@dstell I had no idea what Meniere's was so I just googled it. Does it always result eventually in a permanent hearing loss? Are CIs appropriate for all types of hearing loss? My daughter had a friend who had always been deaf and he got them. He basically had to learn to speak then.

@salledell Does your water instructor teach from in the pool or on the edge? I have one who teaches from in the pool but she has a deep and booming voice so I can hear her pretty well. I do wear my aids in the pool, my head never goes under. Another of the instructors teaches from the side and wears a little microphone called the "Connect Clip" so I can hear her. That is an accessory for the Oticon Opn hearing aids. Prior to her using it I had to really follow her movements and what others in the class was doing. She is young and has sort of a high voice. I could wear my prior hearing aids in the pool also. A brief submersion did not hurt them. They were Phonaks.

@gulzar I hate being in crowded, noisy places. It can be very depressing to just hear a din and not be able to distinguish much. Even when my family is gathered in our family room, I have trouble distinguishing sounds and hearing what is being said. Sometimes I just drop out.

@babarker I really understand your frustration. I hate continually asking people to repeat themselves. You are fortunate to have an understanding family.

JK