Voices in my Head….

Several years ago while on a camping vacation, my world was “slightly jostled” when I realized I was the only family member who was rested, refreshed and ready for an active day. Everyone else it seemed was tired, grumpy and somewhat apathetic. What was the reason for this unfortunate situation, you ask? Well, I had experienced a deep and peaceful night’s sleep while the other family members had been subjected to an overnight “cricket chorus” that apparently went on for some hours. My sleepyhead children were astounded that I had not heard anything, and frankly, so was I.

I convinced myself, however, that this was nothing to be concerned about and denial became my defense against the possibility that I just might have a hearing problem. So, I muddled bravely on. I did begin to notice a few things however:

• the world is full of mumblers and soft talkers
• some unknown force seemed determined to keep the tv sound at a ridiculously low level
• I was developing an unhealthy fixation on people’s lips during conversations

And most significantly, I was mishearing things more frequently. The final straw was during a conversation on the subject of winter pansies. I thought the reference was to winter panties and I couldn’t understand who would have panties only for use in the winter, and why they should be kept in the garage to induce new spring growth.

At this point my “spidey sense” kicked in and that slight jostle was now a volcanic rumble. I had no choice but to get my hearing checked. Of course, it only confirmed what in my heart I knew to be true….. yes, my hearing was deteriorating and I might want to consider a hearing aid. Well, my denial defense mechanism was now so firmly implanted that there ensued an extended period of stubborn refusal, followed by a reluctant surrender.My husband and children were tired of being asked to repeat things and I was tired of the frustrated look on their faces when they were asked. It was time to admit defeat.

I Can Hear Clearly Now

Imagine my delight when my timing coincided with the introduction of a new and improved hearing aid…. one that could sync to my iphone and the television. This was technology at its finest, unless of course you factored in the exorbitant cost. No matter, I was determined to improve the quality of my life and the life of my loved ones through the miracle of hearing enhancement.

And here is the best part. I was now able to experience incredible clarity. It truly was as if there were voices in my head! My music was, to use an old Boomer expression, a “Happening.” I was consumed with joy and the irresistible urge to sing along and dance. Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but I was very happy with my new and improved acoustic quality.

There was, however, an odd sidebar. When my hearing aids sync to my iphone, I am the only one who can hear the music. On first thought that would seem to be an advantage. I can listen and no one else will be disturbed, right? Not necessarily…..

Now when I am immersed in my musical nirvana and my husband starts talking to me, I have to stop the music and unfortunately, he has to repeat what he said. The good news is he has developed an ability to recognize this situation (which isn’t difficult given that I am usually singing and dancing) and has developed an admirable level of tolerance.

I’m also convinced that he isn’t particularly enamoured of my singing to music that he can’t hear. As lovely as my voice is, when unaccompanied by the musical background, it has occurred to me that perhaps it can be a bit jarring. I doubt he will ever develop a level of tolerance to this.

For My Ears Only

Unfortunately, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There have been a few hiccups:

• I work with my trainer using Zoom on my iphone. We have come to a mutual agreement that I need to wear my hearing aids during our sessions so that she doesn’t have to repeat her instructions. Much to my horror, she recently informed me that when I wear them, she hears every grunt, groan, heavy breath and sniffle sound that I make…..magnified. As upsetting as that is, with the exception of breathing which is obviously necessary, I now make every effort to minimize those distracting sounds.
• Recently while in the dental chair, I was having a lovely conversation with the assistant when my phone started ringing. I ignored it and kept on talking, thinking that it was synced to my hearing aids. Seeing an odd look on the assistant’s face, it finally occurred to me that perhaps I was mistaken…and yes, while I had been obliviously chatting away, the whole office was likely very annoyed by a phone that wouldn’t stop ringing.
• The other day was beautifully sunny and my garden was calling me. I grabbed my iphone, synced my hearing aids, turned on my music, and proceeded to dance and sing my way around the yard. After some time, I turned, looked up to see my neighbour standing on her balcony looking rather puzzled and perhaps a bit concerned. I smiled, waved, went in the house and only then realized she must have been very confused at my musical display.

So its been a bit of an adventure. I was devastated when I realized I needed to get hearing aids. I equated it with old age and infirmity and my pride was somewhat assaulted at the thought. I do, however, feel fortunate that they are quite inconspicuous and can produce sounds that are “for my ears only,” even though that may at times give the impression that I am borderline unstable. Oddly enough, those voices in my head, have saved my sanity and that of my husband….and we are now listening happily ever after 🙂

We plan to publish a new post every Monday, so stay tuned for our next one entitled “Book Lovers Anonymous.”