Comments on: Hearing Aids and Tinnitus – My Story

By: ed edmondson

ed edmondson — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 06:37:07 +0000

I 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.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:46:54 +0000

Sympathize 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.

By: Rhonda Bouvier

Rhonda Bouvier — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:18:53 +0000

I 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.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:49:26 +0000

Hi,
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

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:53:01 +0000

Iam 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

By: Henry Busienei

Henry Busienei — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:13:54 +0000

Iam 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.

By: Brian Lightowler

Brian Lightowler — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:48:39 +0000

A 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!

By: Grandad

Grandad — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:44:10 +0000

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.