The sound of excitement
From the roar associated with touchdowns, to the much-anticipated halftime show, there’s a lot of noise going on at the Super Bowl. This is something that both players and spectators need to deal with. It’s possible for everyone involved in the game to enjoy themselves and participate fully, regardless of noise levels or hearing loss. Let’s take a look at some of the players who have overcome hearing difficulties to succeed at NFL level.
Tackling the issues
People who are deaf or living with a hearing loss usually have to face a number of obstacles in their lives, on top of those that others might encounter. The stories that some of the hearing-impaired footballers tell about their journeys include innovative solutions to problems associated with playing while wearing hearing aids.
For example, Derrick Coleman began playing at an early age even though he was profoundly deaf and needed a hearing device to hear the coach and his teammates. With the support of his family and some quick-thinking solutions to reduce feedback in his hearing aid, Coleman would eventually go on to take part in the Super Bowl XLVIII.
Reed Doughty was a big player for the Washington Redskins. He openly admits to a tendency to withdraw because he couldn’t lip-read through the football helmets and wasn’t able to wear a conventional hearing aid. Doughty overcame this by using the latest in shockproof and waterproof hearing devices as well as applying a whole load of determination.
No one can say that Flozell Adams has let hearing difficulties affect his record. Despite being partially deaf in one ear, he spent more than a decade with the Dallas Cowboys before going on to join the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. He has one of the highest Pro Bowl selection records of any player.
The big day
What are your plans for the big day? Family and friends at home? Soaking up the atmosphere at a social event? Or perhaps you even have tickets to attend the game at the home of the Atlanta Falcons in Georgia? Wherever you intend to be, make sure you have a solid plan for protecting your hearing, so you don’t have to think about it at the time.
You can get discreet, in-the-ear plugs for direct protection. Many hearing devices allow you to remotely control factors, such as volume, from your phone. This means you can make the adjustments you need, without drawing any attention to your ear.
Can we be your coach?
At PHC, we may not be able to coach football, but we do know hearing assessment in Tennessee. We can check your needs, starting with a few simple tests. When you book an appointment with us, we can introduce you to the latest strategies and equipment that is available to ensure that you are on top of the play-by-play at the game and in your life.
