My right ear has become damaged. I find this hard-of-hearing ear useful.

At night when my hubby forgets to lower the volume of his TV show (he’s a night owl, I’m not), I roll over burying my good ear in the pillow, leaving only muffled sounds for my right ear to absorb.

Seated next to someone I would prefer not to chat with, I announce my hearing disability and after a few “say that again” they leave me alone.