Hearing question

My grandfather began going to lose his hearing in his mid 30s and was completely deaf by 40. He didn't know why or anything really about it. We weren't close and neither were he and my father. I am 32 and lately I have had a lot of trouble understanding my students. I find that I am asking them to repeat things 3, 4, or 5 times. I went for a hearing test and they say nothing is wrong but it seems to be getting worse. My boyfriend also complains that the TV is loud and now I feel like I need to concentrate on some the mouths of some of my students when they are talking. Also if I am in a crowded restaurant I feel like I miss half the conversation. On occasion I also hear high pitched noise in my right ear. Is it possible that I am losing my hearing and should I go for a second opinion? Also what would cause me to have these problems at such a young age?

Of course, get the second opinion, and proper doctor for audiolgist.

I am sorry about your frustarating experience.

Maybe you need to see the doctor first to check your hearing like the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) examination. If the doctor said that you might have hearing problem and the only solution is to go to the audiologist for hearing test to see how much you can hear and how much you have lost your hearing level. The audiologist will check your audio graph and see how much you have lost. Sorry that you are probably following your grandfather's hearing loss. It might be genetic even if you are becoming late deafened.

Of course it is possible you have genetic progressive hearing loss. This runs strongly in my husband's family and happens to the majority of them.

Thank you for your help. I made an appt with an ent I went to as a kid when I had crohniv ear infections. He is squeezing me in tonight at 430.

Results

The ENT was sweet and remembered me from childhood. After a thorough exam of my ears he suggested a hearing test which he did in his office. He has an audiologist in his office. After 3 types of tests and an exam he confirmed mild to moderate hearing loss in one ear and moderate to severe in the other. He suggested hearing aids and said he couldn't give me a prognosis on how long they would help. He said it is hereditary and he remembered my grandfather and uncle (who died before I was born). Apparently he has treated the whole family. He said I may never completely lose my hearing but I might and we need to monitor it closely. He wanted me to go home and digest the info and come back tomorrow. I know nothing about hearing aids or any of this. I'm kinda a little scared. It wasn't until today when I was at work and my boss was talking behind me that I came online to do research I'm glad you guys talked me into going to the doctor but now that I know. Well that's just it I don't know what's next. I know I should get the hearing aids but what kind are best. The ones he suggested are $1,500 a piece. They are digital and behind the ear. He said the digital are best because if and or when the loss progresses he can adjust them. Does anyone have suggestions of brands or types? Should I take an ASL class in case the loss gets progressively really bad and I become deaf? I really did just think it was in my head.

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I tried to post about the results of my exam. For some reason it's not postin?.

Did it agree with the first one? Or did they find something different?

mackiki said:

My grandfather began going to lose his hearing in his mid 30s and was completely deaf by 40. He didn't know why or anything really about it. We weren't close and neither were he and my father. I am 32 and lately I have had a lot of trouble understanding my students. I find that I am asking them to repeat things 3, 4, or 5 times. I went for a hearing test and they say nothing is wrong but it seems to be getting worse. My boyfriend also complains that the TV is loud and now I feel like I need to concentrate on some the mouths of some of my students when they are talking. Also if I am in a crowded restaurant I feel like I miss half the conversation. On occasion I also hear high pitched noise in my right ear. Is it possible that I am losing my hearing and should I go for a second opinion? Also what would cause me to have these problems at such a young age?

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There could be any number of things affecting this: wax build up, allergies, reactions to medications or products, etc. The best thing is to not get ahead of yourself. The doctor should be able to shed more light on it than the audiologists. They may be doctors as well but they're not MD.s....

Laura

They found bilateral hearing loss. Mild to moderate in one year and moderate to severe in the other. This ENT had treated my grandfather (he just told me) and me when I was small for ear infections.

mackiki said:

They found bilateral hearing loss. Mild to moderate in one year and moderate to severe in the other. This ENT had treated my grandfather (he just told me) and me when I was small for ear infections.

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That's exactly what I had as a child (although I think more moderate to severe in both ears)....and you know....it stayed that way until my early 40's without changing - then it was just the right ear that moved into profound loss. Again, don't get ahead of yourself, it's not a death sentence. There are many wonderful hearing aid products on the market that can make your life a lot easier, Widex and Phonak being just two. BTW, ear infections may not be the reason for the loss - we live in an environment of noise, iPods, traffic, trains, and it can be hereditary or any number of things. The important thing is not to dwell on it, just accept it and move forward. Hearing aids have come so far and the business is so cut throat, they're better than ever so don't be discouraged.

It is hereditary. The ENT had treated my grandfather and uncle. Which I never knew. I knew my grandfather had gone deaf by 40 but not my uncle. He suggested Phonak behind the ear hearing aids but they are expensive. I'm not sure what my insurance covers. It's all very new and kinda shocking. I really thought I was just imagining it.

mackiki said:

It's all very new and kinda shocking. I really thought I was just imagining it.

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That's a normal reaction. It is a shock. When I found out in 2011 that my right ear moving into profound, I got tested by three different people and received the same disappointing results. I was hoping one of them was a quack but they all gave me the same findings. There are a number of insurances that cover partially or fully the costs of hearing aids. Blue Cross is excellent (now). I can't speak for the others because I've no idea. Years ago when I was struggling even more than now, I had the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission helping me with the costs. A good starting place might be sitting down with an audiologist to find out what your options are. They're in the best position to know what insurances cover and I'd also try any state services to see if they could pick up the cost for you.

Thanks. I finally found the info and my insurance covers almost the whole cost of 1 which isn't bad. I'm going to have him order them Monday. I just find myself wondering about what is next. In the next few years you know?

mackiki said:

Thanks. I finally found the info and my insurance covers almost the whole cost of 1 which isn't bad. I'm going to have him order them Monday. I just find myself wondering about what is next. In the next few years you know?

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My hearing was moderate to severe both ears. Back then, I had one hearing aid, which my parents paid for and the other the State covered because they couldn't afford it. Can you imagine a young couple with little income having to pay for the whole cost? I'm sure my parents had that same fear...what if we get the other hearing aid and it's still not enough?

Yet it didn't move though for many years. No one can say how your hearing will change, if it does or when. The important thing is not to live in fear. It's normal to go through a period of depression, even mourning. I did and I had been severely deaf for much of my life...but I wasn't prepared for profound loss. Everyone goes through the mourning period, but don't let yourself be defeated. It'll take some time for you to get use to the change, particularly given your career, but the hearing aids will help a lot. Mine have enriched my life. Stay active in doing the things you enjoy: teaching, being with friends, etc. Don't let this overwhelm you or take charge of your life. Hearing is only a small part of it and you’re fortunate that it can be managed. Persevere...pray, hope and don't worry. Many people today left the doctor with news that they have a terminal illness. You just found out you need hearing aids...so keep things in perspective. This is just a bump in the road, not a road block.

Thank you for the perspective. I didn't really think of it that way. I'm going Monday and will take it one step at a time.