I thought the songbirds were swerving my property because I have a lot of cats. Or maybe bird flu got here a while ago and we’re only just noticing it. Maybe I stopped hearing the birdies first thing in the day because migration patterns are changing due to light pollution and loss of habitat.
But this week, I got a pair of hearing aids, and… the birds are still here! They are still singing, they are still out in the trees by the stream, greeting the day. I cried about halfway to the barn ,just because I could once again hear the birdies, and because they never left me after all. Their little arias are so good for my mood, and such an affirmation that we haven’t screwed up the planet beyond all recall just yet. What do you know, there are birdies singing at the horse barn too. I never knew…
The hearing aids are an adjustment–they make my own voice louder, so I’m tending to speak too softly. I’ll get over that, and I’ll learn which settings work best for which environments. They are uncomfortable, but I’m assured the discomfort fades with regular use. I might need child-sized devices, which we can sort out if necessary.
My hearing loss is following the most common pattern–the higher frequencies and the speech frequencies are hit the worst. I can still hear the washer and dryer, can still hear all the lawn mowers, even at a great distance (just my luck). I no longer detect the stream babbling when I sit on my porch in the evening. I cannot distinguish conversational speech clearly against a noisy background either, and that’s a life skill I still need. I also need to be able to think, and there is a scary-straight line correlation between loss of hearing and cognitive decline.
Recent studies posit that up to 32% of dementia cases could be prevented if those of us with poor hearing had the devices we needed to address the problem.
Untreated hearing loss means we lose the link between a sound and its meaning. In the nanoseconds while we’re sorting possibilities (“Did she say death and taxes or debt and taxes?”) we miss what else is being said, as well as context for what has been said already. Then we stop going out to lunch with friends, because we get tired of having to say, “I didn’t catch that. I’m sorry, could you repeat that? I missed what you said about your dog…” So we isolate ourselves socially, and cognition takes yet another hit. Untreated hearing loss is also linked to a much higher risk of depression, and you can just imagine your brain cells moaning over that news…
I need every possible neuron on the job at full strength for as long as possible, so I betook myself to the audiologist.
I bash for-greed medicine all the time, and these hearing aids were very, very expensive. But they work reasonably well, they are not obvious to the casual observer, and they gave me back the time of the singing birds and the music of my little rural stream. I am beyond grateful that I could afford them (for now), and every time I step outside–to take out the trash, to fetch the groceries from the car–I hear the birds singing, and I have a reason to stop and simply rejoice.
In the midst of these trying days, what gives you even the smallest reason to rejoice?
PS: I sent out the first batch of Advanced Reader Copies for A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment. I still have some open slots, so if you’d like an ARC file, just email me at [email protected] and let me know what device you read on.
I got my hearing aids last summer and have similar usage experiences to yours. The worst things I don’t like about them are that I now hear noises I’d just as soon not (the ice cubes dropping into the tray from the automatic ice maker make me jump every time) and I still cannot block out the overly loud music my back yard neighbor likes to play on his patio late at night. I really prefer quiet and, in fact, told the audiologist (whom I have known a long time as she did my late mother’s hearing aids, too) that my hearing is probably the sense I’d be most willing to give up. But I, too, became concerned when I read about losing cognition due to poor hearing and my audiologist told me it’s because the brain rewires itself trying to understand better and that takes capacity away from other activities. And I am also fortunate I could afford them. To your question, today I rejoiced because it finally rained a bit. We’re still in drought but I enjoyed listening to it. And I take pleasure in reading good books.
I just finished Lord Julian’s latest adventure and I already miss him! Great book, as usual, Grace!
I’m so glad you took that step, Grace! Good for you. I understand it takes a number of months to adjust to hearing aids, so keep at it (cheers)
Our daughter lost the hearing in one ear at about twenty-five. She works in an international business with lots of conference calls. Relying on one ear was tiring. Her hearing aid helps. She inspired a few of her co-workers and acquaintance to check into their own hearing… and a couple of them are hearing things they never have, not all of it pleasant. (Gravel underfoot)
My uncle was quite deaf and ended arguments by pulling out his hearing aids.
I rejoice in an adjustable bed. My digestion thanks me, my sinuses thank me and my husband is sleeping better, too, on his own side!
Hello Grace
Thank you again for the ARC this week, I’m saving for my next plane ride, May 30.
I’m a lucky one with hearing, so far, but my mama was very deaf, mostly from childhood illnesses, ( in the 1920’s) and by the time she got hearing aids they didn’t do much. My best friend got hers years ago and said you need to get hearing aids when you still have some hearing to aid which is a pretty succinct summation.
Right now I rejoice in warmth, finally here in middle Canada even if it goes up and down like a roller coast and has fried my tulips. And joy in the spring bulbs,especially my carpet of scillas, and Virginiacowslip just started blooming.
No joy in aches and pains but pleasure in still being able to move, and to garden.
Mary
Thanks for your thoughtful comments on the hearing loss you’ve been dealing with. I am an elder woman & got hearing aids along with my sister almost 2 years ago. They are small, not noticeable & work wonderfully well. On the advice of my daughter we went to the university in our city & got an appointment with their speech & hearing department. You don’t need to be a student, etc. we consulted with the almost graduated seniors (it’s a 6-8 yr program) who are overseen by an accredited PHD Professor. The cost is quite a bit less than a Dr.s office. It has certainly been life changing to be able to hear not only quiet conversations but all the wonderful sounds of nature, especially the birds! Congratulations on choosing to make a change! I love the language & humor of your wonderful books – thanks for all the good reads!
This is the message that I needed to hear right now. My hearing has been slowly declining, (darn those people who mumble, ha, ha), but I haven’t done anything about it.
I didn’t realize there was a link between hearing and cognition. Hopefully this fact will push me to make an appointment with an audiologist when I return home. Thank you, Grace!
I rejoice in having lots of time to read. I delight in discovering new titles and authors, and revisiting old favourites. I’m on vacation and my e-reader gives my the opportunity to do both.
I’m rejoicing over the drought breaking with 5 days of heavy rain. The rain has my white crepe myrtle blooming at last. That has the mockingbird back on its perch in my tree where we can carry on my lessons in mocking. First time I whistled back, doing my best to copy its phrase, there was a shocked pause, followed by a curious bird moving to the top of the street light & repeating its sequence. I did my best to repeat it back. More shocked silence, a flit closer to perch on my gutter & a shorter 3 notes. I managed a credible response & now it’s on! The minute I leave the house, be it dragging the trash or heading for the mailbox, we’re at each other like that Dueling Banjos sequence in the old Burt Reynolds movie Deliverance.
Thanks for the ARC!! Got it downloaded, now I’ve got to find time to barricade myself in a quiet spot & get some uninterrupted reading time. Bliss!
We recently replaced our mattress we had had for just under 20 years, and what a difference! My husband and I are sleeping well and my joints are much happier in the morning. My health has been improving in general, which is a direction I haven’t seen for a few years at least, and my rejoicing is half relief half joy.
My daughter is home for a few weeks before her next adventures begin now that she is a graduate. Having both kids home and safe is wonderful. Her academic year finished with a campus shooting so having her within reach is something I am very grateful for right now.
On a lighter note, the natural beauty of spring makes me rejoice! I love the blooming trees!
Yay!
Good for you, Grace, for helping yourself to maintain one of your most important senses. Too many ignore the need for assistance, limping along with repeated questions and missed information. I’m doubly glad you were able to afford what you needed, although I rejoiced when it finally became possible to purchase over-the-counter devices. I don’t know if they meet the needs of everyone, but ~$300/pair makes them within reach of most people. Any improvement is better than none.
Several weeks ago, we finally heard our pair of mourning doves cooing– that was lovely! The neighbor’s cat is now visiting more often and I enjoy his loud, rumbling purr very much. (He’s way too fat to bother the birds.) We finally met the couple who moved into the house around the corner, now that yard work has them out and about. Best of all, (sorry– no italics or underline available) I have a copy of:
___A Gentleman of Questionable Judgement___
to dive into as soon as I finish a trilogy I’ve been slogging through. A friend suggested it and loaned me all three actual books to read. I haven’t read an actual book in ages; the trilogy isn’t available in e-book format. I have been very, very spoiled by my iPad.
So thank you, Grace, for sending AG of QJ. It was a lovely and generous surprise to find it in my mailbox. Your kindness made my day!
I’m so happy for you. I have hearing loss also so I’ll put a hearing test on my list. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
However – it just came to me – I was told that a hearing device would not work because mine was from brain damage. That was several years ago so a second opinion will not hurt.
Dear Grace, hearing loss and other “indignities of aging” are just that, evidence we are still kicking. I’m told I shouldn’t put off cataract surgery – and this time I reluctantly agree. We need all our senses to keep alert to and appreciative of the beauty of spring, the fragrance of flowers, the pleasure of music and conversations with friends, and a vibrant voice to keep putting in our two cents’ worth. Onward – we are still vertical and taking nourishment while aging (gracefully, at least some of the time).
Eagerly awaiting Sir Julian’s next chapters,
Nancy
We’ve had rain and my tomato plants are looking good.
The honeysuckle is blooming.
I won the battle and figured out how to get the TV reconnected to the internet.
I have Lord Julian’s latest adventure to read.
I just read a lovely second chance romance I enjoyed.
Grace, I’m so happy that you can hear the birds again.
Grace, preach on the hearing aids! And from the perspective of someone “way too young” for them, also. I had not yet even darkened the door of 60 at the time. But too many years in the Bassoon section (since 6th grade through decades after grad scool) sitting in front of “brassholes” (that “ppp” on your music does not mean run to the restroom…) and drummers had taken their toll. It is exhausting in every way trying to hear and worth the indignity of wearing them. I hope you have a brand that does justice to your enjoyment of Music. If you don’t, keep looking. For me, I would settle for nothing less. Be safe and be well.
I’m glad you can hear the birds again, but sorry to hear they are uncomfortable.
I worry about losing hearing as I get older, as both sets of grandparents and my dad did. I can’t use earbuds as I’m prone to getting eczema in my ears; but recently I’ve discovered bone conduction headphones work well for me; so I hope if I ever need hearing aids that I can get them as bone-conducting instead of in-ear things. More visible, sitting right before my ears, but a lot less irritating.
Thank you for the e-ARC; I really enjoyed lord Julian’s newest adventure; having read a lot of Dick Francis I had some idea of possible methods (especially after the tulips) but it was still another variation, and I liked how Julian and his beloved grew closer through their troubles. I’m not very good at writing book reviews but I’ll try.
Usually, as a thank-you for early reading access, I can find some typos in those so they can be corrected before the e-book goes live, but I didn’t find a single one in this book! If I ever get another ARC from you, would you want notice of any typos I find, or do you prefer not to know as it’s too late to correct in the print versions?
Living in a city is hard work.
Really. Fortunately I’ve recently discovered a little park 40 minutes from home which despite its size boast a cascading fountain surrounded by wooden benches. Whenever I go there I rejoice in sitting on a bench and welcoming the gurgling sounds of the cascading water that soothe my soul.
Grace, I’ve just read A Gentleman of Questionable Judgment and your art, so finely weaving plots, puts me in mind of the famous spanish bobbing lace. Thank you for the ARC!
Grace, your hearing aid experience mirrored my own recent acquisition. I actually received my hearing aids as hand me downs from my teen grandson who has some hearing loss. This is an old pair which he has since upgraded from, but the cost savings is worth the lack of some features like blue tooth connectivity. I did have them adjusted for my level of hearing loss by an audiologist (an expense in itself, but well worth it). The first time I used them, I was amazed to hear my husband and grandson speaking softly across the room. It was a revelation! Having also read about hearing loss contributing to dementia, I was anxious to get with the program, especially as dementia has made several appearances in my family tree. I do agree, however, that they are not super comfortable to wear, but worth it to be able to be included in conversations… previously I had often felt like I was withdrawing into myself because I couldn’t follow the speech going on around me. If I can offer one piece of advice, I would tell you that if you use an electric toothbrush, do NOT put your hearing aids in before brushing your teeth!!! The noise level is astounding…. LOL! Stay safe. Stay well everyone!
I am so happy for your new hearing aids. What a joy! I have a hearing issue that cannot be helped. I am grateful for what sound I can hear and the patience of friends and strangers when I do have to ask for a repeat. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy the birds and everything else that is new again!
Grace:
Thank you so VERY much for the ARC of Julian’s latest Adventure! I got started and found I DID NOT WANT to put it down until I’d finished it — (very unusual for me – I can normally put down a book, if I must, and come back to it later — NOT SO on this one!)
PLEASE keep writing — I love reading your work!
Thanks again for the ARC — if you have a permanent list for ARCs, please keep me on it!
Thank you so much for posting about your recent hearing aid purchase. I’ve been having similar hearing issues to yours and realize that it’s time! My husband has been very happy with the hearing aids we purchased from Costco for him so that’s where I’ll head for mine. Just finished Lord Julian’s latest and thoroughly enjoyed it. You rock!
I am glad you can hear the birds! Glad you took the step!
I am listening to the birds in the morning with Greg on the deck. I downloaded the Merlin app and it’s amazing to see how many birds sing in my yard.
Walking and being with Greg bring me joy. Walking to the beach brings me peace and As Greg nears age 13 it’s amazing to be with my buddy. He makes me smile.