1. < Hearing Loss

Profound hearing loss assistance

Posted by snydergram @snydergram, Jul 21 3:44pm

I have had sudden hearing loss multiple times over past 20 years. Latest loss has impacted life functionality significantly. What hardware or software assistive helps are available with current 4 year old high end Odicon HA before considering cochlear option. Open to new HA also.

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

justtodd | @justtodd | Jul 25 11:28am

Snyder,

I can only comment on Phonak's accessories, but Oticon offers similar devices which connect the TV and phone to your HA via Bluetooth. They also offer a remote microphone that streams the speech or sounds from distant sources.
https://www.oticon.com/solutions/accessories
If your HAs have a telecoil, there are accessories that do the same type of thing, but using a different technology.

I have the TV connector for mine and it makes such a big difference. I also stream meetings and phone calls as traditional headphones don't really work with my BTE/RIC devices.

JustTodd

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1 reply
snydergram | @snydergram | Jul 26 11:04am
In reply to @justtodd "Snyder, I can only comment on Phonak's accessories, but Oticon offers similar devices which connect the..." + (show)
@justtodd

Snyder,

I can only comment on Phonak's accessories, but Oticon offers similar devices which connect the TV and phone to your HA via Bluetooth. They also offer a remote microphone that streams the speech or sounds from distant sources.
https://www.oticon.com/solutions/accessories
If your HAs have a telecoil, there are accessories that do the same type of thing, but using a different technology.

I have the TV connector for mine and it makes such a big difference. I also stream meetings and phone calls as traditional headphones don't really work with my BTE/RIC devices.

JustTodd

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Thx. I'm about to upgrade HA to newest Oticon so will have access to the assists you mention. Now have TV Bluetooth which is great help.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Jul 27 2:55pm

If your hearing loss is truly 'profound', considering a cochlear implant is definitely an option. Many people with profound hearing loss do well binaurally; using a hearing aid on one side and CI on the other. Should you consider that, it's important to know that specific CI brands require specific HA brands. Cochlear works with ReSound; Advanced Bionics works with Phonak. I understand that Med El is now saying their processors work with all brands. Should you consider having one implant, owning a compatible hearing aid might be of interest.

I, myself am bimodal. My CI does not relate to the Widex hearing aid I have. However, in the nearly 20 years since receiving my implant (Cochlear Americas), my brain has rewired itself to do quite well with both technologies. The unfortunate part is that the accessories like the mini mic and the streamers will not work with the Widex HA.

I'd love to hear more from other bimodal users of CI and HA. Our experiences can be so helpful. And, it's rewarding to be able to share what we know with others who are considering options.

Has your audiologist discussed bimodal options with you?

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