Hearing impaired...

[dOcToRdOn]

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Hi everyone, I'm new to the student doctor network and I have to say that it's been great reading everyone's posts and whatnot. However, I am not in medical school yet (fingers crossed!!) but I hope to be entering in the class of 2007. But, there is one thing. I am hearing impaired and I have a bilateral hearing loss. I've worn hearing aids since I was 4 years old, but I am not going to let that stop me from becoming a doc! Does anyone know anything about any audiological/specialized stethoscopes? Has anyone seen any hearing impaired med. students in their classes? Thanks for your help!
😀 Don

 

[bgreet]

I know it's been done before, and from what I recall there was a recent completely deaf graduate. Other than that, I can't really supply specific advice... sorry but good luck!

 

[Bertelman]

One of the residents I worked with during third year was hearing impaired. He had some set up whereby his steth was attached to headphones. Seemed to work fine for him. Of course, this was his intern year, and he was going into Rads, so I'm sure he won't be needing it anymore.

I'm not sure where you could find resources like this. Google would be a good option, or maybe try contacting the individual stethoscope companies to see what setups they offer.

 

[evade]

I ran a quick search on past topics on this board, and came up with this link, which I think you'll find helpful:

http://www.amphl.org/

They've got info on stethoscopes and all kinds of other stuff.

Best of luck!

 

[dOcToRdOn]

thanks for your help with the website and everything guys! I knew there was some stuff out there, but I wanted to c if anyone had any personal experience w/ it...thanks!!
Dr.Don (one day 10 years down the road)

 

[justwondering]

one of my attendings had hearing aids and a special stethoscope that looked pretty professiional (ie some of the ones on that website linked above, look inconvenient and flimsy...his looked http://www.miami-med.com/Stethoscopes for the Hearing Impaired.htmdecent...looked like this welch allyn one: http://www.miami-med.com/MEDITRON_ ELECTRONIC_STETHOSCOPE.htm ).

another link:

 

[Nightengale]

I don't have personal experience with hearing impairment in med school but I do have experience with disability issues in med school in general if that's helpful - PM me if it is. I do have a classmate I don't know well with a hearing impairment and just worked with an attending who uses an amplified stethescope - it's definitely been done before and can be done. Some schools are better with students with hearing impairment than others - mine requires that a person can hear heart sounds (with or without amplification) without needing help from another person.

 

[titoincali]

I'm hearing impaired and just both an amplified stethoscope. If you have any questions about my experience so far feel free to PM me.

Rest assured, it can definitely be done. 👍

 

[chocomorsel]

One of our fellows is hearing impaired and always has a sign language translator with her. She had the same lady in med school as well. Pretty cool. It is possible, and guod luck.

 

[Ottercreek]

cool

 

[Dr. McDreamy]

One of our fellows is hearing impaired and always has a sign language translator with her. She had the same lady in med school as well. Pretty cool. It is possible, and guod luck.

wow. always?!

 

[Pedonc]

I'm hearing impaired and wear bilateral behind the ear aids. I currently use cardionics escope and really like it. Feel free to pm me.

 

[Donlin]

I have been deaf 43 of my 50 yrs. and wrote a blog that tells you how I deal with certain situations. Its great information for people losing their hearing and wondering how they are going to cope living in a silent world. Please visit my blog at:
http://donlinsblogger.blogspot.com
Comments are welcomed.

 

[dOcToRdOn]

thanks everyone! i truly appreciate the input that you've provided! i've since talked to my audiologist and we've ordered a amplified stethoscope that i have connected to my waist, which then goes up to my ears (hopefully one day someone will develop a bluetooth version...) AND.... i'm takin an EMT class right now just to get some experience and what not, but I was thinkin of buyin a PDA to go along w/ it to have show the sounds too, so if theres ever a situation in which i cannot hear, itll show the heart rhythms too....any thoughts on that?

I was thinking of gettin the pocket pc also b/c it can be used as a diagnostic tool, and from what i hear, it has become a great asset to alot of physicians b/c it can hold TONS of info!!

So, i hope everyone has a great turkey day and enjoy!
Doctordon