The information contained within this page is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. The information here is NOT intended for diagnostic purposes. Please consult with a health care professional for a diagnosis.
Hearing loss occurs in many people. Some people are born with hearing loss while others acquire hearing loss later in life. Causes of hearing loss can be environmental (noise, illness) and hereditary (another family member has a hearing loss). There are two types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive. Most people with sensorineural hearing loss cannot be treated while most people with conductive hearing loss can be treated with surgery and/or hearing aids. Some people with sensorineural hearing loss choose to have cochlear implants.
I have a conductive hearing loss due to the malformation of the three tiny bones of the middle ear in my left ear. Those bones are called the malleus (hammer), the incus (anvil), and the stapes (stirrup). They are named for their shapes. I have a 40 to 60 percent loss in my left ear due to the malformation of the three tiny bones. Two ENTs (ear, nose, and throat) specialists) recommended surgery or a hearing aid. The first ENT did not want to do the surgery because I was going thru major reconstructive surgery at the time. That was around 1980. I turned down the second ENT. That was in 1997. I don't even use a hearing aid.
Over the years, I've learned to live with my hearing loss. As a child, I sat at the front of the class so I could hear what my teachers were saying. In college, I sat towards the front row in most of my classes. As I've gotten older, I've learned to adapt to my hearing loss. I have people sit to my right so I can hear them, especially if someone wants to speak in a low voice or whisper to me. I use my right ear to hear on the phone. I sometimes have difficulty in noisy situations. At work, I prefer to work in a quiet area so I can concentrate on my work.
I have found some resources that may be useful to anyone dealing with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Association of America
This organization offers chapters across the United States for people with hearing loss. Please visit the "Other Resources" page for links to useful resources that aren't listed on this page.
This organization provides information and support to people with hearing loss in Canada.
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
This organization provides services to people with hearing loss in Canada.
Better Hearing Inc.
This organization with branches throughout Australia provides services to people with hearing loss.
This web-based forum provides information and support to people with hearing loss.
Please feel free to email me with links to information and/or support for people who are hard of hearing.
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