I don't believe in snooping, but I think I've been given a license. I viewed my husband's email this afternoon (only the 2nd time in 10 years), found that he was placing bids on Ebay for some product for the ears. He bid $35. Last bid was $27, so I'm sure he'll get it. Five bottles of probably worthless stuff. It is also good for ringing in the ears or dizziness, but he's not complained to me of either.
He has often commented, I didn't hear them say that, or that's not what they told me. So I think he knows something is up, some client must have said something to him, & he's looking for a way to improve his hearing. It's not his hearing, it's his comprehension. That is so sad, really. The only herbal supplement I've been able to convince his to take was fish oil tablets. (Know that's not herbal.) He must feel so alone. He has not discussed any of this with me.
Do other spouses think they have a hearing problem, when in fact it is comprehension? I'm guessing no one but myself.
Kitty, my husband has trouble hearing me. No one else....just me. I had his hearing tested and it is fine, just a few sounds that he has trouble hearing (same as me). There are several people here who have husbands whose hearing is almost gone and they won't wear hearing aids either.
The ringing in the ears can have many reasons for being....but you are right when you say it is his comprehension. Or with my husband, it is that the sounds aren't reaching the target in the correct order and some of the words have been forgotten before they arrive at their destination.
Kitty, You probably should have his hearing tested in case it is a problem. My husband has problems hearing but it is just due to the AD. Sometimes his loss of hearing just involves one ear, sometimes both and loss comes and goes. He was examined by an ear doctor who explained that it was not an uncommon symptom with AD. His ears are functioning properly. His brain does not always process the sound normally. We confirmed with with a nueropsychiatrist who specializes in AD.
If you talk into his other ear, he can comprehend. So it is not always a comprehension or language problem. Also he has other physical manifestations of the disease e.g. He will have vision disturbances and balance etc.
I thought my husband had a hearing problem for a very long time. The doctor asked me one time if it was hearing or processing/comprehension as the symptoms were very similar. It was probably early symptoms and I had no idea that it was AD at the time...... Sometimes my own ignorance about this disease and what it is about is very scary.
Lizbeth, He is a grown man, in total denial. It's not like I can just make an appointment for him to get his hearing checked. He's only 55. I have witnessed times when we both "heard" something different from each other. Really don't think it is his hearing.
Kitty, you are going to be a teacher and were told it was a good idea for everyone over 40 to have their hearing checked once every 5 years, so you made an appointment for both of you at the same time to have it done. SO THERE!! <grin>
my hearing is horrible. Whenever we "hear" something different or understand a conversation differently, it is always my fault because I am the one with the bad hearing. I have to admit that some of the time, I don't have a clue what was said so I have to figure that he got it right because I know that I didn't.
Sometimes I use my hearing problem to defuse a situation. When I say one thing and he says another, and I know I am right and he is very adamant that he is right, I will say "gee, I must have not heard it correctly." It works most of the time. Now, if it is really important not just something that is bugging me, then I will stand my ground.