Changes in hearing are very common. In fact, a reduction in hearing is the third most common physical condition in the U.S. and currently 1 in 5 people experience some form of reduction in hearing. 1 out of 3 people will have a hearing reduction by the age of 65. Unfortunately 75% of those people will do nothing about it. The worst part is this reduction happens gradually and for those who choose to ignore it, it may affect not only how they hear, but how they feel. Arnold Palmer experienced this reduction around the age of 40, “You may not be aware that it’s happening to you. It can happen so gradually. Then you find yourself not catching everything that’s said. In a crowd nobody stands out. You hear it all and yet you hear nothing. Then someone you trust steps up and convinces you to get your hearing checked. I hope that I can be that someone.”
A hearing reduction is much more noticeable than hearing aids and Mr. Palmer chose to do something about it. As he says, “Some think a hearing aid will make them look old. Well, how about not hearing. Now, that makes you look old. And asking, “What? What?” all the time. That gets old for everybody around you. It sure did for my wife Winnie. Having your hearing back makes you feel younger. You can participate more. Enjoy more.”
Hearing aid users report higher levels of involvement in social activities, fewer worries, more positive social and family experiences, and greater physical well-being than those who have an uncorrected hearing reduction. Correcting your hearing also may reduce frustration, fatigue and stress while enhancing emotional stability and improving self-esteem. Mr. Palmer states: “Hearing aid technology has made tremendous strides. It’s the difference between the old wooden shaft clubs we used to play with, and these graphite shafts we use today. New hearing aids are remarkably small. Mine deliver natural sound in a variety of listening situations.”
Just as eyeglasses do not “cure” vision deficiencies, hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal and they do not solve all hearing problems. The only way to tell if hearing aids might provide an important difference in your life and the lives of your family members is to consult a professional audiologist to discuss your particular situation. Mr. Palmer is a great example of someone whose life was certainly improved: “Well, it’s a funny thing, I’ve noticed the sound of the golf ball being hit by the golf club is different, and much more realistic, with the hearing aids. The sound with the hearing aids makes sense, and better represents what I know is happening to the golf ball. So you could say that the hearing aids help give me confidence regarding my golf game.”
