It always surprises me when I can hear.
Really hear.
A couple of months ago, I got new hearing aids — and yes, they’re purple! 💜
But let me back up a bit.
About a year ago, I lost one of my hearing aids. I searched everywhere for nearly six months. I deep-cleaned the house, retraced my steps, checked under the seats in my car, even looked in places I’d already cleared three times over. But eventually, I had to accept it was gone.
Thankfully, I still had my backup pair — my old hearing aids from 2013. The technology was outdated, the microphones were weak, and outside of work, I barely used them. They didn’t help much. I ended up relying more on sign language or lip-reading (which isn’t always the best or most accurate).
It was frustrating to say the least. Even with the hearing aids in, it felt like I wasn’t really hearing anything, making me think my hearing loss had progressed.
So, I reached out to my vocational rehab counselor. I asked for a new hearing test and help with getting new devices. This time, I went into the audiologist’s office with two firm requests:
- Colored hearing aids (because why not make them fun?)
- Old-style half molds
Around 2010, the trend shifted away from full or half molds to standard “small, medium, large” inserts. But those don’t stay in my ears. My hearing aids would constantly fall out – when I put on my glasses, took off my glasses, put my hair up, turned my head… you name it, it probably made them fall out of my ears. It was annoying.
While my audiologist was thrilled about the purple color, she was surprised I wanted molds again as most people don’t like the molds.
But I knew what worked for me, and so, we got the molds started, picked the device, and then I just had to wait.
Getting my Hearing Aids
When they finally came in, I put them on and I was startled by how LOUD the world was again.
I could hear my keys jangling, the A.C. humming, my kids smacking at snacks (seriously?!), and my husband’s very distinct sighs.
The good news? I can take them out when I need a break from all of that.
I also got a Roger device — a mic that can be placed on a table, clipped to someone, or pointed in a direction. It has six built-in microphones and sends sound directly to my hearing aids. It’s honestly incredible. During a recent writing group meeting, someone joked that I was contributing more than usual. I laughed and said, “That’s because I can actually hear you now!” And it’s true.
How I feel Now
It’s been about three months since I got my new hearing aids, and while I do love them, and they’ve made things much easier, I’ve also noticed something: I still need my quiet.
I’ve had more headaches lately, and I think it’s from the mental fatigue of processing sound again. My brain is still adjusting. And while I’m deeply grateful for the technology, I sometimes feel like I have to wear them instead of choosing to wear them.
That’s why I’m just as thankful that I learned sign language. Because when I need to, I can choose silence and still communicate. That freedom is powerful.
And did I mention my hearing aids are purple? Because they are. And I love that. 💜
If you use a hearing device, do you prefer wearing it? Or do you take breaks from sound, too? I’d love to hear your experience.
Leave a comment