'Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss,' by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan

Hearing Loss
#17

Would I love to see a follow-on book published: “Now YOU Can Hear as Good as Anyone with Normal Hearing cuz Today’s Aids Actually WORK!”

Not meaning to marginalize the value of the book here AT ALL, but in my dreams, the dang AIDS would come of age so that they really DO let us hear like normal folks - much as glasses help folks SEE like those with 20-20 vision. It seems that the ear/brain connection is simply not a straightforward FIX like getting prescription glasses.

That said, I was ECSTATIC today to be able to decently hear a guy with very soft voice in a SUPER noisy CA Pizza Kitchen joint over lunch - packed place, music blaring. Funny aside, I’d confused my programs and started out with “Comfort in Echo” - which was useless. Luckily, halfway through lunch I recalled that "Speech in LOUD Noise " was the 2nd program, and after I cycled through to that one, WORLD of difference!

If hearing aids had half the tech developments of military or space program devices, we may have had an easier time lumping through our lives with cinderblock ears. Even so, BLESS the authors of this book for sharing their experiences with more than just we, who walk the walk.

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#18

I can relate to all but the CI experience, of most that they are talking about. Thank goodness I am not someone that has to depend on or use captions, I much prefer to just read a book then try to watch what is happening and trying to read at the same time. My Oticon More1 aids are set to the point that I am only using the default program anymore. Now if I didn’t hav to adjust volume at times I would feel like that my hearing was pretty much normal most of the time.

#19

That is a MIRACLE in itself! I absolutely have to cycle through the Phonak Marvel programs to get to one that is dedicated to the “hear and NOW” that I’m in. So Comfort in Echo is typically on when at home; Speech in LOUD Noise would be my #2 most selected for noisy gatherings. And Acoustic Phone simply has to be available for using any phone that I’m not paired/connected to via BT.

Gadgets! I’m juggling 10 of them at once like those circus acts where the guy is twirling a dozen dinner plates up in the air on separate sticks! :slightly_smiling_face:

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#20

Gael describes herself as “bimodal” with a CI on one side and a hearing aid on the other. I’m reading the book now.

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#21

I suggest that if you are a user of your local public library you ask them to purchase this book. That way, it will be available to help many others who may borrow it and read it. I’m reading a library copy now, but will also buy one–then lend to people I know or may meet who have hearing loss.

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#22

Maybe it is the way that my hearing aid experience started. My first 3 sets of aids had only one program and no way to adjust the volume, I guess I got use to that concept. I will say that my first about 15 years of wearing aids weren’t as pleasant as the last about 5 years have been

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#23

You’re preachin’ to the choir!!! I’d only add that I’ve got about 15 years in between the first 15 years and the last 5 years to base my experiences on. :upside_down_face:

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#24

@mystuart thats the official terminology we use if you have one CI and a HA.

#25

Thanks to @cvkemp for the book recommendation. Just started reading it, looks interesting.

A minor warning is that the original Kindle couldn’t cope with it. For some reason bullet points and the writing after them are almost invisible. It works fine with Kindle App on the iPad though

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#26

I am using the Fire Tablet to.read it, my.old eyes needs all of the large print it can get

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#27

I like the idea of living “skillfully” as opposed to merely surviving!
I will have to check this book out!
Thank you!

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#28

Just ordered. Thanks for the recommendation. I’m on 6.5 years with hearing loss and believe most studies indicate it takes 7 years to fully accept. I’m finding myself bolder with what I need to hear better, but I’m sure this book will help me even more. $10 on kindle not bad.

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#29

I have been wearing aids for about 20 years, but was told I had some hearing loss back in January of 1977. I believe I may have have had some hearing loss as far back as my teens.

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#30

This is an amazing book. I’m on my 3rd set of Phonaks…

I bought the iPad version first; I was scheduled to be in the jury pool for jury duty. (I appealed. Thanks to my audiologist–I was excused from Jury Duty.

Along the way I had second thoughts about taking my iPad tothe courthouse. I bought the paperback book from Amazon.

I’m learning something with every page! It’s caused a MindShift. I no longer complain about my hearing problems. I’m working on improving communication.

Book is highly recommended.

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#31

I saw this a few days ago and bought the book. I’m half way through it and love it. I just want to thank you for putting this up. I’ve been wearing hearing aids since 2012. Thanks again.

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#32

Can I get this book as a real book, not in kindle?

#33

Yes from a number of places including Amazon

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#34

Thank you,I think I need it ha

#35

It’s a wonderful book. I bought the paperback from amazon when I thought I was going to be in the Jury pool for selection.

edit: everyone learns differently. I had bought the kindle version but it didn’t suit me. I learn better with a book in my hands, and have a chance to mark it up.

DaveL

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#36

I just saw my audiologist, who has been most helpful

Took this book and showed it to him. Recommended it to him.

DaveL

edit: I saw him after using my Phonak Audeo P90R’s for a year. I’ve had issues with word recognition. New hearing test; He completely set up my hearing aids. I’m happy! They’re working much better now. So far my only request would be to change volume. He’s wonderful. Helpful and skilled.

DaveL
Toronto

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