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Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Hearing Loss | Last Active: 9 hours ago | Replies (1450)Comment receiving replies
I am joining this group to try and find some answers as to how to deal with hearing loss that has come on with aging. I am finding it difficult to enjoy some things that have been very significant to me throughout my life, primarily music, theater, and movies. I can no longer enjoy concerts, plays, movies without closed captioning, and discussions in larger groups. I have had hearing aids for about three years and wear them faithfully. I recently had my audiologist adjust the settings, but I am still very frustrated with the sound quality and my ability to hear conversations in larger groups and to enjoy performances of any kind. I also have tinnitus and am curious about others’ experience with that phenomenon.
Replies to "I am joining this group to try and find some answers as to how to deal..."
@kmseay Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Over 46 million people in the United States have hearing loss. While it often comes with ageing, it affects people of all ages. Hearing loss creates unique challenges. The good news is that we are living in times when technology is far more helpful than it once was. I have so much to share with you that I don't know where to begin, so will start with a few questions.
1. Have you been able to use technology that goes beyond your hearing aids at performing arts centers, movies, concerts, meetings, etc.? There is much available that people don't know about.
2. Do the hearing aids you are using have the telecoil option? Did your hearing aid provider explain that to you? Do they also have BlueTooth connectivity?
3. Are you familiar with the national consumer organization; Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc.? http://www.hearingloss.org Might there be a chapter of HLAA in your geographical region? If so, connect with them. If not, you might be interested in connecting with HLAA members online as there are a lot of opportunities to learn that way. It's very helpful to get tips on managing hearing loss through association with other people who share your experiences, concerns, frustrations, etc. Because of this organization, 'communication access' is recognized as a necessity under the American's with Disabilities Act. However, advocacy is necessary to get technology in place. It takes people to make that happen.
You mention the value of captioning. Not too long ago, captioning on TV was sporadic. It was not required. People who got involved in advocating and educating changed that. Do you know that your smartphone can use apps that will translate speech into text?
Most important: Acquired hearing loss does not have to take away things you once enjoyed. You just have to find new ways to enjoy them.
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I chose to finally get a Cochlear Implant due to just what you described. It’s healing nicely and gets turned on March 30. I am excited but also nervous. Stay tuned.