Hi Everyone,
I am new to this and, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I posted on an internet forum (lol). I have had a suspicion that something has been wrong with my hearing for about the last five years, and it has finally gotten to the point that I can no longer ignore it. I am no longer able to use a phone in the "traditional" method (I have to use a Bluetooth device in my ear with the volume turned all the way up). I also realized about 1.5 years ago that I had somehow learned to read lips to pick up on what is being said. For example, if we are having a conversation I have to be able to see your lips to be able to understand what you are saying. Recently I have noticed a sound similar to white noise that I constantly "hear". There have also been a variety of other symptoms I have had that ultimately led me to see an audiologist this week.
I had mentioned these issues to my GP and she looked in my ears and said everything looked OK and not to worry about it. I thought about it and decided to see an audiologist for a hearing test and was hoping it was all in my head. I went yesterday and "failed" the test (I was a little shocked in the appointment and I didn't ask enough questions so I don't know where I fall on the spectrum). On the graph of the test (reading it left to right) I was below the line where she wrote OK? on everything and the line went down further as you go along with both ears being about the same. The high point of the graph was 35 and it dropped down to about 80 ish (the only reason I remember the 35 for sure is that I thought it was my age at first).
After briefly reviewing the test results, she put a pair of Oticon Intiga (I know the brand is correct and I think the model is correct, I don't believe it was the Alta). When she turned those things on......all I can say is WOW!!!! The whole room came alive in a way that I did not even know was possible! It was an eye opening experience and I really had not realized how bad my hearing had gotten until that moment. The best way I was able to describe it to my wife was like this (we are both very near sighted): Imagine that you have been walking around for several years without your glasses and one day someone places a pair on you and suddenly everything pops into clarity. That is honestly the best analogy that I can come up with.
So, I have a few questions and I have tried perusing the boards, but can't find the answers I'm looking for. First of all, are they generally able to tell you why you are experiencing hearing loss? My audiologist just said it was permanent and it could get worse. I'm also wondering about hearing aids, clearly I want them and I have been researching the major brands and it seems like the new Resounds that are made for iPhone would be the best fit for me. Literally knowing nothing about hearing aids before yesterday, how does one decide before such a major purchase (still have a little sticker shock here)? Features are important to me (Bluetooth integration is huge), but other than that it seems that all of the major brands make a good product, so what have been deciding factors for some of you? Is it a good idea to buy something on the used market?
Sorry this post is so long and has so many questions. By the way, I am a 35 year old working professional with a wife and a 9 year old daughter. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Thank You,
Nich
I am new to this and, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I posted on an internet forum (lol). I have had a suspicion that something has been wrong with my hearing for about the last five years, and it has finally gotten to the point that I can no longer ignore it. I am no longer able to use a phone in the "traditional" method (I have to use a Bluetooth device in my ear with the volume turned all the way up). I also realized about 1.5 years ago that I had somehow learned to read lips to pick up on what is being said. For example, if we are having a conversation I have to be able to see your lips to be able to understand what you are saying. Recently I have noticed a sound similar to white noise that I constantly "hear". There have also been a variety of other symptoms I have had that ultimately led me to see an audiologist this week.
I had mentioned these issues to my GP and she looked in my ears and said everything looked OK and not to worry about it. I thought about it and decided to see an audiologist for a hearing test and was hoping it was all in my head. I went yesterday and "failed" the test (I was a little shocked in the appointment and I didn't ask enough questions so I don't know where I fall on the spectrum). On the graph of the test (reading it left to right) I was below the line where she wrote OK? on everything and the line went down further as you go along with both ears being about the same. The high point of the graph was 35 and it dropped down to about 80 ish (the only reason I remember the 35 for sure is that I thought it was my age at first).
After briefly reviewing the test results, she put a pair of Oticon Intiga (I know the brand is correct and I think the model is correct, I don't believe it was the Alta). When she turned those things on......all I can say is WOW!!!! The whole room came alive in a way that I did not even know was possible! It was an eye opening experience and I really had not realized how bad my hearing had gotten until that moment. The best way I was able to describe it to my wife was like this (we are both very near sighted): Imagine that you have been walking around for several years without your glasses and one day someone places a pair on you and suddenly everything pops into clarity. That is honestly the best analogy that I can come up with.
So, I have a few questions and I have tried perusing the boards, but can't find the answers I'm looking for. First of all, are they generally able to tell you why you are experiencing hearing loss? My audiologist just said it was permanent and it could get worse. I'm also wondering about hearing aids, clearly I want them and I have been researching the major brands and it seems like the new Resounds that are made for iPhone would be the best fit for me. Literally knowing nothing about hearing aids before yesterday, how does one decide before such a major purchase (still have a little sticker shock here)? Features are important to me (Bluetooth integration is huge), but other than that it seems that all of the major brands make a good product, so what have been deciding factors for some of you? Is it a good idea to buy something on the used market?
Sorry this post is so long and has so many questions. By the way, I am a 35 year old working professional with a wife and a 9 year old daughter. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Thank You,
Nich
