I feel the necessity to write this note because, for the last 40 years I didn't know what in the world of sound I was missing until the digital hearing aids were fitted four months ago. Now the birds are singing, and the owls in the trees are talking back and forth during my 7:00AM walks, and I realize there are lyrics to the music.
There has been a marvelous change in my outlook to the world these last four months, and I didn't know what I have been missing. During WW2, as a B-17 pilot, the engines just outside the window damaged my hearing system unknown to the discharge personnel or myself at the time of my discharge. I am now able to understand not only the male flight controllers, but also the female controllers when I fly. I realize what the hearing system means and how time works on it. Let me explain in a few words. At first you don't realize the hearing is gone except during group conversation, you don't understand everything that is said. As time goes on, the not understanding lets you out of the conversation. The next thing that happens is not being able to understand the conversation; you gradually lose the concentration necessary for the understanding. Over time this problem gets worse.
Now for the last four months, I have been included in these conversations and at this writing I am beginning to understand, also I am gaining my concentration back. I just wish these digital hearing aids had come along years ago for me, as I believe I have missed a lot of my precious life since WW2.
January 14, 2003
