Do you hear what I hear?

I have a very wise friend who joins me in having a bit of a hearing loss. We were discussing the situation and agreed that people are less patient with another person who has a hearing loss than they are with ones with other minor disabilities. I have written about this before but I am sure every reader doesn't remember every word I have ever written, but this friend gave me another point that I thought was so good I wanted to share it.

But first, let me elaborate on the patience angle. When people don't see well, other people offer assistance, excuse them from reading if it is necessary, and describe what is going on if they have not been able to see it.

Those who have mobility problems are also assisted; offered chairs quickly, and helped over obstacles.

But quite often those who don't hear well enough to catch every word hesitate to ask for a repeat of the statement because they have experienced irritation on the part of the person who has to repeat their words.

Each of these disabilities can be helped with mechanical devices. Glasses or cataract surgery can often improve vision. Canes and walkers and the wonderful motorized wheelchairs can keep folks moving in spite of weakness or stiffness. Hearing aids improve the ability to hear and distinguish sounds.

But my friend pointed out a big difference in these devices. The hearing aid seems to be the only one that the manufacturer tries to make invisible.

Read the advertisements about hearing aids. Most of them comment on the small size that can be easily hidden in the ear. Words such as "inconspicuous," "tiny," "flesh-colored" and not noticeable are used in every ad.

An optician sells glasses that are attractive, colored to enhance your eye or skin tones, shaped to look perky, studious, dignified, or alluring. Never do you hear that no one will even know you are wearing glasses. No, they are considered a necessary and openly visible accessory.

Canes often sport a flamboyant look with a colorful top, a funny design, or an interesting shape. Walkers and wheelchairs often have some decoration attached to show the spirit of the user. No attempt is made to hide them.

So why is the need for a hearing aid the only device that seems to carry with it some element of embarrassment? That very attitude is one that makes some people put off getting the help they need. When being fitted for an aid I had the seller tell me that with my hairstyle the aids wouldn't even be noticed. Dr. Hatch didn't tell me that my glasses wouldn't be noticed. He suggested ones that would compensate for colorless eyebrows. I don't need any help in getting around so I haven't experienced the salesmanship of those devices, but I can imagine that they suggest their dependability, style or ease in using and not whether anyone will see them or not.

My friend and I wondered what would happen if some hearing aids were made to be conspicuous. Imagine someone wearing hearing aids with happy faces painted on them in bright orange or patriotic ones with red white and blue symbols? Another idea would be to use the space for advertising or campaign posters. It makes as much sense as wearing expensive clothes with the manufacturer's name emblazoned across the front (or rear).

They could even replace earrings!