Wearing hearing aids doesn't help much, the urge is to cut yourself out of one person at a time is all I can deal with or I lose track of the conversation and if asked to repeat any thing, people always repeat at the same levels. I can read lips to some extent but I have to be able to see who's talking.
The main thing is that you get the best aides for your loss, wear them, and absolutely OWN the problem - no yelling at people for mumbling, and don't make them feel bad for not knowing how to communicate better with a hard of hearing person. You say, "I'm just not getting that - how about spelling it?" instead of "for the last time, speak up, dammit!" and keep your sense of humor sharp. You get the idea.
@MidKid - The old rule was that aids did not help SNHL but that WAS from about 25 years ago when they pretty much just amplified - newer versions can actually select for the frequencies you need amplified and leave the rest at their natural level. Even now, on my second set of hearing aids - the current ones are a little less expensive and a LOT more effective than my first ones that I had for about 7-8 years.
Can you take this device with you or are you using this only at home? My husband's hearing loss is driving me (and the family) insane. I found I was literally shouting at my daughter last week when we were visiting her--she asked why I was talking so loudly and I realize that I have had to so this to compensate for my husband's hearing loss. He refuses to address it and says it's "my problem" and that I "mumble". Well, I don't. I actually have great diction, and I do NOT mumble. His mother has lost her hearing, his sister is losing hers too. I can't believe that there is NOTHING that can help him. (Had his hearing tested once, 25 years ago and the audiologist said they couldn't help him).
I have some news you may be interested in. I am a caregiver and profoundly deaf. Hearing aids do not help and are costly. I recently stumbled upon a new type of hearing device while looking for a loud phone for my Mom.
Its called an amplifier by Soundworld solutions. This little device is nothing short of amazing! The first time I wore it I was stunned at the things I could hear, but never did with hearing aids. And trust me I have a drawer full of them, all makes and models.
It does not take batteries, you simply plug it into the charger and walk away.
The battery life is about 18 hours give or take. It can be used as a Bluetooth device for your phone or any Bluetooth media device.
You can also program it with a smartphone or your computer, to your exact specifications. It also comes with three presets. The one for restaurants is awesome. It was so nice to go to dinner and hear the person across the table again.
And the real beauty of it is it is less than $500.00 bucks! Plus you can try it for 45 days to see if it's for you. If not send it back and get a full refund.
I absolutely love this device, it has opened up the world again for me.
I do understand what your going thru, it's not easy. I remember always having to say, "Let put my glasses on so I can see what your saying". But those days are gone now due to this wonderful device.
Note: There are two models one that looks like a Bluetooth phone you wear on your ear and the other looks like a hearing aid, which is the one I got due it was more powerful. My favorite thing is I forget I'm wearing it because it's so comfortable. If you want more info drop me a line Id be happy to help you.
Or just look up Soundworld solutions on the Internet and see for yourself.
Take care, your not alone.
God Bless
I think even deaf people like the company of others.
Take your person out and about when you can.
Lets be honest, my family (4 adult couples and 13 Grand kids) grew tired and irritated of repeating themselves.
My stepson and wife said one day "Pa Pa we think you have a hearing problem" and I briskly replied " WHAT" and they continued, "go pick one out and send us the bill " I heard the second part of the statement and began my search for a solution
I found after an in-depth study to include numerous appointments and examinations you need to shop around and conduct a great deal of research to determine the best solution for you. In addition, to insure you are getting the best VALUE
Mom and Pop vendors, professional "appearing" boutiques (white coats etc.) Buyer Beware
You need to approach the buying decision intelligently. Do your research on line, magazines, trade shows, in person etc. Determine your price range and hearing parameters and begin to compare.
Don't be timid. It is very easy to be impressed by the process and be oversold in the end.
Example: In one product line, two models are offered with same features different pricing. Some vendors charge for fitting appointments. Warranties are different. Ongoing adjusts, which are necessary, can be free or fee paid.
Make yourself a chart covering the major items: manufacturers, features and vendors then you can compare them competitively. Let the final two winners win your business..........Its your money.
My set of two (one in each ear) cost $3,000 were purchased at a major wholesale outlet, appointments free, adjustments free.........
Be patient, the get acquainted period with the new device can be time consuming and frustrating but rewarding.
I can actually hear the kitchen faucet left running when I leave the room Think of the money I saved on my water bill, and don't forget all my happy relatives.
With that said, I used to hide my hearing impairment, now I tell people or remind them. If people start talking and I can't hear them, I interrupt them and tell them so. I do try to keep conversations to small groups but there are still many activities in which you can participate. I wish you the best.
which help some but mostly just increase the volume of all the noise in the local area.
It is very difficult to hear when there is a lot of background noise or talking. When speaking to someone with hearing problems don't speak with back turned while walking away or say again at the same level. Face the person enunciate your word slowly and clearly. It doesn't have to be shouted. We hate to be excluded out of conversation and would appreciate your thoughtfulness to make it easier for us to feel included.
Since I only have one-sided hearing, I have to place myself at the table where I can hear the whole conversation. I find that I just tell people right off the bat that I am hard of hearing. I do not enjoy large family gatherings. So, I just basically sit down and wait for people to come and talk to me one on one.
I am going to take a lip reading course to help me understand better. Hang in there!
I have learned to simply be with a person if they are ok with this is fine too. Don't have to talk all the time. Dad can't process much anyways anymore. Just sit, take him for a walk, and try to look happy about it. He smiles back or seems content.
Ugh. It's tough stuff no matter how you do it.
Have you tried a caption phone? It's a screen attached to your landline phone. When someone calls it types out what they say.
Also, brother tried using his ipad: talk into the ipad what he wanted to say to Dad. Ipad wrote it out. Dad read it and responded.
This is the expensive and faster version of the white board.
So sorry for people losing hearing. The positive thing I could imagine about it: enjoy the sweet, sweet sound of silence and go within more. OMMMmmm
It's hard for many people who have hearing loss, with or without hearing aids, to enjoy large crowds or any event that has a lot of background noise. Yes, hearing aids are getting better but from the people I've talked with, I've gotten the impression that there is still a long way to go.
Keep watching this thread for more tips, ayamesan. There are amazingly creative people here.
Take care,
Carol