Comments for Hearing Elmo

Comment on Meniere’s Help by Pam M

Pam M — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:21:17 +0000

This past May, after suffering through violent vertigo attacks for over 2 years and being treated for the wrong thing, I finally found the right doctor and was properly diagnosed with Meniere’s. I have been treated aggressively with several different treatments and seemed to be responding well to them. In fact, I didn’t have an attack for several months (May through mid-October). However, I recently experienced 2 attacks in the past month – the most recent one being particularly frightening because it came on with absolutely no warning (in fact I was feeling really good that day!) and I had no time to get to a safe place. The only thing I could do was to immediately drop down to my kitchen floor, where I remained until my husband came home from work an hour and a half later. My doctor indicates that this can happen at times with Meniere’s. I am waiting for approval from my insurance company to obtain a Meniett box. I have been confined to my home for the past 3 weeks, too frightened to even walk outside by myself, until someone can accompany me. My doctor has advised me to continue to take these precautions until the Meniette box comes in and I begin (hopefully) to respond to the Meniett box treatment. But, of course, there is no guarantee this treatment will work; and, if it does, it could take another few months; if it doesn’t, the next step is the injections to destroy the nerve (which I am hesitant to do for fear that this disease will progress to my good ear). I’m only 55 years old, I have 3 children and own my own business (which is quickly going under at this point) and to say that this is making me depressed is an understatement. The attacks themselves are bad enough, but I could live with them if I had some quality of life in between. This isolation is a thousand times worse than the attacks. My question is this – can service dogs be trained to alert you in advance that an attack is coming on? If so, how far in advance can they detect the attack? I am desperate to find anything that would enable me to get back out into the world and live! Thank you for taking the time to read this and responding.

Comment on Braille Menus by Sam

Sam — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:31:05 +0000

What an interesting read. Even though the waiter got it wrong, I would give him an extra tip just for showing good intentions. Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Braille Menus by Dana

Dana — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:22:02 +0000

Several times I’ve been offered an accommodation in Braille when I asked for another kind of accommodation for my hearing loss.

For example, after I told an airline stewardess that I was hard of hearing, she gave me the emergency instructions in Braille.

We do need to realize that not everyone is swift on the uptake. They genuinely are befuddled sometimes, and simply haven’t thought through what they’re doing, but they can mean well. Denise, you make a good point that we need to appreciate their efforts to be helpful.

Comment on Braille Menus by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:20:28 +0000

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at how often those with service dogs get offered braille menus at restaurants. Like you, Denise, I am just so glad that they are more available than ever for our friends who really need them! I sometimes do get frustrated when someone asks a question that brings on the eye roll in me, but I really try to contain myself and answer the question or educate, keeping in mind that most of the time people are simply acting off of the best information that they have available.
I am personally not a bling-er (but who knows what the future will hold, it wasn’t so long ago that I kinda sorta hid my processors) but I actually envy those who feel free enough in themselves to wear it! Thanks once again for a great blog on hearing and life!

Comment on Braille Menus by Laurie in TN

Laurie in TN — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:46:58 +0000

Love it! I’ve been offered a “handicapped” room at hotels when I let them know I have a hearing loss. (*Kyersten “DUH”*) I can’t hear well but I’m not physically handicapped! One particular hotel that I frequent know now to give me a regular room with the equipment that I need when I stay there….it is up to us to educate others. Thank you for doing that!

Comment on Braille Menus by sheila

sheila — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:32:39 +0000

Preach it, sister!! You are a wonderful educator!

Comment on About by threadsoftears

threadsoftears — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:28:25 +0000

Hi there. what a wonderful story about how you and Elmo first connected. I appreciate your honesty and commitment to your blog and your willingness to share your experiences including those with your daughter. At least three people that I love very very much have all been affected by hearing loss to different degrees..it has been painful for me to see how they have suffered quietly… I say this in all seriousness. I will be back to read your blog and will include it on my blogroll. Best, Stephanie

Comment on Deaf for a Day by Braille Menus « Hearing Elmo

Braille Menus « Hearing Elmo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:16:46 +0000

[...] ASL classes do projects like “go to the mall” without your voice and only sign, (“Deaf for a Day“), many come back to class and tell me that they were offered a Braille menu at the food [...]

Comment on On the Road Again… by Sonya

Sonya — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:34:26 +0000

You’ve written another great post! You ave been a real inspiration to me and have inspired me to stop trying to hide my hearing loss and my hearing aids. Now I often wear bright covers on my hearing aids and my new ear molds have gold glitter in them. The reactions that people have range from puzzled to tickled. Complete strangers have come up to me and asked about my hearing aids. I’ve had some great discussions with people. Thank you!
Sonya

Comment on On the Road Again… by Julie

Julie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:13:48 +0000

Good words, Denise :0)

Tate has always chosen bright blue HA’s, and blue or green or even neon orange earmolds. With his short hair, his aids are pretty obvious.

As he gets older, he may change, but I agree that making his disability visible helps. He doesn’t mind answering questions about his hearing and his equipment, and it sure helps other people remember his ’situation’.

His soccer coach commented to me that Tate has helped him slow down in his coaching style, and in how he relates to the boys on the team :0)

Julie