I suffer from a fairly typical combination of tinnitus and mild hearing loss. Over the past decade, I learned to accommodate by watching people's lips and concentrating on the conversation. Telephone calls were very difficult, especially cell-phone calls. I dreaded noisy restaurants. The background noise made it impossible for me to have a conversation. I was avoiding social situations. It was also difficult to listen to music, something that I used to enjoy. I tried every headphone that I could. All of my music sounded "muddy." Movies were also difficult and my wife would have to "translate" the dialogue. I was very sensitive to sharp and/or loud noises.
At my initial consult, Rebecca noted my subjective complaints. My wife was kind enough to accompany me. HRC recommends bringing a friend or family member w/ you to the consultation. This helps w/ the tendency to downplay hearing loss, which is part of the aging process and thus can be socially embarrassing.
Rebecca examined my ears and conducted standard objective hearing tests. She explained the results at the consultation and answered all of our questions. She recommended hearing aids but did not pressure us or steer us to a particular model. She also explained HRC's return policy, which gave us the confidence to purchase the hearing aids.
Rebecca recommended Widex hearing aids and a Comdex FM loop. She started me at a percentage of my prescription and gradually increased the hearing aid levels over a period of weeks until I was at my prescription level. The hearing aids worked flawlessly from the start. My wife noticed that my face relaxed. I was no longer straining to hear. Background noise in restaurants no longer bothered me. I am no longer sensitive to loud and/or sharp noises.
I can hear again! This includes movies, conversations and music. I no longer retreat socially. I can speak with my wife and our son w/out having to say "I'm sorry" "Pardon me" or "one more time." I no longer have to look at lips to follow the conversation. We can go to noisy restaurants and still have a conversation and enjoy the meal.
The Comdex FM loop, which is a bluetooth model, enables my hearing aids to interface w/ my iPhone. The technology takes some getting used to and was very frustrating at first. Rebecca and I had a series of emails regarding various glitches that plagued me. Rebecca researched all of my issues and promptly reported back. Her best advice was to keep working with it. I am pleased that I did. I also ended up buying a non-bluetooth FM loop (Unidex). Depending on the circumstances, I use one or the other.
Once you master the technology (there is a fairly steep learning curve) the FM loop borders in the miraculous. I use it to broadcast white noise loops from my iPhone to my hearing aids. This enables me to reduce and often eliminate my tinnitus. The audio portion of all phone calls go through my hearing aids and the FM loop has a microphone. I no longer dread telephone calls and can hear with great clarity. I can also stream music and radio programs directly into my hearing aids. No more "muddy" sounds. I am enjoying music again. I can listen to all my favorite radio stations without constantly adjusting the volume. If you end up with this solution and you are having trouble w/ the technology - ask HRC to put you in touch w/ me. I am always happy to explain what I learned.
I have since recommended HRC to friends and colleagues. I will continue to do so. Rebecca and her staff are fantastic. To be honest, you can probably find less expensive hearing aids. However, you really do get what you pay for. HRC includes the costs of all visits and consults. It also includes batteries, hearing aid supplies (wax guards and receiver tips) and most importantly for me, unlimited support and encouragement. I walked in the other day and for a quarterly cleaning. My hearing aids were professionally checked, de-humidified and cleaned. I received a bag of batteries and, as I always do, well-wishes and encouragement.
Bottom line - if you think you have hearing loss, don't wait. Go to HRC for a consult. If the recommendation is hearing aids - get them. They changed my life and I sincerely hope that you get the same result. read more