Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Hearing loss - have to look for another job! Prayers, please!

Hi, Emily -

I'm not sure about the headset working while the aids are "off" - but I'll check with my audiologist (he's a really "techie"). My hearing aids are Sequels, the "in-the-canal" (ITC) type. They're a few years old and such a blessing! I couldn't use a regular phone before, like a payphone, even with the T-coil switch. I always used a speakerphone at home (this was by the time I was in my mid-thirties). These hearing aids allowed me to go back to work. Actually, I'm a little concerned that all this "double amplification" might be harming my aids as well as my ears the aids have developed a new "sound" and they're not working at optimum level right now. They sound really "tinny" - hope I don't need an expensive repair!

Yes, in a noisy environment I sometimes turn one of the aids off. Lately, though, after an 8-hour day at work I have to take both aids out at home for at least an hour to give my ears a break. (I work two 8-hr days and one 4-hr day). I'm sure that's not a good sign. As for using just one ear for phone work, I've tried that but it seems I need both. (When I'm on a regular phone and there's noise in the background, like a payphone at a mall, I do turn the aid off in the ear I'm not using - that allows me to concentrate on what I'm hearing on the phone). It IS the noisiest work environment I've ever been in! I don't know how people stand it full-time. Sometimes on my break or lunch, I just take my aids out - don't even want to talk to anyone (not that we have time, anyway!).

As for asking HR to help me, I'm still on probation and I'm only PT - which means, as I understand it, I'm not covered under FMLA (is that what I mean?). But I'll check it out with my audiologist - he's a consultant for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation - which might have to be my next stop.

By the way, don't apologize about "trying to solve my problem for me" !! I'm usually doing this for others and I know the motivation is always kind and good - and I really appreciate being on the receiving end! Sometimes, when we're in the middle of a situation, we need other people to nudge us or bring up other options. Appreciate the help and the empathy!

Blessings,
Kaybee C

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