1. < Hearing Loss

Hearing aids in but still not understanding words

Posted by lesmelbourne @lesmelbourne, Apr 16, 2023

I'm trialing advanced Phonak hearing aids that amplify beyond 2KHz tailored to my hearing chart, but still have trouble understanding some words. Subjectively, I feel there is no discernible improvement in understanding, or only minimal improvement. Who else still has trouble understanding words and why is this so?

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Apr 22, 2023
In reply to @lesmelbourne "Thanks, Julie, for the info on REM. I think my audiologist did that on my second..." + (show)
@lesmelbourne

Thanks, Julie, for the info on REM. I think my audiologist did that on my second visit to fit the Phonak. I'm at around week 3 and my word comprehension has not improved significantly, if at all. It sounds as if I need to be patient and wait for some more weeks yet.

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Be sure you know the length of your trial period with new hearing aids. 30 days is typical but May not be enough time to be sure hearing aids are working well. Don’t hesitate to let your provider know you’re not satisfied. Ask for an extended trial period if necessary.

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1 reply
lesmelbourne | @lesmelbourne | Apr 22, 2023
In reply to @julieo4 "Be sure you know the length of your trial period with new hearing aids. 30 days..." + (show)
@julieo4

Be sure you know the length of your trial period with new hearing aids. 30 days is typical but May not be enough time to be sure hearing aids are working well. Don’t hesitate to let your provider know you’re not satisfied. Ask for an extended trial period if necessary.

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I'm with Specsavers who have a three month trial period. That's one thing I like about them.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Apr 22, 2023

That's good to know. Most states require a 30-day trial although some providers do allow more. It's important to read the fine print in the contract you sign when you agree to purchase hearing instruments.

Is Specsavers a chain?

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1 reply
lesmelbourne | @lesmelbourne | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @julieo4 "That's good to know. Most states require a 30-day trial although some providers do allow more...." + (show)
@julieo4

That's good to know. Most states require a 30-day trial although some providers do allow more. It's important to read the fine print in the contract you sign when you agree to purchase hearing instruments.

Is Specsavers a chain?

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Thanks Julie. Yes, Specsavers is a chain here in Australia and UK. They may also be in other countries as well. In the last couple of years, they have expanded from vision/glasses to hearing aids.

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Apr 23, 2023

@lesmelbourne Thank you for that information. Looking at your ID I should have realized you were in Australia!

🙂

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @lizzy102 "YES, ask about the Cochlear option AND ask for a referral to a CI audiologist and..." + (show)
@lizzy102

YES, ask about the Cochlear option AND ask for a referral to a CI audiologist and surgeon. You may have to insist.

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Exactly. You my have to push it with your ENT and/or AuD. To know whether or not you are a candidate for a cochlear implant, you should be tested at a medical center that does CI surgery.

For those who would like to do a bit more research on cochlear implants, you may want to check out the website of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. https://www.acialliance.org/

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bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @lesmelbourne "Thanks, Julie, for the info on REM. I think my audiologist did that on my second..." + (show)
@lesmelbourne

Thanks, Julie, for the info on REM. I think my audiologist did that on my second visit to fit the Phonak. I'm at around week 3 and my word comprehension has not improved significantly, if at all. It sounds as if I need to be patient and wait for some more weeks yet.

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I’ve had my Oticon hearing aids for two years and clarity is still a problem.

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1 reply
lesmelbourne | @lesmelbourne | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @bruceandruth1970 "I’ve had my Oticon hearing aids for two years and clarity is still a problem." + (show)
@bruceandruth1970

I’ve had my Oticon hearing aids for two years and clarity is still a problem.

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Thanks. Did you notice any improvement in comprehension after getting your HAs?

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1 reply
bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @lesmelbourne "Thanks. Did you notice any improvement in comprehension after getting your HAs?" + (show)
@lesmelbourne

Thanks. Did you notice any improvement in comprehension after getting your HAs?

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No, clarity is worse with my hearing aids.

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2 replies
lesmelbourne | @lesmelbourne | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @bruceandruth1970 "No, clarity is worse with my hearing aids." + (show)
@bruceandruth1970

No, clarity is worse with my hearing aids.

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What did your audiologist say when you told them your comprehension is worse?

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