My grandmother used to remove her hearing aids. I always thought it was an eccentric habit but now I get it! This weekend "the Indy" was run just south of my home. The incessant whine of car engines, constantly changing gears, was barely noticeable with my hearing aids out and my windows closed. During the week, I am able to reduce the noise of the construction nearby and the gear-shifting of the big trucks delivering gravel and taking away rubble from the sites. It is almost peaceful enough to leave my windows open!
It's a wonderful thing to be able to choose whether to be able to hear. And, of course, hearing is a blessing - birdsong, grandkids sharing their adventures, concerts. And being able to actually turn up the volume when desired is great!
Being able to manage the volume doesn't solve all problems. If I sleep on my "hearing" ear, I can hear next to nothing. My cats don't appreciate that as they aren't able to just call me from their empty food dishes. They have solved that problem by learning to "comb" my hair with their claws. Sleeping in requires me to get fully under the covers and hold them tightly down.