New Year's Resolutions for Hard of Hearing People

It is more difficult to hear conversations when talking with someone wearing a mask. However, it is more important to protect yourself and others from Covid.

I am 88 years old and never thought I would become hard of hearing. It is so frustagrating to not hear now for me. I pretend that I hear.

Hi @dudelee1933 I’m so sorry you’re experiencing hearing loss. I can’t imagine how frustrating this is for you. Have you seen an audiologist to have your hearing checked or fitted for hearing aids?

Bluffing can get you into big time trouble because people think that you are not comprehending communication. I encourage you to go to an audiologist to get your hearing checked. Find out if a hearing aid might help you. I have friends who are in their 90s who have hearing aids, and one got a cochlear implant three years ago when he was 90. Have you had your hearing tested?

yes.

I did a lot of bluffing. Not a good idea as it took longer to get help. In November I received a Cochlear Implant in right ear, which was my worse ear. So glad I did - I'm 81. Knock on wood, things have really improved. With streaming I can now understand phone calls. Doing better in noise and even watching TV and listening to music. The 'homework' to get the brain to adjust to the CI is actually fun. With a CI they do a lot of testing to make sure it will help and that you are healthy enough for the surgery (my husband isn't as he has some major health issues - he gets very frustrated not being able to hear well even with hearing aids).

Good luck.

Have you tried hearing aids?

Thank you again for sharing your insight and experiences. it really helps to Hear Other Peoples Experiences. (HOPE)

For awhile I joked about my ears not being big enough to support eyeglasses and hearing aids. Then came the oxygen cannula, then the mask. It’s not so funny any more. Now I stay home with my glasses and oxygen, no hearing aids, no masks, and I’m ever so much more comfortable.

Yes, all this 'stuff' on one's ears can be rather challenging. On the other hand, it's important to do whatever works for us. We are all different. If you are comfortable as you are, relax and enjoy life.