Frustrated

I received a phone call the other day from my Audiologist explaining to me that the funding that I am eligible for from the Government for my new hearing aids is not actually available to me until July of 2010. This leaves me with two possible solutions: to pay the amount that I was expecting to receive without the ability to receive that funding in return in July, or to return my hearing aids and purchase them back when the funding is available. Needless to say I'm incredibly annoyed by this. I really feel that this is something that the audiologist should have been aware of back in January when I bought the new hearing aids.

It looks like my best solution economically is to return the hearing aids and buy them back so I get the financial assistance from the government. The audiologist said they can let me keep the new pair until May 21, which leaves me with my old pair for 2 months until I get them back. I'm really hoping I can work out some kind of deal where they can let me keep them with some kind of commitment to them.

I am trying to take this set-back in stride and not let it stress me out. I'm sure that we can reach some kind of agreement because I really don't want to go back to my old pair. I bought the new hearing aids because the old one's were not working properly and were getting old and it seems ridiculous to have to go back.

Looking to Make a Difference

Last week I went to my first Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) meeting. It was definitely interesting to walk into a room where the average age looked to be atleast 65. I think even they were thrown off by someone my age looking to become a member of their association. Despite the obvious age difference we do share a lot of similar struggles and I really can learn a lot from their experiences and advice. Unfortunately, it did reveal that there is a lack of trained emotional support mechanisms in place for people who have experienced hearing loss. What they do have is a group of individuals from all walks of life with a common problem that come together to share their experiences and support eachother, which is better nothing at all.

CHHA has also been more than happy to have me involved in their group, expressing the need for some "young blood". I have signed on to join their golf tournament committee and it is my goal to really help them promote the association and reach out to a younger demographic. It became obvious to me very quickly that they had no idea how to promote themselves and let people know they exist.

Overall, it was a great experience and I really believe that I can make a difference to this group and in the lives of many people.

My Grandpa has the same hearing aids as you!

I think it's funny when people make small talk with me about someone they know who has hearing aids. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it and encourage it but, it always turns out to be their grandparents or someone above the age of 75! I have to smirk every time I hear "oh yeah, my Grandma has the same problem with her hearing aids" because it always leaves me feeling like I should be an old man. Do people automatically associate hearing aids and hearing loss to being old? Well, according to this survey, they do. It is no wonder that younger people have trouble accepting hearing loss when it's tied to the perception of getting old.

I wish there was more of an effort to create some advertising and public awareness programs that are aimed at people who are not senior citizens. It's important to make people feel more comfortable about their hearing aids, not more self-conscious.