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 five things he wishes everyone knew about living with hearing loss.
I was born with a profound hearing loss. I've worn hearing aids for nearly my entire life and will readily admit today's technology is nothing short of remarkable. But what people may not understand is that hearing aids don't restore “normal” hearing. They simply give me access to sounds that I would otherwise miss.
Over the years, I've discovered that most people genuinely want to help—they just don't know how. But a little understanding can go a long way in strengthening communication and relationships: So, if you’ve ever wondered what it's really like to live with hearing loss, here are five things I wish everyone knew:
1. Hearing aids help me hear better—but don't restore “normal” hearing.
I absolutely love my hearing aids.
The technology available today is incredible, and my hearing aids help me hear far more than I ever could without them. They allow me to participate in conversations, enjoy music, hear my family, and experience the world in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
But here’s what many people don't realize: Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss.
Even with the best hearing technology, I still don’t hear the way someone with normal hearing does. I catch much more than I used to, but I still miss words, misunderstand conversations from time to time, and have to work harder to piece everything together.
Think of it this way: Hearing aids improve the signal—but they can’t fully repair ears that have been damaged. In other words, they give me better access to sound, but they can't recreate hearing that was lost.
That's why I may still ask you to repeat yourself, especially in noisy environments or group conversations. It's not because my hearing aids aren't working—they are. It's simply because hearing with hearing loss is different than hearing with healthy ears.
I'm incredibly grateful for today's technology. My hearing aids have changed my life. They just haven't “erased” my hearing loss completely.
(To get a sense of what hearing loss is like, check out Starkey’s “hearing loss simulator.”)
2. Listening is exhausting.
Most people don't realize how much mental energy hearing loss requires.
Every conversation is like putting together a puzzle: I’m constantly reading lips, watching facial expressions, interpreting body language, filling in missing words, and using context clues—all while trying to stay engaged in the conversation.
By the end of a long meeting or social event, I'm often mentally drained.
It’s not because I don't enjoy being around people. It's because my brain has been working at full speed the entire time.
So, if there’s one thing you can take away from this—it’s that sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone with hearing loss is patience.
3. If I ask you to repeat yourself, I’m not ignoring you.
One of the most frustrating moments for someone with hearing loss is when a person responds with:
“Never mind.”
Please don’t do that. When I ask you to repeat something, it's because what you said matters to me. I'm trying to include myself in the conversation—not avoid it.
Even better than simply repeating the exact same words is rephrasing the sentence. Often, one different word can make all the difference.
Communication is a two-way street. Thank you for meeting me halfway.
4. Please get my attention before you start talking.
This small habit can make an enormous difference:
If you’re speaking while walking away, talking from another room, looking at your computer, or covering your mouth…there's a good chance I'm only catching pieces of what you're saying.
Instead, say my name first.
Make eye contact.
Face me.
Then start talking.
Those few extra seconds can dramatically improve my ability to understand you. It isn't about speaking louder—it's about helping me see and hear you at the same time.
5. Hearing loss doesn’t define me.
Yes, I have hearing loss. But hearing loss doesn’t have me.
I've learned that what some people see as a disability can actually become an advantage.
Living with hearing loss has taught me resilience, empathy, determination, creativity, and gratitude.
It’s helped shape who I am: I’ve run 250 miles across Utah. I’ve written books. I’ve received my master’s in business administration. I’ve spoken around the world as a keynote presenter. I love being a humanitarian as I continue to serve in my community and in my church.
None of those accomplishments happened in spite of hearing loss. They happened because I refused to let hearing loss determine what my future would be.
When you meet someone who wears hearing aids or communicates differently, don’t lower your expectations. Raise your understanding.
See the person before you see the hearing loss.
One final thought
I may have a hearing loss, but my hearing loss does not have me.
Hearing aids have opened doors I never thought possible, but the greatest gift anyone can give me isn’t better technology—it’s understanding. When we meet each other with patience, kindness, and a willingness to communicate, everyone hears a little better.
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.