I had an interesting experience this morning. After having a lingering ear infection for about 3 months, my doctor wanted me to go for a hearing test.
I sat in a little sound-proof room (supposedly sound-proof, although I could hear the distant chatter in another office) and, wearing headphones, said "OK" every time I heard a series of low-volume beeps at different frequencies. First in the right ear, then in the left--the infection has been on the left side.
After the beeps, the audiologist had me repeat back a list of words that would come through first on the right side, then the left. The volume decreased as she spoke until I could barely guess what she was saying.
The results were that my hearing is fine, better on the right than the left, but that may have nothing to do with the ear infection, which was in the Eustachian tube and was causing pressure and that feeling like you just got off an airplane.
My relief was more than I expected and it made me really grateful. Sound is so important, and, if I had to give up either sight or sound, which would I give up? I think I'd rather give up sight. Those days when my left ear was all plugged up, I felt partially cut off from the world.
Hopefully I will never have to completely give up either sense, but it did get me thinking. What would you give up?
3 comments:
I'd give up sound. There would definitely be a lot I would miss, but I don't think I could stand not being able to see the people I love anymore. And all of the things they will do - graduate, get married, have children, etc. I'd rather see those things than hear them.
It's a tough one, isn't it? I would hate the loss of dependence that losing sight would give. But I think losing sound would be very lonely.
I'm so happy to hear from you again (no pun intended, honest)! I've missed you.
I'm with Karen-and I've thought about this question before-I would give up hearing. Like you said, I would not want the loss of independence that comes from losing sight. Sometimes I just feel so grateful for my functioning body even if it is getting older!
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