I'm completely new to the world of hearing aids. Advice please.

@newhorizons

Okay, it sounds like your domes are either too small for your ear or they could also be too large and won’t fit snugly into your ear. If they are connected to a tube like my BTEs (custom molds) are then the tube may be too long. If it’s a wire that may also be too long.

It does sound like the size of the domes are the problem and you have to go back to where you got them. If you do get refitted try bending over with them inserted and shaking your head…they shouldn’t be coming out and the part that rests on the back of your ear should be snug and not fall off.

There are different size domes so make sure you get the correct fitting.
Hope this helps.

FL Mary

I doubt if hearing aids will do anything to help tinnitus. Contact a qualified, audiologist before you buy any hearing aid to make sure what you buy will help you. As for the aid itself, contact an established, independent, dealer who handles quality aids such as Starkey or Signia. I have had poor experiences with the companies such as Beltone and Miracle Ear who are, perhaps, better trained in selling the aids than in fitting them. $2,500 might get you ONE good Starkey or Signia aid but, if purchased from a reputable you will get one that works for you--and service as needed. Just one might work for a while depending on the severity of your hearing loss.

As someone else mentioned, see an audiologist. Not know which of the three types of hearing loss you may have, a hearing aid may not help. I have a single-sided sensorial heard loss in which the $3,6xx.xx Phonak hearing aid I had did very little or nothing to help; regardless of the domes I tried. With myself, simply put, the inner/outer hairs in my cochlea were damaged to where word and speech recognition was near impossible. I now have a OSIA2 bone conduction implant which has made things a lot better (keeping it again simple; there are 3-different forms of bone conduction devices I chose from: CROS, BAHA 6 & OSIA2).
One thing is for sure! My tinnitus did not dissipate with either the use of my Phonak or OSIA2. Therefore, if you’re considering a hearing aid because of that, my unprofessional opinion would be save your money and definitely see an Audiologist. A foot note here would be my sudden hearing loss, immediately accompanied with tinnitus was caused by a work related injury in May 2019. I did not receive my OSIA2 until 4-5 weeks ago.

In most cases a well fit, high quality hearing aid will help a person with hearing loss regardless of the type of loss they have. The key here is 'well fit'. "Domes' are a relatively new way to 'fit' a hearing aid as they've taken the place of custom fit molds that do not pop out or disintegrate. If domes are not doing the job ask your provider about custom fit molds.

It also depends on how far sensorineural hearing loss (SHNL) has progressed. SNHL tends to be progressive. It is the most common kind of HL. Exposure to noise is often the cause, but it is often genetic even though it may appear late in life. Damage to the inner ear hair cells in the cochlea is the cause of SNHL.

Many have been told that the hearing nerve/auditory nerve is damaged so nothing can be done to help them. That has been disproven with the development of cochlear implants that go past the damaged cochlea and stimulates the auditory nerve electronically. That stimulation sends signals to the brain. We are fortunate to be living in a time when cochlear implants exist. There are different types of implants.

There is current data that suggests that many more people should/would qualify for cochlear implants if they were encouraged to get them. Why aren't they encouraged? Mostly because the medical people they trust don't encourage them to consider this option. I don't mean to demean the medical professionals. This is a unique field that few have much experience in. The inner ear was considered totally inaccessible except in cadavers just a few decades ago. Cochlear implant research and development have bypassed that belief.

The criteria for qualifying for a cochlear device has been lowered in the last two years. So, if you were told you did not qualify for this procedure, you may want to explore it further.

Your best bet for excellent advice is to go to a cochlear implant surgery center for testing. You should also know that most insurers cover cochlea implants, as does Medicare. Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare and only a handful of insurance companies cover hearing aids. This is definitely wrong and unfair but it's a reality that won't change until the people who need hearing help start advocating.

If more people would join The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to get information and get involved in that advocacy, we would see far more positive change in this area. http://www.hearingloss.org It is a 'membership' organization, but a substantial amount of information is available on the HLAA website. Membership is basically a 'donation' to HLAA.

Reading all the previous comments really inspired me to jump in. I have profound hearing loss, and I’m a true fan of good ear molds. And I’m certain that there are many who have other preferences. Message: seek out whatever feels like it’s working best for you. It’s your hearing and body else can experience it. It might take time to try different setups, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Invest in yourself, not necessarily with money but definitely with time. Most audiogists let you try different hearing aids. Do it. You’ll spend an extra few weeks, but you’re worth it. Trying out ear molds vs domes vs in canal might be a bit more complicated, just because ear molds are made individually, but even so. Ask for the opportunity. When you finish, you’ll feel much more confident. And you’ll have hearing aids that fit well for your needs.

Great information! Thank you. In my case my Audiologist and I went thru a variety of sized domes w/my Phonak over the past three years snd none helped. Therefore leading me to the OSIA2 which has made a world of difference.
By the way, Cichlear is coming out with their OSIA 3 sometime Q1 ‘24 which will be MRI capable at both the 1.5 & then 3 TESLA.

@billf51

That's amazing info about the Osia 3. Thanks for that.
First heard about Osia here on Mayo. I love you people!

FL Mary

@beckyseattle

Good advice and I am a stickler about my hearing aid molds as they make all rhe difference in the world.
I now insist they be made only by Westone.
I also retube my aids and change rhe ear hooks about every 6 months or so because the damper in the hook deteriorates and affects sounds No vents for my molds . It pays to be knowledgeable about the aids you choose and service them like you would your car.

FL Mary

You echo my feelings

Started with my first set of hearing aids at age 50. My audiologist for the next ten years kept insisting that the reason I was not hearing well was because it was necessary to upgrade my aids After being on my third pair of Phonak aids and was still not able to hear, I answered an ad to participate in Phonak research. On my first visit to the research lab I was given a hearing test and my old aids were programmed by them. I actually started crying as it was the first time I could hear in 10 years. Now at 76 years old, I advise that you make sure that you have an audiologist that is proficient in diagnosing and programming your hearing sids properly. Contact the manufacturer of your product and get a recommendation. Always purchase a Phonak product and with proper care it has not been necessary to purchase new from 5 to 7 years.