That which does not kill us...

[dancinghorse]

Hearing aid is dead.

Without it I am the equivalent of legally blind.

It's ancient. I've been nursing it along, holding it together literally with a band-aid, waiting for Big Wow Srsly Cool You Guys Will Be Thrilled Thing to get out of the pie-in-the-sky stage and swoop to a landing on my plate, but that's at utmost best two or three months away. Right now, feeding the horses and keeping the farm is what I can do, and must do. I've talked with the nice lady who fixed it when a much lesser part of it broke over the winter, and the bare-bones basic single aid I want and can best use (don't need the fancy crap) is about $1000. (I'm lucky. The two-digital-aids package they always try to sell me is in the $5000 range.)

Insurance does not cover hearing aids. At all.

Anybody want Horse Camp? Editing? Story written to order?

It has been suggested I try a Kickstarter, but I don't feel right doing that again so soon, it seems like asking a bit too much of my wonderful backers, and it takes quite a bit of time and energy--and then Amazon sits on the funds for 14 days. And I'd have to offer something pretty awesome. If anybody has ideas for something that might be crowdfunded more informally, bring 'em on. A story in the world of the Hound&Falcon books? The Caitlin Brennan Mountain's Call series? Something new?

Gotta be a way. Somehow.

ETA Wow. Talk about feeling loved. It's covered--will be able to call on Monday and start the process.

I'm going to write a story for all those who stepped up. Thinking about what to write. Suggestions welcome.

Comments

[monder.livejournal.com]

Check for email from me... HUGS!

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Can you put up a donate button? I will direct traffic to it.

The "health insurance" system in the US is such bullshit.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so so much. Some good angels have stepped in. I have the wherewithal to go on Monday and start the process. And will be able to repay, once that ship comes in.

My screen is SO FREAKING BLURRY.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Wow, that was fast! You have a lot of people who love you.

ETA: I don't know if I get a vote since I didn't actually do anything, but if so, I vote for something with horses.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Itellya, I feel LOVED.

I think so re. horses, too. All things considered.

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

Wow, that was fast. HUGS.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I hear you got one recently? I missed that part of the story.

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

I have otosclerosis (inherited disease of the ear). I've worn hearing aids since 2005. Fortunately the condition is partially treatable with a stapedectomy. I had my left ear done in 2006 and my right ear just last November, both operations a success, which is quite helpful. With the operations I'm still hearing impaired and still use the aids, but without it I would be functionally deaf without hearing aids and even with them would struggle.

My first set of hearing aids was not covered by insurance. Fortunately the surgery is covered. I had to replace my aids last fall and this time they were covered. They're so expensive. The idea that they are not covered by insurance is ridiculous because they make such a huge difference in quality of life for many hearing impaired people (okay, soapbox off).

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

It makes its shareholders money.

Full stop.

[miintikwa.livejournal.com]

Squee! <3 <3 I am so glad that it got covered that quick. I am sad I couldn't help, but hopefully getting the word out got some of my peeps to help.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

It helped a lot. Thank you so much.

[maryosmanski.livejournal.com]

Looking all over the screen for the Like button after seeing the ETA.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

:) Facebook can drive one batty, but that button is so useful.

[angela-n-hunt.livejournal.com]

And everyone beats me to it... *puts checkbook away*

Very very glad to hear it. There's no way we'd let you go without a necessity like that, dear lady.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much.

Dang blurry screen.

[angela-n-hunt.livejournal.com]

*hugs you* Honestly, I'm glad you are getting a new one. Hopefully one that doesn't screech when I hug you too hard. :)

[joycemocha.livejournal.com]

I got beaten on this one as well, but this is a Good Thing. My late mother was deaf and needed hearing aids--the old-fashioned kind, with a pack on her chest and a wired connection to her earplug. She had otosclorosis and the surgery did help a little bit, but not completely.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

I remember those aids. They were nasty to wear. I insisted on the smaller versions from the moment they came out, and considering I need the ear equivalent of three-inch-thick lenses, that was a challenge.

[badgermirlacca.livejournal.com]

Good grief. Give the rest of us a chance to catch up already! *g*

Seriously glad this is covered. Wish I'd read my email earlier. [[[[hugs]]]]

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you. The hugs are much appreciated.

[foalstory.livejournal.com]

I am just floored that it's not covered by insurance. I mean, I 'get' why but at the same time ....

they cover my glasses. So. yeah. They should cover that.

YAY for awesome cool people and ways you can give back as well :D

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Amen to that!

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

well, gee, by the time i read this it was sorted, so i guess i won't throw money your way, but <3 to those who helped out, because they deserve lots of <3! as do you! :)

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. I'm overwhelmed by the support. Will be able to go in tomorrow if I can get an appointment, and start the process right away (testing, evaluation, I hope order).

Today is going by v e r y s l o w l y.

[stillnotbored.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad this got covered. I am also dead broke and really grateful that not everyone else is.

Yay for generous, loving people. :)

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thank you. You know too well the sensation of dropping off a cliff. I'll stay on the top side of this one, at least. Really hoping I can get something, even a stopgap, tomorrow. I do not handle this particular challenge well.

[bohemus.livejournal.com]

Very glad to learn that it was taken care of so quickly. It was jaw-dropping what they cost when I had to get mine - the most expensive audiophile equipment I have, but taking care of your "hearing health" (as my sisters called it when my late father, bless him, was recalcitrant about wearing his) IS health care and should rightfully be covered or at least subsidized.

How about something about horses AND set in the Hound & Falcon universe! ;))...

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Oooooo. We may have a winner there. Let my backbrain get to work on it.