the crickets outside are much louder
than I can remember
did my car always make that sound
when the key gets turned around?
do people normally call my name
from so faraway?
lectures suddenly don’t seem so draining
all the knowledge is finally retaining.
coffee shops and restaurant hops
aren’t as scary as they used to be
I can actually hear every person I see
and my responses are no longer
a confused nod and a ponder.
I never realized how captivating it is
to hear every pitch of your favourite song
or your mothers voice singing along.
I thought the listening aid
would change everything
worrying over the judgement it could bring
but now there isn’t anything I would trade
for the difference it’s made.

Hearing health matters just as much as all other spheres of health. Nobody should be afraid of what the world will think about how they look after their precious ears. Appreciate the blessing of all senses.

I am so grateful for my audiologist and Oticon for the huge impact they’ve had on my life with helping me get the listening aid I need. And more than ever, I am grateful for all the friends and family that supported me through this journey. You know who you are, and YOU gave me the confidence to share this.

By Mila Ottavini