"Asti has given me hope, belief in myself, and I am enjoying life again"

David first noticed slight hearing loss in the mid-nineties when he worked as a senior technician for racing cars and high-performance engines. Ear protection then was not the norm. He was given a hearing aid. At first, he could hear well, but then things changed.

This is David’s open and heartfelt story:

My main difficulties started about 17 years ago after an accident resulted in a severe fractured skull.  I ended up in hospital for quite a while. Unfortunately, my left ear suffered infection after infection, and the left side of my head had become weakened by the fracture.

I was advised by my audiologist to have mastoid surgery (which removes diseased cells that are causing infection) to help resolve the recurring problems I was continuing to experience.

However, infections and pain continued to affect me in the following years and it was suggested a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) could help if it was fitted to my left side.

The surgery was a success. I could still take part in most conversations and still enjoy listening to music – one of my favourite pastimes.

A setback

A freak accident at work knocked the BAHA cleanly out of my skull. After a few months, and various audio tests later, I underwent another mastoid operation to stop the repeat infections.

I had the operation, but a severe infection, contracted while in hospital, kept me in for several days on an antibiotic drip.

After the infection finally cleared, I was able to have a hearing test. I could hardly hear a sound on my left side, so I was referred to a cochlear implant team at another hospital.

After many months of tests, the consultant advised me that an implant on my left ear would not be a success due to my medical history, and we both decided to go for my good ear on the right.

Following my cochlear implant surgery, my hearing experience changed. Music was a no-go and I still can’t enjoy it to this day – it sounds awful.

I tend not to use a hearing aid in my left ear because each time I use it, a new infection occurs.

Isolation

Deafness brought me isolation, which restricts my weekly routine. I felt desperate and suicidal at times, wanted to give up on life. It was so hard, and I just wanted it all to end.

I try my best with my family to help them recognise the difficulties I face due to my hearing loss, but they don’t understand. I suppose they just see me as the person, I was before I lost my hearing.

I dread any family or social gatherings as, even in a quiet restaurant, I miss out on about 40% of what’s being said. All I can do is try to cope the best I can and get on with my life.

The isolation I feel means I have become a loner, not taking part in group activities. I did continue to work after retirement age because I could not see how I could fill my day. I enjoy walking and gardening – even winning many prizes in gardening competitions – but it is very isolating for me at times. My retirement plan was to listen to my vast vinyl collection, but that’s not going to happen now as I can’t enjoy music the way I did before my hearing changed.

Life was harder at work, due to being restricted to certain areas because of my deafness. I worked alone during the day and I couldn’t enjoy lunch breaks with my colleagues because I couldn’t get involved in their conversations.

Finding a solution

But then a little chink of light began to appear at the end of this long, dark tunnel.

At the first appointment to tune my cochlear implant following surgery, one of the audiologists mentioned how a hearing dog might be a possible solution for me. So I thought about it and applied. I was invited to The Grange with my wife for the initial assessment. Later I received an invitation to attend a LinkUp – a free support group delivered by Hearing Link Services – in Edinburgh.

I was hesitant at first, but felt I had nothing to lose so I accepted the invitation.

I really enjoyed my time there, meeting people who really understood and provided empathy. I realised I had been in denial of my deafness and started to believe that, with the right type of support, I could lead a normal life again.

I still needed time out for myself during the sessions, but my fellow participants didn’t seem to mind this. They were ready to give me support, unconditionally, as I required it.

It made me realise that in the past few years I had not only fooled my friends and family, but most of all I had lied to myself.

It has taken me a while but, driving back from Edinburgh, I realised I had gained the strength to admit my deafness was a problem I had been hiding. The LinkUp gave me the courage to speak my truth and I was ready at last to admit I needed help, instead of just existing.

I talked to someone from Hearing Dogs and I came to the conclusion I would gain from a fully accredited hearing dog, to support my needs.

A new outlook on life

Everything is now starting to fall into place. I have just been partnered with my hearing dog Asti after spending a wonderful week away at the Beatrice Wright Centre near York.

I gained so much when I was there, understanding how these dogs are not pets, but trained from a young age to assist people like me. I had done a lot of research about these dogs, but being there was much better.

It was great to see where Asti had been trained. Her roots are so important to me. Hearing dogs are special and I would like to thank everyone who was a part of Asti’s training. So many people are involved –dedicated staff and volunteers – and all they do is so marvellous.

Asti, my wonderful, little friend has already given me tremendous support.  When she is close, I do not feel isolated anymore.

We share our day and enjoy the outdoors. She is so loving and all she expects from me is to be fed and groomed daily.

Asti is part of my life now and I enjoy waking up, seeing her tail wagging ready for her morning walk. Her chestnut eyes melt my heart. We have a great bond already and I know her likes and dislikes.

She has given me hope again, belief in myself, and I am enjoying life again rather than enduring it. Asti is a life changer for me.

My four-legged partner is loving and caring – the isolation has gone. My heart is with Asti and my mind is looking forward again. I have become a part of team Asti!

I know that if I ever need help with her, there are so many people in the background. So thank you to everyone I have met at Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link Services, and also the many people I have never met – the staff and volunteers behind the scenes.

I will keep Asti fully trained, so all that work will not be wasted, and to enjoy her as a loving companion.

I feel proud having Asti on the end of my arm when we go out. It is amazing how she has changed my outlook on life.

Psst! Don’t miss all the latest Hearing Dogs news…

Would you like to know more about us, our dogs and our amazing community? We have a free monthly e-newsletter that we send out to 40,000 of our fantastic friends. It would be great if you joined, too.

You’ll get:

• Updates on how we train our dogs and how they change deaf people’s lives.
• A monthly dose of our adorable puppies!
• Behind-the-scenes stories and photos.
• News of upcoming events and ways you can help us create more hearing dogs.

 

Sign up to our free e-newsletter

Would you like to know more about us, our dogs and our amazing community? We have a free monthly e-newsletter that we send out to 30,000 of our fantastic friends. It would be great if you joined, too.

You’ll get:

• Updates on how we train our dogs and how they change deaf people’s lives.
• A monthly dose of our adorable puppies!
• Behind-the-scenes stories and photos.
• News of upcoming events and ways you can help us create more hearing dogs.

 

Sign up to our free e-newsletter