[misc.handicap] Question on hearing dogs

andrea@virgin.MV.COM (twiGGy the teWWible) (08/09/90)

Index Number: 9614

Hi all - 

I've only been reading this newsgroup for a short time, but I have
a question that I'm sure many of you could help me with. I'm a
college student and I'm majoring in Aviation Management. I used to
do a lot of flying until I didn't pass my last medical because I
failed the hearing test. I was worried about this, since I always
wore a headset when flying to protect my hearing, and I don't
listen to loud music, etc. I went to my regular dotor, who then
referred me to a hearing specialist. He asked me if hearing loss
ran in the family, and I suddenly realized that it did, since my
father just got hearing aids, and mostof my older relatives on my
father's side do to. My doctor isn't sure what's wrong yet, I'm
going go to another doctor in Chicago for more tests. However, he
is realy worried, and I have a good chance of complletely losing my
hearin within two to five years.

I wish to remain independant if I do lose my hearing. One option I
would consider is a dog for the hearing impaired as help. Who can I
contact for information? I would like a few recommendations on as
many places as possible.  I would like to know the requirements to
get into a program, and what help they need from me such as
donations, etc.

Please email me, all help is greatly appreciated.

-twiGGy

andrea@virgin.MV.COM
twiggy@websta.UUCP (virgin!websta!twiggy)