Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others

Welcome to the Hearing Loss group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with hearing loss, and friends and family supporters. Whether you were born deaf or hard of hearing, experienced hearing loss after birth or with aging, it helps to connect with others. Together we can learn from each other, support one another and share stories about living with hearing loss, coping with challenges and celebrating milestones.

Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your hearing loss experience? Got a question, tip or story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

I just ordered my Signia hearing aids today. I will get them the end of Feb. Just joined this forum to learn from others. I have struggled with hearing for several years now. My family encouraged me to get my hearing checked.

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Hi, @lisaschwichtenberg welcome to Connect.
I wear hearing aids, Oticons, but I’ve been hearing a lot about Signia recently too. I hope they will help you. For many people there is a “break-in period” as they adjust to them so if that happens don’t get discouraged. Also, your audiologist will probably need to adjust them a few times to make sure they are doing all they can to help you, if your audiologist does “real ear measurement” that is very helpful. I asked about it at mine and for some reason my audiologist generally only does that for pediatric patients but she was happy to do it for me and it did lead to some adjustments which were helpful.

I will be interested in hearing how you are doing with them.
JK

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@lisaschwichtenberg

I just ordered my Signia hearing aids today. I will get them the end of Feb. Just joined this forum to learn from others. I have struggled with hearing for several years now. My family encouraged me to get my hearing checked.

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@lisaschwichtenberg One thing to be aware of with the newer Signia's is that teleprogramming is possible. This is where you can request programming changes without having to go to the audiologist's office. Hopefully, you're audiologist is on board with this and explains it to you.
Tony in Michigan

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@tonyinmi

@lisaschwichtenberg One thing to be aware of with the newer Signia's is that teleprogramming is possible. This is where you can request programming changes without having to go to the audiologist's office. Hopefully, you're audiologist is on board with this and explains it to you.
Tony in Michigan

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@tonyinmu. That’s a great innovation. That should help to increase the popularity of the Signia aids.
JK

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@contentandwell

@tonyinmu. That’s a great innovation. That should help to increase the popularity of the Signia aids.
JK

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@jk The Resounds have teleprogramming capability also. Some of the other "Big 5" manufacturers may offer it too, but I'd have to research.
Tony in Michigan

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@tonyinmi

@jk The Resounds have teleprogramming capability also. Some of the other "Big 5" manufacturers may offer it too, but I'd have to research.
Tony in Michigan

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@tonyinmi I have Oticons and mine do not but maybe the newer ones do. Mine are 3 years old. It’s too bad these are so darned expensive. They newest Oticons are supposed to be a big improvement but spending $6000+ every three years is just not doable for most of us.
JK

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@contentandwell

@tonyinmi I have Oticons and mine do not but maybe the newer ones do. Mine are 3 years old. It’s too bad these are so darned expensive. They newest Oticons are supposed to be a big improvement but spending $6000+ every three years is just not doable for most of us.
JK

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@contentandwell Last week I lost my hearing aids havent found them so looked they cost 3000.00 and I dont have that kind of money to invest in another pair so I went online to see what I could find . Eargo.com has in the canal aids that where on sale for 300.00 originally 1000.00 So I bought them I have had them now for a week and they are working out fine . You have a volume control on them so I can regulate it and they cut out background noise . Also my tinnitus is much better since I got them just not haveing them it started to roar again. So Im happy with them

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Glad these new hearing aids helped your tinnitus. I am wondering if canal aids are better option for those of us with tinnitus. I have not used in-ear aids, so interesting to get opinion of others on whether those who have tinnitus feel they help the condition better than other type of aids.

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@contentandwell

@tonyinmi I have Oticons and mine do not but maybe the newer ones do. Mine are 3 years old. It’s too bad these are so darned expensive. They newest Oticons are supposed to be a big improvement but spending $6000+ every three years is just not doable for most of us.
JK

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@jk Hearing aids are labelled medical devices, yet they are not covered by most insurances. We are making progress but it has taken too long. We need more people involved in advocating for hearing loss.
Tony in Michigan

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@salledell

Hi. This is Sylvia. I experienced hearing loss in my left ear in my 50’s. Shortly after, I developed Ménière’s disease and have very little hearing in that ear.
I wear hearing aids in both ears and am fine with face to face conversation, but have trouble distinguishing words in a large room like a gym or swimming pool. This makes it difficult to follow instructions in exercise classes. I’m thinking possibly cochlear implants might help. Does anyone have experience with a cochlear implant?

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Yesterday I had a 2 1/2 hour appointment at the Froedert Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Program in Milwaukee. That was the best time I have ever spent in regards to my tinnitus and hearing loss! I have severe hearing loss(60db) along with what is called reactive tinnitus. This means that noise exposure actually makes my tinnitus worse. The audiologist(Annie Smith) was just a great person to talk and listen to. My approach going forward will be to use sound therapy to help retrain my brain in regards to my condition. She showed me several free apps which are downloadable and very soothing and comforting. I do not have problems sleeping but these apps would be beneficial to anyone who has trouble getting to sleep. Also I found out that my 3 year old Phonaks(Audeo B-70's) need more amplification so I will be getting that done also. I would highly recommend Froedert for these type of issues! Have a great day!

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