Turn the Light On So I Can Hear You - eBook Available!

Turn the Light On So I Can Hear You is a short eBook I have written and had published looking at living with hearing loss.

Turn the Light On So I Can Hear You is now available on Amazon, iBook and on the website lulu.com.  The links below will allow you to purchase a copy of your choice.

http://www.amazon.com.au/Turn-Light-Can-Hear-…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NicolaField

It is also available iBook for your iPad or iPhone.  I hope you enjoy this short eBook regarding living with hearing loss.

Don't Hide your Hearing Loss, it's hidden enough already!

We tend to want to hide the fact that we wear hearing aids, forgetting it's the only visual cue others have to know that we need their support.  So how do you gain the confidence to proudly wear your hearing aids when you feel that it says so many negative things?

I guess it's natural to feel like your hearing loss should be kept secret so that nobody knows.  There is a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids; people view a wearer as an old person who is not quite all there with massive devices attached to each ear.  There is almost a feeling that having a hearing loss has also affected the mental capacity!

So it's no wonder we immediately want to have the most invisible device possible.  But given that hearing loss itself is so invisible, are we doing ourselves a disservice by hiding the only visual cue others can see?

I have recently come to know a wonderful young woman who decided that she was not about to hide her hearing aids; in fact she decided that she would show them off and created the most gorgeous charms to bling them up.

My Cat Charms from Hayleigh's Charms

Hayleigh's Cherished Charms, on Esty, has a fantastic range of charms and bling to dress up your hearing aids for everyone to see.  They are cute and lovely but they also make quite a profound statement that we as hearing aid wearers should take to heart.  Own your hearing loss and don't allow yourself to be made to feel like it should be something you have to hide.

An amputee would in no way be expected to apologise for the lost limb, nor would someone using a wheelchair be expected to feel guilty for requesting help when needed.  So why do we, as hearing aid users, feel the need to bare the burden of our hearing loss as though it is something we have done wrong?

I don't think it is to much to ask for others to look at me when they speak to me, that they don't talk to me from another room, that they don't cover their mouth, that they rephrase instead of repeating what I haven't heard.

These are simple and, to us, easy support mechanisms that make all the difference to our everyday life.  So, why is it so hard for others to put these simple and helpful things into practise for us?  The reality is, they don't know.  To us it is obvious but to those without a hearing loss, it's not.

It is our job to educate and to be brave enough to say "You'll need to look at me, I have a hearing loss."  The more we bring attention to the fact that we do need that extra help, even when wearing our hearing aids, the more those around us will naturally start to see for themselves how best to support us.

Hayleigh's Cherished Charms is a wonderful example of a young lady determined not to allow her hearing loss to force her to hide.  She has taken the positive aspect of wearing hearing aids and celebrated it; something we should look on with pride.

Tube Twists and Charms can be found on Etsy at HayleighsCharms.

The Joy of the Wireless Communication System - The FM

A Wireless Communication System, or FM, can make an incredible difference to someone with a hearing loss.  The beauty of the system is not only do you increase the volume but it keeps the clarity that can sometimes be lost with making things louder.

So, what exactly is a wireless communication system?  The Australian Hearing website states:

"A wireless FM system helps you better understand speech by cutting out distracting background noise.  It works in conjunction with your hearing aids (or with a headset) to deliver the sounds you want to hear directly to your ears."

The best thing about using a wireless communication system, or FM, is that it is portable. It can be used wherever you need it.  No matter what situation you find yourself in this wonderful little gadget can change your life.

So, how do they work?  There are two parts to the device; the transmitter which sends the sounds to you and the receiver which receives the sound and allows you to hear it though your hearing aids.  This means you wear one part of the device, the receiver, and the other part is placed wherever you need to collect the sound.  A family member may wear the transmitter or you can have it on the table at dinner, in front of a guest speaker at a meeting or anywhere else you would need it.

I have used this device, Roger (pictured), when out in a shopping mall with my mother and found it made a big difference to our communication when in such a noisy place.  Her voice was sent straight to my hearing aids giving me the chance to have a normal conversation without fighting the hum of the shopping mall.

I also use it at work which gives me an advantage when dealing with the clients at the counter and hearing my workmates when in the middle of a busy and noisy day.  It is no longer difficult to get my attention with the FM; and with the large range it has, I can hear conversations even when out in the back office.

To have the support of the Roger FM when you are in a noisy environment is amazing when you realise how easy it makes communication.  When you don't even notice that you are dealing effortlessly with the noise around you, that's when the FM becomes indispensable.

In the back of the car, connected to the TV, connected to your mobile phone - the possibilities are endless.  This little gadget with become your new best friend and , trust me, you won't leave home without it.

Supporting someone with a hearing loss

Having someone in the household with a hearing loss can be difficult.  Things having to be repeated, constantly changing the volume on the TV, voices being raised to be heard and issues with the phone make the day tiresome.  Not to mention how it effects those without hearing problems.  

Why don't we take a look at how to make life easier all round in the household of someone with a hearing loss?

Lets start first thing in the morning.  

Unlike glasses, hearing aids are not necessarily the first thing to be put in when getting up in the morning.  The level of hearing you wake up with is normal to you, so increasing the sound as soon as you wake is not a happy thought.  Having time to wake up and adjust to the day is important, especially for new wearers of aids.  Too much too quickly doesn't allow the brain time enough to learn that the hearing aids are now the new ears; it's a whole new way of hearing and the brain needs time to process that.  Even for long-time wearers instantly increasing the sounds can be unpleasant and some mornings putting in your hearing aids is just the last thing you want to do.

For a lot of people with hearing loss one ear is better than the other.  Making use of this can be much more relaxing for someone struggling to follow a conversation.  Try and stay on the side of the better ear to give them that little bit of an edge.  Trust me, you will be their best friend if they are not the one having to move around you all the time.  Having something as small as making an effort to be on the correct side can mean the world if you are the only one that bothers.

Okay, it really can be a pain in the proverbial that you're not heard when you call out from another room.  Well, yep, if they struggle when they are in the room they certainly won't have a hope when they are out of it.  So let's be honest, trying to have a conversation when they are out of the room is not an option.  The easiest way around this is to find them and talk to them face to face.  Sometimes that kind of defeats the purpose; in that case call them but have the grace to wait until they come into the room before you launch into the details.  If they can't respond to the call, well you can't do much about it.  Remember, they would give anything to be able to chat to you through the walls.

When you are chatting, remember that your body and face are going to be listened to as much as your voice.  Visual cues make up a large chunk of the puzzle when putting together the jigsaw that is conversation for someone with a hearing loss.  Keep hands away from the face and talking to your computer, book or iPhone is not going to be helpful.  Turn to look at them, give them the chance to read what you're saying even if they don't realise they are.  If you are sitting with your back to the window remember that you are only going to be a silhouette and the visual cues lost.  Swap with them if you can so that the light is falling on you and is behind them.

If you do need to repeat something try saying it in a different way.  It may be the actual words you are using are difficult to hear or understand.  If you've said it twice, chances are you will not be understood the third, fourth or fifth time. Using different words and changing the sound of the sentence makes it easier to be understood.

Raising your voice might not be of any use at all.  It might not actually be the volume that is the issue but the clarity of the speech. Again, finding different ways to say the same thing may help with this in conversation.  They may have the TV blasting trying to make the words clear not always because it's too quiet.   With the TV and phone, there are devices designed to support those with a hearing loss.  TV devices increase the volume for the wearer but also give a clarity to the sound that may be lost by just turning up the TV volume.  Your hearing services provider will possibly have a range of devices that work with hearing aids to make life just that much easier.

Having a hearing loss is not the end of the world and there are certainly much more demanding things some people have to cope with every day.  But it is a tiring and stressful issue and one that can be lonely and socially isolating.  Being aware of what a hearing loss really means, and the work involved in day to day living, shows you care and understand it's not a choice.  It's a struggle.  Mostly we go about our day without fully realising how well we cope.  Until you make the effort to take just a little of load for us. 

Help, my ears aren't working!

It's one of the worst things that can happen to a hearing impaired person; your hearing aid just refuses to behave and do what it's told.

Naturally, this happens at the most inconvenient of times.  A wedding, an important meeting, the visit from that family member that you haven't seen in years.

It truly is a very frustrating and sometimes distressing situation to find yourself in.  Your communication is suddenly and significantly impaired, meaning a rise in stress levels.

So, what can be done to get you back on the air as soon as possible?  Here are some simple checks you can do to get yourself back in touch with the world.

Batteries

So, you have checked that the hearing aid is working by covering it lightly in your hands and it still isn't squealing at you like it should.   

It seems obvious but one of the first things to check when your hearing aid isn't working is the battery.  A fresh battery might solve the problem; remember to check the expiry date on the back of the pack to make sure they are still in good working order.

Mould 

If you wear the behind the ear hearing aids, this is another quick check you can do.  The mould (the part that fits inside your ear) may be blocked with wax which will stop the sound from getting through.  

You should have some cleaning tools that came with the hearing aid.  This will include a small pick-like tool for you to clear the wax from the mould.  There may also be a long, thin tool as well which you can use for the vent in your mould, if you have one.  The vent is the small hole going all the way though the mould; but not into the tubing.

You can wash the mould, but there are a few things to remember.  First, remove the mould from the hook on the hearing aid.  The tubing should be soft, not hard; if it is, it is time to get it changed.  Your hearing services provider should be able to do this for you.

Once the mould is free of the hearing aid you can run it under warm water to flush out any wax build-up.  Dry the mould with a tissue, and remember that the tube must be totally free of moisture before you put it back onto the hearing aid.  Just give it a good flick and leave it overnight.

Rust

The battery door is another place to have a peek if your hearing aid isn't doing its job.  

Open the battery door all the way and have a look inside at the battery contacts.  They should be clean and free of dirt and rust.  Take out the battery itself and have a look at the little door it sits in; that also should be clean and free of debris.

If it looks to need a little bit of a clean, use a tissue or the little cleaning brush you may have been given with the hearing aid.  It may be wise to take it in for a proper clean and check from your hearing service provider, even if you get it working yourself.


The Hook 

The hook of the hearing aid is also something that can stop the sound from getting through if it needs replacing.  

Your hearing services provider would be best to check this out for you however, as there are different styles of hooks; some unscrew and others clip on and off.  Unless you have been shown how to do this and been give spare hooks, you are best to leave it to the provider.

If you try and remove the hook the wrong way you risk the chance of cracking the casing which would mean it being sent to the manufacturer.  The good news is that if your hearing service provider has the correct hook in stock, it will only take a moment for them to change it over for you.


In the ear hearing aids

If you wear the In the ear hearing aids, it is a little more difficult to check what might be wrong.  

A lot of the time it is a wax issue simply because the workings of the hearing aid are so close to the surface and therefore close to the wax when you are wearing it.  

If your hearing aid has a wax protection system, and you have been taught how to change this, try replacing it.  However if you don't know, it is best to take it to your provider and see if they can sort that out for you.  

Obviously you can try cleaning the aid as you have been shown, but be aware that you will start dislodging wires and parts if you dig to deep.  Then the aid really will need to be sent away for repair.  

Hopefully a light clean is all it needs.


These are the basic checks you can do yourself to hopefully get back on the air.  Your provider is there to maintain your aid and you shouldn't need an appointment to have your hearing aid checked.  

If the worst happens and the aid needs to be sent away you may be looking at around seven to ten days before the aid is back from repair.  Ask your provider if they have Loan hearing aids that an be set up to your loss for you to use in the interim.  

Surviving a Noisy Environment

A noisy environment can be an almost impossible situation for someone with a hearing loss. The stress of following a conversation while music, children or general din rage around you can make you throw your hands up in despair.


The other night I attended a party held at a pub in the city. Background noise was quite high, as I expected with that sort of situation. I have to admit conversation was difficult, but I was managing to cope without making a fool of myself!


It was when they started the karaoke that the real problems began. The level of noise was to the point where I was forced to actually turn my hearing aids off. This of course meant that I lost all contact with the people around me. All I could hear was the loud music muted with my moulds now acting as ear plugs (not a bad thing, by the way).


Fortunately those around me where well aware of my hearing loss and had no problem making sure I understood what was said. It still makes for a difficult time. At one stage someone I didn't know was asking me a question; my immediate reaction was to turn to a friend beside me for help. Of course she took over but it still unsettles you.


So how do you cope with these situations without totally withdrawing? Is there a way of dealing with a noisy environment without isolating yourself and losing that social contact?


I think there is. These are the things that I find make all the difference when background sound is overpowering conversation.

Sit in the right seat.

Where you sit can help your hearing aids do the best job for you if you have a directional program. Make sure the noise you don't want to hear is behind you; the microphones on your hearing aids are turned off at the back so you don't get quite so much of that sound from behind when you change to your directional program for noise.

Watch; use the visual cues

Often we can turn our head to get our ear closer to the sound we are straining to hear. However this causes us to lose our most valuable weapon in fighting the noise. Visual cues and watching the persons lips will give you half the story straight up. When people are in noise they can tend to give more of these cues anyway.

Make sure people know you will struggle

If people are aware of the fact that you have a loss often they will try and be as supportive as they can. Education is the key, and with hearing loss it is no different. "If I can't see you, I can't hear you," "You'll need to face me when you talk to me," "Try and rephrase instead of just repeating what you said" - these are all comments you can make to let others know how to support you.

Don't panic!

Try and relax, as hard as that it. The more stressed you are the harder it will be. Relax and focus on enjoying the time with friends and family - don't be robbed of that time because of the extra challenge.

These few tips will hopefully make life a little easier for dealing with a noisy situation. If you have any tips, let us know. The more we help each other the easier it will be.

Living with a Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss. You say those words, and most of us have an idea of what it means.. or do we?

It is invisible so therefore it's not the first thing we notice about someone. I might give you a strange smile, nod when I shouldn't and start chatting about something a little off the conversational track. It sometimes makes me look rather stupid, which in turn causes me to try and compensate by attempting to talk my way out of it...

But I'm getting ahead of myself here. A hearing loss is not the end of the world, by any means, but it is misunderstood. So lets start at the beginning... Waking up.

My new alarm clock is great, as my iphone is plugged into it and will light up before the songs start - blasting the whole complex with music. My cat silently meows until I feed her, and I sit watching the morning news while I have my breakfast with the sound all a-muffle.
I get ready for the day and check my phone, in case I missed a call or message from work. And then I put my Hearing Aids in. I hear my cat scratching at her litter box, the sound of the TV from the living room, and realise it is raining today.

The bus ride to the office can be hard work. A neighbour is on the same bus this morning so I am concentrating overtime to converse correctly. I start by choosing a seat where I can sit opposite her. Now I can watch her, trying to lip read as much as I can. The background sounds drowns out a lot of the conversation, but I'm not doing too badly. I fill in the gaps of the sentences as best I can, just like the game Wheel of Fortune.

At the office the day gets under way, with the phones starting and the clients attending for their appointments. The sounds of the day take over and I find myself slipping into my own little work-world, busying myself with paperwork and other tasks to be done. Suddenly a voice catches my attention, sounding irritated at my lack of response. When the question is repeated, it's done loudly and with annoyance forcing me to be apologetic.

Lunch time today means a trip to McDonald's - naughty, but why not! I stand in line to be served, my mind going over the tasks I need to complete before the end of the day. Someone behind me taps my shoulder, making me look up at the girl waiting to serve me. Her look shows irritation; she's busy and I'm holding her up. I place my order, nodding to a question I don't hear. She waits, watching me with a puzzled expression and I realise that I have to ask her to repeat it. She does, but I still can't hear her over the sound of the children and the kitchen. I shake my head with embarrassment, my stress level rising, and ask her to repeat it one more time. This time I hear it, and mumble I'm eating in..

Back at work, the long afternoon is closing down and my boss is asking me something from her office. Without thinking I nod, "no problem" I say. I sit for a moment, knowing I have to confirm what she said. As she comes out of her office a few moments later, I check what she said; which is just as well as I had it really wrong. Her look is a genuine apology "I'm talking at the computer, as if you're gunna hear me! Sorry darl!"

The day winds down, and I head to the bus for home. It is Friday night, and I am tired from a week of concentrating. None of my "bus buddies" are on the bus tonight so I read my book, enjoying the escape. I don't have to strain to hear conversation so I get to switch the brain off a little.

I am finally home, my cat meowing for her dinner. The news captions are not quite up to speed, running a few sentences behind. I notice I'm tired enough to be missing a lot of what is said, which makes me grateful for the captions.

I make my way to bed, the last task of the night to take out my Hearing Aids. The sound of the toilet hissing and refilling instantly vanishes, the creak of the floorboards suddenly silent. The constant "ringing" of Tinnitus is immediately in full volume, slowly settling into the background.

I crawl into bed, snuggling down. The cat suddenly stops her wash to stare into the darkness at the doorway. I wonder if someone is breaking in but can't really be bothered worrying about it. At least if there is a party tonight, it won't wake me up. Unless of course they have lights blaring all night...