Loss of hearing clarity: Solutions or strategies anyone?

> I have a speech in noise program that focuses on one speaker at a time and dramatically cuts out ambient noise.

What program is that?

@gauss256
Hi,

On the Phonak Nadia’s, which is what I have, the first directional mic program is called Speech InNoise for one speaker at a time. The other omnidirectional program is called Speech In Loud Noise. Different brand hearing aids will name these type programs something else.

Regards from FL Mary

It's always about getting the signal (sound) we want to hear close to the microphone with hearing assistive technologies. The closer it gets, the more background noise is cut out. That is why hearing loops work so well. I also feel the Roger Pen picks up too much ambient noise in group settings. It does help when you can place that 'pen' close to the speaker's mouth. Not always easy or practical. I do find when at a table in a discussion, if people will pass it, that helps. I've trained my granddaughters to do that when we are having discussion at a table. Not always easy to do that in other settings. I do find the mini mic that works with my N6 CI helps better. Wish I could use it bimodally, but I have a Widex hearing aid that isn't compatible with the Cochlear devices. Background noise is always our worst problem.

Yes everyone I’ve talked to with hearing loss all say that hearing w background noise is the most challenging.

I’ve been spending time listening to Dr Clifford Olsen on YouTube. He is a wealth of information on the latest technology and different hearing aids. I haven’t seen him address CI technology.

That is disappointing to hear that you cannot use your MiniMic for both your CI and your hearing aid at the same time. Have you investigated to find a hearing aid that is compatible w your CI? We have many CI individuals in our HLAA group and I haven’t heard them say they have that compatibility issue but I haven’t asked them specifically.

I don’t know that I have the courage to ask people to pass my RogerPen or RemoteMic around, even within the family. Conversation flows so fast it would be difficult. I can see it working in a meeting but idk if I have the courage to ask!! But truly conversation and interactions might all be improved if everyone weren’t jockeying to get the next word out and we’d listen to each other more!!

The background noise issue is often referred to as 'the cocktail party effect'. It's been a dilemma for hearing aid development forever. They are working on this right now in scientific research programs. Will be interesting to see what evolves. Regarding my CI and HA not being compatible with the CI accessories: Each of the CI manufacturers has partnered with a HA manufacturer. Cochlear Corporation is working with ReSound. Those of us who are bimodal are in the difficult situation of having to conform to their brand if we want to be able to use the accessories bimodally. I've had excellent luck with Widex, and purchased a new HA just before the accessories came out with the N6 processor. I've since upgraded my HA, but after trying 5 different ReSound models that didn't give me what I was getting from the Widex, I stuck with that brand. I will try again. I understand ReSound has a new 3Dmodel that my work for me. I do believe that ReSound is a good brand. My audiologist gave me ample time to try to switch. It worked great with the accessories, but when I used both the N6 and the ReSound aids without them, I lost clarity. Lots of adjustments just didn't do it. Never say never....I will try again.

@imallears I had the Phonak Nadia's before I got my Oticon Opn1 hearing aids. The Opn are better for clarity, but the Phonak were wonderful for their directionality. I could go to a noisy restaurant with friends with normal hearing and I could hear the others speak better they could! I loved that on those hearing aids. I don't believe I had two different programs, but I would just switch the aids over to that program and it was like a miracle.
JK

Hi all- make sure you let various hearing aids companies know why the switch. Phionak am has been ahead on directional mode for awhile . Clarity is okay on my 15 plus year hearing aids from Resound. Yep.

I just remembered another way I use my RemoteMic or RogerPen... when we’re traveling and I don’t have my TV Link I place the receiver near the TV’s speakers and that helps pickup the sound with a little more clarity. Then I also set up the TV with Closed Captions.

One of the vast improvements in going into two hearing aids mode was better handling of background noises. Intereswy in 1979 with my correct diagnosis of being hearing impaired , that did not happen. I do remember being encouraged to have two hearing aids but never an explanation why until my 50’s. I am safer riding a bike because I distinguish sounds better. . FYI

I wish I qualified for a CI. I think people should qualify for one on their deaf ear no matter what their ‘good ear’ can hear. The world is best heard in stereo! I can’t tell where sound is coming from because with single sided deafness there’s no directionality... it makes life very confusing and dangerous. I try to look at the drivers seat before walking behind vehicles in parking lots to make sure no one’s there to back up into me.