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DiscussionHearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Sep 5 11:09am | Replies (1557)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Many thanks for an honest reply. I'm getting pretty proficient at lip reading:)"
Hello
I found your experience to be disconcerting.
Almost ten years ago, my mild (now severe) Sensorineural Sloping Hearing Loss was diagnosed by an excellent audiologist. For various reasons, including affordability, I delayed obtaining hearing devices until last year. I own my decision and would advise anyone who experiences hearing loss to do differently and address the issue of correction as soon as practicable.
That said, I have continuously experienced difficulty in speech recognition. I have been examined by four audiologists, in an addition to an ENT physician referred by my primary Dr.
No one added any value beyond the initial audiologist's service.
Due to the speech recognition difficulty, I finally gathered the funds and purchased a pair of Starkey Edge hearing aids at the most advanced technology level (24). I received excellent service from a buying source called ZipHearing. The representative was experienced and very helpful.
In less than two weeks of use, I have experienced a significant improvement. Recently I was able to hear and communicate in a noise filled restaurant environment which would have been previously impossible without the hearing aids.
I am in the early stage of my brain becoming adjusted to the hearing aids, which will take some time. I am hopeful and regret my self-imposed delay in taking action.
My experience is being offered only as background. What may be more relevant is my personal experiences with family members and friends who have suffered hearing loss. The most common barrier to correction has been the lack of service in fitting an appropriate device and following up with adjustment(s) as needed. This leads to frustration and lack of use. The problem only becomes worse after the hearing aids are abandoned.
FYI, I am a Costco member who would have obtained hearing aids at the local store except that the hearing center is not in operation. They do not know when they will staff an audiologist. Other Costco locations within 200 miles could not offer an appointment sooner than two months from now.
I just wanted to advise that you should be mindful in addressing your problem and consider getting additional evaluation if you feel it may be necessary. Unfortunately, access to competent medical care in an affordable and timely fashion is a critical problem now.
Participating in this forum may be useful and I would suggest exploring some of the other hearing aid forums as well. Good luck!