green427

Yep, that pretty much sums up what we all go through. I lost 80-90% of my hearing when I was 4, and have had to put up with the bullshit for the next 40 years.

Unfortunately, 95% of the workforce out there considers deafness equal to being retarded. Sadly, the only ways a deaf person can get a job are either by having a friend/relative in the workplace to convince employers that you are the right person for the job, when the government forces employers to hire disabled persons, or when a company is desperate for workers and you are the only one to closely qualify.

The only reason I was able to get both of my jobs is because someone in the office knew me and convinced the owner that I can do it, and I can communicate verbally. Even though I could hear some with my hearing aid, I felt pressure to hear more and eventually got a CI about 7 years ago. It made a big difference, but it is not perfect. My employers are still not happy that I cannot understand all the staticky talk on the Nextels, even though I don't need to use them. Deaf people usually have to work 2-3 times harder than their counterparts to prove that they can do it. It also takes many years to gain your co-workers' respect.


Not sure what method of disability application process you are going through, but: You need to go into your local Social Security office and get an application for disability benefits. They will need proof that you are disabled. In the Fed Gov't's eyes, you are disabled if your hearing test shows that you have less than 50% speech discrimination and if your dB loss is higher than a certain number. Social Security will set up an appointment at an audiologist of THEIR choice for you to be tested. They will pay for the appointment, not you.

If you already did this, they might have concluded that you are not 'deaf enough'. If you say that you are 97% deaf, that is more than enough.

Don't wear your hearing aid(s) when you go in for an application. You need to frustrate them when they can't communicate with you. Don't wear your aids when you go in for the hearing test, and don't reply to the smallest sound you can hear. Wait for it to get somewhat loud.

If you want to go back to school, and you already qualify for disability, your local VR office can help.

Unfortunately, when SS declares you 'disabled', you have to wait 6 months before collecting benefits, unless you have proof that your hearing went bad at a certain time awhile back.


Sorry to hear about your hubby's issues. This economy doesn't help much either.

Deafness

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mizwytch

Hello green427,
I don't have a hearing aid, I can't afford those things! Thousands of dollars for a hearing aid is pretty well outside of my budget right now. When I applied for the disability I lived in Tennessee and the interviews were extremely frustrating. Frankly, I have no idea what the audiologist they sent me to said on her report...all she told me was that I had maybe 5% hearing in my left ear at the time, but it could be improved with the use of a hearing aid. I know that I left there wishing I had at least one hearing aid because the one they tried actually worked at the time and for a few minutes I could hear again. In the months since then, the hearing I had left has diminished to the point that I can hear nothing except the very highest pitched tones in my left ear...and those are getting more faint all the time.

I did find a couple of places online last night called GACHI and and G.R.E.A.T. D.A.Y Inc. I am hoping that maybe they can help me with these issues.

The fact that this society treats Deaf folks like we are retarded really galls me. I know things are really tight for my hubby and me right now because I haven't been able to get a job. Fortunately for us, we don't have to worry about being homeless though. We live with a friend who has MS. Her husband of 22 years decide that he didn't want to be a he anymore and abandoned her to run off and have a sex change. (They are now divorced. While she is still able to walk, she is no longer capable of taking care of the major chores around the house, such as cleaning and yard work, house repairs, etc.)

Oh well, gotta look on the bright side of things. Where there is life there is hope. Me hubby and I are tough. We'll get through. Where there's a will there is a way...and so on. LOL Honestly, finding this forum has been a huge help to me. It is really helping me to cope with this. Thanks everyone.

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A dogma will thrive in soil where the truth could not get root. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

Bottesini

Vocational Rehabilitation may pay for a hearing aid for you and help you find a job too. You should get in touch and see what they can offer.

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mizwytch

I sent the local VR an email friday asking about any services or help they could offer. (Can't hear a phone conversation anymore.) I hope I get a reply soon! I realized after talking to a lot of you here that I did need help learning to cope with the issues that come with becoming deaf. All I can say is thanks. I am a very strong-minded and strong-willed person, but I'm not too stubborn, thick-headed or too proud to know when I am in over my head and need help. *sniff* I love this forum!

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Most men would kill the truth if truth would kill their religion. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

A dogma will thrive in soil where the truth could not get root. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

Hollykins1

It IS overwhelming. I'm only dealing with one ear deafness, but it's enough to really turn my world around. To go through both must be even worse.

I haven't even discussed aids yet with my ENT or Neurotologist as I couldn't afford them. (However I have applied for SSI and SSDI) I know there ARE services out there.

And sometimes just having someone objective to talk to can help. (what I mean by objective is family and friends just dont' really "get" it sometimes). I got sent to a psychologist for my SSDI claim, and I found myself wishing I could see a counselor. I'm going to look into that.

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DX: Meniere's Disease 6/10
HOH and learning ASL

VNS: 11/2/10

green427

VR people are pretty much swamped with requests, so I doubt you will ever see an email reply for months. Suggest you walk in their office and apply. Don't let them see the smart side of you, though.

Again, you will need proof that you are deaf. There are many people out there trying to milk the system, so they are weeding out those 'milkers'.

KristinaB

I would, while you are waiting to hear from VR, or waiting to decide about going in to speak to someone face to face, go somewhere that will offer a free hearing test. For me, my local deaf service center does. I also know some hearing aid places (that I have since found to not be much good) will do free hearing tests. This way, you can have a current test with you when you can get an appointment with VR. I was fortunate to get into VR very easily and they sent me for testing, and I got hearing aids through them before I lost all of my hearing. The company they sent me to for my hearing aids is who I have since learned was not very good. (Thanks for that info Botti, it was very helpful. Seriously) (Beltone).

blank canvas

Hi I'm not sure how this works but I'm 25 and I lost all the hearing in my left ear 2yrs ago and partial hearing loss in my right ear, docs said may continue to loose hearing as time goes on. One thing I'm having a hard time with the hearing aids it's nothing like how I heard before so its hard to get used to. But to be honest, because my ASL isn't great I don't feel like I'm part of the Deaf community and I no longer seem to fit in with the hearing community.

Bottesini

You could start by taking ASL classes and then get out and attend deaf events. That could help you find friends and feel more like you fit in.

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blank canvas

I do go to deaf events and I am in ASL classes but still feel stuck in the middle... I guess in my mind I'm still hearing and feel like an impostor or something I know it seems silly I just feel dumb saying I can't hear you but at the same time I don't understand what your signing to me...

green427

It is a different world, yes. Baby steps...it takes awhile to learn ASL.

Hearing aids come in different designs...you might have to try different ones on until you find one that fits you. Most decent audiologists let you wear a few over a few weeks until you find one that sounds the best. Of course things will not be like they were, but some hearing is better than none, right?

You might want to put your approximate location in your profile, some of us might be nearby and can help out.

DeafDoc1

You are contradicting yourself.

By not wearing HAs and by not providing honest responses to behavioral audiometry (standard hearing tests), you are PROMOTING people to "milk the system".

A trained audiologist should be able to identify those who "cheat" on their hearing tests. But regardless, by exaggerating the degree of one's hearing loss, a person may be provided with equipment or recommendations that are inappropriate or even harmful. I would discourage anyone from following that advice.

IMHO.

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Hohtopics

One thing you could do is to meet other hearing-impaired, late deafened or hard of hearing people like yourself. You can meet them through an organization such as the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Hope this helps?

jillio

We are very excited to have you here. This thread was started as a sort of informal support group for people dealing with issues with late deafness. Those issues are somewhat different that what someone who has been deaf since birth deal with. This has been a really successful thread because AD members are so generous in sharing their experiences and their ways of coping. I'm sure you will find not just help, but new friends, as well.

jillio

+1

green427

If she is in fact deaf in the eyes of the law, she should qualify.

I've been denied any assistance when I was younger because I did not look or act like a deaf person. I was told that I am 'normal' enough to work since I could talk. My buddies, who could hear a little bit more than I, but do not talk, and 'act' like deaf people, were instantly given assistance. All came from well-to-do families. I did not. How do you explain that?

True, my statement above constitutes "exaggerating"...it could mean the difference between acceptance or denial of benefits.

If you lost your hearing and cannot communicate with anyone, and you walked in the SSI office for benefits, and they say you are 1 or 2 dB too 'hearing' to qualify, and no one wants to hire you anymore because you can't hear well enough, and you are now homeless & poor, what are you going to do?

If a hearing aid WILL work and enable you to hear enough to talk on the phone, then it probably would be better to cough up the funds.

Just remember this: Hearing aids don't always work well enough for people to hear on the phone, like me for instance.

jillio

Employers are under federal law to provide accommodation. No need to be dishonest.

green427

Hiring and accommodation are two different things.

If you become deaf while working, then yes, they are required to accommodate. If you are deaf and want a job, they are not required to hire.

Hearing people will never understand the struggle that deaf people have to go through just to get a simple job.

jillio

Not required to hire? No, but neither can they refuse to hire you because you are deaf. Federal law prohibits it. An employer is not required to hire anyone except the person who is best qualified for the job. Get qualifications, don't lie to get assistance.
Re: your statement about hearing people not understanding....some don't, some do. I don't care what your hearing status is, I cannot validate the promotion of dishonest behavior. Especially in this context, as it simply makes it harder for all to get what they need. And can also be self destructive.

Bottesini

I think employers get extra tax breaks for hiring us too. And VR will actually get you placed if you can't do it yourself. (Experience speaking. )

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jillio

Correct.

DeafDoc1

WHEN (not if) I lost my hearing, I could still communicate with others. I am literate. I carry around pen and paper. I can speak. I aggressively studied ASL. I applied to VR for assistance. And had I needed SSI but was mistakenly told did not "qualify" I would have appealed the decision.

The LAST thing I would do is exaggerate my degree of hearing loss. It would only come back later to bite me in the butt.

And I am well aware that some people aren't helped by HAs. I am one of them. I initially got HAs but my hearing loss is now 107 dB right/117 dB left. I have ZERO speech comprehension with HAs and am a CI candidate, but have not yet decided to proceed with surgery.

Finally, Jillio and Botts already addressed the employment issue quite accurately.

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blank canvas

I agree, I can't imagine the audiologist would be very helpful if you gave false information. And, granted I am new to this, but don't they program your aid specifically to your loss, I know my HA's are turned up all the way for them to be any use and I need to go in to have them 'turned up' Is that not how all aids work? In my opinion honesty is always the best policy, lying, deceiving or exaggerating just ends up causing headaches later...

saywhatkid

You are not alone.

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KristinaB

+1

mizwytch

How would I go about looking for these places that give the free hearing tests? The last one I had was at the audiologist that the SS Admin sent me to for determining my eligibility for benefits and that was in Tennessee and they didn't seem to be inclined to come off with those test records without a doctor's request or some other official request. Even then they want to take their own sweet time about getting the documents to me.

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mizwytch

Thanks. I have been reading the thread and the new postings...and I am quite grateful for the responses. Which, in turn, has also lead to new questions. LOL

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Most men would kill the truth if truth would kill their religion. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

A dogma will thrive in soil where the truth could not get root. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

mizwytch

I have noticed several comments about the whole issue of discrimination and the right course for obtaining benefits.

While I am no way inclined to want to obtain anything dishonestly, I can also see green427's point. Of course, since I have no hearing aid and can not hear anything below the very loudest and highest pitched sounds only through my left ear...(even my own voice sounds like it's coming through a seriously thick layer of wool, cotton, or water)...the issue of whether or not to wear one when applying for benefits is a moot point. Also, I have to agree on the issue of "cheating" on a hearing test...I can't even begin to imagine how anyone could accomplish such a thing.

As to the whole issue of discrimination being against federal law, true...it is, but it is also damned near impossible to prove discrimination; as I have found out very quickly. Unless you had a fed standing there witnessing the act of discrimination, it's pretty much your word against the prospective employer's. I'm getting the impression that, tax-cuts or not, a lot of perspective employers either don't know about them, (which is unlikely), or don't feel they are worth the effort of dealing with someone who is deaf/HOH. I found out rather quickly people can get pretty pissy when they are asked to repeat themselves several times.

Honestly, all I want is to find some sort of help to return to school so I can get something other than a shitty dead-end job that doesn't even begin to cover the basic utility bills much less food, medical care, etc. along with being able to actually get access to affordable health care. When my hubby lost his job due to illness and the insurance that went with it we were forced to have to try and seek some help at the local "welfare" office. We got a very rude awakening. We were told we were not eligible for anything but EBT (foodstamp) benefits. After 25+ years of my husband working and paying into this damned system we were told we could get next to no help. Recent events prove very clearly that even the feds don't adhere to their own laws or else illegal squatters coming over to this country by the dozens everyday wouldn't still be here getting all the benefits that people like us have been denied after spending years paying into the system. Illegal or not, when it all comes down to it, that anti-discrimination law is about as effective and useful as a rubber crutch...(unless maybe you're anything but a legal US citizen
anyway. )

Sorry if I ranted and sounded a bit on the bitter side...but discrimination, whether due to age, sex, or physical problems such as blindness or deafness, is a daily occurrence for hundreds of people everyday and the reason you never hear about it is that the vast majority of people can not afford the legal costs to pursue their allegations.

Anyhoo, thanks for all the advice in any case. I do find talking to others who are having to deal with suddenly finding themselves in a silent world a comfort and a way to help me cope with this issue.

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Most men would kill the truth if truth would kill their religion. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

A dogma will thrive in soil where the truth could not get root. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

KristinaB

When I needed to find out about possible hearing loss in my kids, I went to the phone book and just called (I still had some hearing then) all the places listed and asked if they do free hearing tests. Beltone was the only one who did. Turned out, that they were the only place my VR had a contract with where I was living as well. Also, Beltone was also the only provider for the State Medicaid my kids were on. Miracle Ear will provide free hearing tests as well.

I just googled "free hearing tests Athens Georgia and got this:
Bet-Townsend Hearing Aids - Home

There was also a link for both Beltone and Miracle Ear in Athens. I wouldn't necessarily buy from them, but they do advertise free testing. Just a thought.

mizwytch

Thanks. I can't hear on a phone anymore...but hopefully they'll have an email contact or I'll get my husband to make the call for me.

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Most men would kill the truth if truth would kill their religion. ~Lemuel K. Washburn

A dogma will thrive in soil where the truth could not get root. ~Lemuel K. Washburn