Almost
ten million Americans today are currently using hearing aids. This
number is just a mere fraction of those who have actually been
diagnosed with some form of hearing impairment.
I was one of those who has a hearing loss, but postponed getting
hearing aids because of vanity. Eventually I spent $6000 on Vivatone
brand digital hearing aids a couple of years ago and they are
gathering dust on the bathroom counter.
(Anyone need some 10 size batteries?)
If you have a hearing loss and are still denying you need hearing
aids, before you shout “aha!” and email this to your spouse or
significant other, my hearing loose is due to tinnitus.
Not to put to fine a point on it, tinnitus is the perception of sound
in the ears of head when no external source is present.
Tinnitus has
many forms, ringing,
hissing, static,
crickets, screeching,
whooshing, roaring,
pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing,
dial tones, even music.
A
friend has his traced to 12,450 megahertz. (I’m assuming the audio
file plays OK, but I can’t hear it.)
As with most tinnitus sufferers, my tinnitus was caused by a lot of
exposure to noise. In my case it was go-karts, motorcycles, and hot
rods – all without mufflers- when I was a teenager.
But the hearing loss is just as complete and devastating.
Like most others, I put up with it. When
one is younger, wearing hearing aids just isn’t cool.
Even when I approached 60, I didn’t want to be the old man with the
hearing aids. I wore glasses all my life without a hitch. But only old
people wearing hearing aids, right?
While in the case of eyesight impairment, wearing glasses
or contacts seems the most normal thing of all and nobody feels
shameful, when it comes to hearing aids, people get shy and reluctant
in wearing them, because they’d be perceived as being
handicapped.
Hopefully my experience is different from yours. I wish I could hear
better by using hearing aids. But it is not so.
Researching online, I found a ton of homeopathic remedies and cures
for tinnitus. But my audiologist said there was no scientific evidence
to support any claim they work.
He recommended I try digital hearing aids in hope that by amplifying
the natural sound, it would suppress my recognition of the perceived
sound.
About the same time, a friend the same age as I, who had a hearing
loss was raving about his new Vivatone digital hearing aids and the
improvement it made in his life and wife.
They were small, behind-the-ear, flesh colored with an almost
imperceptible wire to the ear. They
were Vivatone brand digital hearing aids.
But they were expensive. $6,000 at that time. Much less now, I’m told.
I was in a position to afford them, so I made the leap.
There was no “getting used” to them. I found them comfortable and easy
to maintain. The only real maintenance, outside of changing the
batteries weekly, was to change ear wax catchers, and this was made
simple due to the design of tool used to install them.
The advantage to the Vivatone digital hearing aids is there is nothing
in your ear canal but a small tube that fits in the ear canal. No need
for a special mold. The dealer fit me immediately in his office.
I liked the way I looked. I wear my hair longish and wear glasses, so
my hair covered some of the hearing aid, and my glasses frames covered
some. The wire leading to my ear canal fell within the natural folds
of my ear.
Not invisible, but darn close.
It was also a time that I started to take control of my hearing loss
by announcing to my co-workers that I had a hearing loss, but was
wearing hearing aids. This was a big step and I got a lot of positive
feedback on how nobody could tell I had hearing aids.
Then slowly, over a matter of months, I came to the realization that
I had wasted my money. The hearing aids were not doing what my
audiologist and I had hoped. Sounds were not clearer. My tinnitus was
not masked.
I still was frustrated in restaurants as the clatter of dishes and the
underlying murmur of conversations at other tables made it almost
impossible to carry on a conversation at my table.
I found myself wearing expensive digital hearing aids, but still
lip-reading, laughing at jokes that I didn’t understand because I
didn’t hear clearly, and saying “pardon me” in a dozen different ways.
Huh? Whut? I’m sorry. Could you repeat that? Again, please?
were back in my conversations with too much regularity. The hearing
aids were worthless.
I truly wish it were different. With the technology they way it is
today, hearing aids are giving relief to millions.
I just wish I was one.
Before I go any further, I would like to point out one small [!] error – my tinnitus is around 12,450 Hertz, not MegaHertz! I have high frequency sensitivity, but not that high!
One of the biggest problems I have found with tinnitus is not the whistle, as I am used to that. It’s the way the tinnitus distorts sound perception. Any sort of background noise seems to distort other sounds so conversations in a crowded room [or restaurant] are very difficult. My hearing is very sensitive, and I can frequently pick up on distant sounds that others miss, yet I find I can’t listen to someone beside me if the radio is on.
I have read as much as I could find on the subject, and like yourself have come to the conclusion that it is just one of those things. It’s a case of concentrating intently with a smattering of lip reading, and if all else fails – shout “WHA??”
Nice article, M.
Posted by Grandad | 19. Dec, 2009, 6:44 pmA fascinating article, somewhat depressing but mirrors some of my own experiences. A massive firework, the skyrocket type, exploded at my feet in a confined space ater being thrown by a child in my school. My hearing has never recovered and I suffer a fairly high level of (buzzing) tinnitus. The numerous audiologists I have consulted seem intent on selling me aids and dismiss the tinnitus. Even the NHS, who make no profit from me, seem reluctant to discuss that problem.
Having bought in-the-ear half-shell aids privately (the NHS ones being worse than useless!) for nearly £2,000, I thought the problem was solved. I find now that, not only are they uncomfortable, do very little to clarify sound – merely amplifying unwanted noise, they also distort my perception of my own speech to the point where I avoid speaking! The social effect is catastrophic! Now, not only can I not understand what is being said, when I can my replies are monosyllabic or curt! Soon I will be Brian-no-mates!
Next week I try yet another private audiologist who, and this is the clincher for me, offers aids on a month’s trial. This time I will not let vanity colour my choice of model, just effectiveness, oh, and price, of course!
Posted by Brian Lightowler | 08. Jan, 2010, 3:48 amIam also another sufferer, I lost my hearing last year. Right now I cant hear completely. Can anyone out there assist me with any solution on this deadly malady.
Posted by Henry Busienei | 12. Jan, 2010, 7:13 amIam also another sufferer, I lost my hearing last year. Right now I cant hear completely. Can anyone out there assist me with any solution on this
Posted by Bruce | 19. May, 2010, 6:53 amHi,
I recently got a pair of Unitron Moda 13 Behind the Ear Digital hearing aids.
There so new that I’m still in my dialing in phase. I have noticed a big improvement with my Tinnitus already. It has really cut down the amount of noise I hear and Im sure as the Technician and I dial them in I will hear less and less of it.
Hope this helps anyone thinking about trying hearing aids. The 30 day trial that some have mentioned sure seems the way to go.
Good luck all
Posted by Dan | 26. May, 2010, 10:49 amHow did you make out with your hearing aids and how bad is you tinnitus?
The only way I can get my tinnitus to be less in noise is to take Oxcarbazepine for depresstion and I am taking Lorazepam to take to edge off.
My tinnitus is very high in pitch and it never goes down without the medications.
I look forward to your reply. Dan
Posted by Dan | 26. Dec, 2011, 10:10 amI too have a hearing loss and can identify with all the comments. However I have been wearing Starkey Hearing Aids and they are great. I wear CIC with the new IQ Series. they really are great in crowds. Programing is very important and you must go back and have them adjusted for problems that are individual to your hearing situation. Also not everyone should wear a RIC as this depends on your hearing loss. If you have what they call a Cliff fall High Frequency loss the RICs maybe for you, however if you have High and low frequency in the ear like the CIC is a great fit. However I also know that I am fortunate because I have a great hearing aid specialist that is a Starkey dealer out of Grove OK.
Posted by Rhonda Bouvier | 29. May, 2010, 10:18 amSympathize with all. I was in a head on car collision 10 years ago, air bags went off and so did the noise in my ears permanently. First few years was almost unbearable, wanted to cut my ears out but the sound was inside my head so that course of action wouldn’t help. I discovered I had lost some of my high ended hearing and was continually asking what, what I was really frustrated. I eventually bought behind the ear hearing aids and while they did help me hear more, I still have an issue with distinguishing words so now I hear more but understand about the same as no hearing aids. Eating out is a chore, hate all the noise in restaurants so I try not to go out to anywhere there is social gatherings. Find that the buzz coming from florescent lights makes the hearing aids go crazy sometimes. Wish I could offer more positive feedback but I continue to review and investigate newer hearing technology hoping for the breakthrough. I would rather have the hearing aid than not – just personal preference. Behind the ear seems to be the best fit, no occlusion (own voice feedback) comfortable and actually does have some positives.
Posted by Bob | 31. May, 2010, 8:46 amThe ReSound Live TS has a feature that has helped many with their tinnitus. I guess it is worth mention if anybody wants to google it for more information
Posted by Peter | 06. Aug, 2010, 12:26 pmI am a 70 year old ex Navy Aviator that lost hearing in Vietnam due to Aircraft noise and ordinance.
I have both ringing and it also sounds like an airplane engine is just over my head. The engine “roar” gets much worse in high noise … guess my brain tries harder to hear. I have had 5 sets of aids – old analog and multichannel digital from early 40′s to now. Did without from about 62 to 69 … just said “what?” a lot and read lips. I cannot even hear my auto engine run … have about destroyed the starter trying to start it when it is running.
In Nov 2009, I purchased Rexton Cobalt 16 channel from CostCo – good price, no commission … fitter is on salary. Also allow 90 days return.
The first fitter was not very skilled … high sound lever but no better with understanding. Tried another Costco and fitter … very good results. Good understanding one-on-one and with many adjustment over 6 months I can not hear and understand much better in social situations and in noisy resturants. Not perfect but acceptable. Can Hear my auto engine, blinkers, and even key rattle and the music on the radio ( and of course my dear wife of 48 years who always speaks to the car window)
Moral! Keep going back and find a fitter that does not just tune aids using the technology. My current fitter listens to me and changes many settings – there are 100′s – until we agree that the sound is getting better. I go out and try the aids and come back and we re-tune. Keep trying and the ringing and roar gets better when you can hear better. Trains the brain to ignore the constant ringing and roar. Good luck.
Posted by ed edmondson | 13. Aug, 2010, 11:37 pmGreat article! My Father now has Tinnitus from working with a faulty locomotive engine on the railroad. My worry is that his hearing could eventually become worse as a result. I’ve recommended he see an audiologist as the other doctors he’s been to have no idea what they are talking about. I hope he doesn’t experience hearing loss as a result of this.
Posted by Eugene Galan | 08. Sep, 2010, 6:37 amHi folks, I’ve been wearing analog, then digital hearing aids for over 20 years now. I bot some nice ones at Costco 6 yrs. ago. (Don’t remember the brand now)Last year, I decided to buy new ones as the old wern’t powerful enough for me. I tried there top of the line Rexton, for almost 90 days… After too many attempts at fine tuning, I realized they were not cutting the mustard. I finally took them back. I thought, what the heck, I’ll google it. I bought some at Amazon.com..Acoustitone PRO Hearing Aid
by MDHearingAid
They have a 5 star rating with over 100 customer reviews and THEY WERE ONLY 300 DOLLARS!!!! I bot a pair, had some custom ear molds made(for less than 50, some dispensers wanted over $100.) I loved these so much I bot a second pair! No, I don’t work for the company or get kick backs etc. I’m a hard of hearing bldg. inspector. Anyway, love these, highly recommend!!!
Posted by ed | 02. Dec, 2010, 3:54 pmI am also suffering with same problem… But know i have noticed a big improvement with my Tinnitus already…It is good for Tinnitus,thanks for share…
Posted by Barney Dunlap | 20. Dec, 2010, 2:56 amI also have a constant high frequency tone (tinnitus) that masks my hearing. I have both ITE and BTE aids but prefer the BTE. I am in my early fifties and understand your concerns about public acceptance when wearing a hearing aid.
Firstly, I am convinced that even though my aids do nothing for my tinnitus, one should continue to wear the aids so as to re-train your brain to hear.
Secondly I am an electrical engineer I have a knowledge of the electronics that go into these devices. These devices are fairly equal in their performance so save your money and instead change your audiologist instead of buying aids from a different manufacturer.
Lastly, From an electronics design perspective, hearing aids have an incredible mark-up. These devices are just not that complex in electronic circuitry to warrant such a high price.
Posted by Steven | 30. Dec, 2010, 12:03 pmI’m in the process of getting hearing aids now. All this information is overwhelming, to say the least. The cost of these devices is high enough that I sure don’t want to have to try multiple brands to be able to enjoy conversation, music, movies. I know that the audiologist is key to getting the most out of your hearing aids, but how do you find the competent ones? My insurance pays a portion of the cost, so I’m restricted to using only certain brands. Does the brand make the difference, if all of them have the same electronic technology?
Posted by Helen | 04. Mar, 2011, 8:27 pmI have been fighting the high frequency loss problem for years along with tinnitus. After years of working in a steel mill, it finally took its toll. I was having a terrible time understanding what was being said on the tv, so would have to have it so loud to understand that the rest of my family would get upset with me. Also, by not wanting to admit I couldnt hear well, I would sometimes answer someone innapropriately and would look like an idiot! I am in my mid fifties and always thought only older people wore hearing aids so that option actually never crossed my mind. Well, at the, shall we say urging, of my wife I decided to give it a try. I went to an audiologist and after the usual hearing test and stuff, they recommended cobalt 8′s. Honestly, it has changed my life. I have only had them a week, but now we all watch tv together, and I no longer have to read lips to know what my family is saying. I could always hear what people were saying, but I couldnt understand them. No longer. The only problem I have had is my fitter person is not very good at it. My ears are sore a little, and when they are the most comfortable, the wires are away from my head. I am embarrassed to be wearing aids in the first place and would rather not have them sticking out for all the world to see. I went back after the 3rd day and she said they looked fine, and that I will get used to them. These aids are on a 30 day free trial, and I really like them, but I am concerned about the soreness and the tubes not laying against my head. Vain? Probably. Nonetheless, she doesnt wear aids and doesnt know what it feels like to have your friends look at you, but out of respect they wont ask you about them. I am going back to her in a couple more days and if I get no relief or understanding from her, I am going to give them back and go elsewhere. They are the rexton cobalt 8′s, RIC, and are the greatest thing I have personally ever done for myself, but if the fitter is not capable, you are wasting your time. Make sure you are confident with your choice of audio before attempting to go with aids. I am pretty confident that I can resolve this, but they should be a little more undertanding I think.
Posted by Rick | 21. Mar, 2011, 3:53 amI have found all the comments very helpful. I was surprised to hear that so many people still have problems with hearing conversations once wearing a hearing aid. That is the main reason I’m taking the step to improve my hearing (and also due to some persisitent suggestions to see an audiologist from my dear husband) Has anyone tried the Lyric invisible, extended wear hearing device? I am trialing them – but it is my first experience with a hearing aid. I am still trying to get used ot the fit (still uncomfortable but geting better). I feel as though I just have an ear plug in – I don’t think they’ve helped hearing conversation. I am 49y.o. – have had hearing loss since I was 46 – but don’t know the cause – possibly inherited from my dad. I have high frequency hearing loss.
Posted by Gail | 23. Mar, 2011, 12:54 pmI have had Meniere’s Disease w/ accompaning tinnitus since 1980. I am relieved the M.D. symptoms have ceased, but I have a resulting hearing loss. I started w/ one analog hearing aid and twenty years later I use bilateral digital. Is my hearing perfect? No. I have all the problems mentioned above, but hearing aids are not perfect and unless there is demand for a superior product, the makers and manufacturers don’t bother. Eye glass lenses are ground to a specific prescription, but hearing aid wearers are getting ‘one-size-fits-all” like socks. Digital helps, but it still is far from perfect. It would be wonderful if MediCare and insurance companies would cover hearing aids.
I might add that I would wear an ear horn if that would make people understand that I have hearing loss. The excuse of vanity is childish. No one cares if you wear a hearing aid. As they say, get over it.
MCarmel
Posted by M Carmel | 05. May, 2011, 6:35 pmI was recently told by my audiologist that I could benefit from a digital hearing aid. I have tinnitus and some hearing loss in higher frequencies. I did very well on the conversation perception part of the test. The audiologist told me the hearing aid would reduce the background noise problem. After reading this article and your excellent comments, I am skeptical.
Posted by B Nesmith | 20. May, 2011, 1:56 pmMany people get a great amount of relief from their tinnitus when their hearing loss is corrected. Your professional should be able to guide you and be willing to offer a “trial period” to make sure you get relief. Remember that the relief is a process, not an event, so you will need to try the hearing aids for about 30 days to make a proper evaluation. You may still not get all the relief possible in the long term, from such a short trial. You should be able to get a good idea however. Many of the newer technology products like the Starkey S iq have background noise elimination. These products can have a significant effect on your ability to hear in background noise. Many professionals have access to a demonstration app from Starkey that will demonstrate the difference between the older technology and the newer technology in several situations (car, wind and restaurants).
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 29. Jun, 2011, 12:32 pmI have A real bad Hearing Problem!
But my two Seimens Aids do help!
My biggest problem is driving.
The engine makes a Clicking, Ticking sound from 40 MPH & above.
After spending many dollars trying to figure it out. I noticed the noise in any Auto I drove. So, I drive without Hearing Aids, what a blessing.
Posted by Spiro Chelemedos | 19. Sep, 2011, 8:04 pmJust received my first set of hearing aids. A little concerned at this point. My tinnitus seems to be worse after wearing the aids for a period. When I wear them, the noises seems to be so loud (doors slamming etc) that my ear ringing is intensified. I hope I am not damaging my ears further. Should I keep wearing them until my brain adjusts etc. A little puzzled at this point.
Posted by Harold | 28. Sep, 2011, 10:23 amIf loud sounds hurt- the aids are adjusted incorrectly. See your provider ASAP. Do not wear something that hurts. If your provider cannot get the aids not to hurt with loud inputs- return the aids and get some good ones from somebody who knows how to work with them. Or get hearing aids that are capable of being adjusted to do what you want.
Keep in mind that I am assuming that when you say “hurts” that you don’t mean “louder than I am used to”. Hurting is big time different than I don’t like it. But if it exacerbates the ringing- something is wrong. In rare cases the ringing may not get better- but it should never get worse.
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 28. Sep, 2011, 7:41 pmHELP I feed my family singing for a living. I’m 49 and had a stroke almost 2 yrs resulting in hearing loss. my family dr. said it was most likely tinitus. I’ve seen several audio guys who have tested me and say there is nothing wrong with my hearing.
even tell me that I hear better than 98% of the people they test so it must be a preception problem not a hardware problem.If I plug my ears then unplug I can hear fine for a few seconds but its as if they overload quickly. I have no decernable ringing or buzzing but a great deal of distortion, hissing, and white noise, Like hearing a loud broken speaker. Any idea’s? Will hearing aids help with tinitus? The three audio doc’s I’ve seen don’t seem to want to try to help much. I keep getting the standard anwser. This is really tuff. Thks for anyone that can help me.
Posted by Tony D | 03. Nov, 2011, 12:19 amI have tinnitus (high-pitched ringing) probably caused by years and years of typing on noisy electric typewriters. It has never really bothered me but lately it has been starting to get to me. I will be fitted for aids next week and hope I can minimize the tinnitus. Your comments and experiences will be very helpful in evaluating the fitting experience. The audiologist I am going to is in the office of an ear/noise/throat doctor and people think highly of him so I should be OK. I have one question and that is if I don’t find something I like at that audiologist’s office, what generally is their response if you ask for a copy of the prescription (I can’t think of another name for it) so you can take it elsewhere to evaluate other aids not offered by him? Thank you.
Posted by Joyce Keay | 11. Nov, 2011, 2:09 pmDoes anyone have any perception that tinnitus might be worse after using digital aids? Just starting a trial, but it seems tinnitus is louder at night after aids have been removed. Could all the amplified sound from hearing aids worsen nerve deafness and increase this problem? Thanks for letting me know if you have experienced this and if any independent studies have been done to assess the risks.
Posted by Robert | 28. Nov, 2011, 6:47 amI am not aware of any study that has really nailed down the effect of a hearing aid on tinnitus. I have years of anecdotal experience with patients reporting relief from tinnitus with proper correction of their hearing loss. Some patients get a great deal of relief, some get none. I have never found a way to predict the results; as results are highly subjective. The difference between a digital and an analog should make no difference in how the ear reacts to tinnitus. Digital is just a way of “customizing” the hearing aid to the patients individual loss. In most cases, the digital product offers more customization and thus a better “fit”. However, with more ways to customize the response, comes the possibility to mess it up more. Just because you have a 120 piece socket set, rather than a 48 piece socket set; does not make you a better mechanic. The success or failure of a hearing aid fitting is far more dependent on the skill of the hearing professional than any other single item.
I have found some patients who reported that the hearing aid reduced the tinnitus enough while wearing them, that when they were removed- the patient seemed to feel that the tinnitus was louder in comparison when they retired for the night.
In theory, any increase in noise level should have a detrimental effect on hearing.My experience, however, has been the exact opposite. Patients who did not wear hearing aids in the face of needing them, suffered more understanding loss than patients who began wearing hearing instruments sooner. My own thoughts are that since the hearing aid is only “replacing” or compensating for the loss that already exists; there is no additional damage being done. That is not a scientific answer, I just have a hunch that it is along the correct lines. The best hearing aid fittings report that the wearing of the hearing aid is “transparent”. I personally notice the absence of my hearing aids more than I notice the presence of them. Just like good health is defined as the total unawareness of your body.
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 01. Dec, 2011, 7:36 pmHEARING LOSS, TINNITIS & DISTORTION. I have hearing loss [genetic/in family] & LOUD tinnitis [genetic also]. I’m 70, started with 1 aid in mid 30s, advanced to 2 aids in 40s. Yes, from my experience, the digital aids are horrid for tinnitis. The tones of the digital are very irritation on the sensitive nerves [?] & the tinnitis gets louder & [for me] only a good nights sleep helps. One ear tinnitis sounds like a thousand crickets, the other ear sounds like a train in the near distance. I’ve had no injury or reason for the tinnitis. Had it all my life. Distortion is the inability to understand spoken word even with good volume. Wearing aids has never bothered me as hearing well & distinguishing what is said is my highest priority. In fact, I wear my hair in a Jamie Lee Curtis cut so my hearing aids show & everyone automatically knows I’m hearing impaired. I wish volume was my only problem. Speaking to persons with foreigh accents is almost impossible with distortion. I’m in process of researching for new aids & it is very very stressful finding the right audiologist who understands my problems & sells more than a couple brand of aids & tries to “push” their brand on consumers. I hate to say this, but I’m beginning to compare hearing aid sales with new car dealerships….sell same brands in volume & get kick backs? Never thought I’d feel this way, but experience is a great teacher! I realize no one audiologist can know the workings of every brand of aid, but we consumers are really at the mercy of audiologists. Expensive hearing aids in dresser drawers not only take $ away from families, there is no improvement in quality of family life. Guess I’m just too honest & open with my opinions, but I don’t understand how we’ve sent a man to walk on the moon & have such a problem getting hearing aids that to the job.
Posted by Huh?What? | 02. Dec, 2011, 5:55 pmI have Tinnitis and in September got the Resound hearing aid for Tinnitis. I was not happy with it and wanted my money back and Resound agreed with my clinic to give me their new Alera TS made by Resound for Tinnitis. Good news it masked the Tinnitis to almost nothing. I would recommend you checking into it. I don’t think you’d be disappointed. How nice not to have the crickets in my ears all the time.
Posted by JudyH | 12. Jan, 2012, 4:56 pmI have several hearing aids. As soon as I put them in my sinuses start blocking up.It drives me nuts and I take them out again. I need a hearing aid for comfort listening. Also at meetings or church. Any advice?
Posted by Bodenstaff Thea | 23. Jan, 2012, 11:36 amSounds like you might need an adjustment to the fit of your hearing aid. Your professional should be able to do that for you. A simple test would be to take the battery out of the hearing aid and then place the aid in your ear. If you start to “stuff up” pretty quickly- it is the fault of the fit of the hearing aid- not the aid itself. Fit is part of what the professional is responsible for. If an aid does not fit correctly, it will never sound correct. Many problems with modern hearing aids regarding background noise and things like paper rustling and water running- are fit issues.
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 25. Jan, 2012, 11:26 amI’m not sure yet if I have Tinnitus because I’m still waiting to see a ENT so far my wait time is in February to be tested the ringing is annoying and has cause me to become very much alone and just reading some of your comment make me tearful I been having this for over a month now i’v been doing the white wash sounds with very little help I guess I just have to wait and seen what going to happen in February.
Posted by Yvonne bivens | 27. Jan, 2012, 7:39 am