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.

Pic of the batteries I'm referring to above

Again yes please - if no one else wants as in finding it so hard to get them and they need changing every 5-7 days. Thanks

these are what hospital gave me but the local place don’t have them at the moment

No problem @Blondeshavemorefun
Please send me your address on a PM and I can post tomorrow. Happy to pass them on as there doesn't seem anywhere who will accept unused ones (Though plenty of places accept used batteries for recycling)

I have been back to ENT. No cholesteatoma, for which I am extremely grateful (I have had two mastoidectomies on the left ear and this is the right). However, I have yet another infection and cannot wear my hearing aid while I have an infection. I struggle without it and it is mainly due to infections that l have lost hearing. I am also prone to allergies, especially eczema, which makes the problem worse. Bone anchored hearing aids have been suggested as a solution and, apparently, l would be an ideal candidate because I have a mixed hearing loss and am prone to infections. I quite like the idea in principle but it looks like fairly major surgery as it involves having my skull drilled into for the implant part. I am also concerned about how I would perceive music as I am a professional classical musician. Has anyone here had this procedure and how did it work for you?

I haven't had this done, but several years ago I had someone working for me who had bone-anchored hearing aids, and he played some rock guitar - seemed to be working fine for him. However like you, I would be concerned about the nuances of classical music. I wish you all the best with finding the best outcome.

I am also prone to ear infections (have been since a child) and my audiologist commented this has led to tympanosclerosis (scars on the eardrum) which will have worsened my hearing loss. What no one can tell me is - how would I ever stop getting them ! Feeling frustrated with this as I am at the end of another ear infection currently (antibiotics) and when my better ear is infected, I can't wear hearing aids in it, and I typically lose almost all hearing in it during the infection.

@PotOfTulips did you send all your batteries? Thought I'd replied but obviously didn't press post!

Sorry @GardenersDelight they have all been sent, I didn't get your message

I have a similar history of cholesteatoma and mastoidectomy and wasn't a candidate for traditional hearing aids due to eczema around the ear canal. Like you I have a mixed hearing loss. I had a Bonebridge fitted a few years ago. It's transformed my hearing. This is pretty new cutting edge tech made by Medel. I opted for this system as I didn't like the idea of the abutment and potential wound infections which I understand is a known risk with BAHA. Don't get me wrong - the surgery to install the magnet is significant but the outcome is excellent once it's healed. There is an app which you can programme for different environments so I imagine there could be a specific setting for use when you're playing music. I would say that the Samba 2 processor I have has really enhanced my experience of music since surgery and has been a real joy after decades of reduced hearing. If you would like to chat please do DM me as it's quite hard to find someone who has this tech!

I'm a long time lurker but posting to say hello and also ask for advice. I've had glue ear and grommets fitted as a child. All I recall is the pain I had afterwards every time I went swimming (despite ear plugs). As an adult my hearing has worsened and I have scarring in one of my ear drums. I'm in the process of contacting audiology and getting the ball rolling but I've a bit slow to take action (mostly a fear of confirming hearing loss but I know it needs done).

I'm in another dilemma as I have a DD needing grommets surgery and my own negative experiences have made me hesitant to agree to surgery. She has hearing aids and we think they're wonderful but I know it can't be a long term solution for glue ear. I'm wondering if anyone has faced something similar and if so, what has helped you to decide?

Thank you, @KefaloniaKid Sorry I have not been back. I saw my private audiologist, who told me that I would, indeed, be a good candidate for BAHA but would not have such clear hearing as I presently have and they would not necessarily stop the ear infections. As l don't want yet another big operation in my skull region, l have decided to leave things as they are.
Welcome, @Beenthereboughtthetextbook. I hope you get on well with your audiology appointment. With regards to your daughter, it is only natural to feel nervous about grommets after your own experiences but things have changed a lot since you were a little girl. I had chickenpox very badly when I was eight - l was off school for nearly a month - and I was dreading my children catching it. In the end, they were very average cases and my fears came to nothing. Also, although her hearing aids are working well at the moment, it will be far better for her to have normal natural hearing, which is the most likely outcome of a grommets operation. It is also very quick and easy surgery. Good luck with whatever you decide.

@Violinist64 thank you. Yes I think natural hearing would be better for her and I'm warming up to the idea.

@Beenthereboughtthetextbook I know it's only one person's anecdote but I had grommet surgery for glue ear when I was little, I remember having to wear earplugs when swimming but I don't remember any pain