Hearing Aids

Logan51 said:

Sorry to hear

I will tell you what I've learned from family: go to an Audiologist, and buy what they recommend. I got a cheap pair w/adds on TV- there's a constant noise in the distance (like my tinnitis is), so Dad will not use them. Cousin told me of her and friends, and those in the $1,000-plus range are really the only ones without negatives.

I appreciate your response, thank you!!

corleone said:

I had a significant hearing

 

You have to check before buying, because I don’t think tinnitus will be improved by these; it helps only if you have hearing loss.

My story: I had a significant hearing loss, caused by Cisplatin treatment. Cisplatin affected the perception for higher pitched sounds (in my case above 2 KHz), so I am hearing everything muffled.

Now I am using hearing aids that help quite a bit. These are very expensive though, for the higher quality you’d have to spend around 5-6 K (here in Canada), unless your insurance covers this. These are not the typical hearing aids that you see in commercials for seniors; these are much more sophisticated, with a specially designed DSP chip, in addition to the amplifier. It’s kind of having a stereo amp with equalizer, but a tiny one that fits inside the ear.

There are different types, an audiologist should figure one which type you need, based on the audiogram (they will perform one at their center). These should be programmed according to the graph on the audiogram, and you’ll have a couple of weeks or so to test them (you should be able to have them re-programmed or even changed if they don’t improve significantly the hearing). You should also be able to control the volume, and have wireless (Bluetooth) connectivity, so that you can pair them with the cellphone or other electronics.

There are cheaper versions as well, but not worth it.

 

My situation is the same as yours, I've lost hearing in the higher frequencies, due to Cisplatin. (It exacerbated hearing loss that I had already sustained...)

I need to look into my insurance. I'm not sure if it's covered or not.

I appreciate your help - thank you!!

graycalico said:

hearing aids

For hearing assessments / devices / etc, do NOT go to anyone other than someone board certified, even if they have other letters after their name. At least in FL, anyone with a high school diploma can sell you a hearing aid. Often times they'll fit you for one and it's way too loud and so people give up. An actual audiologist formulates a prescription and starts you off with a lesser amount of amplification, adjusting it every few weeks until you are good. Hearing workers also often put random letters after their name but that doesn't mean they are board certified. 

I appreciate your guidance - thank you!

mg