Deafness, Tinnitus, Hearing Aid and disability

Deafness, Tinnitus, Hearing Aid and disability

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TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Friday 6th March 2015
quotequote all
Went to have a simple hearing test done as I have had problems for years so now the doctor says I may need hearing aid. Need to go for a specialist test in London somewhere.

My loss of hearing is potentially from the inner ear which is permanent. It has, in all honesty, completely messed up my social and professional life. I can't hear people sometimes so have to ask them to repeat it. Some have gone as far as getting fed up with me. Some friends take the piss etc (I don't see them as often now because of it). My Tinnitus is bad. Like really loud screeching/whistling/bells type noise in my ears at all times which adds to the loss of hearing.

Question is, for those that use Hearing Aid and/or have tinnitus, have people seen you in a different way? Are you categorised as having a disability if your hearing degrades to a point where you have to wear a hearing aid?

Old Merc

3,486 posts

166 months

Saturday 7th March 2015
quotequote all
I`ve had hearing aids for over 35 years so have had plenty of experience.Get an audiometry at your local NHS who will supply the very latest digital models to suite your hearing loss.Dont be tempted to spend £1000`s on private ones,believe me I`ve been there done that.My local NHS hearing aid dept is perfect and I`ve had outstanding service for years.Only a few months ago they gave me the very latest models,and there was nothing wrong with my old ones.

Wear your aids with pride and dont be embarrassed,your hard of hearing,so are 1 in 6 of all adults.Lots of people wear glasses to help them see better,we use aids to help us hear better.Make sure everyone is aware of your problem,ask them to speak slowly and clearly FACING you and not mumble with their head down.The problem is they can not SEE your problem so its up to you to let them know.I have to admit there are problems with call centers,public places etc etc but "Deaf Awareness" is getting a lot better out there.

Modern technology has transformed life for the hard of hearing.All cinemas,theatres,Banks,public places will have a loop system by law.Switch your aids to "T" and they become "earphones" and you will hear via wifi.I have this system on my TV at home so my wife can have the volume down.You can also buy special home and mobile phones that are designed for hearing aid users.There is so much kit available,have a look on Action for Hearing online shop.Most of the stuff is VAT free for registered hearing aid users.

It will take you a long time to get used to aids.They will never restore you to perfect hearing but they WILL help you.
Good luck and I hope my tips will help you.

TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Saturday 7th March 2015
quotequote all
Thank you for that information, much appreciated.

My hearing is at about 60% so not as bad as I've made it out but still a problem. Not really everywhere but in certain situations it's hard to hear.

I'll be starting a new role soon so maybe getting it sorted beforehand would be beneficial. May turn out that I won't have to wear them all the time.

Old Merc

3,486 posts

166 months

Saturday 7th March 2015
quotequote all
This is the best place for information. http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/

No matter what is involved in your new role never allow your hearing (or lack of it)to get in the way of your work.Make your new employer aware of your problem.They have a duty in law to take steps to help you in the work place.
If your new job involves meetings around a table you can have a portable loop system in place connected to a number of microphones.
Check out "shop" on the above link.

Its always best to wear your aids all the time not now and then.This will help you get used to them,practise with adjustments,sample loop systems etc.Fitting them will be like getting dressed in the morning.

numbnuts71

7 posts

132 months

Saturday 7th March 2015
quotequote all
Old Merc said:
I`ve had hearing aids for over 35 years so have had plenty of experience.Get an audiometry at your local NHS who will supply the very latest digital models to suite your hearing loss.Dont be tempted to spend £1000`s on private ones,believe me I`ve been there done that.My local NHS hearing aid dept is perfect and I`ve had outstanding service for years.Only a few months ago they gave me the very latest models,and there was nothing wrong with my old ones.

Wear your aids with pride and dont be embarrassed,your hard of hearing,so are 1 in 6 of all adults.Lots of people wear glasses to help them see better,we use aids to help us hear better.Make sure everyone is aware of your problem,ask them to speak slowly and clearly FACING you and not mumble with their head down.The problem is they can not SEE your problem so its up to you to let them know.I have to admit there are problems with call centers,public places etc etc but "Deaf Awareness" is getting a lot better out there.

Modern technology has transformed life for the hard of hearing.All cinemas,theatres,Banks,public places will have a loop system by law.Switch your aids to "T" and they become "earphones" and you will hear via wifi.I have this system on my TV at home so my wife can have the volume down.You can also buy special home and mobile phones that are designed for hearing aid users.There is so much kit available,have a look on Action for Hearing online shop.Most of the stuff is VAT free for registered hearing aid users.

It will take you a long time to get used to aids.They will never restore you to perfect hearing but they WILL help you.
Good luck and I hope my tips will help you.
Agree with all of the above, ive had hearing issues for 20 years and around 12 operations whilst always wearing an hearing aid. Believe me once your use to it (month or so) you will forget all about it and appreciate the things you have been missing out on and not be affraid to join in conversations etc

van cleef

201 posts

167 months

Sunday 8th March 2015
quotequote all
I've been much the same as the OP since my early 20's, I didn't really realise I had a problem till I read about an article in men's health magazine. I've probably adjusted before I realised I had partially lost my hearing and I thought the Tinnitus was normal.

I tried wearing hearing aids, and I gave up on them, not because of vanity but I didn't like the sound that was given off within my ear. I'm coping pretty well at the moment but at some point I'm going to have to try them again.

When I went to my first hearing test after realising there were problems, the consultant pointed out that I've probably started to lip read without knowing I was actually doing it.

Just try not to let it get you down

Old Merc

3,486 posts

166 months

Sunday 8th March 2015
quotequote all
van cleef said:
When I went to my first hearing test after realising there were problems, the consultant pointed out that I've probably started to lip read without knowing I was actually doing it.

Just try not to let it get you down
Its amazing how you can slowly adapt to lip reading,I think I`m quite good at it.I`ve caught a few people out when they have said something to others thinking I cant hear it.
Many years ago I attended a lip reading class run by our local council.It was good practice and I mixed with other people with the same problem.


oilandwater

1,408 posts

189 months

Sunday 8th March 2015
quotequote all
Old Merc said:
I`ve had hearing aids for over 35 years so have had plenty of experience.Get an audiometry at your local NHS who will supply the very latest digital models to suite your hearing loss.Dont be tempted to spend £1000`s on private ones,believe me I`ve been there done that.My local NHS hearing aid dept is perfect and I`ve had outstanding service for years.Only a few months ago they gave me the very latest models,and there was nothing wrong with my old ones.

Wear your aids with pride and dont be embarrassed,your hard of hearing,so are 1 in 6 of all adults.Lots of people wear glasses to help them see better,we use aids to help us hear better.Make sure everyone is aware of your problem,ask them to speak slowly and clearly FACING you and not mumble with their head down.The problem is they can not SEE your problem so its up to you to let them know.I have to admit there are problems with call centers,public places etc etc but "Deaf Awareness" is getting a lot better out there.

Modern technology has transformed life for the hard of hearing.All cinemas,theatres,Banks,public places will have a loop system by law.Switch your aids to "T" and they become "earphones" and you will hear via wifi.I have this system on my TV at home so my wife can have the volume down.You can also buy special home and mobile phones that are designed for hearing aid users.There is so much kit available,have a look on Action for Hearing online shop.Most of the stuff is VAT free for registered hearing aid users.

It will take you a long time to get used to aids.They will never restore you to perfect hearing but they WILL help you.
Good luck and I hope my tips will help you.
Agree with everything you say. I've tried the privately funded in the ear models, waste of money. NHS models much better, I've been deaf in both ears since I was 27, for the past 32years. Yes some people make fun, but I turn it so they are the ones that are embarrassed, not me. In fact I can usually hear more than anyone else these days. It can have its advantages.

TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Tuesday 10th March 2015
quotequote all
A bit of background on the testing and how it was done. My 9 year old son (2 of 3) has an issue with his hearing. Only a tiny bit but the concern was there. My eldest son, his mother and I went to also have our ears checked in case there is some sort of hereditary issue with regards to hearing (even if there wasn't one). The other 2 turned out to be fantastic. Mine wasn't so good.

SO, I went to my GP yesterday and advised on the tests that took place. The Doctor will now have to send me to a local ENT specialist before I can be referred to the main London unit I was advised to visit by the children’s ear unit doctor in the OP. I have already been through this process before and the result was that I was fine. Hopefully this time they'll take notice.

TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
Forgot to update this.

Had my test last week and to my surprise my hearing is almost the same as it was in the last test done back in 2008. What is evident here is that my tinnitus is definitely playing a part iny lack of hearing.

I have been advised that a hearing aid is the way to go but just to be certain, they are going to perform one more MRI scan on me.

What can I expect from the MRI if nothing could be picked up from it the last time I did one almost 3 years ago? I'm also not really sure on how I will be contacted in regards to the hearing aid. I'll call the doctor and ask anyhow.

One thing I've learnt from this is tinnitus can have much more of an affect on your hearing than I thought.

TheAngryDog

12,394 posts

208 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
Good luck TC. I aren't a hearing aid wearer, my hearing is in the normal range, infact for some things it is too good and causes me problems, to the point that I actually wish I was deaf (go figure!).

For the guys who wear hearing aids, how deaf are you without them?

maxxy5

771 posts

163 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
I had them for a couple of years aged 30-ish (a couple of years ago). I was not keen as you can imagine, but seeing as I could barely talk to people it was essential.

I had NHS ones, they worked very well and were very small and silver - not beige! Nobody even mentioned them unless I did.

I had an MRI that didn't show the problem. Maybe that's quite normal with something like the ear. I think I contacted the audiology clinic myself.




lost in espace

6,136 posts

206 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
Can I have some advice. I have tinnitus quite a bit of the time, particularly at night when I have to use Radio 5 to overcome it with an earpiece. And I often find myself asking for people to repeat themselves. If there is any background noise I often can't hear anything of the conversation when others seem to have no problem, noisy bar or restaurant for instance.

If I want a hearing test do I just go to the docs and ask for one?

TheAngryDog

12,394 posts

208 months

Tuesday 19th May 2015
quotequote all
Goto your Dr's and say about the symptoms you're having. They should then refer you.

TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
Yep. Talk to your doctor. I've been doing it for years and only recently seen a sense of urgency from them. I've had nasal issues too so when they're blocked it also slightly restricts my hearing. It's got to a point where it has had a bad effect on my social and professional life. My confidence has taken a dive too. I'm hoping by eventually getting the hearing aids, the tinnitus can be kept under control, although I feel I may need to go for tinnitus control therapy for maximum effect.

Once referred by the GP, you'll do the normal test with audiology then may see the specialist to determine whether an MRI scan is required.

mrsshpub

901 posts

183 months

Wednesday 20th May 2015
quotequote all
lost in espace said:
If I want a hearing test do I just go to the docs and ask for one?
Depends where you live — in some areas, there are 'walk-in' clinics where you can self-refer. Do a bit of googling.

TROOPER88

1,767 posts

178 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
Chaps
I know a lot of you are dismissing the private sector but....

How many of you have tried the Phonak Lyric??

An in the ear device, totally invisible, battery lasts for 3 months and you can shower with it with no issues??

It costs circa £1500 a year.

There are not many centres in the UK that fit the Lyric but i believe the number to be growing. It is a Swiss product and will definitely make tinnitus much better.

I know Harley St have a clinic,

TotalControl

Original Poster:

8,016 posts

197 months

Monday 25th May 2015
quotequote all
I've finally had my MRI scan appointment sent to me alongside a recommendation for tinnitus re-training therapy. Oh, and another audiology appointment too.

Old Merc

3,486 posts

166 months

Monday 25th May 2015
quotequote all
TROOPER88 said:
Chaps
I know a lot of you are dismissing the private sector but....

How many of you have tried the Phonak Lyric??

An in the ear device, totally invisible, battery lasts for 3 months and you can shower with it with no issues??

It costs circa £1500 a year.

There are not many centres in the UK that fit the Lyric but i believe the number to be growing. It is a Swiss product and will definitely make tinnitus much better.

I know Harley St have a clinic,
I`m not sure about this Lyric model? all I can say is that my local NHS has just supplied me with the very latest Phonak Nathos aids.

TheJimi

24,862 posts

242 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
quotequote all
Old Merc said:
Get an audiometry at your local NHS who will supply the very latest digital models to suite your hearing loss.
I realise your post is well intentioned, but the above is incorrect.

The NHS does not have access to the entire market of hearing aids, what they do have is contracts with suppliers and hearing aids are chosen with criteria in mind.

So while you may well get a good hearing aid on the NHS, what they can offer you is restricted. So they will offer you the best hearing aid for your loss that the trust has access to, which doesn't necessarily translate to THE best hearing aid for you.

Edited by TheJimi on Tuesday 26th May 13:56