03/09/2024
There are three senior citizens living together in Jeffersonville -- me, Steve, and Steve's mom, Carol. It is usually a fine arrangement with one exception. None of us can hear as well as we did even a couple years ago.
There are a lot of comments from each of us related to our non-working ears: "What?" "Were you talking to me?" "You're mumbling." "Did you hear a phone ring?" "I can't understand you." "I still can't understand you." "Don't talk to me when my back is toward you." Sometimes these comments are kind and information seeking, punctuated with please and thank you. Other times they are irritable, irritating, and blaming. Once in a while someone will actually refuse to repeat what they said! Or someone will announce loudly, "Forget it. I wasn't speaking to you anyway."
Now, I know we are a pastor's family and are supposed to set an example for peaceful family living, and I am sad to be the one to break this news: Pastor's family or not, we can still become irritable, irritating, blaming and even rude with one another. Sorry if this is a surprise to you!
At this point, I am the only one who readily admits that I have significant hearing loss, as is backed up by my ENT doc and audiologist. I've been fitted for hearing aids and we (Steve and I) are busy thinking about what else we could do with $3,375 and how important it is for me to hear.
On the other hand, the other two people who live here haven't make a single advance toward having their own hearing checked. I would push them a little more, but do I really want them to hear every word I say -- even the ones spoken in a small, under the breath whisper? Do I?
I'm presently taking that question under advisement.
