Hearing Aid advice

[Bird]

blueriver, you're starting on the road we've been traveling.:laughing: I was about 42 the first time I went to an ENT doctor because of tinnitus. I'd never heard of it, didn't know what it was, etc. but had a constant ringing in my ears. Besides learning about tinnitus, which has gradually gotten worse, he said, "You don't need hearing aids NOW, but you will some day." Sure enough, I was 52 when I got my first ones and my hearing has gradually gotten worse over the years. And the technology has gotten better, as with most things, but the fact that hearing aids are expensive hasn't changed. I'm using my fourth set and have never had insurance that would pay any of it.

 

[blueriver]

blueriver, you're starting on the road we've been traveling.:laughing: I was about 42 the first time I went to an ENT doctor because of tinnitus. I'd never heard of it, didn't know what it was, etc. but had a constant ringing in my ears. Besides learning about tinnitus, which has gradually gotten worse, he said, "You don't need hearing aids NOW, but you will some day." Sure enough, I was 52 when I got my first ones and my hearing has gradually gotten worse over the years. And the technology has gotten better, as with most things, but the fact that hearing aids are expensive hasn't changed. I'm using my fourth set and have never had insurance that would pay any of it.

I just thought the ringing was normal!!!! Cher kinda been pushing the issue always telling me she cant speak any louder! He asked me yesterday if I had any injuries to my left ear ... it has scar tissue on the ear drum ... don't know why. I'm leaning towards the 24 channel units, remote control, water and dust proof ... I like the remote control idea. He told me when I left that hearing aids will change my world. Also 3 yr warranty, 3 yrs batteries, 3 yrs cleaning and service ... $250 loss deductible.

 

[blueriver]

And ... 18 miles from the house!!!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I found I would not bother to wear until I was lip reading without knowing. I wear mine when around other people all the time now but I do not wear them when running the backhoe, bush hogging and the like around the place. They are expensive. Best of luck in your search.

 

[Jim Shooz]

Living on my own there are days when I know I am not going to see anybody so I never get around to putting them on. Woke up to the situation one day when I had the hearing aids on, and went out and started the tractor and put the hearing protectors on over the top of the aids. DOH

 

[DHD]

I had the Starkey Series 3 BTE RIC HA thru the VA for service connected hearing loss.

I play guitar and noticed it sounded worse with the HA than without. Pure single notes like plucking a guitar string or even a person whistling a steady note sounded weird while wearing the HA. It sounded like there were two guitar strings of the same tone or two whistles of the same tone were being produced, also the duplicate tones sounded like they were vibrating very rapidly. In normal speech this issue is not noticeable but is very noticeable with a pure steady tone.
I also noticed music from the radio sounded worse with the HA, but could not distinguish why. I could not detect this vibrating duplicate tone in music from the radio, but I suspect it was there and is why music from the radio sounded different with HA.

The VA audiologist tried various adjustments on her computer with no change. After making a phone call, she turned off the feedback control, and the vibrating duplicate tone problem was solved. However, now I was experiencing feedback problems, and could expect feedback issues on a fairly constant bases without the feedback control turned on.
I was still under the trial period with these HA and left them at the VA.

I'm not giving up on HA, but I think I'll wait a year, hopefully HA anti-feedback circuitry will be improved and eliminate the vibrating duplicate tone problem I was experiencing,
and it will give me more time to study up on HA a little more, then get another hearing test and try the HA option again.

 

[jix]

The hearing Aides are programmable, I think. They may need to be re-programmed, not replaced. An audiologist would know.

 

[blueriver]

Well its been a journey ... however as of Thursday I have new ears!!! Awesome ... some things that took me by surprise ... the crunching of the ground under my boots, the keypad on my iphone clicks as i type letters, the seat belt alarm in the truck well someone turned it up!!!

I got the remote that is blue toothed to my phone ... I'm not liking that something must not be right when I answer using the remote the right ear cuts on and off so for now I shut the blue tooth off.

Also got the TV transmitter ... just haven't got it wired in yet.

Was told to wear them for a week and then come back in for any adjustments etc.

Another thing ... everyone says I talk softer and I tell them they are talking loud ... my buddy says he'll have to get used to it cause for years he's had to yell at me!!!!

 

[txdon]

Well its been a journey ... however as of Thursday I have new ears!!!

Where did you get yours from and which one did you get?

 

[blueriver]

Where did you get yours from and which one did you get?

Carey Hearing Center, Durant Oklahoma. I got the Siemens minitek.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Siemens minitek

that's what I have.

Did you notice how loud the water is coming out of a faucet?

 

[blueriver]

Yes I did ... also how loud the potato chip bag is!!

The remote is very handy ... today the wind is about 15 mph out of the North having a wind issue and can't find a good channel to help with that.

 

[txdon]

How many channels do you have. I have 3 - regular, restaurant, and car. The wind noise also cannot be blocked out.

 

[blueriver]

I was told I have 5 ... First one is regular, 2nd is dedicated Bluetooth, 3 restaurant, 4 car and 5 wind reduction ... When I use the remote I get a beep for Channel 1 ... I never get the 2 beeps it goes from 1 to 3 and then 4 beeps and then 5 beeps .. If I understand this right. If thats the case channel 5 did nothing to help with the wind and if thats wrong I gotta find out what is for!!

I go back Thursday I'll ask more about these channels.

 

[blueriver]

Also ... How long did it take you guys to get used to the little bud in your ear ... I keep wanting to scratch my inner ear

 

[txdon]

blueriver, when you go back ask the Dr.for a sample of PROEAR by Miracell or whatever they have that is similar. It is for irritated or itching ears. It is a mixture of different types of oils, aloe vera, and a few other ingredients. I just put a light coating on the bud and it feels better. I don't use it too often but it did help in the beginning. Costco gave me a bottle.
Another thing I went back for is a bunch of filters (more freebies from Costco). If I sweat the filters clogged and the sounds start to dull. I now switch out the tiny filters with the batteries weekly. I also got a ultrasonic dryer to put the hearing aids in after use.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks Don ... I'll ask for that and the extra filters. How do you like the dryer?

 

[oldpilgrim]

My audiologist said to dampen a q.tip with olive oil and swish it around in my ear.

 

[txdon]

My audiologist said to dampen a q.tip with olive oil and swish it around in my ear.

He must have run out of free samples.

Just kidding, couldn't resist.

 

[txdon]

Thanks Don ... I'll ask for that and the extra filters. How do you like the dryer?

I guess it is ok. It's a nice place to store them. It is pretty humid around here so I hope it extends their life.