Procrastination

While Whyte writes about the percolation and seeding thoughts to allow them to germinate into bloom, procrastination about hearing health should not follow this supposition as delays may have long-term health consequences.

Consider your hearing health for brain longevity — Are procrastination and denial closely related?

 When considering one’s hearing health and the possible daunting admission of the need for hearing aids, what may be obstacles to pursuing a life filled with sweet sounds of the world and communicating with loved ones?

For some an obstacle may be costs. Speak to your audiologist about options available to you they may have helpful resources. Denying the need for hearing help doesn’t change the reality and necessity that could have long-term health concerns.

Is your procrastination armor preventing you from growing into the fullest potential and recognition of the gifts you offer to your community and the world? For some, loved ones in our lives may become a crutch as they often assist and relay communications when trying to connect to conversations and also alert us to potential dangers we may not hear. This gracious gift can also be exhausting for those who are the interpreters.

Hearing aids will make me look old.

Some may have the misbelief that hearing aids will make them look old while still vigorous. In a culture that projects ageism and values youth, this is certainly a sensitive concern. My observation is that one thing that will make one appear “old” or mentally slow is disengaging and shrinking from the world. As emotionally daunting as admitting to a hearing loss may be, separating oneself from community because the challenges of discerning conversations has its own complications including mis-perception by withdrawing. Shrinking from socialization may be misconstrued as losing touch with one’s surroundings and others may perceive it as a decline in cognitive health With current technological developments, many hearing aids are so small they are unnoticeable, and being able to reengage with life will be empowering.

Let’s be the change.

Let us open ourselves to discussions with one another about the joys of growing older and taking control of our lives by advocating for our well-being and not shy away from the perceived obstacles in our path. Let us circumnavigate the doors of perception to find an open window to express the fullness of our being and understand our individual reasons for procrastinating and take steps to successfully becoming our powerful future selves.

Hearing loss is a growing public-health challenge and the third most chronic condition in the United States. Hearing acuity can change over time so making it a high priority to seek help if you sense that your ability to discern sounds is becoming a challenge. Unrealistic and prolonged delay may not be in our best interest. Has there been a time when you have delayed doing something or made excuses and once you took action exclaimed, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” as a whole new world of opportunities opened up by taking small steps. Growing older does not have to be a daunting experience, but a gift and blessing that many are not allotted.