What Did You Say?

For the last month or so, I have noticed my hearing has been getting worse and worse. When Granny lost her hearing about 10 years ago, we noticed that she would smile and nod whenever she didn't understand what we were saying. We could have gotten her to agree with just about anything. Well, I have found myself doing the same thing. I'll ask folks to repeat themselves one or two times. If I still can't understand them, I change the subject or just nod.

Huh?

I also remember from Granny, hearing aids cost a minimum of $3000 10 years ago, they must be pushing $5000 or so now. So, I have been pretending my hearing loss wasn't happening because there were no spare $1000 bills laying around the house.

What did you say?

Last night, I mentioned to my husband that I had really been having a hard time hearing. He said he had noticed, not so much from me asking him to repeat himself, but from me yelling at him and the boys for not answering me. Oops! Sorry about that, fellas! I told him my concerns about the cost of hearing aids. He said to at least see Dr. Moore and make sure there isn't something else wrong first.

Eh?

This morning, I called to schedule an appointment thinking it would be a few weeks out. Instead, they asked if I could be there by 11:30. If I kicked my butt into high gear, I could make it.

Why aren't you answering me?

When Nurse Donna hooked me up to the decibel machine, she said my hearing, particularly on the left side, was not good. They had done the same test about 3 years ago and in comparison, both ears have gotten worse.

What's that?

When Dr. Moore came in, he had a look inside my ears and exclaimed that I had enough fluid floating on my eardrums to fill a juice glass. Hearing aids wouldn't be necessary. He is in the process of scheduling an appointment for me to see an Ear Nose and Throat guy. If they put tubes in my ears to drain out the fluid, I should be able to hear much better. And, yep, my insurance will cover it.

I can't hear you!

Most folks who get tubes in their ears are about 4 years old and have lots of ear infections. I'm 44 and just have a high pitched squeal. No hearing aids yet, but I do think they are in my future. All of that loud music in high school and college.

Smile and nod