Sudden hearing loss and tinnitus comes as a shock for Hertfordshire DJ
At just 39 years old, Conrad Jarvis from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire was shocked when he felt the hearing in his left ear change dramatically, while listening to music on 17 January 2009. So sudden and unexpected was his hearing loss, Conrad initially thought he could be experiencing a fault on the headphones he was using, rather than actual damage to his ears.
The next day Conrad was due to fly to Barcelona with his wife and when he woke to find his hearing hadn’t returned, he went to the doctors with his concerns. “I tried the drops the doctor recommended but they didn’t work and I spent my holiday worrying about the future and wondering if my hearing would ever come back.” Conrad explained: “My balance was seriously affected and I was becoming so frustrated and close to tears at times.”
Two weeks later, still not hearing properly and also suffering with tinnitus, Conrad used his private healthcare plan to seek a second medical opinion. “My work as a AV multimedia specialist for BT and as a DJ means I’m very particular about my hearing and I was extremely worried. I’m young, have a wife and small child so wanted to do all I could to sort it out and avoid any long-term hearing damage.” Conrad continued: “I was eventually referred to a surgeon who gave me the option of having an operation and although there was no guarantee of it working, to me it was worth taking the chance. I had the operation even though I don’t really know what they have done, I was just desperate to have my hearing returned to normal and trusted they knew what they were doing.”
In July 2009 Conrad had the operation on his left ear, making a small but significant improvement to his hearing. Almost a year after the operation, Conrad has now been fitted with an NHS hearing aid which he feels has made a huge difference. Initially worried about the stigma of having a hearing aid and concerned that it would be big and bulky, Conrad is pleased with the small digital one he has and is much more positive about the future now he feels he has found a way to cope.
“I’m West Indian and thought the NHS hearing aid would be a big pink one that would stand out and look silly” said Conrad. “I never realised that I could get a black one that is actually quite small. Most people don’t even really notice I’m wearing it. I’m sure if more people realised how hearing aids had improved they would benefit from wearing one. I certainly have. I was finding socialising in groups difficult and becoming more withdrawn. In just one month of having the hearing aid I am much more responsive and confident. I have carried on working and although I don’t wear it when DJ-ing, I have learnt to cope and adjust.”
With his new found confidence and positive attitude, Conrad now wants to help people realise that even at a young age hearing loss doesn’t mean it’s the end of life as you know it. “My hearing won’t get better but I’ve not been told it will get worse either. I have been very down at times but now I just want to get on with life. The work that Deafness Research UK do is so important - not only because of the potential discovery of new treatments and cures, but also because people can easily find the latest information on deafness and related conditions, become educated on the subject and be pointed in the right direction for further support.”
Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said: “Unexpected and sudden changes in hearing can be a huge shock and often difficult to come to terms with. Getting the right help and treatment can be crucial. Conrad’s positive attitude is highly commendable and he has dealt with his hearing loss brilliantly. Whilst Deafness Research UK is passionate about research and finding new cures and treatments, we are also here to offer help and guidance for those faced with the often unexpected challenges hearing loss and tinnitus bring.”
