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Hearing aids or op-what would you do?

  • 11-01-2012 9:35pm
    #1
    charlie2505
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 55 ✭✭


    Not sure if any of you can help but just thought I'd ask anyways. I suffer from osclerosis in both ears that has gotten progressively worse in past 2 years due to 2 pregnancies.
    Have been on a waiting list for nearly 18 months for a hearing aid appointment through the medical card system. Have finally got an appointment through for next week. On one hand I am delighted and on another I am dreading it.
    I am 31 with 2 small kids at home and while I am doing ok in current job-may need to look for a new job later on in the year as company struggling and this is making me have panic attacks as I would just not hear them at interview stage unless I had a hearing aid/op. I am finding my hearing loss very tough so I need to do something.
    Last year I was told to go for a stapedectomy operation and today received an appointment for a hospital in Dublin ENT surgical dept.
    I know most will say I am lucky I have the choice, on the basis that the ops were sucessful that is, and I know that but just want to know has anyone experience with either scenario-ie the op (how it went and was it worth doing) and/or a hearing aid through the medical card system (are they the same as a hearing aid bought privately or are they cheaper and bulkier models?)
    If you have to wear a hearing aid(s) do you need to tell your employer of potential employers? Are you considered as having a disability? I would definately not be much use to anyone new right now the way my hearing is at the minute.
    Any experiences would be gratefully received and thank you.


Comments

  • #2
    ejlc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 ✭ejlc


    Hi Charlie2505

    Am pretty much in the same position as you, but a couple of years on - I have otosclerosis in both ears, and have been using hearing aids for about 13 years now (am 38 now). I was on the list to have stapedectomies in galway, but had to cancel it as I am pregnant again (fourth child). So i cant tell you about the operation, but would interested to know how you get on if you have it - the hearing aids have worked fine for me for the last number of years, although i just made an appointment today to get a new pair, as i think my current ones arent up to the job at all. I would say get a pair of hearing aids anyway, as chances are you might still need them after the operation - as far as i know, sometimes you dont totally get perfect hearing after a stapedectomy, alhtough it should be much improved. If you can get aids free with your medical card - go for it - you will be so amazed at what you have been missing. Also, the doctor in galway told me he woud only do one ear at a time, so you might want a hearing aid for the other ear in the mean time. In my experience, its hit and miss getting hearing aids for otosclerosis - some of the audiologists dont seem to know anything about the condition and dont set the hearing aids up right to begin with - pm me if you want to quiz me anymore. good luck!


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