Issue 23.17
Hearing loss knows no boundaries in who it will affect. One of the most famous individuals who acquired hearing loss, at the age of two years, was Helen Keller. It is well known that she was also blind. With the help of Anne Sullivan, she was able to develop her speech and language. In time Helen became an author and world lecturer. One of her most famous quotes is, “We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.” Very good advice that has applications today to all of us regardless of our circumstances.
Another famous figure with hearing loss was Ludwig van Beethoven, who was a music prodigy as a child. For unknown reasons, he began to lose his hearing by the time he was 28 years old. His hearing loss worsened to the point that by the time he was in his 40s he was unable to communicate socially, and by 45 was completely deaf. The amazing thing is that he continued to compose some of the world’s greatest classical music even after he was no longer able to hear a single note of what he was producing. In desperation, he even sawed off the legs of his piano so he could better feel the vibrations of the piano keys.
There are other famous individuals who are no strangers to hearing loss. They have had the courage to let it be known of their struggles with hearing loss and let the rest of us know that we are not alone. These famous names include:
Vinton Cerf, Ph.D – He was the Vice President of Google and co-creator of the internet. He said, “I have benefited from the invention of increasingly powerful and flexible hearing aids with substantial digital processing capability. I could not function at all in the fashion that I have been able to without these hearing aids.”
Leslie Nielson – The famous actor of many comedy movies that became box office hits. He suffered from hearing loss for many years, yet led a successful career in acting.
Al and Bobby Unser – These legendary race car drivers said, “We use hearing aids to overcome our hearing loss.” No doubt, years behind the wheel of cars that produced very loud noise was the primary cause of their hearing loss.
Ronald Reagan – One of Hollywood’s timeless actors and then one of the all-time favorite U.S. presidents dealt publicly with hearing loss. He was fit with a hearing aid in his right ear in 1984. Showing his good humor about his hearing loss, on one occasion when a reporter shouted, “How’s your hearing?” an unruffled President Reagan deliberately cupped his hand around his ear, flashed a wide grin and shouted back, “WHAT?”
For those of you who suspect a hearing loss and have not yet taken the steps toward having your hearing looked into, I would encourage you to take the first painless step at getting your hearing evaluated by one of our Doctors of Audiology. If hearing devices are recommended, you will be educated on the different treatment options available to you. You will be in the best hands of a provider who will not only help you select appropriate technology, but will provide you with a treatment plan that will help you have the best long-term success with your hearing devices.
Call Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists to make an appointment for your FREE Try-Before-You-Buy Trial. 435-688-8866 in St. George, 435-867-0714 in Cedar City or 702-346-4622 in Mesquite.