a hearing aid.”
My friends/coworkers usually introduce me to the deaf relative, and tells him/her not to mumble because I have a hearing loss. That usually starts the conversation, and the look in their eyes is priceless! I’ve even seen a few of them get hearing aids shortly afterwards.
I’ll probably retire from the mission field in 10 years!!
Cindy