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Strategies & Realities - Hearing Loss in Social Settings

Posted by Julie, Volunteer Mentor @julieo4, Dec 17, 2021

It's that time of year when families get together and, in many cases, even with COVID still in the air, friends get together too. Not that hearing loss is 'seasonal' It's for real year round! This morning I attended a brunch sponsored by an organization I belong to. Masks required; except when eating. Masks or not, social settings are challenging for people who don't hear well. I'd love to hear how others with hearing loss are coping. Will you share your thoughts and solutions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

miker8888 | @miker8888 | Dec 26, 2021

Truthfully, over the past 60 years of wearing bte aids, I have found that reducing the volume level of the h. aids helped me hear conversations better. Perhaps that people talk a little louder in a noisy environment.

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2 replies
rick13 | @rick13 | Dec 26, 2021
In reply to @julieo4 "That is very true, however, with assistive technology that goes beyond those hearing aids, you can..." + (show)
@julieo4

That is very true, however, with assistive technology that goes beyond those hearing aids, you can eliminate a lot of that annoying background noise. It's unfortunate that the people who fit hearing aids don't always share this information with their customers. It's also unfortunate that hearing aid advertising gets away with making false claims. Do you have telecoils in your hearing aids? Do you have BlueTooth?

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Yes to both telecoils and Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows me to use cellphone and hear TV better. Telecoil is useful only if building is so equipped but I have never found one so cannot know how well it may work.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 26, 2021

Where do you live? Advocacy has gotten hearing loops installed in many places. Yet, some definitely lag behind because the people who need this technology don't get out and say they want and need it.

Also, a very simple device called a 'personal neckloop', can be used to connect your telecoils to FM and Infrared systems in many places. You can use a neckloop with any any audio device that has an input jack. All cell phones can connect with a neckloop, but you may need an adaptor.

Many people with hearing loss do not realize that the American's with Disabilities Act covers 'communication access', which means these systems must be installed in public venues to comply. Problem is...the ADA also says that they do not have to be provided UNLESS PEOPLE ASK FOR THEM. Much easier to get curb cuts than assistive listening tech. Our invisible disability allows far too many of us to be and act invisible. Check out: http://www.hearingloop.org for a list of looped venues throughout the USA. They are very common in Europe.

Are you willing to educate and advocate to let people know what will help you?

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 26, 2021
In reply to @miker8888 "Truthfully, over the past 60 years of wearing bte aids, I have found that reducing the..." + (show)
@miker8888

Truthfully, over the past 60 years of wearing bte aids, I have found that reducing the volume level of the h. aids helped me hear conversations better. Perhaps that people talk a little louder in a noisy environment.

Jump to this post

The distance between the listener and the speaker can make a big difference. That's why hand held mikes work well. I am bimodal, with both a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. I find that I have to turn the HA volume down to best use the CI in noisy settings. I need them both working though.

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1 reply
Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @julieo4 "The distance between the listener and the speaker can make a big difference. That's why hand..." + (show)
@julieo4

The distance between the listener and the speaker can make a big difference. That's why hand held mikes work well. I am bimodal, with both a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. I find that I have to turn the HA volume down to best use the CI in noisy settings. I need them both working though.

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Your comment about turning the HA volume down in noisy settings got my attention. At the gym (volleyball game) I noticed that if I just used the CI I could actually hear the person next to me a little better - which totally surprised me. And it also seems like the volume on the HA is higher than the CI but my Audi is still doing initial adjusting. Another appointment coming up next week and then I'm 'good' for six months.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @billchitwood "Your comment about turning the HA volume down in noisy settings got my attention. At the..." + (show)
@billchitwood

Your comment about turning the HA volume down in noisy settings got my attention. At the gym (volleyball game) I noticed that if I just used the CI I could actually hear the person next to me a little better - which totally surprised me. And it also seems like the volume on the HA is higher than the CI but my Audi is still doing initial adjusting. Another appointment coming up next week and then I'm 'good' for six months.

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It's to your advantage to have manual volume control on your hearing aid. Some have auto control that doesn't allow you to turn up or down. I know you are still in the adjustment phase of getting used to being bimodal. It does take time for the brain to figure out how to meld both technologies.
So pleased you are sharing your experiences.

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1 reply
Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @julieo4 "It's to your advantage to have manual volume control on your hearing aid. Some have auto..." + (show)
@julieo4

It's to your advantage to have manual volume control on your hearing aid. Some have auto control that doesn't allow you to turn up or down. I know you are still in the adjustment phase of getting used to being bimodal. It does take time for the brain to figure out how to meld both technologies.
So pleased you are sharing your experiences.

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I can adjust volume on my Iphone. The AB HA and CI fortunately 'talk' to each other, making life simpler. For some reason they are both louder and clearer in the morning and then at certain times of the day. Maybe autosense? Same thing with phone conversations - it goes directly to ears. Have to remember to change it when Bill needs to hear the conversation!

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1 reply
Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @billchitwood "I can adjust volume on my Iphone. The AB HA and CI fortunately 'talk' to each..." + (show)
@billchitwood

I can adjust volume on my Iphone. The AB HA and CI fortunately 'talk' to each other, making life simpler. For some reason they are both louder and clearer in the morning and then at certain times of the day. Maybe autosense? Same thing with phone conversations - it goes directly to ears. Have to remember to change it when Bill needs to hear the conversation!

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What happens if/when you phone is not charged or you don't have it with you?

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1 reply
Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @julieo4 "What happens if/when you phone is not charged or you don't have it with you?" + (show)
@julieo4

What happens if/when you phone is not charged or you don't have it with you?

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Then I think I'm pretty much out of luck in adjusting volume lol. For the most part I just let them do their thing.

Audi also thinks that I will be fine without a TV streamer, etc. At least wants me to wait until later. TV movies are better but not all are good with sound. Actually hear them better on the computer.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @comeagain "I'm fairly new at this, but would like to know more. I'm looking for aids to..." + (show)
@comeagain

I'm fairly new at this, but would like to know more. I'm looking for aids to replace my 6.5 year old ones. (my first ever pairs) They are Widex Uniques, and I'm still having a lot of trouble in rooms, or auditoriums.

My daughter bought me an Samsung a02s phone, and I'd like new aids that work with it. I'm still learning to use it, but I've read that it will link with my aids. (At my age of 83, I'm not very well versed in technology)

Is there a way to find out how it will help me, and where should I look for the right aids?

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Comeagain, welcome. Looking for new hearing aids can be daunting. You may wish to see the tips members have shared in these related discussions:
- How do I choose the best hearing aids? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hearing-aids-1/
- I'm completely new to the world of hearing aids. Advice please. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/newbie/
- What to Expect at Your Hearing Aid Fitting https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-at-your-hearing-aid-fitting/

You also ask about compatibility with you new Samsung phone. He's probably tired of me tagging him, but I usually turn to @tonyinmi with questions like that.

@comeagain, what hearing aids do you have now?

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