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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.

imallears | @imallears | Dec 27, 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.

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@miker8888

Hi,

I also discovered this past year that turning the volume down on both aids greatly helped in understanding in noisy environments like restaurants and the gym. It also reduces auditory fatigue.

I was in Disney Springs Christmas weekend for dinner and Cirque du Soleil. It was extremely noisy, crowded, with constant music and would have overwhelmed me if I had not turned them way down. Did the same thing the next day at Brunch in a high ceiling restaurant. Really enjoyed the whole weekend and I am so glad I discovered this strategy. I didn’t think it would work. If anyone does try that, give it a minute or two to kick in. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.

Glad you brought it up as I didn’t
think to mention it here

FL Mary

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 28, 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 to discussions on hearing aids.

It's so important for your hearing aid provider to take the time needed to help you learn how to sync your personal technology with other audio devices, including your new phone. This will depend on your provider's skill and willingness to take the time needed to be sure you understand how streaming between devices works.

So much is new in the hearing aid field. I've loved my Widex aids but know my next pair will have to be of a different brand to sync with my cochlear implant processor. It's frustrating that these expensive personal devices are 'brand specific'.

Be sure your hearing aid provider has access to your phone when you get new hearing aids. And, if possible, have your daughter accompany you when you are tested and fitted for those new hearing aids.

Are you planning to see a clinical audiologist for your new hearing aids?

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2 replies
adamsrw592 | @adamsrw592 | Dec 29, 2021
In reply to @julieo4 "@comeagain Welcome to discussions on hearing aids. It's so important for your hearing aid provider to..." + (show)
@julieo4

@comeagain Welcome to discussions on hearing aids.

It's so important for your hearing aid provider to take the time needed to help you learn how to sync your personal technology with other audio devices, including your new phone. This will depend on your provider's skill and willingness to take the time needed to be sure you understand how streaming between devices works.

So much is new in the hearing aid field. I've loved my Widex aids but know my next pair will have to be of a different brand to sync with my cochlear implant processor. It's frustrating that these expensive personal devices are 'brand specific'.

Be sure your hearing aid provider has access to your phone when you get new hearing aids. And, if possible, have your daughter accompany you when you are tested and fitted for those new hearing aids.

Are you planning to see a clinical audiologist for your new hearing aids?

Jump to this post

Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big News About Hearing Aids. "... expert advice on what's available now and what to expect when over-the-counter hearing aids debut ..."

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3 replies
Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Dec 29, 2021
In reply to @adamsrw592 "Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big..." + (show)
@adamsrw592

Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big News About Hearing Aids. "... expert advice on what's available now and what to expect when over-the-counter hearing aids debut ..."

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Thank you for sharing that information. I'll try to find a copy of Consumer Reports December 2021 issue. The hope of many is that OTC hearing aids will serve as an entry level product that will eventually encourage people to move up to better products. It will be interesting.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 29, 2021
In reply to @adamsrw592 "Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big..." + (show)
@adamsrw592

Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big News About Hearing Aids. "... expert advice on what's available now and what to expect when over-the-counter hearing aids debut ..."

Jump to this post

Hi Adam, I didn’t find the exact title of the article to which you refer, but found these 2 helpful article by Catherine Roberts.
- Your Guide to Hearing Helpers by Catherine Roberts https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/your-guide-to-hearing-helpers/

- It's Confusing and Difficult to Shop for Hearing Aids. Here's How to Figure It Out. https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/how-to-shop-for-hearing-aids-a3418587720/

Are you able to provide the link the article you mentioned? What aids work for you?

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1 reply
adamsrw592 | @adamsrw592 | Dec 31, 2021
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Adam, I didn’t find the exact title of the article to which you refer, but..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi Adam, I didn’t find the exact title of the article to which you refer, but found these 2 helpful article by Catherine Roberts.
- Your Guide to Hearing Helpers by Catherine Roberts https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/your-guide-to-hearing-helpers/

- It's Confusing and Difficult to Shop for Hearing Aids. Here's How to Figure It Out. https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/how-to-shop-for-hearing-aids-a3418587720/

Are you able to provide the link the article you mentioned? What aids work for you?

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I don't have a link. I have the print issue of the magazine. The article is on pages 48-52. The magazine is the December 2021 issue of Consumer Reorts, and shows on the cover, "Our Top Picks of the Year."

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 31, 2021
In reply to @adamsrw592 "I don't have a link. I have the print issue of the magazine. The article is..." + (show)
@adamsrw592

I don't have a link. I have the print issue of the magazine. The article is on pages 48-52. The magazine is the December 2021 issue of Consumer Reorts, and shows on the cover, "Our Top Picks of the Year."

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Here is the link to the online version of the article: https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/your-guide-to-hearing-helpers/
Sue

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1 reply
annab21 | @annab21 | Jan 2, 2022
In reply to @adamsrw592 "Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big..." + (show)
@adamsrw592

Consumer Reports magazine has an article by Catherine Roberts in its December 2021 issue titled, Big News About Hearing Aids. "... expert advice on what's available now and what to expect when over-the-counter hearing aids debut ..."

Jump to this post

I will check the library for December issue

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