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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

From one hearing loss person to another - LOVED THIS!

I was born with hearing loss but only got hearing aids a few years ago before I started a job post-pandemic where I'd be expected to come into the office. Zoom and online audio worked great for me (could increase volume) in the pandemic but in person, with competing sounds and people talking to me from behind and on the side, forget it! I had so much anxiety about not being able to hear and people thinking I was "tuned out" (a common thing I was told as a kid - though I also had executive functioning challenges which made for a hard time) or rude. I so feel you.

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Angela Treat Lyon's avatar

I have the same thing, only a lot worse - as a stone carver, I used loud power tools for years - with ear-coverings! - and despite my care, I am now fully deaf in one ear and half in the other. It's so horrible. I miss music and birdsong and crickets - I can't even drive anymore.

There is a shop near me where they help people with hearing loss for free. Apparently the hearing aid companies pay them or something. I was able to get tested and fitted for my aids for free. Might want to check for any biz in your town called Hearing Aid Center, or Hearing Center.

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Denise Shelton's avatar

That’s a great resource. You’re lucky to have it.

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Angela Treat Lyon's avatar

Yes! I was wondering if there were any places besides the one I went to - turns out there are three in my town! And - check this out - tons of places and resources here - https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/financial-assistance/

Hope this helps -

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Denise Shelton's avatar

Thanks for sharing these.

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Sherry McGuinn's avatar

We’re already on a fixed income. Too late. Great piece, my friend, and we use captions, too.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

I have discovered as I have gotten older that I have more noise sensitivities to everything except music. It hurts when people shout without taking into consideration other listeners.

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Denise Shelton's avatar

My sister seems to have the same issue, David.

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