January 20, 2017
At seven years old, I developed an infection in my right ear which resulted in profound hearing loss called sensorineural hearing loss.
As a young child, with single-sided deafness, I had difficulty with all areas of academic achievement. At the time, there was a lack of school support.
If any support structures existed at that time, I did not have the encouragement from family or doctors to be a part of any programs for those with hearing disabilities. My interpretation of my own disability was that I was the only one in the world with a hearing problem. I was too young to have the coping skills or the confidence to overcome the feelings of embarrassment. As a result, I was isolated and withdrew from activities that involved many people.
Due to genetic factors, the hearing in my left ear started to decline as an adult. This limited me with my earning potential for work, as I require a very quiet environment.
A few years ago, I had a bone anchored hearing aid placed into my skull with an attached hearing aid. This operation seemed like a great idea and has worked for many people, but was unsuccessful in my case. I found myself removing the device in restaurants and any noisy place I went. I eventually stopped wearing the attached hearing aid. This resulted in eventually declining invitations, avoiding restaurants, parties, and social situations in which there was more than one person. I became depressed, isolated, and lonely.
I found another doctor who was a skull specialist, educated at Harvard, who told me I was not a candidate for the bone anchored hearing aid operation. He suggested that I get a “cross-over” hearing aid for single-sided deafness. Because I can only hear out of one ear, the sound enters one ear which is distorted. People with profound unilateral hearing loss can only hear monaural (mono). This “cross-over” hearing aid allows the sound to be distributed to both ears so the hearing is now normal.
I went to Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions and met April who helped me to get the best “cross-over” hearing aid for my specific hearing needs. I am so happy with my new hearing aids as I am regaining confidence at work and in all social situations!
I felt so comfortable with April who walked me through the process of this new technology of hearing aids. I see her on a regular basis, as she tests my hearing and checks my hearing device.
I have never felt so free and confident!
S.D.
Paramus
