Age old stigmas and myths about hearing loss that don't go away

Oh classic! Maybe I should do that! My husband talks to me from another room or should I say scolds? Pet peeve! Of course I can’t answer because he can’t understand me.
And I can’t easily join him to return the favor because I’m disabled and mobility is not a strong suit due to severe pain and he KNOWS IT!

It's unfortunate that hearing aid providers don't have time to hold orientation programs for both the person with hearing loss and their significant others. It's a time thing. Hearing loss is frustrating for us and for everyone with whom we associate. It's so important for us to be able to share our feelings and explain, clearly, what we need to make communication work. Once again, I point out how important it is to understand what is needed, and to also understand how fatiguing it is for a person with hearing loss to have to be on high alert at all times in order to participate in conversation.

HLAA provides a lot of support through its chapters. Learning you are not alone is a huge booster. Having your feelings of fear and frustration validated helps a great deal. Coming together to talk about 'it' in a communication accessible environment is extremely helpful. It also helps if our significant others will join us so they learn they are not alone with this either. Effective coping strategies don't come easy, but we can learn so much from each other.

Unfortunately, most HLAA chapters are not currently meeting in person due to COVID, but many are holding meetings via videoconferencing that can be attended by anyone. There is a lot of information on the HLAA website. If you're new to hearing loss, take time to explore the site. If you find there is a chapter in your geographical region, contact them. Being proactive about your hearing loss issues is so important. http://www.hearingloss.org

That's exactly what it is; noise. Our family members need to learn coping skills too.

Extended especially. That’s the hard ones to teach

I had a patient who came to see my for new instruments. After fitting him and counseling him, a few months later, he returned for a checkup. I asked if he was hearing better. He said, and I quote: "Yes, and you know what, I've changed my will 5 times now!" Loved that he had such a good sense of humor because after you get your new aids, people still yell at you or talk around you.

Lol old habits die hard. But are easily resurrected.

Yes they do. People think hearing aids will give a person '20/20' hearing. We can blame a lot of the advertising of these consumer products for that.

Gina/earscan: Thanks for posting all the great info about hearing aid manufacturers and other names for their brands! You offer lots of great info! I've seen lots of posts about the frustration of SSHL: although I've only had useful hearing in one ear for decades, I never considered that a serious problem, probably because the real killer (for me) with Meniere's were the V&V crises 2-3 times a week for the first four years. Once I got them under control, I felt so freed up that I didn't even think about the fact that I had ceased to participate in musical ensembles and orchestras and in fact wasn't able to even listen to music because so much was missing. So, it's a wake-up call to see all the posts about SSHL! Now that the disease has gone bilateral (and I've managed to thrust the monster back into the damned closet by taking mega doses of hormones long enough to end V&V and regain some hearing in my good ear, I'm able to function fairly well in spite of masks, which do make things difficult. Although a Cros aid was suggested to me nearly 40 years ago, I never felt that I needed it enough to spend the big bucks. I now use one Costco Bernefon (Oticon) aid in my good ear. Perhaps I've just gotten used to hearing on one side only!

LOL, you are a breathe of fresh air! You do have the best! And once you get used to hearing on one side only, it is a monster of rehab/training to get used to bilateral hearing! You are also retraining your brain. I have stayed away from these fittings, especially if it is an older person, because the success rate is poor. If you are functioning well now, you go girl! Not all this new stuff is the answer! Glad you are doing good! Gina

Try it - can't hurt