Kathy modeling her new hearing aids.
I don’t know any woman who doesn’t care, at least a little bit, about how they look to others. Maybe it exists in our DNA or the way we are raised. Hopefully though, by the time we get to my age we care far less how others judge us, especially our looks. And equally important, hopefully by my age we stop letting the opinions of others make critical life decisions for us. That of course leads to my recent decision to purchase and wear hearing aids.
Last month I wrote a blog post about my hearing. Not only were my suspicions verified, I was surprised by some of my own reactions to the news of my hearing loss. Nothing had changed really. I still could only hear what I could hear. But suddenly it was confirmed that not only had my hearing deteriorated, but that I had somehow joined the ranks of those folks who needed hearing aids. It was one of those moments when my perception of my self changed.
Fortunately I was able to process a lot of those thoughts and feelings by writing a blog post about it. That’s why I strongly recommend journaling to anyone who doesn’t have a blog. Through writing I able to address many of my own hesitations about the idea of hearing aids, and by researching, I learned why wearing them was a very important thing for me to do. In the end, I realized that I cared far, far more about my creativity, how my brain works, and my communication skills than I do about how I look with hearing aids.
So about a week after that post I made the call to Costco. If you remember from the first article, I had the advantage of knowing and completely trusting my Costco Hearing Aid Specialist named Ray. Not only did Ray take over an hour and a half to run every test he had available, he also assured me that he didn’t expect me to buy hearing aids any time soon. That’s because it usually takes people several years before they actually buy hearing aids even after they know about their hearing loss. Of course, only one in seven will ever actually buy them even though they need them—but I covered that surprising fact in the first post!
Costco makes it easy. (FYI, this is not a sponsored post and I paid retail for my hearing aids.) Ray explained that I have a full 90 days to use the hearing aids and if I’m not completely happy I can return them for absolutely any reason for a full refund. They also come with a fantastic warranty, and for the entire time I use them I can have them cleaned and adjusted any time I walk into a Costco store.
According to Ray, my hearing loss is likely hereditary. While most people have a gradual decline in volume as they age, my loss is more like a “cookie bite.” I can hear highs and lows, but it’s all the middle-ranges that disappear on me. Now I know why I thought so many people were mumbling. Because my loss is a bit more complicated than typical age-related loss, current technology works to my advantage. My new hearing aids are programmed to increase the volume in the specific mid-range areas that I need them. I don’t hear louder, I hear more clearly.
It did take about a week to get used to wearing them. My hearing aids—or my bionic ears as I’ve started calling them—sit behind each ear with a tiny wire that comes down and enters my ear canal. They are powered by tiny batteries, which must be replaced about every four days. I’m not crazy about the idea of using and discarding so many batteries for the unforeseen future, but Costco encourages us to recycle them by returning used ones to Costco. Every night the hearing aids and wires must be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and the batteries taken out overnight and stored. Every morning you start over again. Obviously you must take care to never get them wet, misplace them or let the dog get them. So yes, there is a bit of a hassle to it all.
But there is good news! I actually love my new hearing aids. Thanks to recent technological advances, my hearing aids connect seamlessly by Bluetooth to my iPhone. It’s like wearing an invisible (the hair helps) pair of headphone ear buds all day long. Now when the phone rings I can instantly answer it and hear it wirelessly in my ears. I can’t tell you how long I disliked talking on the phone because I struggled to hear through what I always called bad connections. Now I know the bad connection was in my ears. I also listen to music, audio books and motivational talks every day when I walk or exercise. Everything is on my iphone and all I have to do is hit “play.” In fact, I have a hearing aid “app” on my iphone that allows me to make adjustments anytime to my hearing. How cool is that?
However, I do have a friend who was also fitted for hearing aids about the same time as I was. Unfortunately, due to the anatomy of his ears he was not eligible for the same type of aids as I have and his were not Bluetooth compatible. After talking about it with him, it’s obvious that the deciding factor for me is how the Bluetooth technology of my aids adds to the quality my life. Without that benefit, I’m not sure I would keep them. My friend feels the same way.
The advantage of hearing normally is great. Now Thom and I can watch television at the same volume. I can go to lunch or dinner with friends and hear what people on the other side of the table are saying. Most importantly after wearing them for a month I just forget that I’m wearing them at all. And as for what other people think? The only time anyone seems to know (or care) is when I tell them. Just like with a decision to wear glasses, or certain clothes, we each individually decide how they enhance or detract from our looks. Does it make me look fat? Old? Why would I even care?
What it comes down to is that most people are too busy doing what they do, and thinking about themselves to even notice my hearing aids. And because hearing aids are an improvement in my life, it doesn’t matter to me what anyone else thinks about them. Like so many things that happen in life, it’s SMART to remember we always have the choice to focus on the good.
I think people think that others notice them more than they actually do. With something like hearing aids, not many people are actually observant enough to see that you even have them in the first place. I would definitely be self-conscious for the first little while, though.
Hi Kayla! Honestly, even when I tell people I wear them they can’t see them. I’m sure if they were the type that sit inside you’re ear they would be more noticeable, but even then, as you say, most people don’t pay that much attention. I’m very happy with mine and encourage everyone to at least give it a try. ~Kathy
My mom is so self-conscious about needing to wear hearing aids. She has her hair cut short, though, so they might be more visible than what you see in the picture of you with your hair down. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal!
Hi Veronika! Obviously the more hair you have to cover up, the more difficult they are to see. But most of the time, I think more people think others will notice little things that never even show up so chances are good for your mom that they will not be seen. Of course, anyone looking for an excuse will surely find one! ~Kathy
Thanks for sharing. I looked at the Costco booth about two years ago and didn’t do it. Now I’m going to at least talk to them. I’ll put hearing test on my to-do list.
Hey Barbara! Welcome to SMART Living and thanks for your comment. Do go in when you get a chance. I was very happy with the service I received at Costco and I hope you equally as well. I think it is so important for us all to at least know our options. ~Kathy
Wow! You have encouraged me. I wore hearing aides for about 10 years in the late 90’s and early 2000’s so I could manage to work but after my dog ate the last pair after I retired I have not replaced them. They sure are pricey little things, aren’t they? Mine did not help me all that much but with advancements in technology maybe they would now. I might have to check in to seeing if I can afford them. And it wasn’t my dogs fault. I had left them on a nightstand next to my bed one morning during a period when I was very ill. I got out of bed and went to my big chair in the living room and I know my dog thought “Wait! You always put these in before you even get out of bed!” and she brought them to me and dropped them at my feet. Unfortunately dog teeth are strong and hearing aides are not!
Hi Carol! Oh, so sorry that the dog got yours! Ray, my Costco hearing aid tech warned me because he knows that Kloe (my dog) would LOVE them too. The good news is that the technology today makes the experience a definite plus. Go check them out and at least try! And thanks for sharing your own experience to remind me (and us all) that we do need to be careful when we get them. ~Kathy
Glad to hear you have such a good attitude towards the hearing aids. I need them but have yet to make the big purchase. You are a brave soul!
Hi Meryl! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Yes, it can be a bit intimidating but I can tell from your photo that your hair would hide them just as much as it does me. And did you read the bit about how hearing loss can affect our brain function? That was really important to me and certainly deserves consideration. At least go in and get tested. Costco makes it easy! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
First time here on your blog! Great site 🙂 You look awesome in your hearing aides I would never had noticed you were wearing them at all 🙂
Hi Joan! Welcome to SMART Living and thanks for the compliment. 🙂 I’m glad to see I proved my point about how it’s so silly to “care” if or how our hearing aids (or glasses or any other thing that serves us!) makes us look to others. With millions of us baby boomers reaching a certain age it is surely time to get over it! Thanks for your comment! ~Kathy
It’s good to know hearing aides have gotten better because I may be a candidate at some point. Think the Rolling Stones concert I went to a couple of weeks ago really hurt my hearing. I was in the third row, right in front of the speakers. My ears are still ringing! How many rock stars are deaf?
Brenda
Hi Brenda! Ouch! It sounds like you had FANTASTIC seats for an incredible concert but YES–such loud music can definitely lead to hearing loss. Ever wonder why they play their music so LOUD no matter how small the venue??? It’s likely they can barely hear it either! And if you notice, many of them have started wearing hearing devises in their ears instead of using the monitors that sit on the floor in front of them. It allows them to hear themselves in spite of all the noise. Keep in mind that technology is continuing to advance in the area of hearing aids and hopefully the stigma about wearing them will advance as well. Thanks for your thoughts! ~Kathy
I had NO idea that some hearing aids were Bluetooth compatible. That is amazing. Such a bonus and yes, it would be an incentive for me, too. Something tells me I will need them somewhere down the road, and maybe by then the battery life and/or power options will have improved, too! p.s. You look no different to me — just as great as before — with the hearing aids in. 🙂
Hi Laura! Yes isn’t it great? Because I love to listen to talks and music so much I had been listening to them on wireless earphones for a while anyway. But I had to remember to keep them charged and then manage them as well. My new HA actually make that process so much easier with better sound–and then there is the advantage of hands-free phone calls as well. Definitely an advantage.
And yes, I was hoping to prove the point that for most of us (especially those of us with a bit of hair) look EXACTLY the same with or without the hearing aids. I’m hoping we all get past any negative stigma that comes with them. Thanks for your thoughts! ~Kathy
Thanks for the story, we have a lot of hearing loss in our family — I’ve been luck thus far. This winter my new son-in-law just had a cochlear implant, so I know what a big difference good hearing can be in ones life. Good luck with them…and don’t turn them off like my mother did when she didn’t want to hear in a group.
Hey Mary! Welcome to SMART Living 365 and adding to the conversation. I’ve heard the implants can be great but the constant replacement (and cost) didn’t work for me. And yes to the wearing them all the time. Ray told me that just about everyone who says they don’t like them (and have returned them to Costco) didn’t wear them all the time and never really gave them much of a chance. Of course I’m curious why your mom didn’t want to wear them when she was in a group. That’s when they really help me. And one of the adjustments on my HA is that I can direct the sound–one of the settings is to just focus in on where I am looking and ignore all the “background” noise. If I’m in a restaurant where there is a LOT of background noise I can set the HAs and then it really focuses in on whom is in my group. It’s really quite amazing! ~Kathy
Hey, nice haircut!
I know I need hearing aids but can’t afford the tiny invisible ones and I’m certainly not wearing those big pink plastic things I saw a lot of in the 60s.
I wouldn’t need the bluetooth either. How are they with your glasses on though? Does the specs earpiece get in the way of the hearing aid? And could the aids be seen if your hair was pulled back in a ponytail like I wear mine now that it’s long again?
New batteries every four days would be a problem also, that would get expensive.
Hi River! Thanks for noticing my new haircut. I do think prices are coming down though so hopefully that will help. And yes, it does take a bit of getting used to wearing them with glasses. I only wear glasses for distance (not all the time) and they do sit on top of the hearing aid part. But after I wear them a while you just forget about the glasses and the HAs. And they would be more noticeable with a pony tail. But you can get them in a color that matches skin tone or your hair color so that would help. As for the batteries…they are 22 cents each from Costco and with them lasting at least 4 days for me that’s only about $3.5 a month…not too bad. I’ve also heard that there are programs to help people who have a difficult time with the cost so if you look around you might find the support you need. ~Kathy
Hearing Aids that are bluetooth capable — how cool is that! What will they think of next? Thanks for joining us at #MidLifeLuv, we’re very glad to have you!
Kimberly
http://FiftyJewels.com
Hey Kimberly! Yes…technology is such a great difference and really can help us if and when we let it! ~Kathy
OMG I love your title! Good for you! My father-in-law has awful hearing and he refuses to get a hearing aid. Maybe I will send him your post. Thank you for linking to #MidLifeLuv.
Hey Elena! Glad you liked the title and the post….I did hope it would grab people’s attention. 🙂 Yes, do have the conversation with your father-in-law. And have him read the first one too where it talks about how a lack of good hearing affects our brains….that’s what REALLY got me! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy
Thank u very much for sharing your personal experience of using hearing aids. This blog post is more comprehensiveas as compared to the previous one. I am sure this post will be shared with many friends. I have no hesitation to say that I advised few of my friend to read your blog post prior to making a decision for wearing of hearing aids. Being an experienced hearing aid user I can only say that such posts are great service to the humanity.
Hi MD Malik! I’m so glad you found this post helpful and a service to others who might benefit. That’s ALWAYS a big intention of mine. And I’m happy to answer any questions anyone might have to just leave me a message. ~Kathy
I’m glad your hearing aids are working out well for you. I, too, have hearing issues and have been considering exploring getting aids. I’ve never had a problem with the way they look but they can be expensive. I do like the Bluetooth capability of yours, though. I read recently that waiting five minutes after pulling the tab on the battery and before putting them in the hearing aids makes them (the battery) last a lot longer. Costco makes it pretty easy, don’t they?
Good for you Kathy! I haven’t been tested, but I’m certain there are ranges that I can’t hear very well. I’ve gotten pretty good at lip reading across tables, but it invariably makes people feel like they need to check their teeth for spinach or lipstick when I stare at their mouths so I can hear what they’re saying. I can’t wrap my head around the batteries at all though. I think I’d rather have a solar panel headband (patent pending) LOL!
Hey Lizzie! Thom said the other day that he heard that there is work being done to do rechargeable batteries for hearing aids but not yet that I know of. The big argument is they would need to be larger (the batteries AND the hearing aids) and right now making them tiny is a big deal. Most of us wouldn’t be interested in the headband idea! Besides the visual, they are actually so small and light that you don’t feel them at all once you get used to them. But do at least have your ears checked (it is FREE right?) so that at least you have an idea. There was no pressure at all for me to buy them or not. If you wait until you’re back in the desert you can go and see my friend Ray. ~Kathy
Good stuff, Kathy! I’m humming a slightly modified version of an old song:
“I can HEAR clearly now, the aids are in” (to the tune of I can see clearly now…) 🙂
Hey Nancy! hahahaha! YES! I can hear clearly now with or without the rain 🙂 ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy for being so open and honest about something you can’t do anything about–except you can–that is get help or aids or whatever. Another great life lesson.
Hey Gary! If my writing about my experience can help just one person I’m happy about that. I think so many of us just need a bit of encouragement to make relatively simple changes that can make our lives better, right? Thanks for YOUR encouragement! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – wow they really do sound like bionic ears with the blue tooth thing. My dad is 89 and is still clinging to his analogue hearing aids that just do not work for him. He is very isolated in a room full of people – it is horrible to see. Thanks for the info here – it is something for me to research and maybe persuade him to use new technology. Difficult! Really pleased for you that the hearing aids have made such a difference.
Hi Gilly! Are there Costco’s where you live? I’m obviously a big fan. I think if you told your dad that he could try them for free for 90 days to see if they made a difference he might be willing to try them. They have made such progress that it seems a shame for him not to give them a chance. I know I always thought that people who wore hearing aids squawked and squealed all the time. Mine NEVER do that–the only time I’ve heard them make a bit of feedback noise is if I put them in their container with the batteries still in and close the lid. They don’t like that. They also sound slightly tinny sometimes and I’m not sure why but mostly I’ve adjusted completely to the sound so they work perfectly. Hearing birds sing so loud and clearly is pretty amazing! ~Kathy
No Kathy we don’t have Costco here as far as I am aware. But I am researching the issue now and I am sure I will find something on a par with yours. But you never know as we seem to be 10 years behind the states in many things! Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Hi Gilly….oh sorry about no Costco 🙁 Oh well, hope you find another outlet….
Congratulations on being able to hear better again! I have to agree what does it matter what others think especially when it’s about something as important as being able to hear.
Hi Rena! Thank you. It is nice to hear “normally” again. And I’m hoping as more and more of us start wearing them and speaking up about them it will be similar to wearing glasses. If you need them, wear them! Why on earth shouldn’t we do anything that makes our experience better? ~Kathy
Hi Rena! Yes isn’t it funny that most of us don’t think twice about reaching for reading glasses but react negatively about the idea of needing a little boost with our hearing? Of course there is a big price difference but maybe if everyone who needed HAs (hearing aids) bought them that would bring down the price for all of us. ~Kathy
Thanks for this….my mom is having hearing issues and is wanting to look at hearing aids. I can share this with her.
Hi Lisa! Yes, please at least share the ideas in the first post with your mom. It really helped me decide that it was important to at least try them….and then the technology of them really makes it great! ~Kathy
Hi Lisa! Oh do have her do the test. I think all that many of us need is a little encouragement. I think there are many who have just put it off because we think we can get by without them, but we forget all we are losing when we don’t. ~Kathy
Great post and perspective. Your experience makes me wonder if I need to get my hearing checked. In noisy environments I have trouble with conversation and have to really concentrate. I will check my Costco and see if they have that service available. BTW, you look fabulous!
Hi Lydia! If you at all suspect you might not be able to hear as well as you used to then get the test. At Costco they are not on commission and are VERY used to people not getting them even if they really need them after the test so I do recommend them. Then at least you know and can decide….plus with an opportunity to try them for 90 days you really can’t look. And glad you don’t think I look fat in them! 🙂 ~Kathy
Hey Lydia! I strongly encourage anyone who suspects that they can’t hear like they used to to at least get the test. I did mention that Costco offers the test for FREE right? And there is also no pressure whatsoever because they are not on commission. And thank you for saying I look fabulous too! ~Kathy
Wow. Bluetoothed to your iPhone. What a breakthrough. I don’t need hearing aids [yet] but my husband does and has gone through all the steps you describe. Just to let you know–it isn’t just women who are vain about the hearing aid issue. It took hundreds of missed or misunderstood conversations until he finally bought and wore one — but only in one ear; he is resisting the second one. I’ll have to let him know about the possibility of a connection to his iPhone–so he can find out if his hearing problem is eligible for that connection.
Thanks for all the valuable information.
Hi Penny! I agree. Now that I have them I have noticed that men are about as hesitant as us women. And I don’t think it is all vanity–I think we all struggle with the idea of how it looks to others especially getting older, maybe weaker, maybe less desirable? Plus, I know some people have a noticeable difference from one ear to another but both of my ear were about equal as far as the loss so I never once considered just wearing one. Do tell your husband to consider it–and if you’re a Costco member it doesn’t cost a thing for the test AND you get the 90 day “trial” too! (I’m a big fan in case you couldn’t tell.) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
wow! you are now a cyborg! those hearing aids sound amazing and I’m almost jealous that I don’t have them – I’d need to get a lot more phone savvy to make the most of the bluetooth but technology has certainly come a long way. Hopefully by the time I need a set I’ll be able to get some like yours (PS they are invisible in your photo) ~ Leanne 🙂
Hi Leanne! Well I’m not “quite” a cyborg just yet. 🙂 They do have the implants that some people go for but they are REALLY expensive and need to be changed out every 3 or 4 months so I didn’t really consider that option. But believe me, having the iphone bluetooth option is as cool as it sounds for those of us who like their technology! And they are making changes and updates all the time so if you should ever need them they will probably just get more and more user friendly. ~Kathy
Beauty lies in the beholder of eyes. The fact is ” You look fab not fat”.
Hi Jyoti! Thank you! Actually I like looking “fab” AND hearing really well these days. Why not do both? ~Kathy
You are an inspiration, Kathy! I know many people choose looks (read vanity!) over what really matters. I’d rather wear my spectacles (post my two cataract surgeries) than miss out on all that there is to be seen and read around me.
I love what you said about journalling. It keeps me sane too.
I hope you adapt to the hearing aids quickly. Attitude does make a difference. Hugs.
Hi Corinne! Yes, isn’t that such a strange thing that we worry so much about how we look rather than consider how we can interact with the world in a positive and helpful way? I think if we asked someone if they would prefer kindness, happiness and generosity as a trait instead of “beauty” most of us would pick that and certain prefer to be around that kind of person–yet so often the default is to pick attractiveness. Certainly something to be aware of AND to remember to make the right choice when it comes to our lives! Thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
“always have the chance to focus on the good”… that applies to all of life, doesn’t it?
I don’t think you look fat at all, by the way!
Hey Walker. Whew! Thanks! You can tell I was worried about that 🙂 ~Kathy