How often do you turn volume down on hearing aids

Hearing Aids
#42

Until recently I thought the only way to understand and hear better was to increase gain. Turn up the volume.Like the sound systems/stereo I used to enjoy.

Now we have directional microphones, advanced setup tools, and different ways to configure compression.

I’ve read a lot; however, I’ve found it hard to find good material written by knowledgable people.

I adjust volume. Yet yesterday I heard my wife say to our neighbour that I can’t hear as a low-lying airplane flew overhead on final. I had no idea he had talked to me.

DaveL
Toronto

#43

FIRST, IF your sister has her HAs “permanently turned down,” then they are not set correctly for her needs. She should return to the source and have the programming corrected.

I have Phonak Breo 3 HAs from Costco - now 5+ years old. Along with them, I bought a device that transmits directly from my TV to my HAs. I am CONSTANTLY adjusting the volume* both because different channels broadcast at different volume levels and because COMMERCIALS are AGAIN being broadcast VERY LOUD.^

  • I HATE opening the mostly useless Phonak app, connecting my HAs and using my tablet or phone battery. So I actually do NOT adjust the volume, per se. I adjust the RELATIVE balance between ambient sound and that coming directly to me from the TV. It is a work around to avoid using the app.

^ For a while, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had a REGULATION requiring that there be NO volume difference between programming and commercials. That regulation was, apparently, withdrawn. I have heard a strange explanation that i do NOT accept. In any event, people who use HAs SUFFER!

#44

I’m glad that the Oticon work well for you.

Were they provided and setup by the same audiologist that setup the Phonaks?

(20 years ago my audiologist suggested I try Oticon hearing aids. She put them in. I couldn’t even feel the switches on them. So I got to try Phonaks instead. I have nerve damage in both hands and very poor sense of touch. I’ve always been interested in Oticons since then. My first audiologist was amazing! I wish she was still in business.)

#45

Hi Dave,
Yes the Oticon and Phonak were both set up by the same audiologist. Her initial recommendation for Phonak was based on her perception that Phonak’s blue tooth implementation would be a bonus for me but that didn’t work out and in fact I have found the Oticon implementation to be a better matc for me as an iPhone user. I rarely use the buttons on the hearing aids my preference is to use Apples native mode accessed with 3 clicks on the home button - I find it easier than the app or the buttons but not sure that would help you. I agree with you good audiologists are like gold hang on to them when you find a good one.

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