Yes. Most states have a mandated trial period, but some providers offer more than the 30 days required. It's important for the buyer to try the new hearing aids in every possible situation during that trial period. Those telecoils are hard to try using if there aren't any looped venues in your area, but with that personal neckloop...that really should be standard as a piece of equipment with all hearing aids...IMHO, one can experience high quality understanding with a simple portable radio or computer. OR...when you are being fit with hearing aids, ASK to try the telecoil feature when in the fitter's office. Don't let them discourage you from trying it. This should be a choice you make based on how it works for you. If you don't try it how do you know?

I have a profound hearing loss. I am bimodal, as I use both a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. My husband and I go out for dinner a lot. We enjoy going out with friends and family. I agree, it's tough in a restaurant. However, if you are willing to use the cool accessories that go with hearing aids and CI processors, it helps a lot. I've been using a wireless microphone with my personal devices since they were available in the late 90s. Prior to that I used a hand held mike that was connected to my hearing aids via a cord (direct audio input). These devices have made it possible for me to continue to enjoy going out. Do I hear everything? No, but neither do others with typical hearing in noisy settings. For some people, the problem with these add on devices is that they show. Heaven forbid! Yes, they do show. They show that you are doing the best you can to hear in touch situations. I've had wait staff ask "What is that?". When I tell them what it is they either apologize for asking or say "That's really cool, my grandparent or parent needs to know about that!" Either way, I have a chance to open the door to educate someone who may be able to benefit from the information. No need to apologize for asking or for hearing loss...hey, it's my 'norm'!

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