I have... I started having operations before I was 2... Adnoids, tubes in my ears, tonsils, all out, sometimes more than once. Allergy tests, etc....so many things to try and improve my hearing...... nothing really worked.... Once I had my son at age 25, I broke down and got hearing aids...... my life began to change dramatically...... I became more outgoing, more involved in conversations--- I could actually answer the right questions,,,, not the wrong answers to what I thought I'd heard.... so much embarrassment there... you are right--- so much isolation and poor self esteem..., it really takes a beating on you... Now I'm not embarrassed to wear my hearing aids.......... I also wear glasses and now I need to use a cpap machine... as well as take medications for my depression etc...... I guess as I get older I don't care much about what others think,, I wish I had let go of my pride earlier.....or had the guts/self esteem to just do it....

Hi Tommy. - bummer- auditory issues- have you gone to more than one Ear, nose and throat person? It is hard with limited funds as I do- It is interesting and disheartening when you have Hearing / auditory issues that may not be true Hearing loss but affects the process of hearing- scrambling things up- I was misdiagnosed Asphasic and Mentally challanged till age 16. Asphasic is usually after a stroke when language is mixed up. My type of hearing loss is distortion of sound / Hearing.

I have had hearing problems for years.
But all tests came back normal.
Until last year.
I went to to see someone about hearing aids.
They said my close up hearing was alright.
But I needed to have a hearing aid that reduced background noises.
But was not bad enough yet for hearing aids.
If I'm in any sort of crowd, I can't keep up with the conversation.
I keep hearing things that's not been said.

I'm so very sorry... and I know what you mean about the cost of new hearing aids..... Mine never seem to make it much past 5 years. The costs are horrible..... Our government helps with some money, every 5 years, and my health insurance, thru my work, covers a whole $350 every 5 years as well. I've had to get my mom to help me pay for mine, and it was still over $1500 for the most basic ones....

It’s is hard because folks do not understand . They assumed you have aids therefore you hear all. Not so- take care of yourself . As it is for depression that we have to change dosages or meds type, we need to have out Hearing tested more often after getting older. I was moderate to severe as of 3 years ago. Now I am severe as of two weeks ago. My aids are 15 and 13 and new ones are needed. No money for them. Thought I could get a loan today- no go- Might be living life as a deaf person eventually. Ins does not cover hearing aids. Covers cohlear implants . Do not want that. Life is hard- need Chocs and critters.