Help with hearing loss

March 14, 2006 11:14 AM

My mother, who is in her 50s, suffers from hearing loss. Two years ago my parents (who are both retired and live on a limited income) scraped together $3000 to buy her a set of hearing aids. They just stopped working, and of course the warranty was only for one year. So she is in the market for a new set.

She never really liked the hearing aids that she had - they amplified everything and made it different to pick out conversation in a room with background noises. Sounds like silverware clinking together actually hurt. When she talked to the place that sold her the hearing aids, they said that that's normal.

Her hearing loss is due to nerve damage which was caused by being around loud farm equipment and machinery when she was a child, if that makes any difference. She has additional hearing loss on top of that which the doctors attribute to old (!?!) age.

Since she's going to be spending another $3000 for the second time in 2 years, I want to make SURE that she gets quality devices that will help her. She is already blind in one eye, so the thought of having another one of her senses diminished frightens her.

How do I go about researching and finding out information on hearing aid recommendations? Googling brings me to sites that merely sell them. Also, is it out of the line to expect that noises shouldn't hurt one's ear when they're in, and that one should be able to hear a conversation amongst a little background noise? Any other thoughts/comments welcome.

posted by Ostara to health & fitness (4 comments total)

Also, is it out of the line to expect that noises shouldn't hurt one's ear when they're in, and that one should be able to hear a conversation amongst a little background noise?

They do sell hearing aids that minimize background noises, but they're more expensive. My dad had a set of the cheaper ones (cheaper?!) and the background noise bothered him so badly he quit using them. I'm sorry I can't be of more concrete help.
posted by digitalis at 11:19 AM on March 14, 2006

It occurs to me that, given the demographic of hearing aid users, there should be a lot fairly new units out there whose original buyers (not to be morbid) don't need them any more. Sure enough, Ebay has a lot of them. Maybe you could start with an Ebay search, then research the specific models you find for sale?
posted by LarryC at 11:52 AM on March 14, 2006

Does your mom have an audiologist? She may want to discuss her particular hearing needs with an audiologist, who can test her hearing and then help her select a hearing aid specifically for her situation. I cannot stress enough how important it is to visit an audiologist rather than a business that merely sells hearing aids.

I have had great success with my Senso hearing aid from Widex. It filters out background noise really well.
posted by kelegraph at 12:04 PM on March 14, 2006

I'd second kelegraph's comment about speaking to an audiologist to get her sorted.

Starkey aids are excellent. Newer advances cut out background noise and pick out voice.
I was amazed how effective they were for me.

I have a pair of AxentII CICs (completely in the ear sort) and a pair of GenesisDX (not-completely-in the ear, and directional).
Both are excellent at cutting out background noise, and are comfortable.

I wouldn't advise 'used' ones, even if you can find them. Modern aids need to be both moulded and programmed to the wearer, and it's not something you can do at home.
posted by nafrance at 3:14 PM on March 14, 2006