Hi All, I was just diagnosed to have a sufficient enough hearing problem to require hearing aids for both ears. (I’ve been aware of this [probably] genetic hearing loss for a while and have finally decided to do something about it.) I’m wondering if anyone can offer any insight, suggestions, etc. when it comes to getting and using hearing aids. Thanks in advance! Best, Dan
I was diagnosed in '91 with a job related 18% hearing loss and almost forced to retire from the fires service due to not meeting the post standard. Only after pleading my case and letters from my audiologist did I get to stay on the job. Due to that loss I was prescribed hearing aids and required to wear them while on duty but was able to remove them when working calls. When I finally retired 9 years later my hearing had remained stable without any additional loss.
I’ve been playing highland pipes for 11 years now and my hearing still remains stable. I wear musician ear plugs about 50% of the time I play both solo and with the band. I never wear the hearing aids when I’m on the big pipes but occasionally wear them when I play my small pipes. A couple of years ago I started playing the UP and now when I play I like to wear my hearing aids…It just sounds much richer with them on then off.
I’m on my 5th set of hearing aids with noticeable improvements with each new generation. With my loss it wasn’t about volume but clarity. High frequency loss would cause me to mistake consonant sounds ie. if you were to say Joe I may hear go. The aids I’m currently using have more clarity and less volume.
If you are like me it will be shock when you first turn them on. Sounds you haven’t heard in years will be jumping out all over. I can remember hearing crickets for the first time in years. Never gave it much notice until I heard them again and realized how much I missed. I don’t wear mine all the time more like using reading glasses.
Keep them clean and have them checked by your audiologist on a regular basis and make sure your insurance will cover them. Last year I was flying and had them on. I decided to listen to some music so I took them off to wear my earbuds. I put them in a small leather case I carry and put them in my pocket. I didn’t realize until two hours after I landed that I must have missed my pocket and lost my hearing aids on the plane. I contacted the airline and put a claim in but they never found them. Fortunately they were insured.
Give them time and you will love them.
Frank
Hi Frank,
Thank you very much for the kind and informative response! I’ll try to keep in mind what you say when I go back to the doctor’s next week. You’re very kind for providing this valuable information.
Sincerely,
Dan