My audiologist appt wasn't so great...

[redmachchick]

This is long. I'm sorry, I'm really irritated...

I have got to go somewhere else because I don't think I've been informed thoroughly.

First off I had no hearing tests or any kind of testing done. She went off my test the military audiologist did last week. I asked her if what I had was a full spectrum test and she said it was. I’m not sure on this if this is normal procedure or not. I just expected to get further testing. This is what I got at the audiologist on base…an audiogram, tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, speech audiometry, and a otoacoustic emissions test. That’s going by the paperwork I have.

She said by reading what they tested me with at the MTF(military treatment facility, my eardrum works normally but nothing else does. But she doesn't want to do any further testing because it would basically have no value except for my own information. (wtf?) She said a CT scan could tell me how my ear worked or did not work but will not send out for one. I have to go again to my PCM to get a referral for it. Thats great I was told they do EVERYTHING with the insurance and thats why I made the appt. She didn't act like she needed further testing....

I asked her about the Auditory Processing Disorder and she said no I didn't have it because thats usually for people who have both working ears...people who hear normally but their brains are not processing the sounds normally. I could have sworn I read that HOH people can have this too...in fact I read it several times. So I guess scratch that out too…

Hearing Aids...she said the best one for me was a CROS...but when she explained it to me and how they worked…she didn’t tell me what type it was or a company name so I asked her..she couldn’t tell me! She had to GOOGLE it!! Yes…GOOGLE…and she still couldn’t find it! She was sitting in front of me on the computer googling something she should know and spent forever doing it! I said to her “is it a BI-CROS?" And she was like yes, it’s a CROS…that I only need one in my dead ear as it works exactly like a BAHA only its not a implant. AND she couldn’t give me any more info because she has not fitted anyone with a CROS…but her colleague has. I don’t understand this. Maybe she is new. She said she did not recommend a dual HA and I don’t even know what they are called at the moment…because some people who have a good ear sometimes hear worse with it as it dampens or covers sounds that the good ear would normally pick up. Okay, sounds good, but I just don’t trust her at this point.

On top of all this I asked her about a BAHA and she said that I could possibly be a candidate for it but she does not have a favorable opinion of it so she steers people away from it. That’s exactly what she told me. I asked her why and she said because it is invasive and that there is a cleanliness issue as part of it will stick of out the patients head and could be a infection risk. That was her only reasons. That’s great, if that’s her opinion but its hers and not based on something fully factual. Plus I’m not convinced that her opinion is an PROFESSIONAL opinion.

She said I will have to wait about 4 weeks or more to get fitted for a HA and get one.

I feel like I got lied too because when I talked to them over the phone they acted like they were going to do all these great things but they didn’t. I just got another referral going for a second opinion…I hope I can find another place that I like this time around.

So what do ya’ll think?

 

[sallylou]

Insurance doesn't normally cover audiograms and HAs. I don't know why the office misinformed you.

As far as HAs, I have the kind that is BTE and open. It's better for me than the other kinds of hearing aids for two reasons. First, I have some hearing left and this kind of hearing aid leaves my ear unobstructed so that I can use this hearing. Two, I live in a humid place and having plastic in my ears is not ideal. I also have allergies to latex and other certain substances, so I may react to the plastic over time. This may be what the audiologist meant but failed to explain clearly.

If you're not comfortable with this audiologist, you can find another one. Be aware that the audiologist may charge you out of pocket. It sounds like this audiologist was trying not to waste your money by doing more tests and requiring full payment when services are rendered.

 

[Bottesini]

Sounds to me like the military was very thorough and you are lucky to be able to use that.

And most of us pay for audiologists and hearing aids.

 

[Hask12]

A lot of insurance company's do cover audiograms and at least part of the cost for hearing aids. You have to check with your insurance company to find out. More of a concern is the fact that she recommends something but then knows very little about it. Also 4 weeks for an aid is a bit long. Did you discuss trial periods and full refunds. Since her partner seems to have all the experience maybe he or she should see you. She probably used your other audiogram because as sallylou ponted out the insurance may not cover it. My insurance will cover one audiogram per year. But the bottom line is if you are unhappy with the audiologist, go somewhere else.

 

[sallylou]

Hask12, you are very fortunate to this coverage. Most of us aren't so lucky.

 

[dogmom]

redmach chick,
am sorry to read about your irritation- one thing - about the CAPD -CAPD can occur WITH peripheral hearing loss according to research I've done and the audi I've spoken who additionally specializes in testing for auditory processing disorder. From my understanding only, many < not all> audiologists have never actually tested for CAPD and may have only had read about it in school. The more severe the hearing "loss" the more difficult it may be to accurately test for CAPD, however. I investigated because I am new hoh and have LD as well as auditory processing difficulties.

Husband's first HA's after college his then-new job paid for so he could use phone. A nice break for him-

Hope you can find some answers, redmackchick

 

[redmachchick]

I wasn't really asking about insurance so I don't understand why this turned into a thread about insurance...and why I am so lucky...

I did find out later today that she did not do all she could have on testing...nor was the hearing aid she showed me a CROS...she didn't know what she was talking about.

I guess I was hoping to get a little empathy or maybe a little "hey I've been there" but I guess no one has. Maybe its a little hard for me because no one has been able to tell me jack, my whole life about my hearing and when I try to get help it was bad experiences. At least most of you KNOW whats going on with your hearing and are getting help in some way. I'm starting at square one, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

Really, seriously...I came here for support but I am definately not getting that. I don't like how some people have made me feel bad about my particular situation, with little comments here and there about "how my hearing is just so great" and how I'm just so lucky to have to not pay this or that regarding my insurance." I feel like I am lumped in the middle of not hearing and hearing...so I guess I don't fit in with anybody. I've been alone in this my whole life, I have not met anyone with the hearing problems and other things I have going on..I have done it by myself and dealt with it myself...and put up with all the shit that I have to deal with day in and out because I can't hear and communicate half the time. So sorry no one understands that.

I feel like I am being judged because I'm not totally deaf. I thought this was a HOH forum too. I DO know that I am lucky and I do understand that others have it way worse than me. I don't take my hearing for granted though maybe some of you here think I do. I guess we are all not here for a common reason and to support each other.

Please direct me to a HOH just for people like me and I will gladly post there where maybe people can understand me a little bit better.

 

[sallylou]

It's really not appropriate to post on a forum, complain about the information that people kindly provide, and then tell the people that they are not supporting you right. That applies to any forum covering any topic.

It takes time to develop relationships with people on a forum. After only 15 posts, you haven't been here long enough to develop a really supportive relationship with members yet. If you'd like to hang around, you'll find the members here kind and supportive. It takes a little effort on your part. I would like for you to do that but it's your decision.

I'm late deafened, and it was a big adjustment for me. I've posted extensively on my thoughts and feelings in various threads. You might find some of those posts helpful. You'll see that people have been supportive to me (even the people who have been deaf from birth and had a different experience than I have). This support have made a difference in my adjustment and I'm grateful for that. I'd love to offer you the same kind of support that I've received here.

I recommend starting here:

http://www.alldeaf.com/general-chat/62953-adjustment-late-onset-deafness.html

I also invite you to stop by the lounge and let us get to know you. It would be great if you could post a pic on the pic thread so that we can put a face with a name. That helps me a lot!

If you'd like for me to make you my "friend" and offer mutual support, I'd be happy to do that. I believe that you are required to have more posts before you can send me a PM. Post away and then you can PM me.

 

[Bottesini]

I wasn't really asking about insurance so I don't understand why this turned into a thread about insurance...and why I am so lucky...

I did find out later today that she did not do all she could have on testing...nor was the hearing aid she showed me a CROS...she didn't know what she was talking about.

I guess I was hoping to get a little empathy or maybe a little "hey I've been there" but I guess no one has. Maybe its a little hard for me because no one has been able to tell me jack, my whole life about my hearing and when I try to get help it was bad experiences. At least most of you KNOW whats going on with your hearing and are getting help in some way. I'm starting at square one, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

Really, seriously...I came here for support but I am definately not getting that. I don't like how some people have made me feel bad about my particular situation, with little comments here and there about "how my hearing is just so great" and how I'm just so lucky to have to not pay this or that regarding my insurance." I feel like I am lumped in the middle of not hearing and hearing...so I guess I don't fit in with anybody. I've been alone in this my whole life, I have not met anyone with the hearing problems and other things I have going on..I have done it by myself and dealt with it myself...and put up with all the shit that I have to deal with day in and out because I can't hear and communicate half the time. So sorry no one understands that.

I feel like I am being judged because I'm not totally deaf. I thought this was a HOH forum too. I DO know that I am lucky and I do understand that others have it way worse than me. I don't take my hearing for granted though maybe some of you here think I do. I guess we are all not here for a common reason and to support each other.

Please direct me to a HOH just for people like me and I will gladly post there where maybe people can understand me a little bit better.

Man, you sure are big into self pity. People can't even understand my speech to order in a restaurant and I need to write my order down or have a family member give it if they are with me.

If a had an ear that could hear and I could speak that people understood me, I would think I was in heaven.

I will look for an HOH forum for you since you want it.

 

[Bottesini]

Here is a link to exactly what you asked for.

Hearing Loss Web Home

 

[CJB]

redmachick, this forums isn't anti-HOH at all. There are plenty of HOH people on here, myself included.

As for your situation, I'm sorry you felt like you didn't get the proper treatment. Keep in mind most people on here are coming from a place where they have to pay for HA's out of their own pocket so the fact you get coverage for HA's is definitely something to be thankful for.

I think it's good you're seeking a second opinion cause you should have a doctor you get along with and hopefully you can find an audi that is more open to CAPD in HOH patients.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

If you're not happy with your audiologist you shoud look for another one. I think waiting 4 wk for a HA fitting is rather long. Is your audiologist in a big office with a long waiting list? That coud be why there is long wait. My insurance paid for my HA , but if the new health bill pass that may not happen any more! You should try to get your new HA before the health bill does get pass! Who know what will happen! I am HOH and I my childhood was
horrible! I did not feel like I was I was Heaven , it felt more like HELL! I disgree with want a person wrote that you need to be using this post for awhile to get support from others! Some people feel your life is easy
if you're HOH ! And that is not true! I thought it post welcome deaf and HOH people! It is bad enough the hearing world does not understand us , why does there have to be an issues about being deaf or HOH ! thi s ahppen to me in college ! The deaf students had nothing to do with me as I did not signs and the hearing students had nothing to do with me as I was HOH !
So being HOH is not all the great either!

 

[sallylou]

I believe that if redmachchick gave AD some more time she might like it but it sounds like she's made her mind up already. Maybe it's not a good fit for her and she wants to move on. I can understand that.

 

[Bottesini]

I believe that if redmachchick gave AD some more time she might like it but it sounds like she's made her mind up already. Maybe it's not a good fit for her and she wants to move on. I can understand that.

Anyone who wants a lot of sympathy isn't going to last here. People reserve that for family tragedy, and catastophic happenings.

Hearing loss does not evoke much sympathy on a deaf website.

The link I gave her really is a great one for HOH people.

 

[redmachchick]

How dare any of you say I'm here looking for sympathy...apparently some of you can't read. Its empathy, get a dictionary...look it up. Two different meanings.

How dare any of you lessen my experiences and my problems just because I may hear better than some of you...does that make it any less different? So I'm just not good enough to post MY problems and MY thoughts because I don't hear like you?? Oh and maybe its just because I'm new...:roll: its okay for people to treat me a certain way? Please...:roll:

I have put up with crap all my life, petty shit, insensitive shit, cruel shit, from the hearing but I didn't expect it to come from here. I came into this world partially deaf, partially paralyzed on my face and partially blind in one eye...people have treated me different and and sometimes horribly just because I don't fit into their mold of whats "perfect"...even from my own family...my own parents...no one thought I would amount to much. Please don't tell me any of you have never experienced that...(insert sarcasm) I've fought back and never backed down, and I have truly been blessed with a beautiful life. So whats wrong with that? I don't NEED your sympathy, I just need some understanding. Don't tell me all of your life has been a bed of roses...cause I know different. I'm not asking for freakin sympathy. I'm FRUSTRATED...I've needed someone to vent to for a long time, that understands what I'm going through. Don't say any of you have never ever been frustrated before with your journeys in life dealing with your deafness. If you say no then you are lying.

There is going to be a point in my life where I will probably be deafer than I am now...where I may be in some of your shoes, that is a very possible reality for me. I would NEVER EVER talk to someone HOH the way you have to me...Its not always roses and puppies and fairy tales on this side of the fence either. If I do indeed become more deaf than I am now.. I will think twice about coming into the deaf culture because its obviously just as judgmental and cruel as the hearing world.

As for the insurance..why does it matter so much to some of you how much I pay or don't pay. Is it jealousy? Why should it matter?

Yes, my insurance pays 100% and I'm very sorry that some of you have to pay out of pocket. I wish it was different and everyone here could get their hearing stuff paid for. My husband is military..the military provides for its active duty members and their family...hearing loss is a big deal. My hubby works hard serving his country, working long hours and lots of time away from his family and it sometimes can be dangerous It is definitely a perk, a benefit. So go ahead, cheapen that experience too...

 

[JennyB]

There are many of here that are d/Deaf/hoh who have disabilities too. Many. I am one of them. No one is trying to discredit your experiences. I think some of the others are just trying to show you it COULD be worse.

I understand how frustrating the professionals can be. When I moved to a new city 2 years ago the task of finding a new audiologist, and one that I liked, was a huge one. I went to about 4 different offices before I found one that I was satisfied with. As a result I now have the best audiologist I have ever had! I recommend her to anyone that says they need to see one. You should definitely try out a few until you find someone you are happy with. Maybe even conduct phone interviews with some? Many are willing to talk on the phone before the appointment to answer questions. Pick their brains and if they don't seem like they know much then try someone else.

My hearing loss is progressive as well. I remember when I was hard of hearing and you are absolutely right, being stuck in the middle sucks, but I always had Deaf culture. However now that I am Deaf, I would never look back.

One thing you have to remember is that many of the people here have been Deaf since birth. It is a VERY different experience to lose your hearing and to just never have it. Very different.

 

[Bottesini]

I am blind in my right eye and the left side of my face is paralyzed. If you are super nice I will show you a picture.

Plus I have profound deafness in both ears.

Insurance does not cover my hearing aids.

Add my Asperger's syndrome, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and I have a few problems.

Bet you don't make it as far as my shoes!

Did you know if you keep blowing up, we can keep up with you?

 

[sallylou]

I took a lot of time to write posts with detailed information. Sorry that I bothered considering how you have a chip on your shoulder. I'm going to save my effort for someone who appreciates it.

Have fun over at the other website. It's pretty dead over there.

 

[Bottesini]

I took a lot of time to write posts with detailed information. Sorry that I bothered considering how you have a chip on your shoulder. I'm going to save my effort for someone who appreciates it.

Have fun over at the other website. It's pretty dead over there.

Do you really think she is not coming back for one last hurrah!!

 

[sallylou]

No, but I have that lovely ignore feature.