Waterproof listening to aids was once only a dream for folks with listening to loss. However now, with the brand new waterproof Audéo Life listening to aids from Phonak, getting moist simply bought much more fulfilling.
HearingLikeMe Norway talks to Jesper Schøllhammer, a passionate sailer and listening to assist person, about life along with his new waterproof listening to aids.
Ahoy. Ahoooooy, over right here! The man is shouting and waving his arms. It should be Jesper, Jesper Schøllhammer. He greets me kindly with a giant smile and an outstretched hand.
“Hello, I’m Jesper. Welcome to Vejle harbor.”
He might look extra like he’s dressed for a enterprise assembly than a race, however the purpose we’re assembly right here within the harbor is that Jesper has invited Phonak to an action-packed night on Vejle Fjord along with his crew of three.
Crusing with Listening to Aids
Situations are comparatively calm within the harbor, however within the bay the wind is about to construct, properly previous the 10-15 meters per second we had hoped for. There’s an excellent probability of getting moist, however harsh wind circumstances, splashing waves and possibly a dip within the water don’t scare Jesper regardless that he’s sporting two superior listening to aids.
It wasn’t at all times this manner, however the brand new Phonak Audéo Life waterproof listening to aids have given Jesper a brand new starvation for water and massive waves.
Rising up with listening to loss
Jesper is 51 years outdated and lives in Vejle along with his spouse and two grownup kids. He at present works as a challenge supervisor at Lego in Billund, the place he has labored for the final 10 years.
Along with holding down a accountable job, he engages in a wide range of sporting actions in his spare time, along with his nice ardour being crusing. He races each domestically and internationally all through the summer season.
Jesper was barely 3 years’ outdated when he was found to have listening to loss and has been sporting listening to aids ever since. Within the Nineteen Seventies, the expertise was not the identical as it’s now, and dwelling with listening to loss had its challenges. Regardless of this, Jesper feels that he has managed fairly properly and has hardly ever felt ignored.
Learn extra: Taking part in types with listening to aids not a problem
“I used to be in all probability a bit privileged, and a part of which will have been as a result of I used to be fairly good at soccer. Listening to loss has by no means been an impediment for me,” he says.
Jesper has 75 p.c listening to loss, however, with new expertise, he estimates that he’s maybe 10-20 p.c away from regular listening to. And with, amongst different issues, the brand new Phonak Roger On , he can go even additional.
“I’ve at all times wished to be like everybody else, however being open with others and admitting that I don’t hear so properly has been very troublesome. There will be misunderstandings, together with in work conditions the place I don’t get all the pieces.”
New expertise means new alternatives
Jesper is concerned about expertise, and the evolution of listening to aids has been an thrilling journey. The transition from analog to digital gadgets was incredible, and the brand new waterproof Audéo Life gadgets from Phonak have given Je
sper a transparent enchancment in his high quality of life.
“None of my earlier listening to aids might face up to water, and, for somebody who spends a lot time at sea, it’s very inconvenient,” he laughs. “I’ve at all times needed to be cautious, and definitely keep away from falling into the water!”
“None of my earlier listening to aids might face up to water, and, for somebody who spends a lot time at sea, it’s very inconvenient.”
“My new gadgets give me new alternatives. It’s particularly attention-grabbing with all the chances to have the ability to adapt the gadgets to my very own wants and the environments I’m in. I’ve created my very own applications within the myPhonak app, which swimsuit my wants whether or not I’m at a celebration, at work, having dinner with family and friends or out at sea.
“”My new gadgets give me new alternatives…”
“Within the boat, it’s necessary to have the ability to discuss and perceive one another, and I haven’t been in a position to do this like this earlier than. Being depending on others to maintain up will be tiring.”
As well as, the Schøllhammer household are keenly concerned about environmental safety. Jesper could be very joyful that the home equipment are rechargeable and doesn’t miss having to alter batteries. The charger is on the bedside desk, so on daily basis begins with totally charged gadgets.
Learn extra: Teen set to sail the Pacific with listening to aids
Utilizing the Phonak Roger On
Jesper makes use of Roger On each at work and at house and could be very happy. In conditions the place distance or acoustics make it troublesome for Jesper to listen to all the pieces, he places Roger On on the desk. He has additionally hung it across the neck of the particular person talking, with spectacular outcomes.
“The convenience of use is superb and I can study new features shortly,” he says. “These are superb equipment, you shouldn’t be afraid to make use of Roger On.”
“I’ve discovered that I can take up extra, and I’m not as drained in my thoughts after an extended day as a result of I spend much less vitality on listening. It’s only a pity I didn’t have this after I was a scholar. It might have performed a serious position in my schooling.”
No complaints
Jesper definitely doesn’t complain about rising up or dwelling with listening to loss.
“I’ve been in a position to make my decisions no matter listening to,” he says. “I contemplate myself equal to everybody else and need to be equal to everybody else.”
“In fact, I’ve needed to acknowledge that some conditions are additional difficult, however now I’m glad that expertise has made it simpler for me to be open about my listening to loss.”
This text was initially printed on HearingLikeMe.com in Norway.
The HearingLikeMe editorial staff contains Jill Blocker von Bueren and Lisa Goldstein.
