More proof that I am getting older also came this summer. I had my hearing checked. Turns out I have moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears. Basically my hearing is good until 1800 Hz then it drops off very sharply. It looks like this (I've also included "reference lines" for your information and enjoyment):
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| the yellow line reads: Children's hearing when asked to do something |
I had noticed more than a year ago that I was having a constant ringing in my ears and was having more trouble having a conversation with someone who I wasn't looking at. But, in truth, I kind of thought it was just my imagination, that I was inventing this problem for myself. (The audiologist admitted she thought the same, evidently most of the patients she sees are women my age who "invent" this problem for themselves.)
Anyway we were both shocked that I did have hearing loss. She mentioned that hearing aids would improve my hearing, but "only if I wear them"....duh....but this is what she meant: Unless I am "ready" for hearing aids, psychologically, I won't wear them and a fat lot of good they will do me sitting in a case.
Worrisome because I am after all, only 34, and I don't work or have a hobby that exposes me to loud noises, the kind that typically cause hearing loss in us younger folks. So what's happening? Is it going to get worse? The audiologist suggested I first noticed the change when I lost my 2000 Hz hearing, and if that was only a year ago, how quickly is this getting worse? I have another appointment in a couple of months for another hearing test.
No hearing aids for me just yet, I am not ready. Although according to Chief they come in all kinds of awesome colors (he is not just a fan but also a wearer) like fuchsia! So until then...no mumbling.
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