I was recently returning from an appointment in the Uk and I had an interesting conversation with an Irish lad in the airport about cement. Strange what us Irish blokes get talking about right? Did you know there are 27 different types of cement? No, I didn't either, it surprised the hell out of me. What has that got to do with the joy of hearing I hear you ask. Well, let me explain.
No Damned Hearing Aids
I had been in a rush that morning and I left the house without my hearing aids. I wasn't too phased because I wasn't expecting to be in any major noisy situations. My loss is such that I can generally get along well in quiet, like most of the people who have acquired hearing loss. My problems really only start when I am either tired or in noisy situations.
That day I knew I wouldn't be in too many noisy situations, I also knew that by the time I got to the airport on the way home, I would be to tired to care what anyone was saying to me. So, no problem right? Anyway, I got through the day, no major whaaa????? moments. Got back to the airport early and then had to sit waiting for a plane for a couple of hours.
The Smoking Area
I was standing outside in the smoking area, very civilised airport East Midlands, they have a smoking area. It looks like the set from a cage fighters movie, but hey. What is the story with the caged smoking areas? Are they afraid that we will get hyped up on nicotine and gambol across the rooftops giggling maniacally? I digress, back to the smoking area, I was standing there, getting fresh air, when a guy came out and I asked him for a light.
Turns out he was Irish, so we start yarning, that's talking, but Irish style. Anyway, he is over for a course on cement at a local University. Cement I said? Yes he says, you know there is 27 types of cement! I have to say, no I didn't. So we had a fascinating conversation about cement, engineering and European construction regulations.
What's The Point Fat Lad?
Yes, I am coming to it, the point is, I had a great conversation with a complete stranger with something that was a little fascinating. I got to learn something new, something I love to do. It was only possible because we were standing together in quiet. You know, if it had been noisy, I wouldn't have engaged with the guy beyond asking him for a light. Because I wouldn't have been able to understand much of what he said worth a damn.
Life is Enriched by Conversations
Life is enriched by conversations, hell, the Irish are famous for talking to anyone who makes eye contact. You see Londoners, there like, he's Irish, don't make eye contact, don't make eye contact! Anyway, as I was saying, our lives are enriched by the human contact we make daily, conversations are the lifeblood of human interaction. For me, there is joy in simple conversations with friends, family and complete strangers, all the better if I learn something new.
Conversations happen when we are secure in the knowledge that we can hear and communicate. It is as simple as that. I forgot my hearing aids that day, but I was lucky to have my life enriched by a conversation about cement. Don't miss out on the conversations, if you need hearing aids to engage in your life, get them. Hopefully, you too will begin to understand the joy of simple conversations.
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Posted by Geoff
Geoffrey Cooling
Geoffrey (Geoff, anything else makes him nervous) Cooling is an Irish hearing aid blogger and has been involved with the hearing aid industry for over ten years. He has worked in private practice dispensing hearing aids and as a manufacturer's rep. He has written two books and they are both available on Amazon. He loves technology, passing on knowledge and is legendary for many other things, primarily the amount he curses, his dry and mischievous sense of humour and his complete intolerance of people who are full of themselves. Please feel free to connect with him
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