Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others

Technology keeps getting better, but also more confusing for so many older people with hearing loss. Having batteries go dead has always been a major concern of mine. I've been using hearing aids for many decades, and have kind of grown along with much of the new technology. As a bimodal user of both a cochlear implant processor and a hearing aid, I've had to stay on top of things. However, I am not yet upgraded with the CI to some of the more recent innovations.

One thing that has interested (and confused) me, is when my husband who is now using hearing aids, starts talking. Typically, I look his way, but he doesn't look my way. It takes me a minute to realize he's answered a phone call via his hearing aids. Prior to this, I would usually hear his cell phone ring and know he had an incoming call. Just saying, it's kind of weird.

My cochlear processor has rechargeable batteries. I like that, but there are times I prefer using disposables. Over time, the rechargeables do lose power and although they charge, the charge time gets shorter. These batteries are removable units that charge when they are off the processor. I know that new rechargeable hearing aids do not separate from the battery compartment, and have to be fully placed in their chargers. I can order a new rechargeable battery for my CI processor, although quite costly. ($150+), so I can replace that old one. What does someone do when their hearing aid rechargeables die? Seems to me the entire aid would have to be sent in to be fixed. Being without my hearing devices for days would make me nuts. Can the audiologists fix them at their office?

My Cochlear processor has an option that has been a lifesaver. As a separate 'add on', I have what I've been told is called a 'battery cage'. It allows me to insert disposable batteries into a small sleeve/cage and use that rather than the rechargeable. Strangely, it is not considered a standard piece of tech that comes with the CI processor and must be purchased separately.

Like I said, tech is amazing, but it's very confusing for many who need to use it.

I hope others will share their personal experiences.

Julie, rechargeable battery replacement is yet another difference between the Phonak and Oticon. Phonak gets sent in and Oticon are replaceable in local audiologist office.

Well I tried pairing my Phonak to the Oticon On app. Does not pair up. Phonak uses Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) so it does not work and can't.

Your son's older Phonaks are probably not Bluetooth LE.

@arrowshooter
Hi,

His aids are Bluetooth…I checked and he mentioned that his client said they were. His client is the one who told Jim he needed hearing aids and referred him to his Audi who programmed them a few times for $250. Can’t beat that. My DIL and I had been trying to get him to an ENT practice for awhile to get his hearing tested. His client is very techy and gets new aids when the latest comes out. Jim said he never knew he was missing so much…didn’t know the microwave beeped. The domes are comfortable and he is delighted that phone calls are going directly to his aids. He is 52 and I am so happy his client stepped in.

FL Mary

@arrowshooter That is a very important thing to know. Thanks! PS: I have had Phonak hearing aids over the years. Always liked them until I switched to Widex. I often wonder if it was the skill of the audiologist or the hearing aids. The Phonak guy had retired when I switched. Just proves how important that trial period is. Don't you think it should be longer than 30 days?

Mary, life isn’t simple any more. Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE are not the same.

@arrowshooter

Good grief! I had to goggle Bluetooth LE and after reading the differences, I am not sure I care as long as it works. I am sure there will be an AB, CD and XYZ. I’m still waiting for Hologram captioning to appear below each person’s mouth . I’d even wear headgear for that technology.

FL Mary

There's a job in Research & Development just waiting for out there somewhere.

My ENT said he did not think a cochlear implant was the way to go. Is this Osia implant the same sort of thing?