Expect the Unexpected

Well, after my ENT appointment on Friday, I got some very unexpected news. I have hearing loss in both ears. I was told I would be a good candidate for hearing aids, but it was still my choice at this point. Wow. Was not expecting that this soon in life. I expected it EVENTUALLY--all my aunts and uncles on my dad's side have hearing aids (except one aunt). Quite a shock for me. I spent a few hours really trying to grasp that information; felt sorry for myself for a little while; then started to put it all in perspective. It's not life-threatening, it won't affect my overall health... so I made peace with it. I will admit that the news was a bit scarey because right now we only have a "snapshot" of this. I will do another hearing test in a year to see if it's the same, or worse. He said it could stay at this level for 20 years, or could get worse by next year--no way to know. So, I had to think, "what if it steadily declines from here on out--how bad can it get?" At 39, you don't really want to start losing any of your functioning!!

On a positive note, it's wonderful to know what amazing and supportive friends and family I have! I certainly have "felt the love" over the last 24 hours and that makes me feel very blessed, indeed!!