Hearing difficulties

[Sunshine634]

Hello

I have noticed over the last year that my hearing has become a bit embaressing. I am 34 and find when socialising with friends I'm constantly saying pardon, or just smiling because I can't hear and hope that my nods are in the right place.

I have seen online that lupus can effect your hearing but does anyone know if a GP would refer me for a hearing test?

And has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

Xx

[BukkyApampa]

Hi Sunshine,

I have exactly the same issue but I haven’t had it investigated, I have so many other investigations going on, I’ve attributed mine to lupus, I blame everything on lupus😅. I’m 42 and already can’t hear half of what people are saying, even at the cinema I can barely follow a movie and only enjoy the ones with subtitles at home, I’m actually inspired by your post that I better get it checked out, I don’t see why the GP won’t make a referral, mine are usually good with referrals considering they know about lupus. Good luck.

[FandNnan]

I'm sorry to hear 😂 this!

I noticed similar with my hearing recently but I'm 72 so mine is probably age related. However, having been diagnosed with lupus over 35 years ago who knows?!

I did things a bit back to front by having an appointment at Specsavers (£55 I think) to remove earwax as I thought that might solve the problem. It didn't so I asked for a free hearing test and it showed the beginnings of hearing loss more in high range than throughout.

As I couldn't afford to BUY hearing aids I then asked my GP for a hearing clinic referral and explained why. Guess where I ended up - Specsavers! In certain areas this company run the hearing service for the NHS. I had a second hearing test and was supplied with hearing aids on that occasion.

Afterthought -

good thing - hearing aids are very easy to disguise 🎉 unless you have very short hair.

not so good - as I can still get by without the aids that's what I'm mostly doing. Hearing Technician did say I should wear them more as it maintains a better hearing connection within the brain!🤔. Good luck 😉

[Olive12345]

I’ve been referred after seeing the gp although I think that’s for a combination of tinnitus, vertigo and hearing. There is a long delay in appointments though so I’ve not seen ENT yet. I was thinking of booking a test at specsavers.

[Sunshine634]

Thank you all for your replies I shall have a natter with my GP And good luck to you all too xx

[marypw]

I don’t know if deafness is related to lupus, but I was found to be deaf when I was 36 on a work medical. I wasn’t diagnosed with lupus until 20 years later, although I had had odd symptoms for years. My parents were deaf and so is my younger son so I suspect it’s genetic.

Yes, your GP will refer you, but it’s quite likely you’ll end up at Specsavers anyway. It is a horrible invisible disability. You can get hearing aids that Bluetooth to the TV and link to your phone. If you have problems in shops etc, you can get a rainbow lanyard to indicate that you have a problem. I find the most difficult place to hear is in a crowded restaurant. Good luck

[Cazpurple]

Im 60 and have FM and lupus. I have had difficulty for a while in hearing. Been through ENT because of sinus problems. I went to boots hearing and they checked me and no problems and then did their more advanced test where they do background noise and put hearing aids in. no difference with hearing aids so dont need. Ent did testing and said i have lovely clean ears and the hearing of a 19 year old! nice to know. I also have tinnitus.

Long and short, not a hearing problem so must be cognative?

[Poshcards]

I have terrible tinnitus, all day and night and it drives me mad at times x