Hearing Loss Mild to Moderate - both ears

Audiologist would be a good start

Wishing your spouse a good outcome choosing and wearing hearing aids; i just tried a pair (moderate hearing loss both ears) for a few hours a day for 4 days but seemed to make my tinnitus worse or, made it sound more high pitched; there is a lot of information on the Internet I found useful.. these are small roundish speakers for behind the ears with a thin wire at the end of which is a sort of rubber dome which you gently push into ear canal; but I read there are some even smaller, the actual aid fits right into the ear canal, which looks hardly noticeable. Unfortunately I also have hyperacusis and "musical ear" as well as stuffiness etc. For over a week ear feel plugged, a bit sore and still the tinnitus etc. So I will return the "loaners" hearing aids and just keep asking people to repeat what they say! I have a bit of jaw pain too so makes life miserable on top of other issues 🙁 If you do visit audiologist maybe they also have "loaners" so spouse can try before purchasing.

Has your spouse been tested by an audiologist? That would be the place to start. Be sure to ask for a copy of the audiogram results from that testing so you can shop around a bit if you choose to.

I also recommend seeing audiologist and getting their recommendations.
I have worn Oticon hearing aids for over 4 years. They really did help as I could hear my wife 2 rooms away in our house. But without them I had to be in the same room to hear. This year I upgraded to new Phonak hearing aides which work well and do not require replacing batteries every 4 days. They sit in charger overnight and they work all day. There is a phone app that shows the charge level. There is also a TV connector that enabled TV sound to come to the hearing aides independent of the tv speakers so you can control volume separately and the sound is great. These hearing aides are not cheap but worth the cost considering how important hearing is.

Don, I'm curious. Were you able to actually hear/understand what your wife was saying 2 rooms away? I can 'hear' my husband's shout but can't understand a word of it. So common with hearing loss to hear but not understand. I use that issue in presentations I do. So often with spouses, one is in control and the other does what needs to be done to communicate. LOL. Does the spouse with hearing loss drop everything and run to the room to see what the other one wants? Or does the one who is trying to reach the one who doesn't hear well, go to where the hard of hearing spouse is to communicate? This can be a biggie.

The brand issue is interesting too. I'm using a Widex aid that is NOT compatible with my cochlear processor. Only ReSound is compatible. I tried 5 different ReSound models before going back to the Widex brand. I know both brands are excellent products, but there is a difference between them. I think much has to do with taking the time to get used to them. I tried, honestly I did. My audiologist was very patient with me. I'm upgrading my CI processor and think I'm going to have to try ReSound again.

It's really interesting to hear people's stories about different hearing aid brands. All mentioned here are high quality products. So glad you're doing well with your new Phonaks.

Julie

I feel like you are my twin. I also have the exact same problems with trismus added.
I’m getting used to asking people to repeat or sit where my right ear collects most of the sound. My left ear is kinda always feeling blocked but doc says canal has become real small. If you find any solutions let me know. The tinnitus is the worst!!

I have a terrible time hearing a conversation in a loud restaurants but aids are so expensive

Audiologists at Mayo Clinic recommend Hearing Aid.
Tested at Mayo Clinic by audiologist and also at Costco.
Costco: Over 4 years of stable hearing loss. Hearing loss is not worsening. NO CHANGE, STABLE.
Tried hearing aid at Costco Jabra Enhance Pro 10 Mini behind the ear. Mini is the latest.

Undecided on Hearing Aid. If hearing loss worsens, or cognitive decline, or socio-medical problem; then will look into hearing aid.

Looking into trying supplements / alternative treatment options for hearing loss.

Thanks

Yes, hearing aids are very expensive, but hearing well is extremely valuable. It is a choice people make if they want to remain in the hearing mainstream, especially if the loss they experience is severe.

Another option for you might be trying one of the non prescriptive hearing aids that are now available. These 'over the counter' (OTC) hearing aids are really untested. We encourage people who have tried them to let us know about their experience. If you go the OTC route, be sure to ask questions about return policy. You will want to be able to return them if they don't help you. If you buy that way be sure to try them in every place you want to be able to hear. Don't get frustrated and take them off.

Many people purchase prescriptive products at 'big box stores' like Costco. They do testing there and can fit hearing aids professionally. Their products are about 1/4 the price of many that are sold elsewhere. They are not of the OTC variety.

It would be wise to have a hearing test done by a professional audiologist prior to seeking hearing aid help even if you want to buy less costly products. Get the testing done. Most insurance, and Medicare will cover that. Request a copy of your audiogram/test results so you can take it to a different provider such as the hearing instrument specialists at Costco. They can test you there too, but it might help to be able to compare the results.

Have you been tested by a professional audiologist?

Are you able to do well at social events? Movies? Theaters? Perhaps the most serious indicator of the need for hearing help is not being able to understand speech in noise. That often leads people to stop going places and doing things they have always enjoyed.

It sounds as if you have been tested and see little change. That is a good thing, and you are fortunate if that is the case. On the other hand, if a hearing aid was recommended, you might want to reconsider getting one,

There is research information that clearly establishes the fact that the sooner hearing loss is treated, but better a person will do with hearing technology. The brain takes time to adjust to a different way of listening.

How do the people in your family or friendship circle think about your hearing?