You know those funny quirks that your spouse has that you’ve tried to get used to? Maybe it’s something that was annoying for a while, but eventually you get used to it and just laugh it off.
For me and my husband, that quirk is his need for noise.
When he comes into a room, he wants to turn the tv or some music on. As he’s falling asleep, he prefers to have the tv on. And when he’s in the car, he loves the music to be playing.
The problem is that he likes all of the things to be playing loud. Too loud.
It’s something that we’ve talked about many times over our years together. He says his hearing was checked in the past and was always fine, and he just likes things loud. But now that we have children, it’s a concern again for me. I’ve turned on my car too many times to find the radio BLASTING. And knowing that he was last in the car driving all of our kids, that worries me. I don’t want them to end up like him because their hearing is damaged from loud noise.
When I found out about The BEAN from Etymotic Research, I thought that it might be perfect for my husband.
The BEAN is ideal for people who want amplification in some situations but not all of the time. It’s helpful for hearing the tv, following conversations and for hearing someone from a distance, like in a classroom or church service.
Since my husband doesn’t need a full time device and only needs quiet sounds amplified, I thought it might be exactly what he needed.
When we got his starter kit, the BEAN was ready to use right out of the box without any set-up needed. Just put in one of the included batteries and fit it into the ear.
It took a little playing with for my husband to figure out which eartip fit the best. At first, he thought it was a little uncomfortable and said he was hearing a hollow sound. Once he figured out how to get the BEAN twisted back horizontally and more deeply seated in his ear, he said it was comfortable and the hollow sounds stopped.
My husband has been wearing The BEAN for over a week now on and off. He doesn’t wear it when he’s working alone and doesn’t need it, but when he’s interacting with others on the phone, in person and in crowds, he says it’s made a big difference in what he hears clearly.
He’s happy to be able to hear more clearly and I’m thrilled too. I’ve already noticed that I’m not having to repeat myself as often when we’re talking and now we’re not having to watch the TV on blast so he can hear what’s being said.
Do you know someone who has a hard time hearing in some situations?
5 Clues The BEAN Can Help:
1. If you ask others to repeat themselves or ask “what?” frequently
2. If you need to watch people’s faces carefully when they speak
3. If you turn up the TV or radio up louder than others
4. If you avoid or social situation because of difficulty following conversations
5. If you have a hard time hearing women’s and children’s voices, understanding speech in noisy places like restaurants or meeting rooms, hearing in worship services or lectures or if you have difficulty Following a conversation, especially when more than one person is talking.
If you’re like me, you had NO idea this even existed. I had resigned myself to waiting until my husband was much older and finally needed a hearing aid. But The BEAN is exactly what he needed.
Life, just one click louder.
Learn more about The BEAN online. Follow Etymotic on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and product updates.
Theresa says
We’ve been trying this out too!
md kennedy says
My husband SOOOOOO needs this! He has been diagnosed with a little bit of hearing loss but not enough for a real hearing aid. And yet he keeps the TV so loud. I am getting him a Bean!
Penelope says
That is a brilliant idea, and my dad could really use it!
Margot C says
I have never heard of this; frankly I think it would be me that would need it. Thank you.
Calien Laure says
This sounds like something I need to look into for Hubby. He does have some damage to his ears – too many RPGs from his shoulders years ago. He didn’t want to go full blown hearing aids, and money is tight. Will most certainly be checking this out!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
That’s interesting. I may need one of these one day.
Kelsey Apley says
I have read other reviews on this showing it works pretty good. ALways good to keep in mind in case I or someone I know needs it!
Angela says
I like things quiet and had no idea this product existed. Very useful!
Jenn says
This sounds like something that I could actually use for myself!
Colleen says
My husband just loves to have the TV on LOL. I’m glad it is working well for your husband.
Mellisa says
I agree with Jenn, I could use something like this for myself.
Leilani says
Oh, i’ve seen this on TV and told my mom she should get it.
Lolo says
I really want this for my dad to try out.
Sherri Lewis says
I would love to get this for my grandmother. She refuses to get a hearing aid, and bless her heart she can’t hear a bit of the conversation…. she just sits there and smiles and nods 🙂
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
My ex ended up getting hearing aids because he was wanting everything so dang loud. There was no peace and quiet when he was home. Noise, noise, noise. lol He needed the bean AND hearing aids.
Wendy T says
Very interesting. I definitely have one ear that is better than the other. I will only use that ear for phone conversations or when someone is speaking in whispers or quietly, I turn so they can speak into my better ear.
molly c says
haha i have a need for noise too! can’t sleep without my fan!
DENISE SMITH says
i could use this myself thanks for sharing