Hearing the TV with hearing aids

These are very interesting questions to me. I too have a feeling that what my audiologist does is too quick, too prescribed and too pre-programmed to allow me to hear without distortion - especially music! I once heard a story about a musician and music teacher who was not able to listen to music on MP3s, because he could hear “only the notes, not the spaces between the notes” because of the compression of the sound in the MP3 format.

I think some of our technology does not serve us well, because of the general demand to save time and space rather than to take care to preserve quality and nuance. It seems that may be what is being done with hearing aid technology. It very broadly serves the purpose of allowing us to hear speech fairly well in optimum circumstances, but it doesn’t seem to serve to help everyone to hear the world and its sounds as well as they can within their own particular limitations.

I feel your frustration. While I don't have an answer for you, I wonder how skilled your audiologist is at programming those high quality Oticon hearing aids? Did you have real ear measurement (REM) done? The newer digital hearing aids are complex. Here's a Dr. Cliff video about REM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMSQemYlC80

Fine tuning these devices is difficult. It really seems that the pros, the audiologists who have doctorate level degrees, should be willing and able to work with their clients to get the absolute best possible programming.

When I reached the point with my hearing aids that you describe, I decided to see if I qualified for a cochlear implant. I did, and I went for it. Only regret is not doing it sooner as it's been a huge boost to me.

Julie, How old were you when you got a cochlear implant? I'm 73 and nervous my brain may not adapt. Also, does a cochlear really help with ambient noise? I have expensive phonak hearing aids but in any noisy situation, the noise is amplified and I'm unable to understand conversation. thanks,

I was 65 when I had my cochlear implant surgery. I know a few people who had it done in their late 70s and early 80s who are doing well. Your health and willingness to do the rehabilitation is the key.

Since you have Phonak hearing aids, I'm wondering if your audiologist showed you Phonak's Roger Pen device? I know it has been improved since I tried it a few years ago, but the older model I tried worked quite well. It's an assistive listening device that works with your hearing aids. Kind of gives you double value for the hearing aids as it shuts off the HA's regular microphone and only picks up the sound you're trying to hear. It works well in noisy social settings. The only downside is that it is visible. Some people try so hard to hide their hearing loss that they won't use the assistive devices. Consequently, some audiologists don't even tell their patients about these add on devices. A shame.

I use a similar device with my cochlear implant. It's called a 'mini mic2+' that works with the Cochlear Americas cochlear processors. I LOVE it! Enough to buy a second one so I always have one charged and ready to go. Everyone who sees it thinks it's great that I'm helping myself.

Has your audiologist suggested that you look into cochlear implants?

I have been approved for a cochlear but was encouraged to try hearing g
aids first. I have 70 - 80% hearing loss in both ears. It happened
overnight. Sudden hearing loss information both ears seems unusual. I do
have the Roger device but even that doesn't help me much in noisy
environments. I also have reverse slope or low frequency loss which hearing
aids aren't so helpful for. My hesitation with cochlear is I will lose the
natural high frequency hearing I have left. Thanks for your helpful
response.

Hello again. It's good that your ENT team suggested that you try hearing aids prior to having a cochlear implant, but it sounds as if the hearing aids + add on equipment are not doing as much as you need. You appear to be a social person who wants to keep doing what you have always done. Cochlear implants most likely would help you do that.

I encourage you see if there is a chapter of HLAA in your region. Chapters are developed and run by people with hearing loss who share their experiences and keep learning about options. Meeting others who are going through or have experienced the same trials and decisions provides the kind of peer support that makes everything easier. Some chapters hold hybrid meetings that allow people to attend in person or participate online. That makes it possible for people to be involved from afar. HLAA also has some excellent materials at their website.

HLAA is the Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc. http://www.hearingloss.org

Thanks. I will check out HLAA and a chapter in my area. I rely way too
much on my husband right now. I'm hoping a cochlear will help me be more
independent again. We're traveling in India at the moment. Something we've
done every winter since we retired. But it's a lot more problematic for me
now. So much noise on the street and in restaurants and I miss out a lot
on conversations. At home, it's less of an issue. I can communicate one
on one with girlfriends with no problem. Men are harder. And I do a lot
on my own, bike riding, gardening, swimming and just being at home. Such
is life! I'm lucky to otherwise have my health! Thanks for taking the
time to talk.

Yes, those things are called TV Streamers. Most of them use Bluetooth to stream sound from the TV to hearing aids. So the hearing aids must have Bluetooth and they must be paired to the streamer.

I have "TV Ears"and I think they work great. I really depend on them when I really want to hear and understand what's on TV.