Contents
Lobot
Overview
August’s worsening hearing forces him to confront getting hearing aids. At a specialist’s office, he’s fitted with headband-style aids due to his absent outer ears, feels embarrassed, and compares himself to Lobot. Despite resistance, the doctor turns them on, setting up a turning point in how August hears and copes at school.
Summary
August recalls doctors warning he would someday need hearing aids. As fifth grade progresses, the constant ocean-like noise in his head grows louder, muffling voices and forcing him to the front of classrooms. He hides the decline from his parents, fearing it will mean hearing aids, until he fails his October audiology test and is referred to a specialist.
At the ear doctor, August’s longstanding dislike of his ears resurfaces. Because he has no outer ears, traditional aids won’t stay on, so the doctor presents a heavy-duty headband with attached earbuds. Seeing it, August refuses, worrying about how he looks and blurting that he will look like Lobot from Star Wars.
The specialist lightens the mood with Star Wars banter and explains each component—the ear mold, tubing, tone hook, and the headband cradle—while fitting the device. August remains upset by his reflection and the visible tubes, insisting the aids won’t help and that he hates them.
Despite August’s protests, the doctor asks him to wait for the difference with the power on. The scene ends as the doctor switches the hearing aids on, pushing August to confront both his embarrassment and the promise of finally hearing clearly.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanStruggles with worsening hearing; resists headband-style hearing aids, feeling embarrassed and anxious about his appearance.
- Ear doctorSpecialist who fits August’s custom headband hearing aids, explains components, and encourages him to try them.
- Mom (Isabel Pullman)Accompanies August to the fitting, reassures him, and urges patience with the new hearing aids.