HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK – Radio host and realtor Ian O’Malley recently experienced a significant shift in his perception of sound after being fitted with hearing aids. O’Malley, who had long managed hearing difficulties, described his first experience with hearing aids as an eye-opening realization of what he had been missing.
“For the first time, I detected the slight rasp in my wife’s voice,” he said. Despite years of shared experiences, O’Malley realized that hearing loss had affected his connection to loved ones. Accepting the need for hearing aids marked a turning point in his journey.
Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
O’Malley recalls experiencing signs of hearing loss as early as his 30s, frequently asking people to repeat themselves. Working in radio, he relied on instant replay to compensate for what he missed. His condition, however, became more apparent to his wife, who noticed he struggled with conversations.
A pivotal moment occurred when the couple attended a concert together. O’Malley, who had spent much of his career at multiple live music events each week, was accustomed to post-concert ringing in his ears, a symptom he now recognizes as tinnitus. His wife was surprised that he didn’t wear earplugs and encouraged him to visit an audiologist.
Overcoming Stigma and Initial Hesitation
A hearing test confirmed high-frequency hearing loss, a range critical for understanding speech, particularly female voices. While O’Malley had long suspected hearing difficulties, seeing the impact on his loved ones motivated him to take action.
Initially, he hesitated to wear hearing aids, associating them with outdated designs. However, once fitted, he was struck by the difference in sound quality.
“The first thing I did was stand outside and just listen. The wind blowing through the trees, the birds chirping—the sounds were distinct and clear.”
O’Malley compared the experience to seeing high-definition television for the first time, noting that the improvement in hearing was both surprising and transformative.
Finding the Right Hearing Aid Solution
As he adapted to hearing aids, O’Malley sought a device that better suited his needs. During a follow-up visit with his audiologist, he was introduced to the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids.
“The right choice for me came down to trial and error,” he said. Features such as enhanced directionality, reduced wind noise, and improved battery life contributed to a better listening experience.
“The comparison to my original hearing aids and improvement of my hearing in general is remarkable,” he added. O’Malley noted that Widex SmartRIC’s TruAcoustics™ technology provided a more natural and immersive listening experience, allowing him to enjoy music with greater clarity.
Enhancing Professional and Personal Life
Beyond his radio career, O’Malley found that hearing aids improved his work in real estate. “This is a profession that requires good listening skills. If you’re struggling to hear your clients’ preferences, it’s impossible to find them the home of their dreams.”
Through social media and radio, O’Malley has shared his experience to encourage others to prioritize hearing health. He continues to wear hearing aids daily, with exceptions for concerts and workouts, where he opts for earplugs and headphones.
“It’s important that people understand how much hearing aids can make a difference,” he said. “I advise anyone who listens to my show or reads my story that if you have already made this same mistake, get tested. If not, always wear earplugs.”
About Widex
At Widex we believe in a world where there are no barriers to communication; a world where people interact freely, effortlessly, and confidently. With sixty years’ experience developing state-of-the-art technology, we provide hearing solutions that are easy to use, seamlessly integrated in daily life and enable people to hear naturally. As one of the world’s leading hearing aid producers, our products are sold in more than one hundred countries, and we employ 4,000 people worldwide.
Source: Widex
