Progressive hearing loss

Hello Willie S

Thank you for contacting us on the Online Community. I’m sorry to hear your Mum was diagnosed in June and you’ve noticed her struggles with hearing increasing more. It sounds like this is leaving you concerned as to how this is impacting her – especially at appointments. I am glad you have got in touch.

Have you spoken with Mum’s hospital team or Dr about your concerns at all Willie S? If you feel it is impacting Mum’s understanding at appointments, it sounds important that they be made aware of this so they can take this into consideration when meeting with Mum and explaining important aspects of care. It could be that there are adjustments they could make to make appointments and information so they are as accessible as can be. You haven’t mentioned what type of cancer Mum has or the treatment she is having, however I’m conscious you mention that hearing has worsened following treatment: and so again any changes following treatment can be important to discuss with Mum’s healthcare team/ cancer specialist so she is best supported. Ideally it would be a conversation Mum feels able to have with her team, however you can raise concerns as a relative Willie S if you feel Mum is unable to make that step.

We speak to many people affected by cancer who also have difficulties with their hearing- whether this is particularly common among octogenarian cancer patients is an understandable question to have and may be something our Cancer Information Nurses on the Support Line can provide more information on. We will ask our Community Information Nurses to respond with any additional support information they can below.

It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into trying to understand of what may be going on for Mum in not wanting to acknowledge this increasing difficulty with hearing: wondering if it could be denial, dismissiveness, pride or stubbornness. Have you been able to have a conversation with Mum about noticing it is not something she seems able to engage with? I wonder if inviting a chat around how she is feeling may highlight what’s going on for her. I appreciate that despite being supportive these conversations can sometimes be difficult to have with those closest and so please do know that you both can access a space to talk things through, ask questions and access emotional support via the Macmillan Support Line going forward. We are here 7 days a week, 8am 8pm via telephone (0808 808 0000) or web chat and have additional options to make our service accessible. There may also be a Macmillan Information and Support Centre nearby offering support if this would feel more easier- just use our In Your Area tool to see what’s nearby.

It sounds like it is a worrying time for you Willie S and so it’s important you have support for yourself too.

I do hope this information is helpful. Please just get back in touch if you have any questions or need further support.

Thank you for such a comprehensive reply 

Mum has stomach cancer and has had a stent fitted 

She is getting “Cap Ox” but only the 60% version

i might approach her team as she is very dismissive when I bring up the subject. I attended her diagnosis and initial treatment appointment. Maybe it could be put down ti shock or trauma at the time but she didn’t take everything in - I’m sure partly because she couldn’t hear properly 

She now has subtitles on the tv permanently cos she reckons “everyone mumbles - I’d be ok if they’d speak clearly”!

thanks 

Thank you for replying Willie S

It is natural when at appointments that things may not be taken in and understood properly – it is a lot to take in and try and cope with, especially if she is struggling to cope with her feelings which can then lead to feelings of denial for instance. With regards to speaking to her team - it could be helpful to reach out so they are aware of her situation. Are you able to attend appointments with your mum? It might help if she struggles to hear that there is another pair of ears as such to pick up on the things that may be missed. It might be worth asking the hospital team if something could be put in writing for her to read through, in case of any missed information.  

If you have worries about her hearing would she be able to have her hearing tested at all?

Please do come back to us if you ever need to – I notice Jenna mentioned out helpline and support services so please do use them as you need to.

Take care, 

Sorry to hear about the hearing troubles. Did you think already of getting the hearing aids? Maybe it will be helpful for you to know that hearing aid supplies online are available and the prices are cheaper than in an actual shops. The aids itself should be chosen together with the ear doctor / audiologist in order to avoid common mistakes.