hearing loss since birth

[Laiq]

So, a little background - I am currently a 45 year old female based in the UK. I was born premie and with a cleft palet and hearing loss (last childhood test stated 60% in right ear and 40% hearing in left). I was informed as a child that my hearing loss type would not be suitable for hearing aids, and as I had some hearing then they would not consider choclear impants.

I have finally had my first hearing test in probably 30 years on the NHS and I have been informed I have moderate hearing loss, and they believe I would benefit from hearing aids. I am aware I have “survived” as a hearing person for 45 years now, however I am really nervous (but also excited) to see if hearing aids really can make a difference in my life.

I’m just hoping to connect with people that have perhaps gone for a very long time without hearing aids and how they found the transition?

[1Bluejay]

WOW this is EXCITING news for you!! I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t be considered a good candidate for hearing aids many years ago … but better late than never!

First off: ask the NHS for a copy of your audiogram so you can upload it here (if you need instructions just holler and I’ll put them here on your thread). That way, folks here will know where your frequency loss is exactly across the board.

I was also born with hearing loss, but it was mild as a kid, then crept up to moderate by my mid-40s, and o’course like gravity pulling down my jowls, hearing also went SOUTH as I approach 70 with severe to profound loss - snake belly audiogram if you check it out.

I could’ve benefited from aids as a kid/teen/20-something but with deaf parents, they thought I was JUST FINE! It wasn’t until grad school that I simply knew I needed to HEAR BETTER, but was poor as a church mouse. I borrowed money and paid for my first pair of Starkey analog aids way back in the '80s. Now, some 30 yrs later, I’m up to the latest Phonak Lumity Life (2 pairs of rechargeables, 1 pair of aids with 312 batteries).

Believe me when I say that altho you can - in theory - live without aids for as long as YOU feel comfortable, what happens is that OTHERS know you can’t hear, even if you are unaware of that issue! Yes, so it’s better to be proactive, take the bull by the horns and get hearing help. If you rely on the NHS to provide aids, they will likely not fit you with the latest ones out there, so if you can justify having your employer pay, rob a bank, or lean on a rich relative to help you out, your options increase.

I am going to stick my neck out there and, given your youth, you WILL take to these aids much quicker the younger you adapt and use them. Just a caveat: don’t be frustrated if your world sounds WAY different than it does now: louder, confusing, speech a challenge in loud places, etc., Just post your thoughts and questions here cuz there are SO many resources and experiences folks can share with you.

GOOD LUCK. GO GET 'EM and GET BACK HERE to tell us all about it.