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Letter: Take care of your hearing

There are many people in our community who are losing their ability to hear, and it’s only going to get worse. Many of us seniors have spent many years building this community, and we would like to continue to do so. We just need a little help and consideration from our friends; our friends who can hear.
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Dan MacQuarrie, who does not want hearing loss to isolate people, puts his finger to the button that connects his hearing aid to his cell phone. - Image credit: Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer.

There are many people in our community who are losing their ability to hear, and it’s only going to get worse. Many of us seniors have spent many years building this community, and we would like to continue to do so. We just need a little help and consideration from our friends; our friends who can hear.

The transition from normal hearing to losing the ability to understand what is said, sneaks up on a person like a thief in the night.

To add insult to injury, older so-called hearing aids, simply raised the volume of what a person heard. This prompted many of us to leave those hearing aids on the shelf. However, new technology can Improve our situation immensely. There is no longer any excuse for waiting the proverbial seven years before we do something about it.

Richard Wagamese said, “ Every year, once spring has sprung, my world regains proper proportion, because baseball is back. I love the central metaphor of the game. All of us helping each other to make it home.”

What if all of us who call this community our home where to do the same for everyone from youngest to oldest? If it is hearing, we could slow down our speech and articulate clearly. No one likes to be hollered at, but, those who procrastinate, or refuse to admit they need a hearing aid, need to take responsibility for their part in the communication loop. Mother said, “Get your hearing aid today !”

Technology can not only help us to hear, but also ensure our privacy. Imagine, being able to speak to your pharmacist about your prescription, without anyone else able to hear what is being said. It is coming to our community very soon. Keep in touch.

Dan MacQuarrie