Yes, it does get frustrating. I've tried a sign language class over the internet but I'm seventy and my memory isn't what it used to be. Still, I picked up some good techniques for non-verbal, non-sign communication. I think I'd be better off taking a live class. But with sign language you need to find a whole new group of people to sign with!

I've heard that what you can pick up by lip reading is pretty limited - maybe 40% comprehension. But it could be useful combined with your hearing friends. I haven't really seen any live courses in the area where I live. Maybe there's something online.

Do you belong to HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America). I go to a meeting once a month. Normally they're lectures plus social time. But the great things about the meetings are: 1) there are all sorts of technical aides that make it much easier to hear - the words are typed on to a screen, the room has a t-coil which communicates directly with many hearing aides, and all the lectures are amplified. All at the same time! 2)Almost everyone has a hearing loss and is very patient about communicating 3)You can see other people with hearing losses communicating successfully 4) There is a wealth of information and experience with hearing loss being shared at each meeting.

Right now I'm primarily concentrating on getting the most out of my hearing aids - I suspect that they could be better adjusted to my hearing loss so I keep going back to my audiologist for adjustments. My aids are behind the ear Phonaks with special added on plastic earmolds that insert into the ear - the earmolds seem to help quite a bit. And my audiologist had me buy a device (Phonak com Pilot) that can stream TV and telephone directly to my hearing aids - I can hear well with it, it gets me into the habit of listening and keeps my from turning up the TV volume so high it annoys my neighbors.

Overall, it's lots of work and lots of figuring out technical devices. Keeps me busy!

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