Accompanying DH

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

DH has back problems and is probably going to be referred for more investigation by the osteopath. As DH is partially deaf would it be a reasonable request to ask to go with him?

He has hearing aids but due to the type of deafness they don’t always help and I often have to tell repeat things people have said - he can usually hear me for some reason!

I know at the moment hospitals aren’t allowing anyone in apart from the patient but would this count as caring?

BTW please don’t think I’m some overbearing wife, DH asks me to go with him to anything important!

I suggest you telephone the hospital and ask. MNers guessing isn't going to help. You need a definitive answer.

I don't know what the hospital will say, but perfectly reasonable to ask!

I know, it was more of a ‘is it worth asking or will the hospital tell me to sod off’ type of question! That and wondering if anyone had any experience.

I don't think it's unreasonable, maybe call ahead so they are aware he will be accompanied and why.
My brother in law has limited hearing even with hearing aids and is finding it especially difficult at this time due to masks, so that could be an additional element for your reasoning

If the medical staff can assist him without you (including writing things down or using sign language etc) then your presence won’t be necessary, so no.

Call the hospital tomorrow - each one will be different. If lockdown restrictions increase, it will probably be a hard no, but if you’re in a low risk area they may permit you inside.

It’s so difficult to know what’s a reasonable request now!

That’s a good point about the masks, I hadn’t thought of that. Poor bloke hasn’t got a hope in hell of hearing anything!

A friend has been allowed to accompany her mum on hospital visits for exactly this reason right through the pandemic so far. It took a persuasive phonecall first for the appointment itself, and then even more for patient transport, but it has been allowed.
My dad has also been allowed to accompany my mum to the doctor, podiatrist and chiropractor - she has dementia.

He doesn’t use sign language so they’d probably have to write everything down for him. Fine if they’re happy to do that!

I know exactly what you mean and I would contact them and tell them you are his interpreter.

I'm partially deaf and wear aids. I can "hear" my DD, but I think a large part of that is i m used to her voice and can easily read her lips.

If I come across someone with a different accent from the local one, or is not used to dealing with people with hearing needs (covering their mouth, turning their back etc) I struggle.

In the past I've had to go to a very busy A&E and have told staff I need my DD to translate for me, despite the fact they were not allowing family members in, they allowed her in.

Oh, and having hearing loss and the rules around covid make interpreters even more necessary

Masks are a good point. It’s unlikely the hospital will risk allowing you in without a mask on. Although he can hear you the best, he may struggle to hear you whilst you’re wearing a mask.

He’s not been too bad with me with a mask to be honest. Worst case I can take notes and discuss it with afterwards minus the mask!

@user1471453601 sorry to hear you’ve got the same problem. DH can’t hear certain tones, especially anything high pitched. He doesn’t hear the smoke alarm (we now have a speaking one) or car alarms. We make a good team, I have hearing like a bat and hear the beeping from our neighbour’s microwave!

My partner had cancer surgery during lockdown. I had to leave him at the door, and collect him at the door a few days later. Was a bit sucky really. Things might be different now.

Oh, don't be sorry @PinkSparklyPussyCat. I'm fine and get on rather well. I just know, after many years of hearing loss, which circumstances may be difficult for me and which I can manage alone

That’s awful @ohthegoats, I hope your partner is ok.

@user1471453601 DH is the same, he knows what he can manage alone and when he needs my big gob to interpret! He’s now fine on the phone as the sound is Bluetoothed direct into his ears with no background noise but face to face is a lot harder.