Hearing Technology Helps Rebuild Relationships: Myron's Story

​​Rebuilding Relationships with Technology

The story of the day is often how technology is​ affecting our ability to form and maintain relationships – and not in a good way. But if you ask Myron Ballain, he’ll sing a different tune.

In 2003, Ballain was a school administrator, a job that revolves around healthy relationships with students, colleagues and parents, alike. One day while talking to a child about his school behavior, a fellow employee informed Ballain he had missed a few pieces of information when reciting back what he heard from the student.

“I thought, ‘Uh-oh, I guess it’s time to do something,” Ballain said with a chuckle.

Ballain turned to the audiology experts at Boys Town National Research Hospital, a highly credible organization that had a good standing amongst his peers. The team was known for not just selling hearing aids, but truly helping people who have hearing deficits. From start to finish, Boys Town Hospital lived up to its reputation.

The process started with a series of tests, Ballain’s first brush with the life-changing hearing technology available at specialty clinics like Boys Town Hospital. Ballain admits that in the beginning, the tests were a little bit frustrating, un​til he learned his results.

“They took me into the hearing booth and explained what the equipment was going to do,” Ballain said. “Some of that was a bit exasperating because they’ll play real soft tones and then some sharp tones, and you’re not sure what you heard. But the clarity comes after the testing. They lay the results out in front of you, and they show you what the technology can do.”

• Transcript

  Hearing Aids: Myron 's Story - Boys Town National Research Hospital

  I more or less hit a brick wall trying to do my daily work as a school administrator. So we can see if all those sounds are loud enough for you to hear. My wife was very frustrated because of my hearing deficit and she wound up repeating things like three four times and what's wrong with your hearing, your ears need help. Yes I know that and that's why I'm seeking help from the most reputable organization that I could find. The reason I come to Boys Town is the professional expertise and their ability to adapt just to your hearing needs. What's unique about my care is I really got complicated hearing loss in both ears and I need something to help that no one else is offered. They've got equipment here that I couldn't encounter elsewhere. They've got services here that I've been able to move forward with and as the technology changed and as my relationships changed, I had to have that kind of expertise that I could not find elsewhere. They're here to adapt to your hearing needs. They know how to identify that. They put you through extensive tests that we didn't receive elsewhere and you just can't solve a situation where I have to improve my hearing, if you don't have the tools, equipment and the know-how. The technology that's available to people now is so easy to work with, so uncomplicated. You can pick it up and you can use that technology from day one if you'll just sit down with the professionals and have them show you. It's just that easy. People who have disabilities and hearing deficits should not walk, they should run. Pick up the phone. Do not wait. You'll never regret it. You're just sitting out there getting frustrated. They're here to help you with your hearing deficits, disabilities and they know how to adapt to those and very successfully.

When Ballain first arrived, he did not use a single piece of technology to aid his hearing. Now, he can’t get enough of it. He routes phone calls directly to his hearing aids using Bluetooth. He adjusts his hearing aids for unique environments using his app. He even measures the decibels of the space he’s in using his iWatch. Ballain is in constant use of technology, and the effects he’s seeing are thrilling.

“Oh my goodness,” he said. “My wife was very frustrated with our previous relationship because of my hearing deficit. She wound up repeating things three or four times. Now, my hearing aids allow me to adapt to multiple settings. I can zero in an individual, a small group or even a large group.”

Both Ballain and his wife appreciate the results. He’s happy to spread the word about hearing health with anyone who will listen.

“People who have hearing deficits should not walk to the next hearing test they can get at an organization like Boys Town – they should run,” Ballain said.

“People who have hearing deficits should not walk to the next hearing test they can get at an organization like Boys Town – they should run,” Ballain said. “You’ll never regret it. You’ve got to help yourself with your hearing before you can address your personal relationships, or working relationships or community relationships. Boys Town has the skills to help.”