Click
Plunk plunk
Squeak squeak squeak
Clump clump clump clump
I’m re-learning the world around me, one sound at a time. I didn’t realize how much my hearing had declined over the years until my new prescription hearing aids re-awakened my wonder at the forgotten nuances of sound.
The click of the electric baseboard heater told me the bathroom was getting warm, but how long had the faucet been dripping?
Later in the day, when I was walking through the dining room, I heard a shushing sound. I stopped to try to figure out what made that shushing sound. It stopped. I started walking again and I heard the shushing again. Then, I noticed when I moved forward, I heard the shushing. Apparently, my hearing aids picked up the air movement as I walked and turned off when I stopped. Or was it my curly, grey hair whispering into the microphone?
For years, I thought I walked quietly down the hallway in my soft comfy slippers, but now, I hear the clump clump of each step, accompanied by the squeaking of the floor. When did my home get so noisy and old?
Tickity tick tick. I knew my old manual typewriter made a clacking sound, yet, I didn’t realize my laptop keyboard also makes a sound as I type.
Tick Tock
chime chime
I can hear the tall case clock Dave’s Dad made loudly marking off my life’s longevity.
My brand spanking new hearing aids has rekindled my childlike curiosity about the sounds surrounding me.
I wonder if I’ll hear myself losing weight?
Author’s note: Many thanks to the Sight and Hearing Journey support group for their helpful discussions.
VIP Coaches Note: Kate has a new pair of Oticon Intent 3, we are ecstatic for her to rediscover her world in sound. We do not endorse any particular brand of hearing aid. We encorage you to experiment and find whatever brand of hearing aids work for you.
By. Guest Blogger Kate Chamberlin

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