Deafness, Tinnitus, Hearing Aid and disability
Discussion
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I had my appointment earlier today (well, yesterday) and received some hearing aids, finally. They're Phonak branded so not sure how good they are. Quite small and fit rather snugly.
We did some tests with them on and I was rather surprised (and delighted) to hear noises I haven't heard in over a decade. Simple things like the front zip of a coat being done up and the rattling of keys could be heard.
I'll be needing regular checks (every 3-4 months) to fine tune it and keep an eye on the tinnitus retraining therapy.
We did some tests with them on and I was rather surprised (and delighted) to hear noises I haven't heard in over a decade. Simple things like the front zip of a coat being done up and the rattling of keys could be heard.
I'll be needing regular checks (every 3-4 months) to fine tune it and keep an eye on the tinnitus retraining therapy.
True, they are pretty good. I can hear keys, door hinges, crisp packets etc now. It's quite nice to be hear these but I'll probably be back next week to say how annoyed I am with the noises. 
I had an interview today and noticed that there was a bit of an echo when conversing. Like a bad line had been connected. Yeah, I'll need to get used to that.
I had an interview today and noticed that there was a bit of an echo when conversing. Like a bad line had been connected. Yeah, I'll need to get used to that.
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