I
didn't know I had a problem with my hearing. I misheard words, used subtitles with sound when I could and said 'I'm sorry I didn't hear you'
far more than I realized. I got my hearing checked about
10 years ago because some things were mumbled and I could not listen on the phone with my left ear. No matter where I placed it I could
never have a conversation on the phone with that ear. They said my hearing was fine and my right ear was weaker than my left. HUH?
Ummm ok you're the professional.
Fast forward to Spring 2007 and I had some ongoing low ringing going on and most of the time it felt like I was on an airplane. I had been in a car accident 3 months before and although I just thought it was pressure (like an ear infection or full sinuses) I wanted to be sure. The car accident happened in my husbands 1993 Corvette and the
back windshield shattered into a million pieces about 3 inches away from my ears. So I went to a new ear guy, co-worker recommended him, and he said it was sinus pressure, have some meds. No ear damage from the car accident.
Ummm ok you're the professional.
Since then,
yes 4 years, it still feels like I am on an airplane. There is usually background humming so I tend to wear my ear buds and play music so the dull hum doesn't drive me completely batty. I said completely-be nice. My family looks at me like I am insane (I said be nice).
For example:
my husband was telling me a news story and he said 'shocker' I heard 'shot her' and wanted to know why someone would shoot her. He says he will miss my
'creative hearing'. A month ago a co-worker was walking back and forth waiting for a ride to a meeting. He kept saying 'I have a meeting in Dubai at nine and am not going to make it'. I asked him to say that again, knowing I heard wrong. He said it again, I asked him to repeat. By the fourth time I was looking straight at him and still did not get a different answer. I then asked his PA what he was saying and she said 'he had a meeting in Dwight at nine'. Ohhhh that makes sense.
So I go to a new audiologist that my co-worker recommended and found out that I indeed have a hearing problem and
shocker it is uncommon. I can not hear
low tones. Men's voices are difficult which makes sense as I am constantly mishearing the guys in the office (I thought they just mumbled). I also tend to get books on tape that women read. I loved George Bush's newest book but I was constantly rewinding and playing a section over.
The doctor said I compensate well. I knew that but
didn't know I was doing it. I watch peoples faces, use subtitles, use IM in the office instead of talking over the cubicle as I usually can't hear what they are saying, started withdrawing from social scenes (like bridal and baby showers) and pretty much hid out from school functions, sporting events and dinner with friends. There is just to much competing noise. OK not completely, but when I did go I would smile and nod and agree with people. This did backfire on Easter morning when I asked my 16 year old to fill out the attendance card form church and she said
something so I said thank you (I couldn't see her face).
Four teenagers turned to me and said 'she said she doesn't have the form to fill out'. Oh. Here take mine and thank you.
I just assumed this is how life would be. I am 42 years old and way to young to be withdrawing from social situations. The scary part is that after my appointment I was waiting at the train tracks and saw the lights and gates and felt the rumble but didn't hear the low whistle. I never realized I couldn't hear it. I thought I heard it because of the other warning signals. I grew up around train tracks and
knew 4 things happened. Lights, Gates, Rumble of train coming and the Whistle.
So when I experienced the other 3 I filled in the blank.
So I am a candidate for hearing aids. I don't have an issue with wearing them even though I am pretty sure I will get teased (which I think is unfair as we
usually don't tease people with glasses or walkers). What I have an issue with is the price. Even after insurance pays some, it is still a chunk of change. If it was someone else I would say 'do it' but it is much harder to do that for yourself. I am very thankful for my husband who has been very supportive with this newest health struggle and also for his leadership in getting me these
things so I can hear the
whole conversation and
all the words.
Who knew?
By the way the audiologist is
evil. She put the hearing aids in my ears , adjusted them and then
gasp had a conversation with me. It was like when you are at a car dealer and they have you sit in the car to discuss if you want to buy it. Uhhh yes!
These little tiny wonders were amazing. She turned on background noise like a restaurant and I could still hear the conversation with her. I made a point of staring at the wall so I would not cheat by looking at her lips and facial expressions. It was like when you try on glasses and things look crisper. Amazing. I thought about asking all of my friends for $10 so I can afford these miracle workers. What do you think?
20 pounds since starting
+133 days
4 days to Graduation, 66 days to 21st birthday and 232 to Leah's birthday
