Deafness

Quite shocked to read [whether it is true or not is another matter] that it is the brain, not the ears which is the problem. The longer one leaves not having aids, the less active brain activity - so "they" say. Yesterday went to Salisbury Hospital. Was seen by a charming, personable and helpful audiologist who is actually making personal aids for both my ears. All this on the NHS. Had a private test and the cost was 2195 for the pair. So let's hope they work!

Yes charleygirl5 you have to have a referral from a doctor I was told this and can I just say go to a proper audiologist my husband went to a well known opticians who do hearing tests and was told ‘ just get your wife to speak up’ the audiologists at the hospital were horrified!

Deafness is very isolating. If he has never worn hearing aids or tried then I say they can take some getting used to. My dad started wearing his when he retired as my mum refused to put up with his deafness and refusal to wear hearing aids. He said the noise was very distracting as he wasn’t used to it. Slamming drawers, kettles boiling, cutlery drawers and rustling papers. The distractions are endless. I’ve worn them as a child and the NHS ones are basic but have improved from when I wore them. Private hearing aids have more adaptive qualities and can cut background noises to a point. Changing your behaviour from shouting to facing him and talking clearly and not too softly. I don’t hear shouting as it’s usually someone angry or frustrated speaking to you and for the listener it’s very off putting. Only your husband can decide if he wears one and I hope he does but it takes time to get used to them. It also helps to be deafness aware and facing him when you speak. Hopefully he will come round to it as it’s like being cut off from the world without hearing aids but they will never be the same quality as a hearing ambled person.

I was in this position till last year. My husband who was only 61at the time kept answering wrongly and was constantly saying ‘what’ he went get this Seeing too and now wears two nearing aids and has had no problem with them whatsoever ! Happy marriage!

Does one have to go to one's GP first to get a hearing test?

Not everyone struggles with aids, my dh has two and wears them every day without problem. Friends also are happy with theirs, I have some but don’t wear mine unfortunately but your first problem is to get him to go fir a hearing test. You could suggest his ears might just need wax removing...
Good luck, I do understand how frustrating it can be.
Not sure it can bring on dementia though......