Hearing

Ok, finally I've decided to get my hearing checked (with view that I really probably do need hearing aids). And it wouldn't hurt to see if my balance issues are just in my head or real, as well.  

Anyway, I just called  the ent / hearing section of the hospital I usually go to and they said I should have a referral, unless I can tell them exactly what sort of test I want, and even then I need a Dr. to interpret.  They told me they have lots of doctors and they can't recommend anyone in particular and I should call the doctor's directory service.

I already have had auditory testing with ABR/BAER last July.  This showed 'mild' hearing loss on right and 'moderate' hearing loss on left.  It recommended audiometric test battery, but I guess that all got overlooked when they decided I didn't have MS.  I suspect that my hearing is getting worse (subjectively).... though logically it shouldn't be changing much at my age (only 37 - and I don't use headphones, or go partying all night in loud places).

Anyway, I don't want to go chasing my existing Drs.  I am not due to see them for a while, and I am trying not to wear out the welcome with them (and they are different specialties - endo / allergy)...

So, what type of dr do I look for for this sort of testing?  Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Sally
(limbo lander, & all in my head!)

[Super_sally888]

Sorry.  I didn't mean to quadruple post.  Is there any way we can delete posts if we ddouble post?

[Cowgirl37]

I went to my Regular Doctor who wrote me a script to see an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor.  When I called his office with the script they set me up for 2 appointments back to back.  First you have a hearing test, then you see the ENT.  It was pretty simple, but I haven't gone yet, it's on the 27th of this month.  I hope this helps.

[Momzilla]

Hi, Sally.  Great idea to go.  You should get things checked out.  I'm so happy with my hearing aids!

I went to see an otolaryngologist on the advice of my internist.  He evaluated me, and then sent me to have testing done by an audiologist.  I ended up having getting an MRI done as well to check on the disparity of my hearing.  They wanted to rule out a neuroma.  Guess what?  It was NORMAL.  Go figure.

Best of luck, and don't let it go, you traveling girl, you!

Zilla*

[Akcowboy]

  I have alot of hearing problems as well, working around a lot of loud noises and when I had my own plane and I radioed in and got the female controller from the tower I had a really hard time understanding her, even today I have a hard time with it.

  One of the girls at my wife's work place if she answer the phone it's like she is yelling at me even my wife has that some affect at times and hurts my ears and I have to tell her to tone it down a bit. I know that my sound odd but sound waves just make the hair on my neck stand up

  Cowboy

[Super_sally888]

Thanks Guys,

I ended up talking to a dr. friend and he has recommended an ENT guy.  If this guy doesn't work somewhere convenient, I will go looking elsewhere or ask my endo for a referral.

I have to get close to people to hear what they're saying.  So if my staff are talking to me from outside my room, I have to go outside to hear them or ask them to come to me.

Oh, yes Zilla.  I amo travelling so much.  Just back from New Zealand and Australia, and heading to Hong Kong tomorrow.  I am so tired I can hardly think, but I certainly need to be thinking clearly with all the work stuff, but will get through it.  No wonder things are getting exaccerbated again!!   Vision is much worse these past few days - not accuity - I can see fine with glasses or contacts, but with MOOSE, MICE and cameras flashing in the background, and some kaleidoscope colors!!! :(

More later.  Deadlines looming.  

Sally