I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Etymotic (The Bean). I received a product to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Today is a bittersweet day. After 9 years of marriage, my divorce is final. I’m over shedding tears. That happened a long time ago. Now, my focus is moving onto the next chapter in my life.
When I look back on our relationship, one struggle we had was communication. When I say he didn’t hear what I had to say, I mean that literally. You see, my ex couldn’t hear certain tones or soft sounds. He was constantly asking me to repeat myself, to the point of both our frustration. He would embarrass me at social functions because he would continuously say “huh” or “what” or repeat himself in casual conversations. For years, I threatened to get him a hearing aid for Christmas.
Nine Christmas’ came and went and he never got a hearing aid. There always seemed to be more important things to buy. But now as we go on to live our separate lives and parent our daughter, clear communication is even more important. We have to be able to actually hear one another to avoid unnecessary frustration. That’s why I sucked it up and gave the man a parting gift: The Bean.
The Bean is a personal sound amplification product, which basically means it makes soft sounds louder. It is not a hearing aid. It won’t make loud sounds louder. Think of it this way, you know when you’re watching a movie and you have to turn it up when the characters are just talking (and no buildings are being blown up in the background)? The Bean makes those softer sounds louder so you can hear them.
The Bean isn’t for everyone. It’s best for people who:
- Want amplification for some listening situations but not all
- May not be ready to wear devices full time
- Wants a small amount of enhancement
- Have family members who have difficulty communicating with them
- Need the help hearing the TV or following conversations
- Want to hear better when a talker is farther away than in face-to-face communication
For my ex, he told me when wearing The Bean, he could actually hear the air conditioner blowing in his car and now realized why I didn’t like it turned up all the way. He’s wearing it on a regular basis and finally understands what he’s been missing. To be the best parents we can be for our daughter, clear communication is necessary. While The Bean can’t solve all of our problems, it can help to ensure what’s being said is heard.
About Sarah
Sarah is a healthcare administrator, mother of one spunky 6-year old daughter and a travel blogger living in Wichita, Kansas. Join her as she tackles life in the midwest one to-do list at a time.
I will have to share this with my mom who has trouble with hearing. Oh, and communication is often a struggle for us too – sometimes I just don’t slow down enough to really listen.
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Oh boy, I hate to admit this, but I think I want to try this. I’m always telling my daughter to make sure I’m looking at her when she talks to me otherwise I might not hear her. If there are too many background noises I can’t hear what people are saying. Sounds like this might help. Thanks for sharing.
This sounds like an awesome product. Going to check it out now. My dad is 90 and I have the same problem he is always asking me to repeat myself.
Hearing is so important, so glad that your Husband not got the help he needs
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My dad has trouble hearing. A lot. So I need to share this with him. It is also good for our church to have on hand for people who have a hard time hearing the service. Thanks for sharing!
I wonder if my husband can’t hear or if it’s selective hearing?
I think this is a great product! I don’t know anyone at this time who could benefit from it, but I will certainly keep this in mind when I come across someone – I would rather recommend this than an actual hearing aid as a starting point!
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I love that a product like this is out on the market. Definitely helpful to those who need it.
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I remember when my dad first got his hearing aids, he said he could hear similar (new) things. I couldn’t imagine not being able to hear, but it’s good to know there is a way to aid in that.
My aunt has some hearing issues but doesn’t like her hearing aids.The Bean seems like it might be a great option for her!
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I’m so glad this helps him hear better! I know that’s great for your daughter!