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Cookie Bite Hearing Loss: What is the best hearing aid?

Hearing Loss | Last Active: Jan 24 8:42pm | Replies (35)

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@julieo4

"Cookie bite" hearing loss is unusual. It requires a different fit than what is most typical. Hearing aids can only do 'the right thing' when they are fit for a person's hearing loss. That requires real ear measurement done by a skilled provider. Hearing aids are sold by a variety of providers; some with a lot more education and experience than others. AuD after a providers name indicates a doctorate level degree in audiology. HIS which stands for hearing instrument specialist, doesn't require a degree in most states. While we know some HIS are highly skilled due to quality apprenticeships and experience, that is not always how it is. MS-CCCA after a provider's name indicates a master's degree in clinical audiology. You can see what variety there is among providers.

I have no idea what kind of provider fit your husband's hearing aids, but it sounds as if they are not adjusted properly. Without proper adjustment, based on an audiogram which shows where hearing needs amplification and clarity AND where it doesn't, it would be easy to amplify sounds heard normally without amplification. Cookie bite audiograms require very different settings than sloping audiograms, the most common kind. Your husband should definitely use hearing aids, and also be concerned about preventing further damage in the dB levels where he hears well. Excess noise can cause more hearing loss. I encourage you to discuss this with the provider. If he gets no support, go elsewhere. This is why it's so important for new hearing aid users to use the 30 day trial period a provider is required to give them to figure out if they need something different. I hope this helps rather than confuses. There is help out there.

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Replies to ""Cookie bite" hearing loss is unusual. It requires a different fit than what is most typical...."

Hi Julie. He went to the University of Iowa Hearing Clinic, this has been over 10 years ago (I think, time flies!). I will do more research on other providers who may be able to assist with his cookie bite loss. At the time we purchased the hearing aids we trusted the University was the best place to go at the time. I'm guessing though, based on your comments, that the traditional or common settings were used nonetheless. We'll have to start saving up for another pair - he is just losing out on so much conversation during family time and as well as being unable to hear our 4 and 2-year-old grandkids speak to him. Thank you for your time in explaining the type of providers there are - the doctorate seems like the best way to go - just have to prove to us they know how to best accommodate for this type of hearing loss. Kind regards, Stacie Johnson