Do I need hearing aids?

[Saavik]

I'm getting my hearing tested Wednesday for the first time in several years. My hearing seems to be way worse than it was the last time it was tested and then they told me I had higher frequency hearing loss. In those years since, my hearing went from occasional ringing to perpetually ringing and whenever there is the slightest background noise, like the AC on at work, I can't understand any speech. Even in quiet settings I struggle to understand what people are saying and feel like an idiot always having to say "what?" to understand speech.

I went by a place the rehabilitation person told me about to get some things like a captel and vibrating alarm, but I used some amplifier device with headphones and could hear the lights hum, which I couldn't before. This whole issue in my life has me a bit scared, I'm in a situation that I'm not sure how to deal with. Do you think I'll need hearing aids and how is life with hearing aids?

 

[needsleep]

Sounds like there is definitely something going on. I'm no professional and I'm in the same boat as your right now so I can't offer any advice on this one but try to hang in there. The days leading up to an audi appointment are always very nerve-wracking for me. I "what-if" myself to death every time too. It'll be here soon.

 

[drphil]

Wouldn't a "hearing test-audiogram" indicate where one is=hearing wise?

 

[Frisky Feline]

how about giving it a try to see how you are doing with new things one at a time?

 

[Lau2046]

I'm getting my hearing tested Wednesday for the first time in several years. My hearing seems to be way worse than it was the last time it was tested and then they told me I had higher frequency hearing loss. In those years since, my hearing went from occasional ringing to perpetually ringing and whenever there is the slightest background noise, like the AC on at work, I can't understand any speech. Even in quiet settings I struggle to understand what people are saying and feel like an idiot always having to say "what?" to understand speech.

I went by a place the rehabilitation person told me about to get some things like a captel and vibrating alarm, but I used some amplifier device with headphones and could hear the lights hum, which I couldn't before. This whole issue in my life has me a bit scared, I'm in a situation that I'm not sure how to deal with. Do you think I'll need hearing aids and how is life with hearing aids?

Life is good with hearing aids and they'll open up a whole new world that you've been missing so there's nothing to be afraid of. At some point, nearly everyone is going to have hearing loss due to lifestyle choices (ipod) or just the aging process itself. Take things one step at a time. Everyone should have their hearing tested every year, but let's face it, no one does that any more than they get their eyes tested every year - but you should to see where you're hearing is at. If you do need them - and it sounds like from your post that you do - there are wonderful options out there regarding the different models that would really make your life easier. Hearing aids are smaller than ever now if that's your concern and really different from what was on the market even ten years ago. But first things first, get your hearing tested and don't sweat the small stuff....

Laura

 

[Bebonang]

It is all up to you if you want to wear hearing aid(s) so that you can hear sounds, even if you can not understand what everyone said. Also the hearing aid(s) seem to help get rid of tinnitus (ringing of the ears) in your brain.

Hearing aids and CIs are not necessary but if you want to have it for a reason, then that is your choice. If you want to take the hearing test, you can.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

You're the only one that can really answer this question . Some people do not like to wear HA.

 

[Saavik]

It would be nice to hear better and ending the ringing would be great. Last hearing test I took they had a small box like thing in a room and I'm claustrophobic, I worry about being put in that kind of thing again.

 

[Frisky Feline]

It would be nice to hear better and ending the ringing would be great. Last hearing test I took they had a small box like thing in a room and I'm claustrophobic, I worry about being put in that kind of thing again.

Me too. I hate that but i tend to let audi know about it and make it speed up the test then i can get out of this tiny box.

 

[Saavik]

So I did the test today and found out both ears have moderate hearing loss and I will require hearing aids. I hope I can get them before the semester begins, so I can actually hear the professor's lecture. Hope DRS gets the hearing aids quickly for me.

 

[Bebonang]

So I did the test today and found out both ears have moderate hearing loss and I will require hearing aids. I hope I can get them before the semester begins, so I can actually hear the professor's lecture. Hope DRS gets the hearing aids quickly for me.

Are you referring to Doctors or is there a word for DRS? You will get hearing aids from Audiologist quickly, not doctors.

 

[Saavik]

Are you referring to Doctors or is there a word for DRS? You will get hearing aids from Audiologist quickly, not doctors.

Department of Rehabilitative Services, sorry. I thought everyone knew what that was since so many on the forums directed me there.

The audiologist has to submit my results to the rehabilitaitive people before I get my hearing aids. School starts soon, I think the first few weeks I'm going to be wthout them.

Can I submit my issue to the school, if so how and what can they do for me?

Anyway, my fault for assuming.

I was rather shocked by my hearing results, not a single point was anywhere near the area she said was normal hearing range. Toward the right side of the sheet, the line for both ears just dropped like a car going off a cliff. I wish I had a copy of the results, I'm sure someone here could explain the line chart.

 

[Frisky Feline]

Department of Rehabilitative Services, sorry. I thought everyone knew what that was since so many on the forums directed me there.

The audiologist has to submit my results to the rehabilitaitive people before I get my hearing aids. School starts soon, I think the first few weeks I'm going to be wthout them.

Can I submit my issue to the school, if so how and what can they do for me?

Anyway, my fault for assuming.

I was rather shocked by my hearing results, not a single point was anywhere near the area she said was normal hearing range. Toward the right side of the sheet, the line for both ears just dropped like a car going off a cliff. I wish I had a copy of the results, I'm sure someone here could explain the line chart.

If you plan to go to school in a few weeks, and just ask for note taker so you wouldnt miss some information. However you rather not to admit to them about your condition then forget my post.

 

[Saavik]

If you plan to go to school in a few weeks, and just ask for note taker so you wouldnt miss some information. However you rather not to admit to them about your condition then forget my post.

I don't mind telling them, I just have no idea who to tell or what to show them to get help until my hearing aids come in.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Sounds like there is definitely something going on. I'm no professional and I'm in the same boat as your right now so I can't offer any advice on this one but try to hang in there. The days leading up to an audi appointment are always very nerve-wracking for me. I "what-if" myself to death every time too. It'll be here soon.

I never worried myself to death about going for my hearing tests. That is not going to do me any good .

 

[Saavik]

The audiologist put something behind just one ear and played sounds like the headphone thing. Any idea what it was and what it was for? She only did it to the back of my right ear.

I'm going to email my school and find out who I need to report my hearing problem to since I likely won't have my hearing aids before the semester begins.

 

[NaidaUP]

The audiologist put something behind just one ear and played sounds like the headphone thing. Any idea what it was and what it was for? She only did it to the back of my right ear.

I'm going to email my school and find out who I need to report my hearing problem to since I likely won't have my hearing aids before the semester begins.

Headphone behind the ear is bone conduction. Hearing sounds via vibration through the skull.

 

[Lau2046]

The audiologist put something behind just one ear and played sounds like the headphone thing. Any idea what it was and what it was for? She only did it to the back of my right ear.

I'm going to email my school and find out who I need to report my hearing problem to since I likely won't have my hearing aids before the semester begins.

Every school should have a disability office for students who need accomodations. Be sure to get a copy of the documentation from your audi because you'll need that for school.

 

[Saavik]

Every school should have a disability office for students who need accomodations. Be sure to get a copy of the documentation from your audi because you'll need that for school.

I searched the school's site but turned up nothing in the way of anything listed as or around disability. So I contacted student success person in Admissions and hopefully they can either give me an answer or point me in the right direction.

 

[Bebonang]

Department of Rehabilitative Services, sorry. I thought everyone knew what that was since so many on the forums directed me there.

The audiologist has to submit my results to the rehabilitaitive people before I get my hearing aids. School starts soon, I think the first few weeks I'm going to be wthout them.

Can I submit my issue to the school, if so how and what can they do for me?

Anyway, my fault for assuming.

I was rather shocked by my hearing results, not a single point was anywhere near the area she said was normal hearing range. Toward the right side of the sheet, the line for both ears just dropped like a car going off a cliff. I wish I had a copy of the results, I'm sure someone here could explain the line chart.

:Oops: Now it dawn on me that DRS meant Division of Rehabilitation Service. Don't be sorry as I am the one who apologized to you for not thinking clearly. I am sorry. Proceed on whatever you want to say about your hearing aids.