In his newest blog written exclusively for Starkey, Justin Osmond (who was born with a severe-to-profound hearing loss and has been wearing hearing aids since he was two years old) shares how his hearing health journey converged with his father’s; the unexpected outcomes; and the important conversations it sparked about men’s health.
June brings two meaningful reminders: Men’s Health Month (currently in progress) and Father’s Day (on June 21). For me, they intersect in a deeply personal way through a shared journey my father, Merrill, and I never expected to take together.
I was born with severe-to-profound hearing loss. From the beginning, the world sounded different to me—muted in places and fragmented in others. Communication required intention. I learned early how to read expressions, how to focus, how to advocate for myself in a world that isn’t always designed with hearing differences in mind. It shaped not just how I heard, but how I connected.
My father’s experience was the opposite, at least at first. Hearing loss wasn’t part of his story until much later.
Over time, though, small changes crept in. Conversations became harder to follow in crowded rooms. The TV volume edged higher. Words occasionally blurred together. Like many men, he didn’t rush to address his hearing loss. It was gradual, easy to dismiss, and even easier to adapt around…until it wasn’t.
How two different hearing journeys transformed one relationship
Somewhere along the way, our paths converged. What had always been my reality became, in part, his. And what might have been a frustrating or isolating experience instead became something unexpectedly connective.
For the first time, we were navigating similar challenges—not as parent and child in separate roles, but as two people learning from each other.
I became a guide in ways I never anticipated. I could share strategies that had helped me for years: positioning in conversations, advocating for clarity, embracing tools and technology without hesitation.
My father, in turn, brought perspective, patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt even when it felt unfamiliar. There was humility in that—and strength, too.
Our relationship deepened in the process. Communication became more deliberate, more thoughtful. We listened, not just with our ears, but with attention and care.
There’s something powerful about meeting someone in the middle of a shared challenge. It strips away assumptions and builds understanding in its place.
Why treating hearing loss is important to men’s health
Our shared experience also sparked important conversations about men’s health—especially hearing health, which is often overlooked: Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight, and because of that, it’s easy to ignore. Unfortunately, untreated hearing issues can affect more than just sound. They can impact relationships, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
If there’s one thing our journey has made clear, it’s this: Taking care of your hearing is not a sign of weakness—it’s an investment in connection. It’s choosing to stay engaged with the people and moments that matter most.
For men especially, there can be a reluctance to seek help, to acknowledge change, or to prioritize preventative care. But hearing health deserves attention just like any other aspect of well-being. Regular checkups, early intervention, and openness to support can make a profound difference.
Father’s Day or any day—hearing is a gift for relationships
This Father’s Day, I’m so grateful: not just for my dad, but for the way our experiences have brought us closer. What started as two very different paths became a shared journey of understanding, adaptation, and mutual support.
In a world full of noise, the ability and the willingness to truly hear each other is a gift.
And sometimes, it takes a challenge to remind us just how meaningful that gift can be.
You can follow Justin Osmond on Facebook at JAOsmond; on Instagram at justin_osmond; on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinosmond/ or at his website www.justinosmond.com
This blog reflects the opinions and experiences of a Starkey hearing aid wearer. They were aware that this blog would be used by Starkey and have been compensated as a partner of Starkey.