The couple were newlyweds although age-qualified for Medicare. It was a routine physical for the husband.  His wife accompanied him with pad and pen in hand.

This was a second marriage for the husband. His first wife of 35 years had died three years earlier.  This first wife and his current new wife had been friends for years and shared much including personal information regarding the husband’s health and habits.

As the doctor began his physical examination, the wife interrupted by saying, “He doesn’t hear well now and his first wife said he didn’t hear well then.”

Without a pause in his routine or an acknowledgement of the concern the doctor asked the husband, “Other than marital deafness, how is your hearing?”

Are we learning to laugh at ourselves?