Teenager Listens to iPod During Brain Tumor Removal Surgery

Do You Listen to Your iPod in Uncomfortable Situations?

December 19, 2008

A teenager who had surgery to remove a brain tumor made news when he also listened to his iPod during the procedure (well, while he was conscious). It reminded me of how I always listen to my iPod when I'm at the dentist; not having to hear the drill as loud saves me from having minor freak-outs.

It's not just the sound of my preferred music that I like, either; having something I'm so familiar with is comforting, and a great distraction if I'm enduring something painful or uncomfortable.

Most people use their gadgets to pass the time, but this use of an iPod is something I find truly valuable. What about you? Do you listen to your iPod at the doctor or dentist, or somewhere else uncomfortable?

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30 Comments

2 years 31 weeks

I listen to my ipod all the time, and thats no understatment. I put it on whenever im awake and almost always have at least one earphone in.

Anniina 4 years 21 weeks

I'd listen at the dentist but I don't want to be rude, my dentist talks to me through operations. And I answer what I can. I listen to my iPod (iPhone) all the time, the question should be when do I not..

RadishSalad 4 years 21 weeks

I brought my iPod with me when I had to get a few shots at the doctors. It helped a little.

hippiecowgirl 4 years 21 weeks

I wear mine a lot at the grocery store because people tend to annoy me there. I do take it off when I check out so as not to be rude to the cashier.

katedavis 4 years 21 weeks

I listened to my iPod at the dentist, but I couldn't hear when he was asking me to open my mouth wider and such. :)

kscincotta 4 years 21 weeks

Back in the dark days before iPods, my dentist recommended that I bring my discman while I had my wisdom teeth. Such a good way to stay mellowed out during the procedure.

Cris1192 4 years 21 weeks

Does class count as an uncomfortable situation?

Lyv 4 years 21 weeks

I'd like to, but it makes you seem a bit anti-social. I listen to it mostly on solo walks, waiting lines and long drives with family. Also, wth is up with "dino dino"? I thought TeamSugar was troll-free.

devils 4 years 21 weeks

My mom brings her to the dentist. I tried to roll with it though :p I did try once, while I was having surgery on my toe, but I just couldn't take it still....I just felt like it was sound track to my torture lol (plus I had to hear him if he talked to me). didn't work out so well for me i guess

TidalWave 4 years 21 weeks

I completely agree with bethinabox. I never ever thought to listen to my ipod at the dentist or anywhere. And I think it is very rude. They need to communicate with you!

BostonChick 4 years 21 weeks

The real question is, when do I not listen to my ipod? ;) hahaha.

bluebird 4 years 21 weeks

I had to have a lot of dental work when I was young as a result of falling from a fence and landing face-first on a concrete slab, and my dentist was always so nice about letting me wear my headphones while he was working. He'd even stop the procedure and help me put a different CD in, way back when all I had was a Walkman!

Pegona 4 years 21 weeks

The last time I was at the dentist for an intensive procedure, he actually recommended that I listen to my iPod before we started. How considerate! I would have been too uncomfortable to even think about it, otherwise. Mmm, he's also the sexiest dentist ever. He's young, smiling blue eyes, kinda GOTH but not in an excessively creepy way, mmm! If any of you live in Austin and want to switch dentists, send me a message...

blu-eyes 4 years 21 weeks

I go to a surgery center four times a year for an epidural for low back pain. I started to bring my ipod last year because it took my mind off of the nurses doing the iv and it helped pass the time while I waited for my turn. I went last week and the anestheseologist yelled at me and told me to take the "things" out of my ears! I can see his point if I had had both "things" in my ears but I didnt. I always leave one ear free so I can hear:)

tiratana 4 years 21 weeks

Where is the phantom hand coming from in that photo?

macgirl 4 years 21 weeks

I wear them Christmas shopping if I have to go to the mall. I hate crowds.

sandia 4 years 21 weeks

Definitely at the dentist! I've had the same dentist since I was a kid and he doesn't think it's rude at all. He's the one that suggested it to me in the first place so I would relax! Haha!

Blackwidowchick 4 years 21 weeks

I don't know about physically uncomfortable stuff, but when I feel uncomfortable psychologically I like to listen to my ipod. Like when work is really crazy, and all the girls I work with are in bad moods I like to wear it so I don't have to talk to them or listen to their whining. Also when I am at the gym I listen to my ipod because usually people will chat on the treadmill next to me and I can't concentrate so if my ipod is in I can tune them out.

qtpie 4 years 21 weeks

Same here, I always try to listen to my iPod when I'm at the dentist for surgery or whatever, but not for checkups. It makes you feel so much more relaxed and not concentrating on what the dentist is doing

witchbaby 4 years 21 weeks

I don't think I could do this at the dentists office. He hates me enough as it is. Okay he doesn't hate me but I know my mom who always books our appointments on the same day would get upset at how rude it might come off.

allinavhcnerf 4 years 21 weeks

ugh, no i don't own an ipod and i never will! i have someting other than an ipod and yes, i do use it in uncomfortable situations

ChicBookFiend 4 years 21 weeks

No. But I probably would if I had the chance.

pamc 4 years 21 weeks

while getting blood drawn. i barely noticed it.. well ok i did notice it but it makes the experience more bearable

KadBunny 4 years 21 weeks

Wtf?

dino dino 4 years 21 weeks

yes, why don't we all just listen to our ipods everywhere?! while we're at it, why don't we just burn the constitution and eat our own feces like cavemen?

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