This is a hearing aid. It doesn’t belong to any of my children, thankfully. Instead it’s mine. Those in the know will realise it’s an old style analogue aid, not a digital. This is actually my second one, I stopped wearing my original one when Big was born, then lost it in a house move. Basically she screamed all the time, and I didn’t need that in stereo.
When I got the replacement it was before digital was available on the nhs, the audiologist I spoke to said I’d be a prime candidate and he’d make a note to call me back in when he could. That was around 10 years ago I think, and I’m still waiting.
Because of my history of hearing loss, all my children have had extended involvement from audiology services. It’s been fascinating to watch how that has changed over the years. Big was born in the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield in 2000, and they were doing a trial of a new neo natal hearing test that has since become available for all babies. She failed the one the day after she was born, but passed one 6 weeks later and there’s never been a question about her hearing. She had the normal (and utterly pointless) distraction test from two health visitors when she was around 9 months old, I think that’s been phased out now.
By contrast Small didn’t pass a test until he was over 5 if I recall correctly. That was the full whack with head phones and little whistly noises, and when he was done the audiologist said “he can hear fine, anything else is just Small”. Sussed him out rather well in the space of half an hour!
Tigerboy passed his neonatal test (done at six weeks because of the home birth). Despite that he was still called in for follow up at 9 months, and he didn’t pass then. The little in ear test to see how his ear drum responded showed a flat line instead of the required peak, probably because he had a cold and fluid behind the drum.
Today was the twice postponed follow up to that test. As well as the distraction test (whistle noises from the side, child looks and is rewarded by a dancing toy lighting up), there were proper in ear devices to measure individual ear response. He passed with flying colours and the eardrum charts had lovely peaks.
So it appears at least at this point none of my children take after me in the deafness stakes. Which makes me very happy. I know assistive technology has come on hugely. I’m still pleased they don’t need it.
Think I might look into a digital aid for myself though.
My husband is partially deaf and wears digital hearing aids. He said they make a big difference. He also says that HDTV helps as well though.
My children are waiting to have these tests too, but they always get moved and postponed and it’s annoying! Audiology is such a post code lottery that it’s frustrating!!
Totally agree with you there. And it’s so wrong, hearing affects children so much, from developing communication skills, learning (school or home) to self confidence. Really important to get it right early.
We’ve just had our OK from audiology, too, complete with general anaesthetic and all. Im glad your little ones are well!
Thank you. I’m very glad that we didn’t get to the general anesthetic stage, that must have been scary.
We had Mr Bounce checked out as his speech was delayed. GP said she’d refer for audiology with a view to speech therapy if needed. Despite all the warnings about the waiting lists for speech therapy in this area that appointment came through about six months before the audiology appointment… In the long run he’s basically fine but had had so many ear infections between 12-24months that he couldn’t hear and it’s now resolved itself.
Glad to hear it sorted itself out, but that’s awful on the wait. I don’t know what it is about this not being prioritised.
It’s really cool to hear about your experience. I’ve been having issues hearing lately and people keep telling me to find an audiologist. I’m a little bit worried that they’ll find something wrong and I’ll have to get hearing aids. Your attitude toward the whole thing is really refreshing though. You don’t seem put off by the hearing aids at all. Great post!
Your comment would have been so much more believeable without the link to a hearing health clinic (now removed). Thanks for dropping by though.