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Sometimes it is the annoyances in our day that end up being lifesavers. When I was in third grade every student in my school had to go through routine inspections of their eyes and ears to make sure that we were seeing and hearing all right. When I was singled out during the hearing test I began to cry. It is not comfortable when among your peers something about you is different. I wasn't any happier when I got home and the school nurse had called my parents. The nightmare wouldn't end in the weeks ahead when I was seeing doctors and specialists and my life had gone from kickball and tag to various tones and instruments and something called audiology. After a few months, doctors determined that indeed I had a minor hearing loss. They suggested it could be related to being around pyrotechnic shows frequently. My uncle Ron blasted off fireworks for a living and every weekend over the summer we would go with him to the local minor league baseball stadium or community parade and watch him set up and detonate fireworks. Not only was it loud, but the music that went along with the shows would be turned up to the highest possible volume. Doctors asked if I wore noise-canceling headphones during the show. My uncle did, but the kids thought they were nerdy looking, so none of us wore them. The hearing test and subsequent visits to the doctor made my family aware that I shouldn't be up close at the fireworks shows anymore. The professionals insisted it would be ok if I went, but I needed to wear the headphones. My parents figured that they had made a mistake in letting me go in the first place and was not going to risk allowing me any more close calls. My mom was really concerned that her recklessness was going to cause me a long-term issue. The doctors insisted that because the hearing test tipped them off to the problem, and we were addressing it by keeping me away from more loud shows, that I would not suffer any further problems. Being singled out as a kid is scary and feels like the world is up against you. In the case of those basic diagnostics in school, finding out early allowed me to get professional help, and avoid losing my ability to hear. Sometimes the short-term annoyances include long-term benefits. Don't let your hearing slip away. Read more about Harrisburg, PA hearing test at: http://www.miracle-ear-harrisburg.com.
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