July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

What? What was that? I CAN’T HEAR YOU

I had to finally face it. I’ve lost enough hearing in my left ear to require a hearing aid. And, it’s really not an age thing. I’ve had hearing problems in my left ear for years. Ask my friends – if they want me to hear them, they always stand or sit near my right ear.

I’ve been tested several times over the years. The first time I get tested, in my 40s, I went to the House Ear Institute. I was there almost all day, taking every test known at the time. When testing was complete, I found out that I had (guess what) hearing loss! No reason.

I went on with my life, hearing better in my right ear than my left. The great thing about not being able to hear so well out of my left ear was I got much better sleep, with nothing waking me up when I slept on my right ear (my left ear exposed.) It’s awesome. I think that might be why I have not done anything about it.

I got tested again in my 50s, and my doctor thought that part of it was a build up of ear wax he extracted from my ear. Eeww. Turns out I had some hearing loss in my left ear, not just ear wax build up. It sucks getting older.

I took a hearing test about 3 years ago. This time, my right ear was 100% able to hear and my left ear was 80% able to hear. Doctors told me if I wanted to get a hearing aid, I could, but my hearing loss was not acute enough to run out and get one right away. I looked into the possibility, but lost interest when I discovered how expensive they were.

The “light bulbs began going on” when, at social gatherings or client meetings, the people who didn’t know that I was left-ear hearing impaired were somewhat put off when they asked me a question and I didn’t answer or even acknowledge them. My friends at my right ear had to tap me on my arm to let me know the person at my left ear was talking to me. I did not hear them. At all. Shit.

The final straw came last week, when I was at a dinner party. My friend David, who knew I had a hard-of-hearing issue in my left ear, purposely sat next to me on my left. He thought it was funny that he could say whatever he wanted to me and about me and I did not hear a stitch of sound from him. Kinda freaked me out.

I started to research hearing aids. Turns out no matter which I buy, I have to buy A PAIR. I don’t get that. But I must say, I did not have the choices available to me 20 years ago as I do now. Most are so small, you can’t detect them in your ear. I can’t wait until I get them. Yes, I will be able to hear better, but I’m not telling my friend David. Next time he sits next to me I will have a surprise for him. And I will still take them out to sleep better!

in News
<>Related Posts

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...