Hearing aids in the shop

[Monty]

I'm sure I'm not the only one of us that suffers from tinnitus. I've had it for years and have learned to "tune it out" but recently it is becoming harder to hear and carry on conversations in noisy places or to watch TV with the volume at a normal level. To over come this, I have been using earbuds linked via bluetooth to the TV.
I tried hearing aids about 5 years ago but could not tell that they were doing any good so I returned them during the trial period. I've now decided to try them again. So, I'm asking any of you that may have tinnitus and wear hearing aids for your experience and advice. What brand/type do you have? Do they really help mask the tinnitus? Do they amplify shop noise or filter it out to the extent that you cannot tell if the saw is still running?
Any comments will be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Woodchipper]

I have the latest Phonak hearing aids that interface with an app to adjust to the surroundings. In the shop, I take them out and put in ear plugs. I also have tinnitus so the hearing aids or ear plugs don't do anything... I just live with it. When you got your first set of hearing aids, did you go to a certified audiologist? I marvel at the people who buy hearing aids and don't have anyone to "coach" them on their specific needs. FWIW, my hearing loss is in the lower range, according to the audiologist. She said it is hereditary. My mother was deaf as a post and was content on having everyone shout at her instead of getting hearing aids. Even with the ear plugs, I can hear the Shop Vac and other things running.

 

[TellicoTurning]

No hearing aids, but I've had tinnitus since sometime in the late 60s or 70s when I worked for an airlines and as a supervisor walked the fuselage as a safety measure when ramp servicemen were loading last minute bags while all 4 engines were running.... like you I've learned to tune it out and just live with it.... I have experienced some hearing loss, at the high end and low end of the sound spectrum.... last doctor I saw about it, about 30 years ago said there was no cure, so.....
My wife hears squeaks that I don't hear and a very low rumble is actually painful to me.
Fortunately, there little to no effect that I've noticed in the shop.
I notice it most when someone or something calls attention to it and/or when I think my blood pressure goes up. They are screaming right now since attention was called by this post.

 

[KenB259]

I personally don't have hearing aids, but my wife does. She also has tinnitus. She just got new hearing aids form Beltone and they have a tinnitus mode, she says it is a big help.

 

[philipff]

I wear the cuff-cup sound protectors over the top and that does the job for me

 

[jcm71]

I have tinnitus and also started wearing Oticon hearing aids less than six months ago. The jury is still out with my wife on whether or not they are doing any good. They do help with my tinnitus when wearing them. My loss is in the upper frequencies, and the aids do help. As far as shop use, my audiologist told me to take them out when in the shop and use ear protection. The tinnitus is louder when I take them out at night, however, like others I have learned to tune it out.

 

[Monty]

I have the latest Phonak hearing aids that interface with an app to adjust to the surroundings. In the shop, I take them out and put in ear plugs. I also have tinnitus so the hearing aids or ear plugs don't do anything... I just live with it. When you got your first set of hearing aids, did you go to a certified audiologist? I marvel at the people who buy hearing aids and don't have anyone to "coach" them on their specific needs. FWIW, my hearing loss is in the lower range, according to the audiologist. She said it is hereditary. My mother was deaf as a post and was content on having everyone shout at her instead of getting hearing aids. Even with the ear plugs, I can hear the Shop Vac and other things running.

The set I tried about 5 years ago was through Miracle Ear.
Thanks to all that have replied so far.
Just started researching them again and plan on making an appointment with an audiologist before the end of the month.

 

[SpiritRider]

I have tinnitus and wear hearing aids, while in the shop I connect to my phone and put on the ear muffs and that's all I hear.

The best aid I have ever tried was Lyric. The doctor puts them in and they stay in for over 1 month. You can control them with a magnet

 

[Humongous]

Like Woodchipper I also have the Phonak hearing aids. I take them out and wear custom molded ear plugs in the shop. The biggest thing I can say is do your research before you go. Know what to expect and the right questions to ask. There is a guy on Youtube named Dr Cliff (https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorcliffaud?sub_confirmation=1) I spent hours watching his videos to learn as much as possible before I went for mine, it was a huge help. Remember it's not a once and done thing either, I went back 5 times with a laundry list of things I was experiencing, what I was doing, where it happened etc... Before we got them tuned in. If the audiologist that you choose wont do all of this for you then go to one who will they are out there. If properly fitted they are an amazing life changer.

 

[leehljp]

I have arguments with LOML over this issue. At her and my GP's request, I recently went to a specialist (that my GP recommended) and had two different hearing tests. They didn't discover anything that I didn't already know. I have unusually low frequency hearing ability and the sounds of low frequency that most people can't hear - these drown out the voice range and particularly high frequency end. The well respected specialist - doctor said I might benefit some but that I was in the "iffy" range.

LOML says I have selective hearing loss!

 

[Mike]

I have 2 year old Phonaks. They were top of the line when I got them. They don't do anything for the tinnitus. I just ignore it like most of the others posting here. I have had it for years, from shooting 1 round through a high powered single shot pistol. I put my hearing protection on, but it was too late. I had them on before, but took a break to check targets and was excited with my group and anxious to shoot another group. I am sure loud concerts from time I was 19 til early 60s didn't help either.
The audiologist set up a few different programs in the app on my phone and they help. Restaurant, TV, music, etc. There are also controls for custom programs. Audiologist said the hearing aids help some people with tinnitus, but don't count on it.
My brother has had hearing aids for 15 or so years and has had a few different brands. He said Costco has the best deal for the money. And they take care of him. You should at least check them out, they have several different brands and prices.

Mike

 

[Woodchipper]

Mike, my hearing aids, no matter what setting, have a hard time hearing in a restaurant with lots of background noise. However, my audiologist set me up with a Phonak mini microphone that has custom settings: all around me, one person, directional. I can set it on the table and pick up talk from those around me. However, some cases it still picks up background noise. Worst place is Cracker Barrel with the tile floors. I coach an archery team in a gym with hardwood floors and lots of open area. I can use the microphone on a lanyard and point it at the student.

 

[wolf creek knives]

Very interesting discussion here. I'm starting to find that in large crowds I'm having a very hard time understanding/listening to people. I've gotten to where I try to read their lips as much as possible. Sometimes it works and sometimes I get funny stares when I answer what I think is a question and my wife tells me later that it was a comment, not a question. I do wear hearing protection in the shop, most of the time, and I've tried to adopt things, like ear muffs, when using a chain saw. The VA did check my hearing at one point and said there was nothing wrong but that was 8 years ago. Maybe a time to re-check the results. Thanks for all the info here.

 

[TDahl]

I also have Phonak hearing aids, and use them with the App which has Restaurant and TV settings. The hearing aids should be set by an audiologist to your specific hearing loss, and you should have yearly check ups. Definitely do not wear them in the shop, or around other loud noises. I always use ear protection when running any shop equipment.

 

[Monty]

I want to thank everyone that has responded. Lots of information to take into consideration when I go for my appointment. Right now it may be a few weeks as my knee has now been giving me problems. Had an MRI yesterday and waiting for the results and appointment with my orthopedic Dr.
Man, it sucks to get old.

 

[hippi]

do not go to miracle ear I have been fighting with them the last 3 1/2 months I also suffer from tinnitus I keep hearing birds chirping along with the voice are music they seem to not listen are care they blame me for ear wax and hair as the problem o and they do not take Medicare or Medicaid

 

[Doughboy]

I'm sure I'm not the only one of us that suffers from tinnitus. I've had it for years and have learned to "tune it out" but recently it is becoming harder to hear and carry on conversations in noisy places or to watch TV with the volume at a normal level. To over come this, I have been using earbuds linked via bluetooth to the TV.
I tried hearing aids about 5 years ago but could not tell that they were doing any good so I returned them during the trial period. I've now decided to try them again. So, I'm asking any of you that may have tinnitus and wear hearing aids for your experience and advice. What brand/type do you have? Do they really help mask the tinnitus? Do they amplify shop noise or filter it out to the extent that you cannot tell if the saw is still running?
Any comments will be gratefully appreciated.

If you are a Veteran go to the VA and get and a good pair of hearing aids...

 

[JerryRhoads]

I personally don't have hearing aids, but my wife does. She also has tinnitus. She just got new hearing aids form Beltone and they have a tinnitus mode, she says it is a big help.

Beltone is where I got hearing aids from. they are very good. Sometimes I take them out for some things in the shop

 

[Woodchipper]

wolf creek knives, you are waaaay past due an exam. I'm fortunate my local VA audiologist and others have been great. I had the same thing: wife complained, years ago, that I had the TV too loud. An exam showed very little hearing loss. Same scenario later, exam and hearing loss. It seems that my hearing loss in the low range was due to hereditary factors...my mother.
BTW, I don't wear my hearing aids in the shop. I either leave them upstairs on the dresser or a clean place in the shop. However, senior moments arise and I leave them in the shop. Then I have to go back downstairs to the shop and put them in.

 

[wolf creek knives]

wolf creek knives, you are waaaay past due an exam. I'm fortunate my local VA audiologist and others have been great. I had the same thing: wife complained, years ago, that I had the TV too loud. An exam showed very little hearing loss. Same scenario later, exam and hearing loss. It seems that my hearing loss in the low range was due to hereditary factors...my mother.
BTW, I don't wear my hearing aids in the shop. I either leave them upstairs on the dresser or a clean place in the shop. However, senior moments arise and I leave them in the shop. Then I have to go back downstairs to the shop and put them in.

I've got my annual appointment next week. I'll probably ask them about it and see what they say. The VA has actually been pretty good to me and my health. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Monty]

If you are a Veteran go to the VA and get and a good pair of hearing aids...

I'm not a veteran. Was in college during the last years of Viet Nam.

 

[mark james]

A random comment...

This is a very helpful thread! Hearing issues has been on my to-do list to evaluate in 2023. Thanks for everyone who has made a comment. A head start is wonderful, and I trust IAP!

 

[TellicoTurning]

Beltone has assumed that since I'm getting old I must have hearing problems and keep sending me sales cards.... I do have tinnitus, but I don't have much in the way of hearing loss.... I do have in the high range and in the very low range, but nothing I can deal with. mostly I just ignore the ringing. I am a Viet Nam era veteran, was separated from the Navy 8 days after it was declared an official police action, but closest VA office for me is 50 or 60 miles away and since I don't have any real significant health problems, probably would take a while to get in to see them.

 

[WriteON]

I'm sure I'm not the only one of us that suffers from tinnitus. I've had it for years and have learned to "tune it out" but recently it is becoming harder to hear and carry on conversations in noisy places or to watch TV with the volume at a normal level. To over come this, I have been using earbuds linked via bluetooth to the TV.
I tried hearing aids about 5 years ago but could not tell that they were doing any good so I returned them during the trial period. I've now decided to try them again. So, I'm asking any of you that may have tinnitus and wear hearing aids for your experience and advice. What brand/type do you have? Do they really help mask the tinnitus? Do they amplify shop noise or filter it out to the extent that you cannot tell if the saw is still running?
Any comments will be gratefully appreciated.

Do not shop strictly for price. Hearing aids... seek a professional dealer. They will set you up with what you need not the most expensive to benefit themselves. Your audiologist has to have certain degrees. My wife is a speech/hearing pathologist... She says the audiologist should have a PHD... Certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and Licensed by the state. You will have to go back multiple times for adjustments and to be sure they are working to your satisfaction. It's not one and done. Scheduled follow ups are part of the fee.
Certain franchises (will not flame publicly for liability reasons) are worthless with promises of recourse/return. There is a reason you did not like them. The proper set is a new world. Whatever brand I have has nothing to do with what you need. One brand does not fit all. Yes they amplify noise and make it worse. I do wear hearing protectors over the hearing aids. I do not like to take them out for fear of losing them.

Get the proper set and it's a beautiful thing. I have Oticon. My wife has Widex. I do not hear high tones/pitch.
BTW... if a person waits too long it is difficult to get things in order. Do not put off getting hearing tested.

 

[WriteON]

do not go to miracle ear

Ditto plus... or the one that starts with B.

 

[sbwertz]

Very interesting discussion here. I'm starting to find that in large crowds I'm having a very hard time understanding/listening to people. I've gotten to where I try to read their lips as much as possible. Sometimes it works and sometimes I get funny stares when I answer what I think is a question and my wife tells me later that it was a comment, not a question. I do wear hearing protection in the shop, most of the time, and I've tried to adopt things, like ear muffs, when using a chain saw. The VA did check my hearing at one point and said there was nothing wrong but that was 8 years ago. Maybe a time to re-check the results. Thanks for all the info here.

Masks made it hard to lip read! I just got hearing aids a few months ago...Phillips brand. Working well for me. Don't wear them in the shop, though, and heaven deliver me from screaming kids at Sam's Club....I couldn't yank them out fast enough LOL.

 

[Scott]

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart! I have a bad case of tinnitus and hearing loss. I have had hearing aids for over fifteen years. For at least the last ten years I get them through the VA. The VA has been wonderful! My current hearing aids are ReSound GN. I would be absolutely lost without my hearing aids! I highly recommend going to a good audiologist and getting a good pair of hearing aids. I don't think the brand is as critical as the audiologist who sets them up and maintains them for you.

that being said, don't expect perfection! I still barely hear. I rely heavily on subtitles when watching TV, and I just naturally read lips when conversing. But without my hearing aids I just don't make out much at all. They are an aid, not a cure!

Good Luck!

Scott.

 

[wolf creek knives]

Masks made it hard to lip read! I just got hearing aids a few months ago...Phillips brand. Working well for me. Don't wear them in the shop, though, and heaven deliver me from screaming kids at Sam's Club....I couldn't yank them out fast enough LOL.

You're right Sharon. I probably missed a lot during Covid always asking "What"?. But I guess I got by. Screaming kids and loud noises set me off every time. I'm glad your hearing aids are working for you. I hope they continue to and life gets somewhat back to normal....for everyone.