Hearing aids in but still not understanding words

Is there any research at Mayo for stem cell therapy, gene therapy or other modalities for treatment of adult neurosensorial hearing loss?

Are you thinking of auditory training? There are online programs that you can do. Amptify is one of them, & I think there are others as well. It’s something you can do on your own, without being in a clinic for:
https://amptify.com/

One of many articles on this subject https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-world-trial-regenerative-drug-successfully.html. Promising but what timeline?

Les the tinny sound was my first impression 10 years back and made me think that wearing hearing aids was more trouble than it was worth so didn’t wear them. Wrong I should have. Fast forward 5 years and I started to wear them regularly and eventually the tinny sound decreased although sometimes voices on the tv are not normal. My hearing loss I would say at 83 is severe not for sounds as I can hear the cooking alarm from a distance when my non hearing aid husband can’t but word recognition has plummeted in one ear in particular. Down from 90% to 40 % such that my audio sent me to the ENT to do an auditory brain response test to check for a tumor I presume. He said “nothing” and put it down to an aging auditory nerve. I am wondering whether in fact any newer aids (mine are Phonak Audeo of 3 years ago) would honestly make any difference. When I got the Phonaks I couldn’t say they were any better than my Oticons of 7 years back but they were smaller. I am now at the stage of wondering whether to check out newer ones.

I have had phonaks, widex beyond and now oticon REAL and while they all have specified "programs"or "features" that are supposed to make them special and unique I have come to the opinion that all they really do is amplify sound. Some of the features work to some degree and others not at all. My only suggestion is that you give them a workout during the "trial" period (30 days by law in FL, 6 months at Costco) and see which are most effective with minimum adjustments.

I have had phonaks, widex beyond and now oticon REAL and while they all have specified "programs"or "features" that are supposed to make them special and unique I have come to the opinion that all they really do is amplify sound. Some of the features work to some degree and others not at all. My only suggestion is that you give them a workout during the "trial" period (30 days by law in FL, 6 months at Costco) and see which are most effective with minimum adjustments.

The trial period offered is extremely important, and it varies between providers. Know what it is and use it wisely. Only YOU know where you want to be able to hear and participate. Too many people get frustrated when first fit with hearing instruments because they sound 'different' and can be somewhat annoying. Hearing aids left on the dresser don't to anyone any good! Get past that and use the trial time to experience them in all places where you usually spend time. It takes time for the brain to adjust to hearing a different way.

Family outings, movies, church, meetings, social events, restaurants, etc. are all places where hearing loss frustrates us. Far too many people with adult onset hearing loss become reclusive. That relates to choices we make. It also affects relationships with other people. When a formerly outgoing person becomes reclusive it can appear to be cognitive decline. The reality is you have to work to adjust to hearing aids. Be proactive in helping yourself. That also helps other people in your life. Good luck.

Thanks, Julie, for the info on REM. I think my audiologist did that on my second visit to fit the Phonak. I'm at around week 3 and my word comprehension has not improved significantly, if at all. It sounds as if I need to be patient and wait for some more weeks yet.