Brand new...so frustrated

[Kira]

Some that aren't to strict may allow him in with you but they will not release any information to him...unless he is listed on all medical paperwork as my emergency contact, which is the case. I've signed waivers with most practitioners for him. Therefore, he can come in and hear anything that they have to say.

[IMBack]

did you cancel the ones for the last SO? good luck

[Kira]

Anyways...back on topic (I don't know how I managed to hijack my own thread...)

My history is as follows (now that I'm calmer and can think it all through):

I was diagnosed with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction about a decade ago and I also have severe allergies.
Lightning struck right next to me in August of 2003.
I have periodic tinnitus and have for some years (I always just thought I was hearing some kind of electrical feedback in the environment).
I was told that I had minor low-frequency hearing loss in 2006.
I have a lot of trouble hearing in crowded/noisy situations.
I can't understand speech when there's background noise like the microwave or running water.
I have more difficulty understanding speech, particularly with men, when they aren't facing me or are some distance from me.
I often find that I can't tell where sounds are coming from and turn the wrong direction when I hear things.

I'm not sure if that clarifies anything, but I realized my earlier posts were slightly disorganized due to me being overly stressed.

[IMBack]

I would think working in healthcare you would be able to find a good ENT or AD. I hope you aren't providing direct patient care.

[ambrosia]

I think you should call the Vocational Rehabilitation center. Tell them you need the aids for work. They'll pay for them, or help you pay for them. Forewarned they'll only do this once, they won't pay for replacement hearing aids if your hearing worsens later, they expect you to make plans/save for new aids when the time comes. yeah I just ran into this, BUT through them you can also get an Assistive Technology loan, the interest rates are way low and you can pay over a longer period of time vs most loans.

[Kira]

Actually, IMBack, I do provide direct patient care. I am an EMT. Currently, I am in training, so I always work as a third provider. Thus, one member of the crew drives and I play a supporting role in patient care in the back of the truck. Although I understand that they plan on clearing me to work without supervision soon, I don't plan on accepting that until I get this figured out. I'm not completely irresponsible after all.

[IMBack]

I have a lot of trouble hearing in crowded/noisy situations.
I can't understand speech when there's background noise like the microwave or running water.
I have more difficulty understanding speech, particularly with men, when they aren't facing me or are some distance from me.
I often find that I can't tell where sounds are coming from and turn the wrong direction when I hear things.

I do provide direct patient care. I am an EMT

you are working in the noisiest possible environment and can't hear as you stated above.



next thing you know we will be having armed security people that can't hear!!

[Kira]

My hearing loss has never compromised patient care. I'm probably lucky for that. I'm always supervised by a more experienced provider of a higher level since I'm still in training. I will voluntarily remain in training until my hearing issues are resolved one way or another.

[Um bongo]

Originally Posted by Kira

Anyways...back on topic (I don't know how I managed to hijack my own thread...)

My history is as follows (now that I'm calmer and can think it all through):

I was diagnosed with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction about a decade ago and I also have severe allergies.
Lightning struck right next to me in August of 2003.
I have periodic tinnitus and have for some years (I always just thought I was hearing some kind of electrical feedback in the environment).
I was told that I had minor low-frequency hearing loss in 2006.
I have a lot of trouble hearing in crowded/noisy situations.
I can't understand speech when there's background noise like the microwave or running water.
I have more difficulty understanding speech, particularly with men, when they aren't facing me or are some distance from me.
I often find that I can't tell where sounds are coming from and turn the wrong direction when I hear things.

I'm not sure if that clarifies anything, but I realized my earlier posts were slightly disorganized due to me being overly stressed.

On the basis of these criteria, I would try Widex aids, they seem to handle lower tone/reverse slope losses the best. This comes from the empirical evidence of my customers and an audiologist I know who has a reverse slope loss.

You might also be able to wear a CIC which will reduce the risk of the aid getting tangled in your work.