I have a new hearing aid--about a month now--that matches the one in the other ear (that is nearly a year old now). Same company (only one my insurance helps out on). Well, they are not helping much at all. My voice sounds like i"m in a 'well' and I use closed caption on TV--most of the time. Talking on the phone--using the speaker helps--but I am really struggling alot of the time to understand conversation there too. So, I have about 20 more days to decide if I keep this newer aid I'm wearing or not! I decided to see a Dr. of Audiology-female, who was very attentive to my concerns and explained alot about how the aids work and the difficulty with the hearing loss I have. But she did recommend trying two of the Widex (almost top of the line) aids. Said she would have 'more to work with' in adjusting them to my degree of hearing loss. They are on order--should get in two weeks. I have 30 days to try them or return them. So, I'm in the middle of purchasing 3 hearing aids and then the decisions. The one I have now is much-much less expensive. The ones I have on order--are 'very expensive'. But--if I get a better quality of hearing--like with TV, friends and family and music--it will be worth it. Anyone have experience on the Widex aids or others that are considered 'top of the line'? And is there anything I need to ask when I finally get them and try them? I feel I've researched and asked all I can--but someone here may have better experience than I do with hearing aids. My insurance won't cover any of the cost of these aids! Thanks--Yanksgirl
Yanksgirl, I have mid-priced Starkeys with tinnitus blocker (it doesn't help very much). The were about 4k. I have hearing distortions a lot, and they amplify this sometimes. I don't like the small receptacles that go in the ears--I wish I had bought custom ear pieces. My aids squeak sometimes, and I don't know if it is my ears or them. They do this in automobiles mostly and sometimes in restaurants I cannot wear them because of sensory overload. I decided against adding blue tooth which was about 500 bucks more. I notice sometimes I hear background noises better than conversations right in front of me. I am still having trouble in social settings. I don't understand it. Finally I notice that some fans or blowers on cars and air cleaners don't sound right--my ears or the aids issue--I don't know. I do know that some days I can listen to TV and music fine, and then other times it is painful... I don't like clearing the "wax trap" as it takes some detail work. Of course I am still in such shock that I have lost most of my hearing in just a few months.
Jimmy, I just saw this post after answering you on another of your posts! I should get my new aids in about 2 weeks the doctor said. I'll ask about the tinnitus blocker and custom ear molds too. Another cost but if it helps--and hopefully alot--that would be worth it. I am just hoping for 'better hearing' and hopefully the ability to enjoy music more. And I wonder--are you having vertigo often or just feeling 'dizzy--and nauseated, etc. ? Have you had the Prednisone meds to stop hearing loss? And last question, has your doctor mentioned the 'shunt' surgery. That 'took away' my vertigo 5 years ago! I have the awful upper head pressure that is very discouraging (no pain), but discomfort and makes you feel like you have to lie down or sit back it gets so bad at times. That is why I have a Neurologist appt. in about 3 weeks. Hoping he can shed some light on all this. The Prednisone did save my hearing back when this started--at least a good deal of it. But, I can't take it anymore--because it causes my b/p to spike and I spent 3 nights (different ones) in the E.R. due to that happening. Most people can tolerate it and it does help save hearing if you can get the meds soon and be able to take them. Do hope my aids will be of good help to me and you get some relief for all your symptoms too. Hang in there!
Yanksgirl, I am on two different types of steroids, one up the nose, and the other through a tube in my left ear, three times a day for almost two months now. I have been on them previously. I do not have frequent vertigo attacks, only three in six months, and the longest lasted only 25 minutes. However, I am frequently dizzy, at the most unexpected times: like looking at TV, walking up stairs, turning quickly, etc. I have only limited nausea. I also feel "lightheaded" and sick often (like I have the flu). And then they are the migraine headaces, pressure in my head and eyes, and hearing distortions. My ENT has not mentioned surgery yet.