Hearing Loss Experiences - Can you find humor in some of it?

Thanks, Lizzy, your words motivate and inspire me as I wait to have my Osia processors fitted a week from tomorrow. After 15 years of just doing the best I can with hearing aids, I look forward to working at learning what I can achieve by this new way of hearing.

Are you willing to share how old your were when you got your CI? I have a couple of friends who have them and one did really well, because he worked at it, as you did. The other one did not do as well and invested little effort into it. Am wondering if age has any bearing.

Is CI the only effective/useful option for musicians? Since I don't qualify for CI due to hearing loss in my other ear, to whom or where can go to find an alternative solution? Tnx

I may have missed a piece of this conversation, so I ask a couple of questions. 1. Are you using hearing aids, if so what kind? 2. What type of hearing loss do you have?

A persons willingness to work at it after receiving a CI is very important. The brain needs to 'exercise' in order to adjust to a whole new way of interpreting sounds and speech. In time, it all sounds perfectly normal. In most instances, pre-counseling is done by the CI medical staff prior to surgery to determine if a person is a suitable candidate for a CI.

Realistic expectations are important. Some definitely do better than others, but most do well if they are willing to work at it. I was 65 when I received my CI. I have friends in their 80s who have them recently who have done extremely well. Age is probably not a factor, but being mentally & physically health is.

Thank you...and I agree. Age shouldn't be a factor, but willingness to learn is obviously key.

Wonderful suggestion. Someone said if you learn to laugh at yourself you’ll never lack for entertainment.

It helps a ton to have other hard of hearing people to share and compare experiences with. Lots of validation and many laughs, sometimes a few tears. A reason why I enjoy our HLAA chapter so much.

I hope you’ve found an excellent audiologist who understands that your quality of life depends on making music. Find an audiologist who focuses on “Patient Centered Approach.” That is a well studied approach. Not many big box audiologists practice that way.

I have used Phonac and Resound HAs. They are pricy but with my love of music and being a psychotherapist it was imperative for me to have top of the line HAs. My last ones were Resound 3D Linx (my hearing loss is severe). My Audiologist tailored my HAs to my hearing loss as it progressed so that they gave me optimum performance. Your Audiologist makes all the difference!

It is important for you to use HAs that stream from either a microphone (optional equipment from HA manufacturer), a cell phone or other device. The quality of sound is excellent because it streams directly to your ears, much less distortion. I also understand that In The Ear (ITE) aids are best for musicians. Some can’t use them because of issues like itching or moisture accumulation tho.

Here is some good information for you.

Audiology offices are often in contract to sell only certain aids, Look online for recommendations from other musicians for aids that are particularly designed for musicians.

Corrective Hearing Aids For Musicians

Hearing loss is a serious issue for musicians, which is why you must treat the problem quickly and in the most efficient manner. If the hearing care professional determines that you do suffer from lost hearing, hearing aids are likely to be the best form of management.

Of the three main types of hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) are usually the preferred solution because they fit in the ear canal. Those that don’t, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) devices won’t pick up the noise if played through headphones. Meanwhile, in-the-canal (ITE) hearing aids can be preferred because of their natural listening experience.

There are a number of hearing aid styles and features that are specially designed for musicians, and your hearing care professional will discuss the best options for your particular needs.

The best devices boast technological advancements that make life a lot easier for musicians. One available feature that is preferred by musicians is a speech enhancement technology that allows you to better understand song lyrics.

*****Meanwhile, custom accessories like wireless streaming devices can transmit music directly to the hearing aids, making it a safer way to hear the sound you need to.

Advanced music hearing aids can separate voices from music, processing them in different ways to provide clarity to the listener while other attributes include the ability to process a wider range of sound resolution.

Aural rehab and sound therapy can be used in conjunction with hearing aids. Still, choosing the perfect device is ideal.

Sorry this is such a long post. I hope the info is helpful. Liz

Prepare to sweat through the work “edemmenegger”. The harder you work the better your brain will accommodate to the CIs and give you a great deal of understanding what folks are saying!
Don’t let those early few weeks get you down, it is hard work and pretty embarrassing. I am happy to point you to some awesome resources. Try the app “Angel Sounds.” It works for the early days to, well, I use it today. Ask your CI Audiologist about training and they’ll likely have a bunch of resources. Also, DO NOT let pride or embarrassment get in the way of your training - push through it, it is worth every set of red cheeks!
I’m excited for you, good luck.