The first one is in regard to proving to the MBTA that I still qualify for THE RIDE.
The second post was about my new "set of ears."
THE RIDE
This could be a long story but I will try to make it short and sweet.
First I'll tell you it was not a sweet experience.
The MBTA driver picked me up twenty minutes late, drove me to the Charlestown office building and parked the van in front of a huge set of stairs!
I informed him, "I don't do stairs!" He moved the van to a spot that I could manage.
Oh, I just realize that I did write about that but I still can't fathom that he wouldn't understand that it could be difficult for an elderly person, especially those who use THE RIDE.
The interview took about ninety minutes, there were forty questions, yes I said forty questions!
EXAMPLES:
Would you like to learn to ride the bus or subway if such training were available?
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT RIDING THE BUS OR THE SUBWAY.
Are you able to cross busy streets by yourself all of the time, some of the time or never?
NEVER. I DON'T GET INTO THAT SITUATION BECAUSE I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO WALK FAST ENOUGH TO GET ACROSS.
APPROVED
The good news is I received a letter from THE RIDE Eligibility Center informing me that I am eligible for Unconditional service which means I may use THE RIDE for all my trips.
BUT get this: "Your eligibility is for the following period: 12/12/2013 to 12/30/2016.
I'm not saying another word about that!!!
THE HEARING AIDS
The first time I wore them with a small group of people at home they were OK.
I heard paper crackle, water running and the people talking loud and clear.
I adjusted the sound and it was OK.
The first time I went to the dining room the background was noisy, the waitress's voice was LOUD so I turned the power down and it was better.
This past week when I was at home, I had company and I found the aids were not working.
One night wore them to the dining room, they did not work at all.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
I was just getting used to putting these "ears" in.
Now, it's probably a small thing that needs adjusting, but I don't know what it could be.
This is what is known as, "a learning experience."
I'll be calling the Doctor tomorrow, giving him an update, and hopefully will be able to see him this week, and hear better after that!