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The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Jun 26, 2022 | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
I appreciate this discussion as I too have been feeling very alone in dealing with hearing loss. I hate to constantly ask people to repeat what they’ve said. I also hate only getting bits and pieces of group conversations.
I have moderate hearing loss as well as tinnitus and have used Widex Evoke hearing aids for more than three years. For the first couple of years, I did pretty well. Over the past year or so my hearing has deteriorated and my tinnitus has become more troubling. I’ve wondered whether the tinnitus in particular has been affected by the Covid vaccinations and boosters I have had.
I have increasing difficulty hearing in any situation where there is background noise, and I find myself making choices of activities to avoid noisy spaces. Music has always been extremely important to me, but despite the fact that I emphasized with my audiologist how important music is to me, now I rarely listen to it, because it does not at all sound the way it used to. It sounds one-dimensional and tinny, often even off-key.
I no longer enjoy live theater and concerts, movies in theaters, sporting events, and even worship services are problematic. There may be assistive devices and other approaches that would serve me better, but I don’t believe my audiologist is very committed to spending the time and effort necessary to help me deal with some of the things I have lost as a result of hearing loss. I am located in Minneapolis. Any suggestions of excellent audiologists in this area would be extremely welcome.
Thank you for providing a space for this discussion.
Replies to "I appreciate this discussion as I too have been feeling very alone in dealing with hearing..."
Dr. Jeff King of Audiology Concepts in Edina, Mn, 952– 83 1-4222 is an excellent audiologist. Dr. Cliff Olson recommend Audiology Concepts and if you are not familiar with Dr. Olson of Anthem Arizona Google him and listen to his excellent videos. Good luck.
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There is an HLAA chapter in the Twin Cities. It would be worth your time to connect with them as they would have information about providers, accessible venues, products, etc. Email: president@hlaatc.org
They hold regular meetings, many of which are on Zoom videoconferencing. Some are in person. They are communication accessible because all meetings provide live captioning, and assistive technology that will work with your hearing aids.
HLAA, which is a consumer organization provides a super place to ask questions about products and providers. HLAA doesn't endorse or promote either, but members do share their experiences; both positive and negative. People will steer you in the right direction for positive professional support.
The large majority of answers I've gotten over the 40+ years I've needed support have come from HLAA. The organization's national website is: http://www.hearingloss.org
HLAA stands for The Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc. HLAA advocates for communication access in public places, promotes research in medicine and technology and provides a lot of peer support to people who become members. Membership is not required to benefit from HLAA. Membership simply provides support for the organization and the advocacy it does for all of us who have hearing loss.
FYI, background noise is the single most common complaint and issue for people with hearing loss. It takes courage to keep going and doing all the things you love to do. It's possible though if you are willing to learn about assistive technology, coping skills, and can find people who know what you are dealing with who are willing to be share experiences. Having your experiences and feelings validated by others is healing.
Do you know about HLAA?