Yesterday was a day of little things that brought me joy.
After lunch we drove over the Mountain Road to visit some friends who live on the outskirts of Douglas. We spent a pleasant hour drinking tea, eating shortbread and chatting.
From there it was just a 10 minute drive to the hospital where I had an appointment at the Audiology Department. A few weeks back I had messaged them asking if they offered Bluetooth enabled hearing aids on the NHS. I was sent an appointment which I had assumed was for an assessment but when I got there I found they had new aids all ready and waiting for me. Just five minutes to plug them in, recalibrate them and pair them with my mobile 'phone and voilà... I am connected!
The late afternoon drive home back over the Mountain Road was quite something with the setting sun turning the fluffy clouds orange and pink.
Just time for a quick spruce up before we trotted down to the bus station to catch the 5:30 to Peel, where we were meeting up with four friends for a meal at the Creek Inn.
Braised lamb shank and a glass or two of pinot grigio with lots of convivial conversation before catching the 9:45 bus for a comfortable ride back home. The rain held off so no drenching on the walk back from the bus station.
Today I have been experimenting with my new hearing aids. I can now listen to voice calls on my 'phone and play soundtracks from videos and iplayer programmes directly into my hearing aids.
Oh the joys of hearing again.
How wonderful, Jaycee.
ReplyDeleteIt was, Debby. Although we don't celebrate Thanksgiving over here, I feel like giving thanks today!
DeleteGreat news about your new hearing aid JayCee. I think lots of rural dwellers would like to have public transport like you have in the IOM. Amenities mean a lot.
ReplyDeleteOur bus service is pretty good overall, although there are some areas that are not served very well. I suppose it's all cost dependent.
DeleteIt is so rare to 'hear' of people being pleased with hearing aids - almost everyone else I've known seems not to persevere with them . My neighbour is an audiologist and she despairs at how many of her patients wont use them unless they absolutely have too. Sounds like yours are top notch!
ReplyDeleteWell, I must admit to only using them when I have to as they do have their downsides. Having these new Bluetooth enabled aids will give me more freedom though so I am happy with that.
DeleteYou are very lucky to have the latest technology available on the NHS.
ReplyDeleteThe Spanish health service, though excellent in many ways, doesn't supply hearing aids, or anything else, as far as I know. I had to pay for my hearing aids, and five years ago they cost me in excess of 3,000 euros. I chose a good make - Phonak - and they have served me well but are not sophisticated. Something similar to your new ones would cost me a small fortune I should imagine. At some stage I will investigate the latest trends but for now I'm more concerned with having insulation in the house!
Yes, we are very lucky to have such a wonderful NHS. Many people complain about it but I am grateful for all the care I have received.
DeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful post. You can hear and all through NHS . And it didn't rain!
ReplyDeleteA good news day!
DeleteWhat a happy day for you, JayCee. I have old hearing aids and am waiting to see if the insurance will ever cover new ones before I get another pair. They are so expensive!
ReplyDeleteI am very lucky to get mine free on the NHS as I wouldn't be able to afford to buy them and my quality of life would very much diminished.
DeleteIt's Thanksgiving here and I am thankful for your blog, JayCee! :)
DeleteYou are very kind, Ellen. Thank you x
DeleteThat sounds (!) like an excellent day.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed.
DeleteI am quite hard of hearing too and always need subtitles for TV. I cannot go to the cinema or theatre as I don't hear, even with conductive loop on my hearing aids. Restaurants and cafes can be a nightmare with background music interfering in what I can hear. I can imagine it is so lovely when you can pick up things you couldnt hear before.
ReplyDeleteOh yes . I have suffered all those problems too. These new aids will not make those sutations better but at least I can now use my mobile phone and stream TV and video directly into the aids.
ReplyDeleteSound like the bluetooth hearing aids will be of great assistance in the months and years ahead - enhancing your experience of daily life. Well done for being proactive JayCee! As I write this you will still be on the bus to Peel. I hope that Lord Peregrine behaves himself at The Creek Inn.
ReplyDeleteThat was last night, YP. He behaved impeccably, even after two pints of Doom Bar.
DeleteSilly me - getting my days mixed up. Do the NHS also do bluetooth devices for daftness?
DeleteI am sure they can fix anything, YP.
DeleteSo pleased to hear about your new hearing aids.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marjorie.
DeleteWhat a social whirl you live in JayCee. Do they do hearing aids for cats? Xxx Mr T
ReplyDeleteNow there's an idea....
DeleteFrom my experience, hearing aids for cats would be silly. It's not like they pay any heed to us.
DeleteAh, but Mr T is no ordinary feline....
DeleteMy dear wife is a bit 'hard of hearing', but I've suggested an Ear Trumpet.
ReplyDeleteJust shout. That's what P does.
DeleteMy mum was profoundly deaf all her adult life, but refused point blank to believe it (!) or do anything about it. It ruined her life, without her acknowledging that fact. When dad died I marched her down to the GP and got her sorted out with a hearing aid. I can imagine how difficult it has been for you but now you're wired for sound!
ReplyDeleteI am switched on finally!
DeleteWhat wonderful service JayCee and you are now very up to date with new technology .... amazing. You had quite a full day, Pinot Grigio being the best part ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteTwo glasses, no less! XXX
DeleteSo pleased you were able to get bluetooth on the NHS. I know I will need hearing aids in the not too distant future but at present my hearing is better than Doug's and he has aids
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I hope you can manage without them for a while longer yet.
DeleteMy Mother would have embraced that technology with open arms (so to speak). However she always said that one of the great advantages of her hearing aids was that she could switch them off!
ReplyDeleteOh yes. I am in full agreement with your Mother.
DeleteSounds like the perfect day! Glad you got blue tooth on the NHS.
ReplyDeletexxx
Thanks Vronni xxx
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