Hearing Matters Podcast The Art of Hearing feat. David Smith | First Time Hearing Aid User
About the Hearing Matters Podcast
The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CC, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA. C-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services.
Moving Forward with Hearing Technology
In this episode Dr. Gregory Delfino and Blaise Delfino speak with Nazareth native David Smith, a longtime family friend. David explains that the tipping point for him to move forward with hearing technology came when he was 55 years old. He realized he was asking his coworkers, family members and peers to continually repeat themselves. He knew others were becoming very frustrated with him.
His wife would often help him when ordering in a restaurant, when he didn’t hear the waitress. If he was in a noisy coffee shop alone, for example, he’d become nervous about having to order and not hearing questions/comments from the waiter. His children thought he was ignoring them when, in fact, he simply couldn’t hear them. At work he would say “yes” to his boss’s request, even though he didn’t know what was being asked of him. When COVID-19 came along, he could no longer read lips because everyone was wearing masks.
He tried hearing aids but after one week took them out. He told Blaise he was just not ready. He was primarily worried about his image. At 55 he believed he “shouldn’t be in this situation.” He felt there was a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids.
The Denial Process
Dr. Gregory Delfino explains that many people feel like Dave. There is a complete denial process that some people go through. They have a preconceived notion that hearing instruments are large and bulky and wearing them means they’re old. They struggle with the inability to hear and live with this silent disability. Practitioners often wonder how they can help these people.
Moving Forward
After a visit to Audiology Services Dave finally realized exactly how poor his hearing was. He moved forward with hearing technology, knowing that his improved quality of life was more important than his image. Once he began to wear the hearing instruments again, he couldn’t say enough positive things. He has a new level of confidence and enjoys life so much more.
Lost Income
There is a total of $1.2 billion in lost income every year due to untreated hearing loss. Dr. Delfino explains that often in the workplace an employee will be disciplined for a poor attitude when he/she simply can’t hear. Their pride stops them from telling their bosses and coworkers they have haring loss and from having a hearing screening.
Co-morbidities with Hearing Loss
Blaise explains that our sense of hearing is the gateway to our bodies. People with untreated hearing loss are at a greater risk of experiencing cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. He recommends that anyone who thinks he/she may have hearing loss seek out a hearing healthcare professional.
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