Home Health & Wellbeing
If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Read the community guidelines before posting ✨

Hearing Aids

Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
Yesterday I had my hearing assessment after noticing my hearing was getting worse and well it’s turns out I have quite a significant deficit in both ears and that I need hearing aids.

I really am not sure how I’m meant to feel about all of this , I’m really quite young to be having this type of deficit though the audiologist did say it could be as a result of a condition they think I have that’s been causing my headaches.

I’m worried about how people are going to react my mum has already said “Ffs kid what else can be wrong with you” and well my sister said “ I could have told you that”.
I’m nervous about how loud the sounds are going to be as I’ve read the first 8 weeks of wearing hearing aids can really be quite intense . I don’t really know what to do about work and university too , I’m not sure how I’m going to wear masks now I’m going to have these hearing aids behind my ear , I’m not sure how I’m going to cope in teaching sessions as the start of my new module is the week after I get my hearing aids fitted.

It all just seems really overwhelming and I don’t really know how to think or process it all
Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.

Comments

  • sinead276sinead276 Posts: 1,659 Extreme Poster
    Unfortunately, I don't know much about the experience of wearing hearing aids, but I just wanted to say I hope you adjust to them quickly/smoothly. Ultimately they are there to try and improve you and your hearing, so although easier said than done, try not to focus too much on how people will react and stuff. Whilst we might think everyone will have a reaction, it's often the case that people will notice and then move on or maybe not notice at all.

    Hopefully, the transition to wearing hearing aids is an easy one for you and doesn't become too overwhelming - and sending lots of hugs

    Sinead
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Hi @Millie2787,

    I'm hearing that you are feeling overwhelmed after finding out you need hearing aids and are unsure how to process it. That sounds really difficult. As @sinead276 has already said they are there to help you and thats a good thing. I think people often notice things less than we do. There's a song I really like called 'no one cares' by Josie Man and it sounds like a harsh title but the song is basically about how you often get wrapped up in worrying about what other people think when really everyone else is also wrapped up in themselves.

    I can imagine it must be quite a change at first but im sure you'll get used to them and remember if you do have any issues im sure you can speak to your audiologist about them. In regards to Uni there should be stuff in place to help you, most lecture theatres should be fitted with hearing 'T' loops. And If you need any extra help you could always ask for some help from your unis student services. When I was at uni a friend of mine wore hearing aids and in some classes they had a notetaker sit with them to help them. So hopefully there are options available to you if you need them. I understand the issue of wearing a mask with anything around your ears, it can be really annoying, they're not the most comfortable but you might find that those mask headband, ear protecters things might help.

    I really hope everything goes okay for you, keep us updated with how you are getting on :)
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Thank you both

    I guess I’m more nervous about being super sensitive to sounds for the first few months as understandably my body isn’t going to be used to hearing at that level . Still feeling lots of conflicting feelings about it all though
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Hi @Millie2787

    That's completely understandable it must be a big change. The RNID has some tips for people getting used to hearing aids, I'll post the link to the article here in case you want to have a look at it.

    https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/hearing-loss/hearing-aids/getting-used-to-hearing-aids/tips-for-getting-used-to-hearing-aids/
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Thank you Jess ,

    I’m getting so frustrated, everyone just seems to be making it so complicated to even try and get help . University have said to me they want medical evidence before there but any reasonable adjustments in place , but that’s just ridiculous it’s not like I’m wearing choosing to wear them . I tried to get a letter of medical evidence from my Gp but they said they haven’t received anything to even say I’m having hearing aids so they can’t do that , I rang specsavers back and told them that the Gp is saying they haven’t got anything and they said they would resend the email.

    I rang the university information point today to get an appointment to speak to a disability advisor about what adjustments could be put in place and she told me they had no appointments but then I had an email from someone with a list of appointments to choose from so I can’t understand why people have to make it so bloody didn’t to try and get some help.

    I’ve ordered a little case to keep my hearing aids in when I feel like I have to take them out and little drawstring bag to keep my spare batteries in , I’ve been doing a lot of research and the batteries have to be changed quite frequently every 10-20 days depending on how frequently they are used which I guess with mine is gonna be all the time
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Millie2787 wrote: »
    Thank you Jess ,

    I’m getting so frustrated, everyone just seems to be making it so complicated to even try and get help . University have said to me they want medical evidence before there but any reasonable adjustments in place , but that’s just ridiculous it’s not like I’m wearing choosing to wear them . I tried to get a letter of medical evidence from my Gp but they said they haven’t received anything to even say I’m having hearing aids so they can’t do that , I rang specsavers back and told them that the Gp is saying they haven’t got anything and they said they would resend the email.

    I rang the university information point today to get an appointment to speak to a disability advisor about what adjustments could be put in place and she told me they had no appointments but then I had an email from someone with a list of appointments to choose from so I can’t understand why people have to make it so bloody didn’t to try and get some help.

    I’ve ordered a little case to keep my hearing aids in when I feel like I have to take them out and little drawstring bag to keep my spare batteries in , I’ve been doing a lot of research and the batteries have to be changed quite frequently every 10-20 days depending on how frequently they are used which I guess with mine is gonna be all the time

    Hi Millie,

    It seems so confusing for you right now and I’m sorry your going through a tough time please know we are here for you and you can vent here whenever you need to, we’re here for you Millie ❤️

    Libby
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Managed to get an appointment with the disability team at university even though I got told there was no appointments so I really don’t understand why

    Just waiting for my Gp to get in touch on if they can write the medical evidence letter or not
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Millie2787 wrote: »
    Managed to get an appointment with the disability team at university even though I got told there was no appointments so I really don’t understand why

    Just waiting for my Gp to get in touch on if they can write the medical evidence letter or not

    Hopefully it goes well sending love ❤️
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    edited January 2023
    Finally Had confirmation from my GP that they've had evidence from specsavers to say that i'm being fitted with hearing aids and that she had passed the request onto the admin who deals with the medical evidence note requests , Still ridiculous that im having to pay £18 for something that in my opinion doesn't even need any medical evidence ...not like i'm going to be wearing hearing aids for the fun of it janet.

    I guess maybe i am slightly beginning to come to some sort of peace with the fact im going to have hearing aids but i dunno my brain still wants to block it all out , like its not really happening ... sounds stupid really doesn't it .

    I've ordered a litte case made out of frog fabric to keep them in when i take them out and also a little jute drawstring back that says "Aimees Hearing Aid batteries" on it to keep my copious amount of spare batteries in
    e4j4gzhhqca6.png
    q4yrfczltfcv.png
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    The longer I spend thinking about it the more I really don’t think I want hearing aids . I’m just not sure it’s something I want , I’m scared that I already have to overcome so many barriers each day without adding hearing aids into the issue
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Aw I absolutely love that bag Aimee it looks great and I’m sure it’ll be super handy to keep all your things in. I’m hearing that your not sure if you want to have hearing aids now, that sounds challenging. Do you know when you will be getting them? I understand that it’s something to get used to, what about if you try wearing them for just a bit of the day and then gradually increase how much you wear them just to get used to how they feel and the new sounds?
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Had them fitted on Thursday and I’m really struggling with wearing them . Everything is very loud right now and overwhelming whenever I wear them . My audiologist said it’s important for me to utilise the volume buttons during my adjustment period , but even with having them on the lowest sound I can have them (they don’t turn right the way down , only to a set volume and even that is still hard for me) im slowly trying to wear them for short periods , then having a break from them. Which is to be expected , I’ve only had them 4 days and the average time to adjust to them than be anything from 4 weeks+

    Some sounds I’m slowly becoming used to like being in the car , the TV , the fridge etc . But there is also some sounds that are almost painful for me to hear like the dogs walking on the laminate, the toliet being flushed (if I’m the one flushing it) etc.

    I had a meeting on Thursday for my updated Study needs assessment for Disabled student allowance and she’s putting forward recommendations for a note taker - Someone who comes to my lectures and takes notes and I can choose to speak to/ not speak to them , Sit next to them etc it’s all down to me . A session with a specialist hearing equipment company who can put forward recommendations for a radio aid and a specialist stethoscope as well as any other equipment they think I may need.
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • SpaceOtterSpaceOtter Community Champion Posts: 890 Part of The Mix Family
    Hi @Millie2787 sending lots of hugs, it must be a really tough adjustment.

    Lots of frequent breaks is a good idea, im sorry i cant offer any help or advise. I just wanted to say sending lots of hugs.

    If you dont mind me asking, How do you feel about the meeting ? I hope you get all the support you deserve.

    And how do you feel about having a note taker? It sounds like it could be really helpful if that was something you wanted.

    Im also glad to hear they're going to help you get the equipment you need.

    Take care aimee <3
    You're awesome!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Hey Aimee,

    Just checking in to see how you’re getting on with your hearing aids. It’s sounds difficult I imagine it must be a big change.

    It sounds really positive that uni are helping you, so I’m pleased about that.
  • sinead276sinead276 Posts: 1,659 Extreme Poster
    Hi @Millie2787 just wanted to say I hope you’re doing okay with your adjustment to hearing aids. I can imagine that it must be challenging to get used to this change and I think it’s a good idea to have breaks from them when you need to. Hopefully it gets easier over the next few weeks and it’s good to hear your uni is helping

    Sending lots of hugs
    Sinead
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Although this was a few months back I’m Still really struggling to be able to wear them all day . I’ve tried wearing them at work and I can’t manage longer than a few hours, I can’t cope wearing them when driving.

    Everything I’ve read says I should be used to them by now , but I’m really not . I can’t even wear them at the volume level they’re set too and have to turn them down as much as it will let me.
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Hi @Millie2787

    I’m sorry to hear you’re still struggling with your hearing aids. That sounds really difficult. Have you had any follow up with your audiologist to explain how you’re feeling and that you’re struggling with them still?
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Hi @jess63 ,

    I had a follow up 4 weeks after they were fitted to see how I was getting on with them , I explained I was still finding it hard but they said it would take time getting used to them. I had them fitted back in February now and I’m still struggling a lot with them
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 287 The Mix Regular
    Is there anyone you can speak to about them, to see if there’s anything that can be done to help?
  • AzzimanAzziman Moderator, Community Champion Posts: 2,081 Boards Champion
    Hey @Millie2787, I can understand that you're struggling with this situation. I know a couple of people who've gone through this, so can appreciate that it's a really difficult period for you right now. You're doing ever so well to keep going through this, and we're here to support you <3

    I'd agree with @jess63 - it'd be a good idea to see if you can be reviewed by the audiologist here, if it's taking longer than expected to get used to them. It might be something they need to tweak or sort out from their side, so well worth speaking to them to see what they can do, and I hope they can listen to your concerns and support you as you need. How does that sound?

    Also, I'm glad to hear that the university is offering you support. The things they've offered have all been really helpful to those I knew at university who used them, so I'm sure they'll help to make university a less painful experience for you. How do you feel about the support they've offered?
    FAQ | How to report a post | How to report spam
    I'm a community moderator. I'm here to help guide discussions and make sure Community Guidelines are followed. I can't send DMs, but you can message @TheMix or email community@themix.org.uk with questions or concerns.
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    Finally caved and went back to the audiologist about how I’m struggling to wear them because they’re too loud . He’s adjusted the volume to a more comfortable level for me and he said although there not meant to - he’d much rather me have my hearing corrected to a some what normal level then me not be wearing them at all.

    I was a little sad because my normal audiologist has left the store I got to, so I have to have the other one which I had met once before and he’s nice. But yeah had built up a good relationship with the other lady.

    Aim is to now build up to wearing them for most of the day before I head back to university in September and hopefully by then I should be able to wear them for majority of the day.

    Life with hearing loss at 21 certainly hasn’t been easy and it still really upsets me at times.
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member muda muda Posts: 122 The Mix Convert
    Millie2787 wrote: »
    Finally caved and went back to the audiologist about how I’m struggling to wear them because they’re too loud . He’s adjusted the volume to a more comfortable level for me and he said although there not meant to - he’d much rather me have my hearing corrected to a some what normal level then me not be wearing them at all.

    I was a little sad because my normal audiologist has left the store I got to, so I have to have the other one which I had met once before and he’s nice. But yeah had built up a good relationship with the other lady.

    Aim is to now build up to wearing them for most of the day before I head back to university in September and hopefully by then I should be able to wear them for majority of the day.

    Life with hearing loss at 21 certainly hasn’t been easy and it still really upsets me at times.

    I can relate to this. I was diagnosed a year ago (19 years old) with a condition relating to my hearing. It is truly upsetting, especially at a young age, as now your life has become less qualitative and having experienced a slightly more qualitative life before, you end up contrasting it to your now less qualitative life which makes you feel like you have lost something major - it's heartbreaking that it feels like you're griefing. However, I've learnt that your current situation doesn't mean you cannot continue to live a similar life to the one you had (and could have) when you didn't have the condition. It is wonderful to see that despite how difficult the process is to adapt to your situation, you are taking it with a positive attitude. I believe it comes from some strong hopeful energy as you did mention 'hope'. No matter what, your condition will still have an effect on your life and you will face upsetting times here and there, but you can experience more happy times. To remember this, I can significantly help you in your journey.

    I must really say that I'm so proud of you for coming this far. <3
  • Millie2787Millie2787 Community Champion Posts: 5,194 Part of The Furniture
    tomorrow is wearing my hearing aids for the first time on campus since having them adjusted. As well as also asking my lesson tutors to wear the radio aid thingy. How many times do we think it’s gonna go wrong lol .

    But there’s 2 of them presenting my first session tomorrow so I don’t really know how the whole wearing the radio aid is going to work as it has to be worn around either the neck on the lanyard or clipped directly onto their top if they have that. I emailed all my facilitators or of my first module Sunday around it all and all of them were lovely and came back with similar responses on that they will support me the best they can to ensure I have a positive experience of the module

    My tutor also replied asking if it’s something she wants me to bring up in a big meeting that all the children’s nursing team have once a term. It’s just mainly around managing the expectation of using my Radio aid, so that’s another thing to have a think about.

    Starting a fresh academic year at university is hard enough without the added barrier of still learning to live with hearing loss - which I don’t think i will truly be ever able to accept.
    Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you , for you to begin to believe in yourself.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Moderator Posts: 1,084 Wise Owl
    Hey @Millie2787

    Just wanted to check in to see how you are doing? :heart:

    We are always here for you.

    Hope uni goes well and you get the support you need and deserve.

    You've got this :smile:
Sign In or Register to comment.