What do Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer, Ronald Reagan, Phyllis Diller and Al Unser have in common? Each has suffered from and overcome hearing loss to lead a full, productive and successful life. A majority of Americans, however, for one reason or another, do not take the necessary steps to overcome their disability. More than one out of every ten people suffer from hearing loss. Most of those people can now be helped -- medically, surgically or simply through the use of hearing aids -- but tragically, many are reluctant to take the first step.

Selected Quotes From the Hearing Impaired

 "To eliminate correctable hearing loss, we need to be more aggressive both as a society and in the health professions. Technology is coming very close to the place where inexpensive and effective hearing aids will be within the reach of all Americans who need them. We need to encourage people who would benefit from hearing aids to get them. I am delighted by the way they have helped me.

Just before I received my hearing aids, I attended one of those Washington receptions at the Hotel Willard. I had come to feel uncomfortable at receptions, and this one was typically difficult. I had the distinct feeling that I was missing more than I was receiving. The next morning, I got my hearing aids and that evening I hosted our annual Christmas party, where there was as much background noise as at the Willard the night before. Once again I was in touch with most of what was being said around me. From that day forward, I carried my head high in crowded rooms."

C. Everett Koop, M.D
Former U. S. Surgeon General
Koop: The Memoirs of America's Family Doctor

I've been deaf in my left ear since childhood, and my hearing at higher frequencies began deteriorating about 20 years ago. I have had very satisfactory experiences with my hearing aid dealer.

I have been working with the same dealer for about 15 years. The people there have been totally honest with me about the products they sell. They helped determine what was best for me, which has helped me to function better.

Charles McCrae
Attorney

My hearing aid has had a great impact upon my life both professionally and personally. I'm involved in a lot of meetings. Before I had my hearing aid, I missed a lot and had to always ask people to repeat themselves. As a result, I had a lot of stress. Today, I'm so much more aware of what's going on simply because of my hearing aid. Personally, the hearing aid has helped me be more involved with my kids.

The experience with my hearing aid dispenser was very positive. The dispenser was able to fit the hearing aid to compensate for my specific hearing needs in terms of frequency and volume. He listened to me and worked to make the right adjustments.

Charles Warner
Executive Director of Older Adult Rehabilitation Services and
Member of the Community Care Program Advisory Committee of the Illinois Department on Aging

One result of spending a lifetime around race cars was a noise-induced hearing loss. My hearing loss could have been a big liability for me, but instead I sought help from a hearing instrument specialist who fitted me with hearing aids. Wearing the hearing aids changed my life for the better and helped me overcome what, for many people, can be a serious disability.

Bobby Unser
Professional Race Car Driver
Indy 500 Champion

In 1983, while I was seriously ill and lying unconscious in the hospital, my hearing aid dispenser would come on a regular basis just to make sure my hearing aids were working properly. Along with my wife and doctors, he sure took care of me. As far as I'm concerned, they went way above and beyond the call of duty. Even today, when I have a problem, I know I can count on him.

J. D. Porter
Retiree

I've had at least a 50 percent hearing loss due to an inner-ear nerve problem since I left the army in 1963. Without a hearing aid, I probably would be unable to run my business.

I saw an audiologist only once when my hearing loss was first diagnosed. Since then, I have dealt only with my hearing aid dispenser. He is extremely honest and reliable, and he bends over backwards to make sure the products he sells work and fit properly.

Hank Gordon
Attorney

I discovered while I was a student teacher that I suffered a 20 to 25 percent hearing loss from nerve deafness in my right ear. The loss was most severe in high frequencies, which made it especially hard to hear my students' voices. I had trouble finding the people in my classroom who were talking to me. Now, I wear a hearing aid which enables me to pinpoint who's saying what and what's being said.

My hearing aid dispenser was extremely knowledgeable and thorough in determining just what instrument was needed to improve my hearing. He answered many tough questions regarding the different units that are available and their applications.

James Shutack
Teacher