This Is A Touchy Subject...

[FOJMO]

...with me and I could use some help.

I have been having a hearing problem for the past few years. Not to the extent that I can't hear anything, but enough that's it's becoming a real problem.

Outside of the funny side of it (you wouldn't believe sometimes what I "think" my family is saying to me -- I've come up with all kinds of incorrect interpretations), the rest of it is very serious. I'm suffering in my workplace and not correctly hearing dates, times, conference room #'s, etc. I have my phone turned up as loud as possible and at home, I'm constantly turning up the volume on the TV. Most times, I can't hear my own cell phone ring. I have to ask people to repeat things most times more than once.

I've had several (3 so far) hearing screenings and they all say I need to have hearing aids in both ears.

As I wear my hair short and off of my ears, and because of vanity I suppose, I would only entertain the hearing aid that is termed CIC (completely in canal). I perform in community theatre, too, so I want something unnoticeable. I also want the kind I don't have to fool with, adjusting the volume all of the time! Of course, these are the most expensive, costing about $2500 each!

Every once in a while, I tell my DH that I'm going to go ahead and get them and then I don't -- partly because of vanity and partly because of expense. We, hopefully, will realize a good profit from the sale of our Orlando home that will give us some cash and I'm again thinking about getting them.

Has anyone had first-hand experience with hearing aids or know of someone who has them? Do you hear significantly better? How is the sound -- is it fake sounding?

Any info is appreciated. It's funny how I don't mind wearing glasses or contact lenses at all, but hearing aids? I'm only 50 and I think of it as mainly for the elderly...

 

[mickeyfan1]

Fojmo, my father wore aids for a long time. Believe me, it's worth it to hear! And it's worth it to everyone around you, no repeating, no "mis-interpretations", tv volume down, etc.

I have had surgery to correct my hearing, I have a disease that made me go very hard of hearing in my 20s. I can't hear at 100%, but it is so much better than before. I forgot that birds sing in the spring, because I stopped hearing them. I couldn't hear my son call me from his bedroom, one flight up from the kitchen.

Hearing aids are for people who need them, hearing loss can happen at any time. The only drawback is the $$$. I will have to get aids someday, as my disease continues, and there is no surgical answer (one time per ear, only), but having experienced full hearing, almost no hearing, and now almost full again, I will get aids as soon as I need them. Vanity be damned. If they can help you, go for it.

 

[Justhope]

My Mom has one and its the kind you want , she has short hair and I never notice it. Her hearing improved dramaticaly(sp). It was very expensive but she feels it was worth it. Now she needs one for her other ear. It was money well spent. I hope you decide to go ahead and get them. You won't be sorry and you won't be saying HUH???

Hope

 

[December99]

I don't wear them but one of my secretaries has a 10 year old granddaughter that has them and without them, she can't hear small things like you are describing. It has made a world of difference not only at school but also at home and in her extracurricular activities. She has the kind that are "invisible" but aren't totally in the ear canal. I think they are a bit transparent or something.

I also have a friend who has hearing problems like you describe and her mom and I keep telling her she needs to go get her hearing aids. They are expensive and that's part of the reason why she won't get them - she just can't afford them.

Good luck and hope you're able to get them soon....I'm sure like Marsha said - they will make a world of difference.