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Home > Archive > Hearing loss support > October 2006 > looking for info
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| badisbh@gmail.com 2006-10-15, 2:27 am |
| hi,
i am 32 y/o now and have been wearing aids for the past 17 or 18 years
in my right ear which is the "good" ear with moderate to severe hearing
loss. The left ear is almost deaf and has word recognition problem. For
personal reasons I never wanted to upgrade from the CIC models and
because my hearing is getting worse over time I got into depression
last year and was seriously thinking of commiting suicide until I went
to a new audiologist who was able to fit me with a CIC widex bravo who
has probably worked better than all my previous hearing aids. However
this initial glee is fading away over time since my hearing issue is
preventing me from carrying a normal life and is a huge obstacle in my
career (i am a software engineer) advancement as I don't think I can
take management positions this way.
The source of my hearing loss is unknown. Although my dad is hard of
hearing since birth, I am the only one among my brothers/sister who has
this issue (i am the youngest) and I started noticing it at the age of
10. The reason I am posting this message is to ask whether there are
clinics here in Montreal or anywhere in Canada where they can find out
the real source of the hearing loss. Note that I got very sick when I
was about a year or less old (severe dehydration) that normally have
side-effects on the patient at a later age.
thanks,
ben
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| Hi ben,
I suppose it's interesting to find out the 'why'... the reason for your
post. Doesn't matter near as much as you getting some hearing back tho.
Until recently I was SSD (left ear, no ear drum) and my right ear, - no
bones, for 30 years. Eight operations over the years, first one in 1968.
My hearing ear with no bones is pretty much out of the speech box.
I work in construction, a noisy environment, so people always talk loud. I
managed to get by but there were the odd frustrating times.
Six or eight months ago I had a big problem with my hearing ear. My ear doc
of 30 years was scaling back and so set me up with a younger doc... one who
would be around. The new doc fixed my right ear, the problem, not the
hearing but at least I wasn't deaf, then... "I can give you some hearing on
your left side if you want". I almost fell over. Anyway I went for it just
as a duck goes for water. I'm extremely pleased with sound on my left side.
So... you should go back to your ENT doc and see what they can do for you or
see what is required to get you some hearing. It will change your life.
Maybe you just need a BTE aid. Grow your hair a bit... but nobody cares
anyway if you wear a hearing aid. Management positions are readily
available to people with hearing aids.
By the way my left side fix is a Baha (bone anchored hearing aid).
Marvelous device. A bit radical for some but it sure works. Being wearing
it for a month and can't live without it now.
--
Dave
<badisbh@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1160883728.682388.264170@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> hi,
> i am 32 y/o now and have been wearing aids for the past 17 or 18 years
> in my right ear which is the "good" ear with moderate to severe hearing
> loss. The left ear is almost deaf and has word recognition problem. For
> personal reasons I never wanted to upgrade from the CIC models and
> because my hearing is getting worse over time I got into depression
> last year and was seriously thinking of commiting suicide until I went
> to a new audiologist who was able to fit me with a CIC widex bravo who
> has probably worked better than all my previous hearing aids. However
> this initial glee is fading away over time since my hearing issue is
> preventing me from carrying a normal life and is a huge obstacle in my
> career (i am a software engineer) advancement as I don't think I can
> take management positions this way.
> The source of my hearing loss is unknown. Although my dad is hard of
> hearing since birth, I am the only one among my brothers/sister who has
> this issue (i am the youngest) and I started noticing it at the age of
> 10. The reason I am posting this message is to ask whether there are
> clinics here in Montreal or anywhere in Canada where they can find out
> the real source of the hearing loss. Note that I got very sick when I
> was about a year or less old (severe dehydration) that normally have
> side-effects on the patient at a later age.
>
> thanks,
>
> ben
>
| |
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|
Ben's post is interesting because he implies strongly that he does not
want hearing aid which are visible. Apparently his hearing problems are
beyond the scope of invisible aids but he has endured serious
depression when by going BTE he could have enhanced his hearing
considerably.
There has been much discussion in this group about this problem - few
have been as frank as Ben in insisting on aid indivisibility.
Yet it is understandable. Everyone would prefer an invisible aid. I
expressed this preference when I was first fitted (but was was told,
bluntly, that, with my degree of hearing loss, it was BTEs or nothing).
But while understandable, preference for invisible aids is irrational
when they will not do the job. And if you have serious hearing loss it
is going to be apparent to anyone who deals with you within seconds. In
fact, as a long term BTE wearer, I find that having visible aids
actually helps in dealing with strangers because they are aware of the
need to speak slowly and clearly.
Find a good audiologist, have your hearing checked out by specialists.
If you have any reservations about their assessment get a second
opinion. Once you are satisfied you have a sound adviser then follow
his advice. Go back as necessary for follow up assessments.
The technology exists to give virtually anyone sufficient hearing to
manage in society and in the workplace. It is not easy and it is not
cheap. But given motivation and determination and facing up to harsh
reality about things like appearance, you can, hearing-wise, regain a
normal life. You never get back perfect hearing but you can achieve
sufficient to manage OK.
| |
| kol_Isha 2006-10-15, 9:29 pm |
|
"Ken" <kkerrison@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:1160944998.338868.182350@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Ben's post is interesting because he implies strongly that he does not
> want hearing aid which are visible. Apparently his hearing problems are
> beyond the scope of invisible aids but he has endured serious
> depression when by going BTE he could have enhanced his hearing
> considerably.
>
> There has been much discussion in this group about this problem - few
> have been as frank as Ben in insisting on aid indivisibility.
>
Well... I was pretty frank about it (wanting inivisible aids, that is) so I
can understand Ben's concerns. In fact, I didn't want hearing aids at all.
But going on two months now, and it has changed my life. Conversations flow
so much more easily. I enjoy films and lectures and don't have to work so
hard to hear what other people are saying. Of course, I understand I'm
fortunate. The ITC's work fine for me with my type of hearing loss
(mild/moderate and totally flat). The thing is, I think it's a process...
initial denial, and then slowing coming to terms with things. Whereas last
year I would have told you that no way would I EVER consider hearing aids,
I've come to a point where I can accept these. And even sort of like them.
They're becoming a part of me. I actually get annoyed if I leave the house
and realize I forgot to put them in. And I think I can actually accept the
fact that, should my hearing ever worsen and require a different type of
hearing aid, I might be willing to consider it. The plus of hearing better
is beginning to outweigh the minus of "how it looks.". But... each person
has to weigh the pluses and minuses for him/herself.
Ben, I agree with Dave that the "why" of your hearing loss doesn't matter as
much as getting some improvement in your hearing. My hearing loss began
when I was a child... maybe five years old. The reason (multiple severe ear
infections) doesn't change the facts. I need help hearing. But, there is
something else going on here than just your hearing loss. While I can
understand that hearing loss is a distressing fact, and it affects your
work, and makes your life difficult... suicidal thoughts should not be part
of the picture. And if they are, then please, please, talk to your doctor
about it, and get some help. An underlying clinical depression could be
making things seem far worse than they actually are for you. Talk to a
counselor. Please. Your hearing issue is likely only part of what is
keeping you from "carrying on a normal life." If you treat the depression,
you may find that you can view your life and its challenges in a more
positive perspective... and you will be able to move forward and deal with
the hearing loss issues better. Good luck.
Regards,
Arlene
| |
| badisbh@gmail.com 2006-10-15, 9:29 pm |
| Thank you all for your responses. I guess I will have to try different
audiologists/ENT doctors.
The BTE is still not an option, not at this age. I care a lot about the
way I look and I found them very ugly. Everyone sees this life with
different eyes, in addition to my hearing loss (which tops all my
issues by far), i've been through and seen a lot of crap in this life
that made it not worth living to me. Many close friends suggests that i
would see a councelor but I am sure if it is going to help. I know what
my issue is and I know what are my options, they all don't seem like a
solution to me.
God bless,
Ben
On Oct 15, 6:54 pm, "kol_Isha" <kol_i...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "Ken" <kkerri...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in messagenews:1160944998.338868.182350@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
>
> can understand Ben's concerns. In fact, I didn't want hearing aids at all.
> But going on two months now, and it has changed my life. Conversations flow
> so much more easily. I enjoy films and lectures and don't have to work so
> hard to hear what other people are saying. Of course, I understand I'm
> fortunate. The ITC's work fine for me with my type of hearing loss
> (mild/moderate and totally flat). The thing is, I think it's a process...
> initial denial, and then slowing coming to terms with things. Whereas last
> year I would have told you that no way would I EVER consider hearing aids,
> I've come to a point where I can accept these. And even sort of like them.
> They're becoming a part of me. I actually get annoyed if I leave the house
> and realize I forgot to put them in. And I think I can actually accept the
> fact that, should my hearing ever worsen and require a different type of
> hearing aid, I might be willing to consider it. The plus of hearing better
> is beginning to outweigh the minus of "how it looks.". But... each person
> has to weigh the pluses and minuses for him/herself.
>
> Ben, I agree with Dave that the "why" of your hearing loss doesn't matter as
> much as getting some improvement in your hearing. My hearing loss began
> when I was a child... maybe five years old. The reason (multiple severe ear
> infections) doesn't change the facts. I need help hearing. But, there is
> something else going on here than just your hearing loss. While I can
> understand that hearing loss is a distressing fact, and it affects your
> work, and makes your life difficult... suicidal thoughts should not be part
> of the picture. And if they are, then please, please, talk to your doctor
> about it, and get some help. An underlying clinical depression could be
> making things seem far worse than they actually are for you. Talk to a
> counselor. Please. Your hearing issue is likely only part of what is
> keeping you from "carrying on a normal life." If you treat the depression,
> you may find that you can view your life and its challenges in a more
> positive perspective... and you will be able to move forward and deal with
> the hearing loss issues better. Good luck.
>
> Regards,
>
> Arlene
| |
|
|
badisbh@gmail.com wrote:
> hi,
> i am 32 y/o now and have been wearing aids for the past 17 or 18 years
> in my right ear which is the "good" ear with moderate to severe hearing
> loss. The left ear is almost deaf and has word recognition problem. For
> personal reasons I never wanted to upgrade from the CIC models and
> because my hearing is getting worse over time I got into depression
> last year and was seriously thinking of commiting suicide until I went
> to a new audiologist who was able to fit me with a CIC widex bravo who
> has probably worked better than all my previous hearing aids. However
> this initial glee is fading away over time since my hearing issue is
> preventing me from carrying a normal life and is a huge obstacle in my
> career (i am a software engineer) advancement as I don't think I can
> take management positions this way.
> The source of my hearing loss is unknown. Although my dad is hard of
> hearing since birth, I am the only one among my brothers/sister who has
> this issue (i am the youngest) and I started noticing it at the age of
> 10. The reason I am posting this message is to ask whether there are
> clinics here in Montreal or anywhere in Canada where they can find out
> the real source of the hearing loss. Note that I got very sick when I
> was about a year or less old (severe dehydration) that normally have
> side-effects on the patient at a later age.
>
> thanks,
>
> ben
Check into the extremely tiny Phonak microPower that just recently came
out. No tube. Invisible wire. They don't look like hearing aids. For my
money they are less noticeable and much cooler than CICs but have much
more power.
Good luck.
| |
|
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badisbh@gmail.com wrote:
>
> The BTE is still not an option, not at this age. I care a lot about the
> way I look and I found them very ugly.
Well they certainly aren't things of beauty and the prothesis colour
they usually use is enough to make anyone puke (though you can, I
believe, get other colours).
But the point I wanted to make is that current powerful BTEs are not
very big. All you have to do to make them invisible is miss a few
haircuts. OK - you care about your appearance - there must be a
hairstyle which you could grow to love which would do the job. Worth a
try anyway.
What is 'this age'? I'm 72 and have worn hearing aids since I was about
55. There are people in the group who have worn them since birth.
| |
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<badisbh@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1160955737.190030.285400@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Thank you all for your responses. I guess I will have to try different
> audiologists/ENT doctors.
> The BTE is still not an option, not at this age. I care a lot about the
> way I look and I found them very ugly. Everyone sees this life with
> different eyes, in addition to my hearing loss (which tops all my
> issues by far), i've been through and seen a lot of crap in this life
> that made it not worth living to me. Many close friends suggests that i
> would see a councelor but I am sure if it is going to help. I know what
> my issue is and I know what are my options, they all don't seem like a
> solution to me.
>
> God bless,
>
> Ben
>
> On Oct 15, 6:54 pm, "kol_Isha" <kol_i...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
Ben,
Like Arlene, I'm a therapist, and I agree with everything she says. One of
the signs of clinical depression is exactly the kind of hopelessness you're
feeling -- "Nothing will help, so there's no point in trying." I can't tell
you how many people I've been through this with -- and most of them found
relief.
What do you have to lose if you go to see a counselor or try an
antidepressant (or both)? You're not signing a contract for life. Why not
give it a try? But be sure to give it a fair try -- agree to stay with
treatment for a certain amount of time. If nothing works -- well, you can
say "I told you so." But I'm willing to bet you'll be wondering instead why
you didn't get treatment sooner.
Please. And if you feel like it, let us know how things turn out.
helco
| |
|
|
<badisbh@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1160955737.190030.285400@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Thank you all for your responses. I guess I will have to try different
> audiologists/ENT doctors.
> The BTE is still not an option, not at this age. I care a lot about the
> way I look and I found them very ugly. Everyone sees this life with
>
Yeah they don't look that great.
I'm from Alberta and I see lots of guys wearing cool looking Bluetooth
gizmos hanging off their ears for their cell phones. Maybe the manufactures
will take note and come up with a few stylish designs. My Baha Divino
actually came with a bunch of wild color stickers I could put on. I could
also select its color from a set of four and picked one that closely matched
my hair color.
So you need to communicate at work. Grow your hair. Get a wig. Paint the
darn thing purple... or yellow.
--
Dave (Baha Divino)
| |
| zafdor@yahoo.com 2006-10-16, 8:25 am |
|
Ken wrote:
I find that having visible aids
> actually helps in dealing with strangers because they are aware of the
> need to speak slowly and clearly.
>
Same here, kinda ironic, because once you have the BTEs, you no longer
need as much slowly and clearly help.
to ben: when you started wearing aids at 10 or so, no doubt you
suffered from your schoolmates, but you are no longer in grade school.
In the professional world, they make no difference, just like glasses.
Dispite what you might think, when someone meets you and sees you are
wearing a BTE, the first thing in their mind is not "Gee that guy is
wearing a hearing aid, he must be a <slur of your choice>." As an
adult you are judged by what you say and do. You are right that poor
hearing could be an inhibitor if you want to go into management, having
a BTE might improve you hearing to an extent this obstacle is overcome.
In the past few years, I've had 4 friends under 50 die suddenly and
unexpectedly This put a little perspective on life for me; having a
hearing loss is not that big a deal.
| |
|
| Ben, you are not alone. At the age of 5, I had a very rough time growing up
and adapting to being "different" with wearing the BTE model. Try combining
speech impairment with that. Imagine going through you're whole life with
the "combo" deficit. These kids sure do know how to push our buttons and I
and most other people with a handicap can understand why. One has to live
it. No psych or any other professional will ever understand what we go
through. Simply because they don't live it. We all will have some deficit
in our future due to the fact of aging and maybe then one can feel the
effect of what handicap folks go through.
What you are feeling is perfectly understandable and common for handicaps
but we need to take what life is giving us. Growing older in this beautiful
life made we appreciate all of the things I have. A beautiful wife and 2
kids, steady work, my health and an opportunity to help others in their time
of need.
Hang on, it's just a feeling... nothing more. Ben, seek some professional
help and feel free to spurt out here in the group.
We may not hear you typing but we have eyes and I must say I'm glad my
vision is perfect. I wouldn't want to imagine not being able to see.
Darryl
EMT-Paramedic
<zafdor@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1160999540.647318.5900@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Ken wrote:
> I find that having visible aids
> Same here, kinda ironic, because once you have the BTEs, you no longer
> need as much slowly and clearly help.
>
> to ben: when you started wearing aids at 10 or so, no doubt you
> suffered from your schoolmates, but you are no longer in grade school.
> In the professional world, they make no difference, just like glasses.
> Dispite what you might think, when someone meets you and sees you are
> wearing a BTE, the first thing in their mind is not "Gee that guy is
> wearing a hearing aid, he must be a <slur of your choice>." As an
> adult you are judged by what you say and do. You are right that poor
> hearing could be an inhibitor if you want to go into management, having
> a BTE might improve you hearing to an extent this obstacle is overcome.
>
> In the past few years, I've had 4 friends under 50 die suddenly and
> unexpectedly This put a little perspective on life for me; having a
> hearing loss is not that big a deal.
>
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