I got a new gadget a few days ago. No, it’s not a new smartphone, nor a new laptop. I didn’t splash out on a fancy new monitor either. This gadget is an Bluetooth enabled audio upgrade – but not in the way you might expect. Can you guess?
🦻 I’m now (aged 39) the owner of a hearing aid.
I’ve had tinnitus for years, and then a few months ago that morphed into quite pronounced hearing loss in my right ear. I’ve had MRI scans, advanced hearing tests and meetings with consultants. No-one can say what’s caused the hearing loss, which is a shame.
During all the tests and meetings, I got put on the list for a hearing aid. I didn’t hold out much hope. My hearing loss is as much a distortion of the sound as a reduction of the volume.
But what a difference this clever little device is making!
I can tweak the settings via an app on my phone, tailoring the amplification, which microphones to favour and the frequency response to suit to environment. It’s also got handy features like noise reduction, which I found really helpful on my recent flights to and from Berlin for WeAreDevelopers.
Alongside an improvement in hearing I’ve also noticed a slight reduction in tinnitus. Evidence is inconclusive, but it seems that tinnitus often correlates with a loss of hearing, so when some hearing is restored the tinnitus reduces. This seems to be true in my case.
The NHS isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely struggling at the moment. But I’m thankful to live in a country where this kind of healthcare, including the provision of medical devices, is available free of charge.
This situation has been a helpful reminder that even a fairly mild disability can put someone at a disadvantage, making their life harder in some way or leading to them feel excluded from situations which others navigate with ease. And if you’re suffering with some kind of hidden disability, go and talk to someone about it, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
