Your profession, how do others treat you?

As a parent, if I came to an appointment and saw that you wore hearing aids, I would feel nothing but respect and gratitude. I mean, your expertise and dedication far outweigh by far any physical device you use. In fact, your openness could serve as a great example of resilience and acceptance for both parents and children alike.

Firstly, nobody looks up from their phone long enough to notice anything. I’ve got a very tight (military) haircut. I’ll tell people I can’t understand them and point out that I’m a hearing aid wearer…and without fail nobody has ever noticed before I called it out.
Secondly, if your job is being impacted and that affecting other people it’s your responsibility to correct the problem.
Thirdly, once you do get hearing aids you’re going to see what a game changer they are. I avoided interactions for decades because I couldn’t understand people. I absolutely regret putting vanity above all else.

I have worn RIC aids for about 10 years. My first pair were BRIGHT RED because I was terrified of setting them down somewhere and not being able to find them. My hair is very short, so they have never been hidden.
I am an advocate for hearing help, long time member of Hearing Loss Association of America and not shy about talking to people about hearing problems. I cannot COUNT the number of times that I have been talking to someone about hearing aids and had them say something like, “you just wouldn’t understand because you haven’t had to deal with this . . . problem.” And when I turn my head and point to my BRIGHT RED hearing aids . . . all they can do is sputter and say “well I never NOTICED that you wear aids!!!”

I’m about 6 weeks with my 1st HAs (Rexton Reach from Costco), live alone. Will visit big family function this coming weekend. My thinking has been to be upfront about my wearing HAs, even express excitement. Got new phone at same time, going from Samsung S9 to Pixel 8. Lots to get into and master, hopefully. Just how I’m going to interact with family will be interesting. It’s in SoCal (San Diego), and the attendees will mostly be SoCal folks, so the L.A. wildfires will be a topic for sure (I’ve been paying attention). I have yet to try my Noise/Party program on the HAs. I will for sure come Friday/Saturday/Sunday! Yeah, I see this perspective, have been thinking “why feel shame or anxiety if people see my HAs?” I cut my hair short as usual the other day. I think it makes less noise because hair contacting the BTE/RIC HAs is an issue that short hair resolves. The color? Eh. Who cares? Hey, I’m 81M. WTH.

Same as if they were wearing glasses should be atleast.

I would think the person that wears hearing aids has more experience and therefore more competence with helping others with hearing aids because they are using them.

I was embarrassed when I first got hearing aids because they seemed like an old age thing that was calling attention to my age. And I thought I would be stigmatized if someone saw them. Now I feel privileged that I am able to have hearing aids, and I love the technology. On a bike ride with a bunch of folks the other day, I called them my bionic ears. They are a real advantage on a windy bike ride for chatting people up.

Hi
I am a retired male with short hair and new to HA’s. My partner has been wearing them for just over a year. I view them much as a style statement as I do with glasses. In support of this I have purchased some accessories: fluorescent orange tubes and stickers for the aids. In terms of your question I would be happy you were wearing HA’s because it means you have recognised an issue and taken corrective action so not just “do as I say”

Thanks for the answer! What good advice did you get from your client!!

Thank you for your reply! Thank you for sharing your experience!

Thank you for such a detailed answer!My patients often recommend me to their friends and acquaintances, it is very motivating!

How wonderful! You did a great job! Tell me, is it possible to be shy at 81?! It’s a great time when your experience is your trump card!

Thank you so much for your support! This week, I told some people and put my hair behind my ears. But so far no one has noticed.

Thank you for your reply!

Thank you for your reply! I wish you success! And yes, working with children is really wonderful!