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The eternal struggle to comprehend (not hear--comprehend) what is being spoken means that I lose what I learned during the first sentence as I marshall every brain cell I have to comprehend the second...and the third, etc. I not only cannot remember names but details, even of things that I already know quite a bit about. I often am in lengthy meetings where technical issues about fish and their habitats are discussed. These are topics I've been involved in for decades and know very well, but, after two or three (or more) hours of discussion and note taking, I'm at a loss to summarize what I heard.
Because this degree of loss is quite recent (end of May this year), I find that I'm exhausted most of the time--not because I've done lots of physical activities or failed to get enough sleep, but just from the struggle to understand. In fact, one day I spent 4 hours driving and 6 hours hiking in difficult terrain, all entirely by myself. At the end of that day, I wasn't nearly as tired as I am after a 2-3 hour meeting sitting on my butt! If someone walks past while I'm working in the yard and initiates a 10-minute discussion, I'm tired afterwards. Just a few minutes of making the effort to comprehend is a challenge.
I'm sure that part of my exhaustion is due to depression caused by not being able to understand in small group situations, like around a table for 8 or 10. I feel cheated when I can see that everyone is having a lively discussion but I can only understand occasional words. Of course, a good deal of my problem isn't that I can't hear at all, but that, due to Meniere's, what I hear is so distorted some days that it's just babble punctuated by hurtful spikes of sound. Add fluctuation (sometimes I can hear and understand, but other times I can't even tolerate wearing an aid due to recruitment and distortion), which makes it even harder for people around me to be patient on the days when hearing/comprehension are at very low levels. An hour ago, I might have been able to participate in a one-on-one conversation, but at the moment I cannot, which is very confusing to everyone--including me!
Replies to "The eternal struggle to comprehend (not hear--comprehend) what is being spoken means that I lose what..."
Powerful comment mirrors my comprehension problems, depression, anxiety and exhaustion exactly. Situations might be not be the same, the experience we share is, certainly. Thank you. I am going to have a cochlear implant because I am sick of not understanding overall content in the situations you describe, sick of the depression/exhaustion, sick of my grandchildren looking at me with confusion, and sick of loosing out! Anything will be an improvement.
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@joyces
Hi,
Since you are so new to hearing loss, you may be trying too hard . Go easy on yourself and try not to expect too much. I’ve had a progressive loss over 40 years and have had time to adjust. Yeah, it still annoys me that I miss out on so much but...as I will be sitting around the table this Thanksgiving with my entire family...even though I’m not getting everything, I’m so happy to be where I am .
It will take a while for you to come to terms with hearing loss, but realize that you can only do so much. Keep going to the Audi for adjustments and try new assisted devices and hearing apps. (I rely heavily on Live Transcribe for my phone....Android phones only). You’ll learn how you have to plan in advance your approach to people and new situations....even a simple trip to a new doctor.
I don’t have recruitment but understand it and it does make things difficult. Distortion is a killer. Alone time is good but don’t isolate yourself too much...you need to keep your brain active . You have to practice listening to keep as much understanding as you can. You will develop a quick explanation of your loss to explain to others but be upbeat about it if you can.
None of this is your fault but it’s too easy to fall into depression. Keep yourself surrounded by family and good friends and learn when to step away. People gravitate towards positive people.....you can do everything others do expect hear well but don’t let that fact dominate your life even though it impacts everything you do. Read about what other people who have physical challenges have done.
You’ll get there.....not easy...don’t make it a handicap.
FL Mary