Hearing Test Anxiety

soulchill · 08-10-2012, 02:53 PM

I'm pretty anxious about my hearing test next week. I think it all starts with it being called a test. To me that means you pass or you fail. Like there's a way to study (if anyone knows the most common words for the comprehension part, let me know!). Anyway, it's like it's your fault - "You didn't do well on your hearing test." On top of sticking a label on me, they gotta make it feel like failure as well. And there's not much encouragement for this kind of ending; there's really no "you'll do better next time". I think I'd be in a better state of mind if they called it an evaluation, but that ship has sailed.

I'm a bit worried about how bad it's gotten, too. People joke about the times I say "what" or "speak up", but it's a bit scary to notice something going away. Not to mention that hearing is one of my job requirements. Not that I really need it for the most part to do what I do, there are some aspects to my job that involve knowing if something sounds good or not (fortunately things are really bad like choppy, no sound, or wrong pitch or it is OK). So far there have been other people to double-check these things and no one's made an issue of it.

Throw in my aversion to doctors, and I'm really stressed. Just a boat load of bad experiences with doctors. But hey, 50% of doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class.

It's one thing to know yourself that things are worse, but having someone else verify it just makes it that much more real. Something I really have to come to terms with.

drphil · 08-10-2012, 05:51 PM

An audiogram is a tool to say where your hearing level is-that's all. One doesn't "pass or fail".
You should already some 'clue" on how you are "hearing" right now.

Soulchill: hope the "results don't surprise you".

ambrosia · 08-10-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulchill

.

I'm a bit worried about how bad it's gotten, too. People joke about the times I say "what" or "speak up", but it's a bit scary to notice something going away.

It's one thing to know yourself that things are worse, but having someone else verify it just makes it that much more real. Something I really have to come to terms with.

I know exactly what you're talking about! I feel ya man. Over the last year and year and half I had noticed that my hearing had been getting worse. I had really been hoping it was just my hearing aid, something was wrong with it or something. But then I realized something. See before, if I didn't have my aid in, if my kids or husband put their mouth right over my right ear (not my left that one has been junk for awhile) I could understand them. I realized that wasn't working anymore, if they tried I'd pull my head back and ask them to say it again and read their lips. So last January I went in for a hearing test. The next day I went to work and one of my coworkers asked how it went. Had to tell her I went from profound loss to profound to no response in my left ear and from severe loss to profound loss in my right. I cried when I told her, not gonna lie. It's one thing to suspect it, and another thing to have it verified.

soulchill · 08-10-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drphil

An audiogram is a tool to say where your hearing level is-that's all. One doesn't "pass or fail".
You should already some 'clue" on how you are "hearing" right now.

Soulchill: hope the "results don't surprise you".

No, I don't expect much surprise. At least the appointment is Tuesday, so it'll be over soon enough!

soulchill · 08-10-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ambrosia

I know exactly what you're talking about! I feel ya man. Over the last year and year and half I had noticed that my hearing had been getting worse. I had really been hoping it was just my hearing aid, something was wrong with it or something. But then I realized something. See before, if I didn't have my aid in, if my kids or husband put their mouth right over my right ear (not my left that one has been junk for awhile) I could understand them. I realized that wasn't working anymore, if they tried I'd pull my head back and ask them to say it again and read their lips. So last January I went in for a hearing test. The next day I went to work and one of my coworkers asked how it went. Had to tell her I went from profound loss to profound to no response in my left ear and from severe loss to profound loss in my right. I cried when I told her, not gonna lie. It's one thing to suspect it, and another thing to have it verified.

Thanks for sharing that. I'm going to have to stay on top of these things. Growing up, I don't think my parents really knew that my problems needed more attention. After a while, recurring ear infections and pain just got dismissed or treated with over the counter stuff.

ambrosia · 08-10-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulchill

Thanks for sharing that. I'm going to have to stay on top of these things. Growing up, I don't think my parents really knew that my problems needed more attention. After a while, recurring ear infections and pain just got dismissed or treated with over the counter stuff.

You're welcome

I think it helps to know there's other people that feel the same way going through similar situations.
That sucks! If there had been interventions of some kind I wonder if your hearing could have been salvaged? Not that woulda coulda shouldas help any. I know if I had had a stapedectomy at some point my hearing woudn't be as bad as it is now. I haven't had insurance in years and years though, and now it's too late, I missed that boat.

soulchill · 08-10-2012, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ambrosia

You're welcome

I think it helps to know there's other people that feel the same way going through similar situations.
That sucks! If there had been interventions of some kind I wonder if your hearing could have been salvaged? Not that woulda coulda shouldas help any. I know if I had had a stapedectomy at some point my hearing woudn't be as bad as it is now. I haven't had insurance in years and years though, and now it's too late, I missed that boat.

I don't believe that things would have been much better. I did a lot of stupid stuff growing up (diving really deep, shooting guns with no ear protection), and not so responsible as an adult since most of the damage was done.

It's funny to find this board, and with all the people who know how you feel to still be embarrassed.

**Smithtr** · 08-10-2012, 09:11 PM

I experience already anxiety on crazy hearing cochlear implant and hearing aid I also conflict to I tell you . I off on my hearing aid I mind off relax, easy help better,I learn better handle cope on my hearing aid I scared test anxiety pretty scared awkward, give me scared hearing!

drphil · 08-11-2012, 08:35 AM

As I understand matters: one can't fix the past very well. Thus a futile exercise to evade: what to do now as one can't change the past!

From my user name.

aside: I would have benefited from using a Cochlear Implant 20 years ago! Reality: my Implant is only about 6 years old. One of the first completely BTE.

whatdidyousay! · 08-11-2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulchill

I'm pretty anxious about my hearing test next week. I think it all starts with it being called a test. To me that means you pass or you fail. Like there's a way to study (if anyone knows the most common words for the comprehension part, let me know!). Anyway, it's like it's your fault - "You didn't do well on your hearing test." On top of sticking a label on me, they gotta make it feel like failure as well. And there's not much encouragement for this kind of ending; there's really no "you'll do better next time". I think I'd be in a better state of mind if they called it an evaluation, but that ship has sailed.

I'm a bit worried about how bad it's gotten, too. People joke about the times I say "what" or "speak up", but it's a bit scary to notice something going away. Not to mention that hearing is one of my job requirements. Not that I really need it for the most part to do what I do, there are some aspects to my job that involve knowing if something sounds good or not (fortunately things are really bad like choppy, no sound, or wrong pitch or it is OK). So far there have been other people to double-check these things and no one's made an issue of it.

Throw in my aversion to doctors, and I'm really stressed. Just a boat load of bad experiences with doctors. But hey, 50% of doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class.

It's one thing to know yourself that things are worse, but having someone else verify it just makes it that much more real. Something I really have to come to terms with.

I never had an anxiety about getting a hearing test until someone in training gave me the test. I told the person I was getting earaches in my left ear and that sounds made it worst. While I was having the test my ear started to hurt and I was trying to tell the woman . She never heard me as the fool forgot to turn up the volume to hear me. And she did not asked if I was ready , she just started the beeping and I jumped up! I was always asked if I was ready before the test started. Now I have anxiety about going to a new person thanks to that woman who had no idea what she was doing. I would made sure the person is not in training if you're having anxiety, you have the rights to asked if the person is in training .

soulchill · 08-11-2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatdidyousay!

I never had an anxiety about getting a hearing test until someone in training gave me the test. I told the person I was getting earaches in my left ear and that sounds made it worst. While I was having the test my ear started to hurt and I was trying to tell the woman . She never heard me as the fool forgot to turn up the volume to hear me. And she did not asked if I was ready , she just started the beeping and I jumped up! I was always asked if I was ready before the test started. Now I have anxiety about going to a new person thanks to that woman who had no idea what she was doing. I would made sure the person is not in training if you're having anxiety, you have the rights to asked if the person is in training .

Thanks, when I stopped at this place, I saw the room with the one way mirror. I haven't had a lot of these tests, but the rooms always seem bigger than they need to be. Not sure if it's just coincidence or its to help you relax and not get claustrophobic. With all the pressure changes, my ears have been really sore and getting bad headaches. Hopefully I don't get an infection and have to reschedule. Just want to get past it as soon as I can!

**Bottesini** · 08-11-2012, 10:38 AM

Were you joking about having someone tell you what words for word comprehension?

It seems pointless to test if you dont want to have an accurate test that will get you the best HA for your loss.

soulchill · 08-11-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Were you joking about having someone tell you what words for word comprehension?

It seems pointless to test if you dont want to have an accurate test that will get you the best HA for your loss.

Yeah, I was joking. I'm hoping to get better news for results this time. Not better results, just more options on what I can do. If nothing else spend more time explaining what's going on.

whatdidyousay! · 08-11-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulchill

Thanks, when I stopped at this place, I saw the room with the one way mirror. I haven't had a lot of these tests, but the rooms always seem bigger than they need to be. Not sure if it's just coincidence or its to help you relax and not get claustrophobic. With all the pressure changes, my ears have been really sore and getting bad headaches. Hopefully I don't get an infection and have to reschedule. Just want to get past it as soon as I can!

I never been in a room with a one way mirror. When I am in the sound poof room I can see the audiologist while they're testing me. If you get claustrophobic you should let the audiologist know, they should let leave the booth to get a break. The hearing test does not take long , but it really need to be done to find out how much hearing lost you have.

dereksbicycles · 08-12-2012, 06:07 PM

You know, if you've fear, someone will smell it from miles away. You should not worry about whether you'll pass or fail hearing test. I'll be more concerned if you run into an audiologist that does not give you best hearing aids for your loss, but rather force you to buy a particular model so that they can pocket the commission.

lovezebras · 08-12-2012, 06:09 PM

hearing tests are not in the least bit scary...annoying yes..and a waste of time once you reach a certain point..lol but they can be helpful in knowing how to program hearing aids and to know what hearing aids you need

soulchill · 08-12-2012, 06:30 PM

Just hoping they are better than last place and I get good information/explanation. Need to fight for myself better than I did before.

dereksbicycles · 08-12-2012, 06:51 PM

As a savvy shopper, I would suggest not getting hearing aids on same day as you took your test. Get result, then shop around for the best device for your money.

soulchill · 08-14-2012, 05:54 PM

Well, it wasn't a bad as I thought, which is good. I still have a bit of mild to moderate loss and then the range of moderate-severe, closer to severe. Looks like I'll be investigating hearing aids. They are doing a demo next week and followup with ENT-possible fluid or tube issues - duh, I told them that when I made this appointment. Not sure if HA is right for me; maybe it's different if things are fitted. Really not comfortable with things in my ears and always favored over the ear headphones.

Audiofuzzy · 08-14-2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

I'm pretty anxious about my hearing test next week. I think it all starts with it being called a test. To me that means you pass or you fail.

lolol sorry, I had to laugh - it is like passing or failing a blood test

Good luck with your search for hearing aids.
I hope by now, you realize there is no such thing like failing at fitting for a hearing aid!

Fuzzy

soulchill · 08-14-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofuzzy

lolol sorry, I had to laugh - it is like passing or failing a blood test

Good luck with your search for hearing aids.
I hope by now, you realize there is no such thing like failing at fitting for a hearing aid!

Fuzzy

Yeah, it takes a lot for me to go to a doctor of any kind. It'll take me a bit to do a fitting because of my schedule. I don't know much about them, other than they are expensive, and a little bit about what the different types do. Clueless on what brands are good, lifecycle, best bang for the buck. Seems like they can do a lot of things with sound now, but they all call the features something else. It'll be easier after the followup and Im going to talk to someone at the DHHS. I don't trust doctors to go over all the brand options or be competitive on price.

Angel1989 · 08-14-2012, 09:37 PM

Most of you know that I have a new CI. My audiologist is totally lost on what to do about my hearing tests. My tinnitus is so bad that it drowns out all the beeps that I am suppose to hear. My last appointment I could not distinguish between the beeps and the "fireworks" sounds that I hear. Also if I know the beeps are coming, my brain starts hearing then before she even has started. Anyone else have this happen?

Cyborg · 08-14-2012, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel1989

Most of you know that I have a new CI. My audiologist is totally lost on what to do about my hearing tests. My tinnitus is so bad that it drowns out all the beeps that I am suppose to hear. My last appointment I could not distinguish between the beeps and the "fireworks" sounds that I hear. Also if I know the beeps are coming, my brain starts hearing then before she even has started. Anyone else have this happen?

Yes. After hearing loud beeps while hooked up to the audiologist's computer, my head starts echoing it - too.

My experiment: It helps get rid of my tinnitus if I turn the CI processor's volume down from normal to the ABSOLUTE mimimum--- so that it sounds like it's almost off. (For 20 minutes)

More cyborgs suffering from tinnitus should try this out.

EDIT: The CI processor on the minimum volume calms down the hearing nerves.

08-10-2012, 02:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
soulchill Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 574	Hearing Test Anxiety I'm pretty anxious about my hearing test next week. I think it all starts with it being called a test. To me that means you pass or you fail. Like there's a way to study (if anyone knows the most common words for the comprehension part, let me know!). Anyway, it's like it's your fault - "You didn't do well on your hearing test." On top of sticking a label on me, they gotta make it feel like failure as well. And there's not much encouragement for this kind of ending; there's really no "you'll do better next time". I think I'd be in a better state of mind if they called it an evaluation, but that ship has sailed. I'm a bit worried about how bad it's gotten, too. People joke about the times I say "what" or "speak up", but it's a bit scary to notice something going away. Not to mention that hearing is one of my job requirements. Not that I really need it for the most part to do what I do, there are some aspects to my job that involve knowing if something sounds good or not (fortunately things are really bad like choppy, no sound, or wrong pitch or it is OK). So far there have been other people to double-check these things and no one's made an issue of it. Throw in my aversion to doctors, and I'm really stressed. Just a boat load of bad experiences with doctors. But hey, 50% of doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class. It's one thing to know yourself that things are worse, but having someone else verify it just makes it that much more real. Something I really have to come to terms with.

08-10-2012, 05:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
drphil Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 4,115	An audiogram is a tool to say where your hearing level is-that's all. One doesn't "pass or fail". You should already some 'clue" on how you are "hearing" right now. Soulchill: hope the "results don't surprise you". MushyCookies likes this. __________________ Get Real:Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto -Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

08-10-2012, 09:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
Smithtr Siberian Husky Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 14,678	I experience already anxiety on crazy hearing cochlear implant and hearing aid I also conflict to I tell you . I off on my hearing aid I mind off relax, easy help better,I learn better handle cope on my hearing aid I scared test anxiety pretty scared awkward, give me scared hearing! __________________

08-11-2012, 08:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
drphil Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 4,115	As I understand matters: one can't fix the past very well. Thus a futile exercise to evade: what to do now as one can't change the past! From my user name. aside: I would have benefited from using a Cochlear Implant 20 years ago! Reality: my Implant is only about 6 years old. One of the first completely BTE. __________________ Get Real:Implanted Sunnybrook/Toronto -Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07

08-11-2012, 10:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bottesini Joe's Friend Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: With Owl Sock Posts: 37,528 Blog Entries: 1	Were you joking about having someone tell you what words for word comprehension? It seems pointless to test if you dont want to have an accurate test that will get you the best HA for your loss. __________________

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08-12-2012, 06:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,801	You know, if you've fear, someone will smell it from miles away. You should not worry about whether you'll pass or fail hearing test. I'll be more concerned if you run into an audiologist that does not give you best hearing aids for your loss, but rather force you to buy a particular model so that they can pocket the commission.

08-12-2012, 06:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
lovezebras Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 3,957	hearing tests are not in the least bit scary...annoying yes..and a waste of time once you reach a certain point..lol but they can be helpful in knowing how to program hearing aids and to know what hearing aids you need

08-12-2012, 06:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
soulchill Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 574	Just hoping they are better than last place and I get good information/explanation. Need to fight for myself better than I did before.

08-12-2012, 06:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,801	As a savvy shopper, I would suggest not getting hearing aids on same day as you took your test. Get result, then shop around for the best device for your money. lovezebras, Bottesini and soulchill like this.

08-14-2012, 05:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
soulchill Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 574	Well, it wasn't a bad as I thought, which is good. I still have a bit of mild to moderate loss and then the range of moderate-severe, closer to severe. Looks like I'll be investigating hearing aids. They are doing a demo next week and followup with ENT-possible fluid or tube issues - duh, I told them that when I made this appointment. Not sure if HA is right for me; maybe it's different if things are fitted. Really not comfortable with things in my ears and always favored over the ear headphones.

08-14-2012, 09:37 PM	#22 (permalink)
Angel1989 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,937 Blog Entries: 1	Most of you know that I have a new CI. My audiologist is totally lost on what to do about my hearing tests. My tinnitus is so bad that it drowns out all the beeps that I am suppose to hear. My last appointment I could not distinguish between the beeps and the "fireworks" sounds that I hear. Also if I know the beeps are coming, my brain starts hearing then before she even has started. Anyone else have this happen?

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