Soundproof

I visited an audiologist and underwent my first ever hearing test.

Funny thing.  I enjoyed the test.  “This is kinda cool,” I told the good doctor halfway through the process.

She laughed.  “I am happy you are enjoying it.”

In the Mitch-world way of thinking, there was plenty to enjoy about the hearing test.  First, I was impressed with having a soundproof room all to myself.  And the room was filled with all kinds of wires and electronic gadgets for me to look at.

I found the audio tests interesting in the way pure sounds found input to only one ear at a time.  This is not a normal sensation in daily life.  The sounds ping-ponging from ear to ear intrigued me, if nothing else.

Best of all, the test results indicated that my left ear—which I injured a month ago—is picking up sounds nearly as well as my right ear.  Additionally, the audiologist is convinced the slight loss in my left ear is the product of fluid remaining in my inner ear as result of an ear infection following the injury.

“It may take as much as three months for the body to absorb the fluid,” she informed me, “I don’t think the loss you are experiencing is permanent.”

This is pretty good news.  Before visiting the audiologist, I googled for information relative to ear problems similar to mine.  Most hits offered only grim outcomes.  I was pretty convinced I and anyone who touched me in recent weeks would have permanent hearing loss stemming from my ear infection.  

—Mitchell Hegman