jack barnes
Member
I just picked up my new hearing aids. It will take some getting used to wearing them, but it's amazing what I can hear now. So if any of you are hard of hearing, I would recommend getting them.
Jack
Jack
hearing aids
- Thread starter jack barnes
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Varinokid
Member
I myself am a deaf person. I have about 80 to 90% loss of hearing in both. However when I was fitted with hearing aid at 3 years old, I was amazed by the sounds. I was like a dog hunting down a single source of sound because it was pleasing and I wanted to know what created that sound! It will definitely give you a new perspective on life. At least, if you get tired of "listening/hearing" you can always turn off the aids 
TellicoTurning
Member
I don't have a real hearing problem unless you count the fact that I have a high pitch scream in my ears 24/7/365/35++(years). The ENT Dr. said I had about a 20% loss at the very high and very low sound spectrum. I spent 11 years working the ramp area around jet engines and even with hearing protection, the volume was tremendous..
leehljp
Member Liaison
I have mid and high frequency hearing loss but the worst part about mine is that I have above average hearing in low frequency ranges which greatly mask mid and high even more.
A/C and heat units, blowing air, humming power supplies are loud to me, and in Japan, I often hear the rumble of earthquake coming before the stronger and feelable waves hit. These things are like having a loud bass sound so loud that it overpowers, hides and squashes mid and upper ranges.
Some wives may not realize it but that is why some husbands can hear a whisper (lower sound level but lower frequency also) but can't hear normal speech clearly.
I need one but I am not ready to put out $4000 of my money for a frequency specific earphone just yet. My insurance will only pay $2000.
Jack, what are your hearing levels or ability without the hearing aids?
A/C and heat units, blowing air, humming power supplies are loud to me, and in Japan, I often hear the rumble of earthquake coming before the stronger and feelable waves hit. These things are like having a loud bass sound so loud that it overpowers, hides and squashes mid and upper ranges.
Some wives may not realize it but that is why some husbands can hear a whisper (lower sound level but lower frequency also) but can't hear normal speech clearly.
I need one but I am not ready to put out $4000 of my money for a frequency specific earphone just yet. My insurance will only pay $2000.
Jack, what are your hearing levels or ability without the hearing aids?
GoodTurns
Member
my wife FINALLY got tested after I nagged her for about a year. she is so much happier now that she knows what the problem is and can hear the TV without pushing the sound to 25! 40% loss in both ears, full spectrum, correctable with aids. still don't know why, but most likely hereditary. if you aren't sure, get tested...life can be much better!
Rifleman1776
Member
I got hearing aids about nine months ago. To say "some" getting used to is an understatement. Do wear them almost constantly to get accustomed. In some environments, you will never adapt. e.g. many restaurants I still don't know if they are hearing 'aids' or just sound amplifiers. At home, things like kitchen ware clanking just about takes my head off. I wear them in public areas but not at home or at my son's house with the grandchildren playing.
alamocdc
Member
Like Chuck I spent a number of years on the flight line... and F-4s are LOUD! Hearing protection only partially protected us. The result, I have a hard time hearing electronically produced sound (radio, TV, etc.), but I can hear people talking quietly from a fair distance. But I also have now had tinnitus for the last 10 years, or so. Without something creating a background noise (fan, humidifier, etc.) you can forget me going to sleep.
I can see hearing aids in my future, but like Hank I'm reluctant to part with the $$$ just yet.
I can see hearing aids in my future, but like Hank I'm reluctant to part with the $$$ just yet.
Rifleman1776
Member
Originally posted by alamocdc
Like Chuck I spent a number of years on the flight line... and F-4s are LOUD! Hearing protection only partially protected us. The result, I have a hard time hearing electronically produced sound (radio, TV, etc.), but I can hear people talking quietly from a fair distance. But I also have now had tinnitus for the last 10 years, or so. Without something creating a background noise (fan, humidifier, etc.) you can forget me going to sleep.
Billy, if you are veteran, the VA will give them to you. No cost. You have already paid the price many times over.
alamocdc
Member
Really??? You know, I never even thought about that, Frank. DOH!!![:I]
roddesigner
Member
Wow finally a topic I can speak about with some knowledge,I lost most of my hearing in 1978 by 1985 I was profoundly deaf in one ear and had around 15% hearing in the other, I had used the most powerful aids then designed, got fitted for a digital but it wasn't strong enough. The entire time I felt they really are wonderful for amplifying sound but did little else in regards to hearing.
Jump to 2004 I had additional hearing loss and finally decided I was kidding myself as to what I could really hear. Enter the age of the Cochlear implant had the surgery and after a period of a few months realized I once again could really hear, not perfect but 1000% better then 1980. Hope to schedule surgery on my deaf ear this spring as they keep getting better as more is learned.
I mention this only for those who are beginning to have severe hearing loss, this may be a viable option it is not for everyone as it only works with a certain kind of hearing loss but for those who it could help it is a God send
John
Jump to 2004 I had additional hearing loss and finally decided I was kidding myself as to what I could really hear. Enter the age of the Cochlear implant had the surgery and after a period of a few months realized I once again could really hear, not perfect but 1000% better then 1980. Hope to schedule surgery on my deaf ear this spring as they keep getting better as more is learned.
I mention this only for those who are beginning to have severe hearing loss, this may be a viable option it is not for everyone as it only works with a certain kind of hearing loss but for those who it could help it is a God send
John
Rifleman1776
Member
I'm griping. But the reality is that we have the technology to help. And, in your case, the help is as profound as the hearing loss. Good luck.
Varinokid
Member
I had the cochlear implant surgery nearly 13 years ago. I don't wear the device very often these days in the past 10 years. I'm just overwelmed with all the sounds. I'm having some struggle with "hearing" with the device. Mostly because I never had a "chance" to "hear". I lost my hearing when I was only 3 months old. I'm not saying that the implant is bad idea, it just takes alot of patience (not just yourself, but from family and friends). I am actually in process of searching options in buying hearing aid to wear with the device. Maybe that will help get used to it. Time will tell.
roddesigner, if you would like to discuss more about the cochlear pros & cons in depth, feel free to contact me. I'm an open book so bomb me with questions & concerns.
roddesigner, if you would like to discuss more about the cochlear pros & cons in depth, feel free to contact me. I'm an open book so bomb me with questions & concerns.
I dont wear hearing adds but i had to chime in, I took care of my now late mother in law for 9.5 years, of which 9.25 i told her she needed to get hearing adds. So she finally broke down and went to our local Costco and got a set, it was amazing the differnce they made. The reason i jump in here was to say that if you get them and you dont like them the return policy they have is top notch. After having them for a month she went home to be with our Lord. But before she past she told my wife and I to try and take the hearing adds back and get her money back, which they did no questions asked.
Scott
Member
A lot of my hearing loss is in the higher frequency range, and I have tinnitus. Mostly hereditary, but I enjoyed loud music when I was young, and I have done some shooting over the years.
About two years ago I allowed myself to be convinced to go to the hearing center. The coupon for 10% off helped convince me. I got a pair of ReSound Air hearing aids by GN. I am thrilled to be able to hear again! These new hearing aids are cool because they don't just plug your ear and then amplify everything. The part that goes in your ear is on a thin strand of plastic tubing. It is smaller than a pencil eraser and lays in your ear amplifying the precise frequencies to compensate for your particular loss. You hear the rest of the sound spectrum naturally, since your ear is not blocked up. The actual hearing aid rests behind your ear, and they match the color to your hair (I'll have to change mine to gray soon!). Most people never even notice you have hearing aids!
I was getting to the point where I couldn't understand the questions when I presented cases to my bosses. Not a good thing. But while it is nice to hear their questions now, I am amazed at the sounds I had been missing! I like music, but I can hear so much more of it now! And I now hear better than my Wife, which I think bugs her a tad bit! [8D]
If you even think you have a hearing loss, I encourage you to get tested! If you're a Veteran, go through the VA, if not, go to a commercial hearing center. Yes, hearing aids are expensive, but what they give you back is priceless! Even if you can't afford them right now, get tested and try some out. Once you find out how nice it is to hear, you'll know what your next big purchase will be!
Scott.
About two years ago I allowed myself to be convinced to go to the hearing center. The coupon for 10% off helped convince me. I got a pair of ReSound Air hearing aids by GN. I am thrilled to be able to hear again! These new hearing aids are cool because they don't just plug your ear and then amplify everything. The part that goes in your ear is on a thin strand of plastic tubing. It is smaller than a pencil eraser and lays in your ear amplifying the precise frequencies to compensate for your particular loss. You hear the rest of the sound spectrum naturally, since your ear is not blocked up. The actual hearing aid rests behind your ear, and they match the color to your hair (I'll have to change mine to gray soon!). Most people never even notice you have hearing aids!
I was getting to the point where I couldn't understand the questions when I presented cases to my bosses. Not a good thing. But while it is nice to hear their questions now, I am amazed at the sounds I had been missing! I like music, but I can hear so much more of it now! And I now hear better than my Wife, which I think bugs her a tad bit! [8D]
If you even think you have a hearing loss, I encourage you to get tested! If you're a Veteran, go through the VA, if not, go to a commercial hearing center. Yes, hearing aids are expensive, but what they give you back is priceless! Even if you can't afford them right now, get tested and try some out. Once you find out how nice it is to hear, you'll know what your next big purchase will be!
Scott.
rgordon
Member
I am a retired veteran and just received my latest set of hearing aids. They are heads above all the others I have worn. The restaurant complaint is gone. They are programed for my specific loss. My wife and I are taking American Sign Language as the doctors say I have 4 or 5 years of hearing left. Jet engines sure did not help at all. Have worn Hearing aids since 72
Ralph
Ralph
jack barnes
Member
I sure wish I had known you can get them from the VA, it would have saved me several thousand of $. as my ins doesn't
cover hearing.
Jack
cover hearing.
Jack
Rifleman1776
Member
Yes, and for whatever reason, there is no co-pay for those of us in lower categories. Batteries are free also. Hey, our service (in most cases) ruined our hearing, it is only fair we get this benefit.