Helens Journey
Dunay was so understanding and caring I knew I wanted her to be my Audiologist, and she went to so much trouble to research the best aids for my hearing loss, and for the first time I felt someone actually really understood the challenges of hearing loss and how best to help.
My hearing
In my late 30's after a heavy cold, I realised my right ear felt "blocked " and the hearing bad so I was sent to an ENT who diagnosed Otosclerosis, a condition where sound doesn't get conducted to the inner ear efficiently, and a stapedectomy was suggested, which had a 95 % chance of restoring my hearing to normal.
It didn't, and I lived with that rather deaf ear for the next 25 years
Alas... the left ear developed the same problem… 3 operations later, including a period with no hearing at all in that ear and a screaming tinnitus instead, and I now had severe hearing loss in both ears.
Along came my first hearing aids and the amazing ability to once again hear...
Birds greeting the dawn... a dripping tap... the kettle boiling... a knock at the door... my phone ringing in the next room, and what brought me to tears... the soft purr of my cat which I'd only experienced as a vibration.
My tinnitus
I'd learned to live with the tinnitus and coped by using the screaming sound as a meditation, and I realised it was far less intrusive once I put my aids in.
It's worst in the wee small hours and the first thing I do in the morning is reach for my friendly little tear drops of help and feel gratitude for the relief they bring.
I was scared that seeking help with my tinnitus may make me concentrate more on the "problem" but that's not the case, and Dunay has a wonderful understanding of tinnitus and ways to help it be less intrusive.
Ear health maintenance
I found Cotton Tree Audiology when I needed the wax sucked rather than washed out of my ears, and the moment I walked into the serene welcoming reception area it felt like home.
Dunay was so understanding and caring I knew I wanted her to be my Audiologist, and she went to so much trouble to research the best aids for my hearing loss, and for the first time I felt someone actually really understood the challenges of hearing loss and how best to help.
She explained everything very well and I was an important part of the process and choices made.
My communication
The aids I now have allow me to hear better in group situations and even follow conversations with some measure of accuracy and now if I avoid social gatherings, it's my introversion not my hearing that's responsible.
My cat no longer mimes... once I put my aids in.
The importance of hearing
My partner had industrial hearing loss and had been recommended a hearing aid fitting but, he refused.
When he tried some test ones it was so much easier to communicate but my pleas fell on deaf ears quite literally as he said he was not ready for them yet, and that decision ultimately cost him his life.
He was walking in rugged country with friends and took a wrong track and his deafness meant he didn't hear then calling to him. He was way ahead, got lost and fell badly, and died.
My recommendation
So, if you find it harder to hear, or those near and dear must keep repeating themselves please... get tested and embrace your aids should you need them.
It just might save your life, and is a blessing for those around you.
I now see my deafness as a little gremlin that sits on my shoulder, a part of me but thanks to Dunay and Trish, and my hearing aids, it is just a presence and no longer a disability.
Thank you, you made a difference.