50+ Lifestyles

Dad, can you pass the corn?

By Dr. Molly Parker
Audiologist
Parker Audiology, PC

“Dad, can you pass the corn?”

“What?!”

“DAD CAN YOU PLEASE CALL MY AUDIOLOGIST AND GET YOUR HEARING TESTED?”

“I hear fine…I don’t have any problems!”

“Mom, can you please pass the earplugs? I need to protect my hearing from the TV.”

Kids say the darndest things, don’t they? About a year ago, this conversation was relayed to me by a daughter and her 89-year-old father. Being 89, this particular father was rather fixed in his ways. It turns out that he finally allowed me to test his ears and explain to him—bluntly—what amplification could do for him and how easy it would be to hear his family again….even though he was 89 years old.

No one likes to be told they cannot hear. But, there is so much that can be done to remedy hearing loss, that it is even more obvious when dads are “faking it” or “covering up” their rather obvious hearing handicap.

This father has seen it all. But, the problem is that he did not anticipate that hearing better could be so easy. When you are a father, conventional wisdom indicates that everything is difficult, costs twice as much and takes twice as long to achieve. The good news is hearing aids are easier than that. Payment plans exist. Hearing aids are fast to set up. Technology makes volume, background noise and overall comfort automatically better.

My patient purchased appropriate hearing aids for his hearing loss. The gentleman has reluctantly agreed (in private) that the hearing aids have been easy and tremendously helpful. He comes in every six months for cleaning and adjustments as needed. The family thanks me every time they bring him because they can save their voices, and he can participate in conversations with minimal repeating. Hearing aids provide a measureable benefit for the hearing impaired and for the family.

I challenge you to view your family’s “nagging” for what it is…..the love and concern your family has for your well-being, so that they can enjoy you as long as possible. In addition, you can be as healthy as possible, as well.