Going deaf? So what happens now then…

[johnpsanderson]

Given it seems like a general inevitability of ageing (like people needing glasses when they find their arms aren’t long enough any more) what is the reality of what happens when hearing starts to go?

I’ve started to realise mine might be on the way out as I seem to (even) more regularly complain the kids are mumbling. Also, as post-COVID I’m gradually going out and about more, I’ve remembered how much I hate pubs/swimming baths/anywhere with background noise - because I can’t focus on people talking to me etc…

Im 41 and suspect this has been on a gradual decline for at least a decade really…

The only complicating factor is, since my mid 20s I’ve had constant problems with sinus/upper respiratory tract infections, only notable up until now because it makes my asthma worse. But obviously sinus/throat all links up to ears too….

Classic man comment to end: obvs don’t want to bother the GP unnecessarily….

[deckster]

Is it too obvious to suggest getting your hearing tested? The likes of Specsavers do hearing tests, no need to involve a GP. There's even a free online tool you can use to get a first opinion https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/online-hearin...

[johnpsanderson]

deckster said:

Is it too obvious to suggest getting your hearing tested? The likes of Specsavers do hearing tests, no need to involve a GP. There's even a free online tool you can use to get a first opinion https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/online-hearin...

Ah, yes! Have literally just done an online test via the Boots website which said I had hearing loss. No idea how it all works though apart from a general impression that a) it’ll all be expensive for me if I need hearing aids and b) given that it’s a product these providers sell there’s some motivation on them to sell them to me…?

[BoRED S2upid]

You can get them on the NHS or £1000 from spec savers probably in affordable monthly instalments.

Spec savers don’t upsell. If you need them you need them if you don’t come back in 12 months type thing it’s up to you.

[bigpriest]

johnpsanderson said:

Given it seems like a general inevitability of ageing (like people needing glasses when they find their arms aren’t long enough any more) what is the reality of what happens when hearing starts to go?

I’ve started to realise mine might be on the way out as I seem to (even) more regularly complain the kids are mumbling. Also, as post-COVID I’m gradually going out and about more, I’ve remembered how much I hate pubs/swimming baths/anywhere with background noise - because I can’t focus on people talking to me etc…

Im 41 and suspect this has been on a gradual decline for at least a decade really…

The only complicating factor is, since my mid 20s I’ve had constant problems with sinus/upper respiratory tract infections, only notable up until now because it makes my asthma worse. But obviously sinus/throat all links up to ears too….

Classic man comment to end: obvs don’t want to bother the GP unnecessarily….

Go to your GP and ask about a referral to an audiologist. Your GP is the gateway to the experts! You may find that a local hospital has an audiology department where you can experience a soundproof room and have a proper hearing test.

[six wheels]

I sympathise, especially your background noise point.

Start simple: get your ears cleaned at somewhere like Specsavers. The poor tech at their Farnham store managed to remove something I’ll not describe on my third visit.

It helped me a lot, might help you.

[stackmonkey]

I've had mine tested at the local hospital this week from a referral thanks to newly acquired tinnitus.

Some high frequency loss due to middle age, but nothing I wasn't expecting.

The 'not-being-able-to-hear-with-background-noise thing is entirely separate and I've always had that. Recently found out my sister has it as well.
It's known as 'poor auditory discrimination'.

[Voldemort]

stackmonkey said:

The 'not-being-able-to-hear-with-background-noise thing is entirely separate and I've always had that. Recently found out my sister has it as well.
It's known as 'poor auditory discrimination'.

Or 'cocktail party deafness' as my dad called it.

[Skyedriver]

&0 now, been suffering for the last 30 years. The lost in a busy pub particularly bad even then. Now struggle with about half the TV people mumbling. Wife mumbles, son mumbles.....
Wind buffetting in the Lotus/Caterham, other cars less so, loud music at pub gigs etc...my own fault but can't turn the clock back and would I anyway. Would be nice to lose the tinnitus though, can be particularly bad some days, like a 100 squeeky wheelbarrow wheels in a cage full of budgies.

[Bill]

bigpriest said:

Go to your GP and ask about a referral to an audiologist. Your GP is the gateway to the experts! You may find that a local hospital has an audiology department where you can experience a soundproof room and have a proper hearing test.

This. I went in my 40s after getting hints from family (after being diagnosed/checked in my 20s and ignoring it). The ENT consultant left it up to me as plenty of people cope, but hearing aids have been game changing.

There's a big hearing thread already that I'll search for.

ETA: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Bill on Thursday 3rd August 20:52

[Dazdot]

To all who struggle to hear a single voice when in a social setting, and those that suffer with tinnitus, go and have a test through the NHS.
I had this 4 years ago, was diagnosed with moderate hearing loss and issued hearing aids. Both of the issues are now gone when the aids are worn.