From Robert (“Scuch’) Pascucci MD Boston Children’s Hospital (retired), currently cast member Walt Disney World
I’ve been wearing hearing aids for a bit more than a year. Although they can certainly be a pain, they are also very helpful in day-to-day interactions, particularly at work*. I’d second the recommendation for folks to get a pair if they need them. As far as vanity is concerned, I try to normalize them as much as possible. They have names (Bert & Ernie, Mork & Mindy, Click & Clack – take your pick). If I have to use a stethoscope on a kid, l’ll just take them out, listen to the kid, explain what they are, and pop them back in.
*My official job is at ESPN, the sports center – but I actually spend most of my time at the parks’ front gates letting people in, giving directions, etc. Hearing aid are definitely helpful in that position!
From Dr. Dale Szpisjak
I am currently in Annapolis to see my son graduate from my Alma Mater. A few days ago during the Blue Angels practice session my sister-in-law showed her Apple Watch to me. It gave a message about the decibels exceeding 100 and a warning about potential hearing damage.
After reading this PAAD, I wondered: What if OR noise levels were measured from Apple Watches worn by the anesthesiologist, the data downloaded, and correlated with the EMR for analysis of adverse events? I should have stayed in academics...