In his newest blog written exclusively for Starkey, Justin Osmond—who was born with a severe-to-profound hearing loss and has been wearing hearing aids since he was two years old—talks about how hearing aids have helped him live out his passion for outdoor adventures.
If you’re like me, you don’t do well sitting still. Whether it’s boating across a glassy lake, hiking through backcountry trails, racing an ATV over rugged terrain, or diving into a competitive game of pickleball—I live for the adrenaline, the laughter, the camaraderie, and the fresh air.
But here's the catch: I was born with severe-to-profound hearing loss. That could’ve been the end of the story—me, stuck on the sidelines, missing punchlines, instructions, and even the sounds of nature that so many take for granted. But thanks to technology, persistence, and a little grit, that’s not how my story played out.
From silence to full send
My hearing aids aren’t just devices—they’re lifelines. They’ve transformed how I experience the world. They allow me to hear the crunch of boots on a trail, the whoop of a friend catching a fish, the rev of a 4-wheeler engine, and yes—even the friendly smack talk on the pickleball court!
They help me stay alert and safe when boating or hunting. They help me communicate clearly when setting up camp or coordinating with my buddies out in the wild. They help me belong—to conversations, to my team, to the moments that matter.
Without my hearing aids, I’d still be outdoors—but I’d be missing the full experience. With them, I’m not just surviving in the wild—I’m thriving in it.
Confidence in the chaos
One of the biggest game-changers has been the confidence my hearing aids give me. In noisy, unpredictable environments like sporting events or outdoor adventures, it’s easy for someone with hearing loss to feel overwhelmed or left out. But with the right hearing tech—and the right attitude—I don’t feel limited. I feel limitless.
I can join in the fun, respond quickly, laugh at the jokes, and even make a few of my own. I’m not the guy sitting out—I’m right in the mix, playing hard, and living loud.
Motivation for the next generation
If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt like your hearing loss might keep you from doing what you love—don’t believe it. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, hiked, paddled, pedaled, and played in—with the help of hearing technology.
Your hearing aids don’t hold you back—they set you free. They give you the power to participate, to push boundaries, and to write your own adventure story.
So, whether you’re reeling in a big catch, lighting up the pickleball court, or sitting by a campfire swapping stories with friends, don’t let hearing loss steal those moments.
Embrace the tech. Embrace the journey. And keep doing what you love—with all your heart, and all your hearing.
Because life’s too short to sit on the sidelines.
You can follow Justin Osmond on Facebook at JAOsmond; on Instagram at justin_osmond; on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinosmond/ or at his website www.justinosmond.com
This blog reflects the opinions and experiences of a Starkey hearing aid wearer. They were aware that this blog would be used by Starkey, and have been compensated as a partner of Starkey.