Strategies & Realities - Hearing Loss in Social Settings

Yes, I've seen ads indicating that they work and seen replays indicating they don't. Any actual uses out there?

I got activated beginning of Dec and Audi had me using both from day 1 (advising sometimes to just use the CL to make it work harder). In groups it is still hard to hear everyone. But I've also learned to ask if others are having problems with the noise as well. In many cases it is the situation, not just me. Yesterday at a volleyball event everyone around me acknowledged that the noise was overwhelming and they were having problems hearing! I always tend to think it is just me lol. Same with TV - some movies are just bad with sound. So each day and each environment is different and I'm learning to accept that. I smile a lot and enjoy without stressing.

@jakedduck1

Have you had your hearing tested? Even if you have a mild loss, a hearing aid(s) will help….don’t think of it specifically for group conversations. A hearing aid may help you pick up some vowels or consonants you may be missing now which will cause you to miss words.
I think most of what you are reading about group situations relates to us with severe to profound hearing loss who also have trouble at times with one or two people talking. So don’t that as an indicator they don’t work or won’t help you in any group conversations.

Hearing loss can be subtle and slowly progressive and you won’t notice what you are missing.

I am surmising you don’t experience any problems on the phone or in other situations in you daily life. But if you are really struggling in group conversations you may be missing more than you think at other times. The longer you wait to get tested or get aids if you need them, the worse it will get. It won’t get any better.

So, your New Years resolution is to get a hearing test with an audiologist. But also schedule an ENT appointment first so they can check out your ears and then maybe use the audiologist at that practice.

You WILL let us know the results , and if your hearing is perfect then we will figure out the group thing.

Can’t wait until you do it.

FL Mary

Many of the ads you see on TV say they are for hearing aids but are actually for what is called 'personal sound amplification products' (PSAPs). They look like hearing aids but don't do much more than amplify sound. While that might help someone with mild hearing loss, they don't do much for people who have more serious hearing loss. Probably not good idea to depend on those ads for quality information. Get tested by an audiologist. See what those tests indicate you are missing. Are you willing to try a hearing aid to see if it helps you?

Bluffing is a common strategy, but it can get you in big trouble sometimes. Does anyone have a story about that happening to you?

I have known for 5 or 6 years that my hearing is bad. The frustration is unbelievable. I've seen an audiologist. I have a consonant problems primarily. I am not will to try a hearing aid if they can't get a recommended kind FOR TWO for less than $1200 (that is about $1500 after tax and I don't make enough money to deduct it on my income tax). If the little ones that are cheaper are just sound amplifiers I would consider that but I need some type of comparison of the ones available by someone other than the manufacturer. Also, no bluetooth or technology involved! In the meantime, it would be nice if businesses would teach their employees how to speak into the phone especially when leaving messages ..and no baby talk. I am old, not a two year old.

I am curious, how did you arrive at "TWO for less than $1200"?
That is less than my husband paid at Sams Club for his first aids 9 years ago, less than my Mom paid for her last pair in 2009....
I understand the need for affordability. Have you considered one now and one in a year or so?
Sue

Yep, grin like an idiot and shake your head like you understood what was said.

@pc2018

Search Hearing Loss Association of American for a list of organizations, like Kiwanis, that can help financially with aids.
Reach out to your community Deaf Services organization if you have one. Many ENT practices accept trade ins on old hearing aids when someone buys new ones. I did exactly that many years ago…got about $300 for each aid off the new price. He knew a patient who could not afford to pay much for aids and made some money of them himself. A guy who used to sit next to me at the gym got two older models of a name brand for several hundred dollars each. They worked for him. Some practices will work with you in getting one if you state your budget upfront. The older aids are out there…sitting in drawers or donated to hospitals and nursing homes. They will be behind the ear aids and will need new domes or molds and programming.
Requires work on your part but may pay off since you don’t need or want Bluetooth. Nothing wrong with older models…just like phones only way more expensive.

FL Mary

Julie, I saw an audiologist a few years ago and she said that my hearing had been damaged by age (and what else?) but it was not bad enough to need hearing aids yet. To me, my hearing has not deteriorated any farther so I am staying away from hearing aids until an audiologist recommends it.