Trials & Tribulations of Hearing Loss
I've been with Wealthy Affiliate now for a little over a year. I have not started making any money yet with my website, but I continue to move forward and know that it will happen. I have patience and it does take time. I know. I am a single mom with a pretty strained budget, and month to month, it is a challenge to say the least.
I have an inner ear disease called Meniere's Disease. I am sure most have heard of it. For some the symptoms are mild, they go away completely, or like me, they stick around and constantly let you know that you have the disease. I have pretty much lost all hearing in my right ear. I can live with that, and have for many years now. But, since I recently moved to Florida, I have lost my hearing in my left ear. My ears are like a weather vane. With any changes in weather or pressure, they close up solid and hearing just goes away. Usually, it is treatable, and I get my hearing back. This time around I have not been so lucky. Since July I have been to a variety of doctors over 25 times. Still no luck. I go in for surgery this Friday, but my ENT says it is a crap shoot. My hearing could get worse, imagine that, stay the same, or get minimally better. Well I will take minimal.
My son asks me why I am doing it if it could make it worse. Well at this point, I have to try. I can't hear now, so I have to try. That is what my ENT says too. He told me that what I will need, do need is hearing aids. Hey, I am still young, I look young, I act young, I shouldn't need hearing aids! I knew the day would come, as I have been stumbling and making excuses about my hearing for years now. Well, the thing with my ears is that I have one ear that I cannot hear out of and the other that at the time is so closed tight and not responding to treatment, that I can't just get your everyday run of the mill hearing aids. Of course not, that would be too simple and easy for me, which nothing is. So, I am looking at a set of hearing aids that will cost me $6,500!
I left the ENT office yesterday in tears, totally distraught, and just thinking, well I guess I will go thru life without hearing because I definitely cannot do &6,500. Shoot I am still working on catching up from last months bills! So, I have decided to start a GoFundMe account for my hearing aids. I figure it is worth a shot, maybe, just maybe I can raise enough to get them and get my hearing back. I don't even know how to market this. I am embarrassed and will not go to family. I am starting here with this community, just asking if anyone would be willing to put my link out there, maybe on their WA sites. If not, I understand. Or if anyone has any ideas on how to even get the information out there, I would greatly appreciate it. Here is my link:
https://www.gofundme.com/leahr...
Thank you, Leahrae
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Recent Comments
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Hi Leahrae. I too have a hearing problem. I know what you're going through. I have tinnitus in my left ear. The ringing never goes away. Even with hearing aids. I don't use them.
Anyway nice meeting you. I wish you all the best with WA!
Peter
I know your hearing comes and goes but have you been in touch with associations that serve the deaf? there are agencies that can help you get what you need. Since you live in Florida and I would suggest you contact DFACS---Department Family and Children Services and see if you qualify for Medicaid and have them pay for you ti get hearing aids.
I'm not sure if they can help but contact Rehabilitation Services---as a federal agency they see to it that people with disabilities get the adaptive equipment to work and hearing aids do qualify there.
Call United WAy Help Line---211--they can probably refer you to agencies that can help you. Do you use a TTY---if you don't have one, I know if Florida you can get one for free---contact the agencies that serve the deaf community and they should also be able to help youi
why didn't your doctor tell you what agencies to go to? my sister is deaf and when she moved here she got a TTY for free you're considered disabled under the ADA and are entitled to certain services
you should also check the SEADA Center---they can give you some referrals---Southeast ADA Center
800-949-4232
Leah Rae,
Know that much healing energy and prayers are being sent your way through this community. All the best to you.
Debbie
Leahrae, I can empathize with you. I was diagnosed with Ménière's disease nearly two decades ago. At first Tinnitus and periodic spells of vertigo. Gradually, despite medication, my hearing diminished. My hearing loss in both ears in high tonal ranges (that of children's and women's voices) is due to some permanent receptor damage. 10 years ago I thought inexpensive hearing aids at $250.00. They amplified sound in the acoustical range in which I could still hear. They didn't really help. About six years ago, I got funding to buy a pair of high tech hearing aids (Phonak). They are nearly invisible and can be programmed amplify sounds at various points across your hearing range. They block out much of the bachground noise in open areas, as well as blocking out feedback when on the phone or using a headset. Consequently I can hear reasonable well enough to have continued working as a consultant. The biggest drawback, is (as you are aware) price...$6,000.00 back then, and not covered by insurance. The technology is marvelous, however, it will not restore hearing in ranges where there is permanent damage nerve receptors of sound waves. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. And, don't avoid wearing hearing aids because of vanity.
My hear goes out to you and I hope you get the funding you need. I'll do what I can to help. In my experience, most of the people in my reference circles never heard of Meniere's disease, nor had any idea of the costs of good quality hearing aids, not that most health insurers don't cover them.
I wish you luck with your funding and you get the opportunity to get enough of your hearing restored to be able to function normally.
With kind regards, Art
Thank you Art and boy do I wish I had funding :( but I will get there. If I have to wait 6 months, that is okay, I will get there. Thank you for your kind words and donation :)
Leahrae
Hi, Leahrae. I wish you the absolute best regarding your upcoming surgery meant to try and recover some of your hearing.
Despite the pessimism of your ENT, understand that sometimes the Man above will come up with a solution that goes far beyond the ordinary means of human beings!
All the best!
Jeff
So so true Jeff, and I do pray a lot. Because I am really at my breaking point. No where else to go, nothing to do but do what I can and then hope and pray.
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Leahrae,
Pray that your surgery will be successful. Continue to be hopeful. Our loving father understands our needs. Our responsibility is to trust and obey.
Please let us know if any of the recommended resources helps.
All the best that you deserve.
Monique