For Those of us who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Part 2

[Violinist64]

The original thread is almost full and I have found it extremely helpful so have started this new thread.

Thanks, violinist64!
@repeatplease, I'm bumping your question onto this new thread - I too have a lifelong hearing loss, gradually worsening, needing ever stronger aids, and I suspect I'm approaching the aid limit now so any further deterioration is cochlear implant territory. I've heard they are difficult to rehabilitate adults to (children are the usual recipients) so I too would be interested to hear from adults who've had them.

Opportune moment for this thread to surface. Referred to audiologist and have been assessed as having a "dead ear"(Which has been so since I was a small child) and moderate/severe loss in other. Being referred for head mri and assessment for possible hearing aids.

Thank you VERY much for moving my query about cochlear implants across!

Oops ! I replied to you on the old thread. Sorry !
@Walkacrossthesand , you may find it useful too 😊

I am 75 with severe hearing loss and assessed as being a suitable candidate for cochlear implant. I have no idea how long the waiting list is. A friend of mine about 10 years younger had the implant in 2019.

Sunshine - how long did it take your friend to adjust to understanding the sound? I quavered at the consultant about my brain being too old and was told he'd done the op on someone of a 102!

Hello! I’m on the waiting list so happy to report back once the process moves forward. I’m 50 and deafness started at 15. Now profoundly deaf. I’ve had the scans, just waiting for the appointment now. Bit scared but there’s not much to lose as I struggle to hear with the strongest Phonaks now. I can hear well when streaming via the Roger kit (radio and teams calls), but it doesn’t work so well in person. Sounds do annoy me now though, (like dogs barking, train noise, munching), so wondering how well I’ll cope being able to hear those. I’ll need to reset my hearing before the operation, so no hearing aids for a month before unless absolutely urgent. That’ll be a struggle as I like the radio on/ work will be tough.

Good luck with the op, Ticketybooboo! Have you been given the booklet which recounts peoples experiences - will look and come up with title.Interested you have to not use aids before the op - I wasnt told that but told one would wear both aids after the op until the switch on...

repeatplease didn't take long at all. I just hope I can have it done sooner rather than later!

A friend of mine had one and he thought it was great for speech but music sounded a bit weird. This was years ago though so I'm sure the technology has improved a lot since then.

Anyone have any tips for sweaty ears when wearing aids?
It's been so hot today and that combined with my menopausal flushes are giving me a very hot and sweaty head! I'm worried that I'm going to do some damage to the aids although I have been caught in the rain a few times. It's the constant dampness that I worry about.

I know I paint a delightful picture of myself! 😂

I’ve got a question about Access to Work if anyone can help. MrFlatWhite has just been through the assessment and interview process, and has been sent a list of what they think he needs, with prices.

I can’t remember the exact figures but his employer is liable for ~£700 with Access to Work covering the rest. As I envisaged, his employer is being difficult about it and moaning about having to pay. 🙄

Has anyone else had a reluctant employer and if so, how did you solve it?

Got my new hearing aid mould….and it’s so small. I’m having problems with the tubing rubbing the scarring behind my ears.

Last month he gave me an extra soft mould. That was ok. Now we are trying the micro mould. It’s literally just the inner ear bit.

It feels really loose but it’s something to get used to I guess

Mobile phone question! I have severe hearing loss and wear two behind the ear NHS hearing aids without Bluetooth. I need to buy a new mobile phone very quickly so I went to John Lewis because they have good customer service. I asked for a mid range phone.

The assistant suggested either the Samsung Galaxy A14 at £220 or the iPhone 12 at £604. You cannot make a call on them to test them in the shop. So I listened to something on the iPhone and it is louder than the Samsung.
Its obviously a big price difference.
Any thoughts or experiences, please?

@Soubriquet the employer has to make 'reasonable adjustments' by law.

I don't know I have android to be honest I often put it on loudspeaker as it's easier to hear.

I think you’ve tagged the wrong person there

Yes. For you, would putting a little bit of cream help?

No. I had my ears pinned back when I was 11 and the scarring has always been a tad sensitive. Now whenever the mould needs to be replaced, it starts to cut into the scarring.

I just need to keep on top of getting it changed

The employer has to make 'reasonable adjustments' by law. I told them that. Go to the union, or join one, worked for me, but took a long time. Tell them that its preventing him from working to the best of his abilities, he wants to do his work fully, likes his job, etc. Good luck.

Thank you.

Just had a letter about my referral to the Audiology clinic, advising up to a 30 weeks wait

@LIZS I was told 23+ weeks but didn't get triaged and ended up phoning up and got a cancellation after 2.5 months so worth chasing
Now back waiting again for actual hearing aids! Another 8+weeks 😳

I'm hearing impaired, less than half normal hearing, have hearing aids, find them annoying so don't wear them. Just saying hello in case I wasn't on the other thread.

Hello fellow hearing loss peeps - I’m wanting to go swimming again - I have severe loss - 1 aid and no hearing in right ear 👂 What I’d like to know is g do peas anyone have any experience real or vicarious of ‘waterproof’ hearing aids - I’d be v grateful for any info 👍🏿☘️