At what point did you decide to get hearing aids and how much did they cost? Does anyone recommend the Signia brand? I just got back from an assessment with an audiologist and decided I'm not quite ready. I may change my mind if I head into another round of Extreme tinnitus in one or both ears, but my insurance won't cover any of the cost, so the idea of spending $6K kind hurts. I'd say my hearing is really bad about 25% of the time, so I can tolerate it, but my wife gets naturally gets frustrated when I can't make out what she's saying. I also feel kinda of strange at age 48 wearing them around, as it seems like a surrender to decline and a bit depressing. I also wonder if hearing aids might cause more trouble by making sounds too loud and sharp and make the hyperacusis worse. Anyone have experience with this?
I had a complete workup with an audiologist about hearing aids (for hearing, hyperaccusis and tinnitus). She suggested the ones that can be programmed from your phone - and there are ways that over time (A LONG TIME) you can decrease your noise sensitivity and your tinnitus. The problem for me was that the fluctuation in my hearing was SO great at the time that she thought I should hold off for a while. And like you, I'm 46 and $5,000 seemed crazy! That being said, I have a friend who's an audiologist and every hearing aid manufacturer should over a 30 day trial period (you do have to pay up front) - but if you hate them or it makes things worse, you can return them for a full refund. I'm getting to the point where I may have to seriously consider that route. I figure that I wear an earplug pretty much 24/7 because I have such noise sensitivity that people probably think it's a hearing aid anyway. Good luck and let us know what you decide!
One thing I can say is the tinnitus blocker on my hearing aids is totally useless. It was expensive to get this and I have it turned it way up, but it blocks nothing!
At my oto's encouragement I am going in next week to meet with the audiologist about a hearing aid. I'm not sure if I'm going to like it, but feel like I need to give it a shot, as I've been noticing my speech discrimination slipping, especially on my bad ear days. I forget exactly but I think I'm at a 50db loss or so on that side. I'm 43, so I totally hear you on the age thing. I am hoping to get the kind that go in the ear only (nothing hanging over the top) for - honestly - vanity purposes. I was just talking to a friend who tried out a hearing aid for a congenital hearing loss issue (not MM, and no tinnitus or anything) and she HATED it and didn't keep it past the 30 day trial. Her issue was that she was suddenly hearing every tiny sound on that side, like her hair brushing on her shirt collar, and it drove her nuts more than any benefit of gaining the hearing back. My husband (who happens to be an ENT) claims her audiologist probably jacked her aid up way too high at first. You're supposed to start with it low and adjust it upward slowly. We'll see. I'm trying to go in with an open mind but I'm not liking the idea of having this thing. I know everyone in my household who has to repeat themselves to me all the time is crossing their fingers I like it
Jimmy--I have the same problem. I have 'musical tinnitus'--rare but many people do have it--just not as many as have the 'noise type' tinnitus. I have had both now. The awful loud various noises were terrible but now I only get a sound most of the time like a roaring--in my head. No fun--but the thing is--the music is a one line thing, plays over and over and over--and is hard to fall asleep but also is going--like now--when talking or watching TV. Noise in the room helps to 'mask it at times'--but my new hearing aids have a masker and I turn it up very loud and it 'sort of 'makes it less--but then you have the 'masker making alot of noise'! So--hoping this is temporary--but it's gone on awhile--2 months or more. My own voice is distorted--and I find TV is less easy to follow--so use closed caption most of the time. I plan to get an adjustment soon--and hoping that might help. I can't hear much at all without them--so am thankful I can hear--even with all the issue.
I'm bilateral and I've been wearing hearing aids in both ears for over 4 years. I bought my pair of high end Bernafon aids at Costco for 1299.00 each and I have a blue tooth controller that I wear around my neck. No one can beat the price that Costco offers for hearing aids. It connects my hearing aids to my phone and to my tv. I also listen to music via my phone and computer through the controller. They have been great and I can't live with out them. Costco has an outstanding warranty. One of my aids failed after 2 years and it was replaced at not extra cost. They also help to mask my tinnitus. They have greatly improved my life and I couldn't work without them. I call them my bionic ears. It takes about a month to adjust to hearing aids.
One of the first things I learned here was that I should try a pair of hearing aides. Vanity seemed a silly idea for a person who spends time on the bathroom floor. I got a pair of Siemens. I've since replaced them with a newer model. My wife was pleased, because she suffered the most from my hearing impairment. I often misunderstood her and the TV. After all, when I'm not having vertigo episodes, hearing loss is my biggest problem. Yes, some sounds can be too loud. I can switch them off if need be. Anyway, if you are concerned about the cost, I suggest you go to COSTCO. They've got a great deal this year.
I'm bilateral and purchased hearing aids about 2 years ago and love them. My wife probably loves them even more as communication between us was waning. Mine were around $3,500. I have a small remote attached to my key chain that allows me to cycle between programs based upon my surroundings. The best part is a device that plugs into the back of your TV and you wear a "necklace" around your neck and it streams the sound straight into your hearing aids. You control the volume in your hearing aids and your spouse can control the volume in the room with the remote control.