[silver_queen]

I had an appointment with an audiologist today for a hearing test, since I've been thinking for a while that my hearing hasn't been as good as other people's. I was told that both ears are affected and that I should have hearing aids. So I'm on the list for hearing aids now, which should arrive in up to four months.

But it seems so wrong, I'm 22 and needing hearing aids! Have any other people needed hearing aids when young? I'm feeling quite alone in this

[Gemstone]

{{{{ Silver }}}}

I'm so sorry.

I should wear a hearing aid but I don't. I'm 24. My hearing loss is from being hit in the side of the head when I was a kid.

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((( Silver ))))))))))))))))) I'm so sorry

Ive known I needed hearing aids since I was about 14-16 years old. I recieved my first pair when I was 18 thanks to a great agency here in the USA called Office for Vocational Rehabilitation.

I was actually glad I got my hearing aids they have helped me so much over the years. it still continues to amaze me at times when I have my hearing aids on and can hear a bird sing or the clock tick, my cat purring, and meowing the phone ringing, the doorbell, the tv, radios, my music albums, cassettes and cds, and being able to hear my friends talking to me, The first time I heard my son laugh was so wonderful. being able to sit in depression management group and any other groups and hear what is being said, and so on.

The bad side of having to wear two hearing aids - batteries are expensive and if I wear them for more than 2 hours without taking them out to let my ears dry and relax I end up with blisters inside my ears. The human body has automatic ways of dealing with what it deams foreign matter and producing extra ear wax / sweat is my ears way of dealing with hard plastic inside my ear canal.

Hang in there.

[January]

Oh Silver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

((((((((((((( Silver Bells )))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry. Did they say why you have the hearing loss?

A lot of young people wear hearing aids. They are so small now that at times they can't be noticed. Just think of all the wonderful things you'll be able to hear now. Everything will be so much better.

I'm so sorry you need them, but I'm so glad you're going to be able to get them.

Hugs,

Jan

[(JD)]

Unfortunately you will have many others to fit in with...

as the generation of high volume music listening through ear plugs begins to show up in hearing loss. It was predicted,but who could make any teen turn down their radios? When I could hear what they were listening to on their headsets, and I do have a hearing impairment, what does that tell you?

I'm sorry for this for you...whether you listened to loud concerts or music or whatever... it's unfortunate.

If your hearing loss is due to menierres, then be sure to study up on this. Also, contact your local Deaf Services Bureau as they have great resources and beneficial stuff to make your hearing impairment easier.

[silver_queen]

Thanks ((((((((((((( everyone )))))))))))))) for your support. I know it's not exactly life-changing but it is a bit hard to adjust to the thought. However since I won't be getting any for up to four months (or more, knowing the NHS) I have quite a bit of time to get used to the idea...

Thanks for pointing out the consequences of wearing hearing aids for too long, myself. I suppose they might also mention that when the time comes for them to fit them (but then, they might not). I'm glad they've allowed you to hear so much better throughout the years. It makes me feel fortunate to live in a time when they are available... and the NHS is giving them to me free (£5000 worth I think).

I don't actually think they know what the hearing loss is caused by, the audiologist said something about it might have been caused by a virus in childhood but I think he said that to just give me some reason. He told me that the auditory nerve which interprets sounds and sends them to the brain would be damaged, and both ears are equally affected. The rest of both my ears are fine and undamaged. I have noticed for a few years that my hearing hasn't been brilliant but I just accepted that it wasn't as good as other people's. Then more recently I began to question it and that's why I went to the audiologist.

You're quite right Jan that other ppl my age wear them, I've noticed them myself and they are discrete and besides, my hair will hide them. They should hopefully improve what I *do* hear.

Sky, I'm not sure if there are Deaf Services Bureaux around here (in the UK) but there are various websites which are useful to read.

Again, thanks everyone for replying, it does make me feel better.

[Perna]

I had Meniere's Disease in my late 30's/early 40's so lost hearing in half an ear which has progressed (now that I'm in my mid-50's) to all of one ear and a bit of the other but I'm stubborn and haven't researched hearing aids yet. I applaud you for getting them so young and working through the feelings of loss, etc. My father was nearly totally deaf by his mid-70's but refused to get hearing aids, was too proud and missed out on so much I think. I try to remember that and take better care of myself but it's hard. Thanks for your good example.

[Rhapsody]

I too have Meniere's Disease...... I was diagnosed about 10 years ago at the age of thirty - when I was also (finally) given the diagnoses of RA - something I hate having, but now at least they can correctly treat it.

I have a hard time hearing now, and I often think people say some thing other than they did... not to mention that I am constantly asking people to repeat what they said..... I feel old before my time.

My ENT has performed a hearing test on me and they say my hearing is fine..... Yeah Right, maybe up close and personal with pads on my ears with no other sounds to contend with - lol - I hate doctors some times.

Any ways with the Meniere's Disease and with some of my RA medicine (that effects my hearing - decreases it) I am far from having 20 /20 hearing - lol - I am say "HUH" to people more than I like to admit.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

P.S.
My younger brother is legally deaf with out hearing aids.... he was involved in a car accident when he was just 2 years and it left him this way, but he has been strong and he learned sign language (very well), wears his hearing aids every day, read lips really good and he even purchased a phone for the hearing impaired that is very loud and has a light that blinks when some one is calling.

I am very PROUD of HIM for not giving up

[(JD)]

My hearing in one ear is worthless in a noisy area... make sure they also test you with white noise background in the booth... plus, don't guess at any word you aren't sure of in a test, as some techs think that if you get the main center of the word, you can hear! (Which means it would be just find for them if we heard a nasty word instead of truck!)

I have a masker for one ear with high tinnitus, to block out the noise from the speech.

[Rhapsody]

Thanks.................. that is some very good advice - I did not realize that they could test you with white noise in the background (shivers.... that reminded me of the move White Noise, wish I had never seen it) - (eery).

I will ask my ENT about it when I see him next.... he is the next person on my long list to get tested by, since none of the other doctors could find the source of my debilitating head pain.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

You're welcome. When I got my first set of hearing aids I was told for the first couple weeks to wear them for a half hour and then give it an hour break and repeat. but after the first couple weeks my ears would be adjusted to them.. Well I have had my hearing aids now for 20 years and I still have problems with getting blisters if I wear them for too long a length of time at once. So you never know they will probably tell you to work your way into wearing them like they did me but depending on how you adjust to them you could have more or less problems with blisters and ear wax and so on.

Yea I agree - its great living in a time frame where technology can help things like hearing loss.

Hang in there

[__zh]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
silver_queen said:
I don't actually think they know what the hearing loss is caused by, the audiologist said something about it might have been caused by a virus in childhood but I think he said that to just give me some reason. He told me that the auditory nerve which interprets sounds and sends them to the brain would be damaged, and both ears are equally affected. The rest of both my ears are fine and undamaged. I have noticed for a few years that my hearing hasn't been brilliant but I just accepted that it wasn't as good as other people's. Then more recently I began to question it and that's why I went to the audiologist.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

silver,

we lost hearing in one ear several years ago.....similar guess by doc was virus yet ours was probably only a couple months before the hearing tests which showed profound loss of low tones in one ear.....basically most speaking tones for general voices.

it has been very hard to hear especially in crowded restaurants or places with noisy accoustics. we've taken great measures to protect what levels of hearing ability we do have left in both ears. no more earbuds/in ear headphones and only minimal usage of earphones in general. no blasting the music in the car like old days. earplugs at concerts and in loud movies at those huge cinemas with the shake your seats sound systems.

many ppl of all ages use hearing aids. you're fortunate to have the time to get used to the idea and to read up on all sorts of questions you might have. you're also fortunate that, despite the wait, the equip. will be provided for by NHS.

best wishes for speedy appts and delivery of your hearing aids.....we'll bet you'll appreciate life much more with a higher quality of hearing.....you'll be amazed at how much you compensate for when you lose part or all of a sense. to be able to increase your hearing again you'll be reacquainted with sounds that you've probably missed and not even known.

[silver_queen]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I suppose I'm coming to terms with it now and it doesn't seem quite the disaster it felt at first, and I have got some of my fears into perspective now. I am glad you have all replied, it makes me feel more supported and understood.

[January]

((((((((((( Silver Bells )))))))))))))))

You are very loved. We are all here for you.

Hugs,

Jan