A few years ago I had Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, in essence shingles that affects the facial nerves and ear. Very unpleasant and definitely not recommended. Only 60% of sufferers make a full recovery, of which I am pretty much one although the hearing in my right ear was significantly affected. It was none too good anyway, but nosedived after this.
I got an NHS hearing aid and from the moment it was fitted and switched on noticed a positive difference. The audiologist saw the look on my face as he switched it on. It was the tinkling of the mugs etc on the tea trolley outside the room. A stroll down the lane was amazing, I could hear the birds that in fact I hadn’t heard for years. I was told that I could manage without it but better to start then as it would delay anticipated further decline.
Now nearly four years on and it continues to work well. I don’t notice I am wearing it, but am beginning to think it needs a tune up as hearing in certain circumstances does become more difficult.
Incidentally huge credit to the NHS and our local hospital. I was admitted from A&E at 11pm on a Sunday evening with excruciating ear pain, was seen and treated by a doctor that night, spent a couple of days in hospital and was correctly and quickly diagnosed and treated. At least so Dr Google and RHS websites tell me. No complaints from me, quite the contrary, but then I don’t need a hip replacement or treatment for a similar chronic complaint.
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