I also messaged Ziphearing because I was curious about whether there are providers in my location. There are. When I messaged them I asked them to text me with that information and explained that my hearing loss makes it difficult to use the phone. They did not test me. They called me. Surprise!!! I was able to understand the conversation thanks to BlueTooth in my cochlear processor, but had wanted to make the point that a lot of people with hearing loss will not make that phone call.

As a mentor/educator I believe it's important to be open and upfront about the challenges that people with hearing loss face; especially those with adult onset hearing loss that has progressed to the serious level. Especially those who have gone unaided. This invisible disability creates major life changes and challenges. I will say that I had an interesting conversation with the person who called. Teaching moment. < 3

Hearing loss is an expensive invisible disability. It is misunderstood. It is stigmatized. But it's very real and if those of us who have it don't deal with it openly and also with dedication of time, money and a lot of energy, we will always be frustrated.

Yes, it's a shame that hearing loss hasn't reached the 'cure' status. It's a shame that we feel stigmatized. However, if we truly want to help ourselves we have to go the extra mile and get the best help possible. For some that means buying and using basic hearing aids; even some of the over the counter products. For others it means we have to accept the cost of better products and find ways to pay for them. (Easier said than done.)

It's important to understand the differences in providers. When a provider has AuD behind their name they have earned a doctorate degree in audiology. Others may have a master's degree but not a doctorate. Many use MS Clinical Audiologist. Others, in fact many of them are 'hearing instrument specialists' (HIS) Costco, Sam's Club, etc., mostly employ HIS who do apprenticeships under AuD providers. Few of these providers are educated as counselors with the exception of a few who may have gotten a BS degree in social work, etc.

Active hard of hearing people have been advocating for years for more counseling on hearing loss and technology use by providers of hearing aids, also by primary care specialists and other medical providers. This is starting to get noticed, but more people willing to educate and advocate are needed to effect change. Reality lesson for the day! 🙂 Talk to your medical doctors, dentists, HIS, AuDs about this. They need to know this matters.