A little over six months ago one simple cold led to hearing loss and full ears. After months of allergy treatments to unclog my ears I was given a hearing test and found that I have permanent hearing loss in my left ear. Most likely one innocent cold that I think was allergy connected was actually hearing loss. I'm ringing in turning 32 with trying to finance hearing aids.
As some of you know, I have always struggled with my hearing. I've been using subtitles before audio mixing on movies got bad, I've taken ASL classes, and had my hearing tested multiple times during my childhood because I struggled to process what I was hearing. When I was diagnosed with ADHD and learned about Audio Processing Disorder, it made my struggles make sense. However, the last few months have been even more difficult. Hearing in crowded environments, being able to understand the sounds I can make out, and hearing voices facing away from me is much harder. Which led me to push for answers and finally get treatment.
Why do I need hearing aids?
- I have permanent nerve damage in my left ear that will likely decline over time but less so with starting hearing aids now.
- My hearing loss is classified as mild but untreated hearing loss increases my chances of mental decline and early dementia. The strain can also make my hearing decline quicker.
- For most models of hearing aids I still need two aids instead of one. This is partially for balance and partially because my "good" ear will let the ear with hearing aid do all the work and decline if not also treated.
Why aren't they covered by insurance?
- Most insurance companies in the US consider hearing aids to be "elective" or "cosmetic" devices. With only some states requiring coverage for children. Who in their right mind would wearing hearing aids just for the appearance is beyond me... but I don't make insurance laws.
- My insurance and audiologist both have discounts but that doesn't cover the costs. I'm only raising money for what isn't already covered.
- Quality prescription hearing aids can cost over 7,000 total after the professional fitting, follow-up care, and top-tier technology. The devices last 3-7 years with 5 years being the average. So any funds I raise now will go to my first pair and allow me to begin saving for my next pair of several I will need over my life.
This is the part of the campaign where I am supposed to really pour out my feelings and try to engage your emotions for support. But I believe there are much more significant causes and more dire circumstances in the world right now. So I am just going to put this out there and ask for help from my community in any way they can spare. (Even if I hate having to ask.)
I know money is very tight for everyone right now and greatly appreciate any help you are able to give or any time spent reposting my campaign. Thank you for taking the time to consider donating.