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Reactions to first hearing aids?

Posted by justtodd @justtodd, May 3 6:57pm

Hi, everyone. Just picked up my first hearing aids and am finding that the world is so noisy, especially the birds! It is pleasurable to carry on a conversation and hear most consonants, but not so much with all the new noises that my old truck makes now - < grin>. Wish I hadn't waited so long, but denial and cost were certainly a factor. Overall, I can function 'normally' now and don't have to strain to hear nearly as much. Still getting used to the itch from my vented domes, though. We'll have to see what happens to my word recognition in a followup visit as I started with 40-60%, depending on which ear.

Thanks to all those here who shared their knowledge and experiences as it provided me with a wealth of information and places to research. Learning how important finding a good audiologist is certainly very true, along with verifying that the audiologist performs a Real Ear Measurement. For those who don't know what that is, a tiny microphone is placed in your ears along with the HA. The microphone then measures how loud the HA sounds are to verify that the levels are correct.

I'm sure other brands of HAs work well, but between my audi and I, we decided on Phonak Lumity Life 90s with "P" receivers. While my only question to her was; what style of HA would best perform with my hearing loss and needs, it was me that drove the choice of the top-tier device for the functionality. Real Ear Measurements were made to tailor the HA response to my audiogram, providing just-right amplification across the spectrum where it was needed.

The care that I received was top-notch; absolutely no complaints; a shout-out to Leah-Margaret! The only drawback was cost, but I'm the one who chose top-tier, and those come with a top-tier price tag. I hope others have success stories as well. Please feel free to share them.

JustTodd

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

imallears | @imallears | May 4 8:23am

@justtodd

Congratulations on a whole new world of listening. I am a 45 plus year hearing aid user and Phonak has been my choice for over half that time. I received a pair of Phonak Lumity UP 90s September 2023. My hearing loss is profound.

You will get used to all the sounds that you have missed and sound “loud” to you now. You should have a program that you can use to mute some of those sounds if they are still bothersome down the line. Feel free to mute them or remove them if you get overwhelmed. You will find yourself with auditory fatigue at the end of the day..that is normal. I often remove mine for several hours later in the day if I know I am going out later that night. You will find that maybe you don’t hear as well later on in the day as you did first thing in the morning. Again..all part of auditory fatigue and probably a little moisture.
Take them out and dry out your ears a bit and give them a rest.

Don’t be dismayed if your speech comprehension is not what you were expecting. It really does change depending on your environment. You also may not know where some sounds are coming from.
Keep those aids in a pristine
condition. I have tubing on mine with custom unvented molds. I learned how to re tube my own and change the hooks. So learn what you can about the type you have and maybe you can troubleshoot some problems on your own.

In any event…it’s so exciting to be able to participate more in life! And, by the way, almost everyone waits too long for their first aids.

FLA Mary

REPLY
1 reply
cathy58 | @cathy58 | May 6 7:30am

I have heard that some stores sell hearing aids over the counter. Wondering if anyone have bought them and what their experience has been.

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vic83 | @vic83 | May 6 10:01am
In reply to @imallears "@justtodd Congratulations on a whole new world of listening. I am a 45 plus year hearing..." + (show)
@imallears

@justtodd

Congratulations on a whole new world of listening. I am a 45 plus year hearing aid user and Phonak has been my choice for over half that time. I received a pair of Phonak Lumity UP 90s September 2023. My hearing loss is profound.

You will get used to all the sounds that you have missed and sound “loud” to you now. You should have a program that you can use to mute some of those sounds if they are still bothersome down the line. Feel free to mute them or remove them if you get overwhelmed. You will find yourself with auditory fatigue at the end of the day..that is normal. I often remove mine for several hours later in the day if I know I am going out later that night. You will find that maybe you don’t hear as well later on in the day as you did first thing in the morning. Again..all part of auditory fatigue and probably a little moisture.
Take them out and dry out your ears a bit and give them a rest.

Don’t be dismayed if your speech comprehension is not what you were expecting. It really does change depending on your environment. You also may not know where some sounds are coming from.
Keep those aids in a pristine
condition. I have tubing on mine with custom unvented molds. I learned how to re tube my own and change the hooks. So learn what you can about the type you have and maybe you can troubleshoot some problems on your own.

In any event…it’s so exciting to be able to participate more in life! And, by the way, almost everyone waits too long for their first aids.

FLA Mary

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I love mine (Phonak)!!! Even if I wasn't hard of hearing I would want them! I love talking on my cell phone hands free!!!!

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