I cried a little at Costco

Hearing Aids
#1

I posted my audiogram before and I have a reverse slope hearing loss. I had an appointment at Costco yesterday and the hearing test was very similar to the one at the ENT. (pic attached)

The hearing instrument specialist (not an audiologist) suggested Philips TR miniRTE 9030 and fitted me with a demo pair. He turned them on inside the booth and all of a sudden I could hear him differently. Louder, but also more brightly.

He suggested I walk around the store with my spouse for a few minutes. I couldn’t believe how much I could hear. I could hear the shopping cart wheels going, the noise of the AC (boy it’s loud in there), and my spouse talking.

I had a little moment where I cried a bit because I never knew how much I had been missing. I could even hear actual words of people’s conversations when they walked by which I never had before.

I go back next week to pick them up and try them out. The specialist said he didn’t think it was that much harder to program for reverse slope loss which I found interesting given all the reading I’ve done to the contrary. Any suggestions on what to ask for when I go back next week in terms of care, specific programs, or how to know what needs adjusting?

This forum has been so helpful.

ENT v Costco
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#2

Congratulations.
With my latest hearing aids I was able to carry on a conversation with someone in a crowded noisy room. It has been years since I was able to do that. I am still getting adjusted to my one week old hearing aids.

I have found that a skilled, caring professional is much more important than whether they are a degreed audiologist. One of my worst fittings was from an audiologist some of my better experiences were from specialists. I happen to currently see an audiologist.

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#3

Wow I wish I had your audiogram. Yes, I’ve also read about the challenge of fitting a reverse slope, but maybe today’s aids are better able to compensate for whatever frequency is missing? I sure hope these work out for ya! You’ll be cryin’ tears of JOY for sure. :slightly_smiling_face:

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#4

@prodigyplace: For whatever it’s worth … I wholeheartedly agree. IMO it’s the most important criterion in choosing an audiologist.

[Addendum: I’m sincerely happy for your new auditory success!]

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#5

Congratulations.
It’s always great to read a success story about hearing.
You almost put tears iny eyes reading it.

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#6

See? Nothing to be scared of. :grin: All (auditory) gain, no pain! :ok_hand:

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#7

You mentioned how loud everything sounded and that is one of the challenges of fitting your particular loss. You’ll want to find a happy medium between clear speech and background noises that don’t overwhelm or tire you out.

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#8

If you can get the Costco hearing tech to repeat the hearing test with the new hearing aids in your ears — you will see if they get your hearing at all frequencies at less than 20 db hearing loss. That would be worth a $100 tip!

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#9

That’s not how hearing aids work. Programmed for a sensorineural loss, they typically provide about 1/3 of the loss in gain. For example, if one had a 60dB loss, one would get 20dB in gain, making 40dB audible. Conductive losses about 1/2 the gain. Hearing aids do not restore hearing to “normal.”

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#10

Thanks for that explanation. I have a lot to learn. I go tomorrow to pick them up. He said they will do a real ear measurement and I’ve read that is important.

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#11

Yes, I can relate as I have reverse slope hearing loss as well and had those same type of reactions when I first started wearing them. I quickly found out however my hearing specialist was a dispenser - not an audiologist. They admitted my condition was challenging, he could only do so much, and recommended I seek out someone else to help. I did find an audiologist that had experience with reverse slope and helped me even more. I think it’s easy to get someone started on HA’s but harder to fine tune them for RSL.

BTW, A/C units in general are still pretty loud for me too - still working on that.

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#12

How do you know if you are hearing well? If people who need hearing aids can’t hear already, how do we know if the new hearing aids are working as they should?

Feedback noise, static, clarity?
Probably a dumb question, but I’ve been thinking about it. I’m picking up my hearing aids this afternoon.

#13

@user277 This may seem like a glib answer but one definition could be the reduction (total removal may seem more like dreaming) in the number of times you say “what” “could you repeat that”

Coupled with loud noises not overwhelming you

Good luck with your new aids

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#14

Since the emphasis in hearing aids is being able to understand speech, that makes sense to me as a way to evaluate. If you’re asking people to repeat themselves, get complaints about how loud you play the TV or frequently misunderstand people, you’re likely not hearing well. If you don’t interact with people, then it would be challenging to evaluate.

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#15

That’s helpful. I do interact with people - from little kids to adults most days. :slight_smile:

#16

I don’t know what your loss is like, but understanding little kids is often challenging, particularly for those with high frequency losses.

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#17

You are picking up your aids at Costco. If you are going there with someone else, take a bit of time to walk around the store with them and talk. It is easy to go back to the hearing center if you need adjustments.

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#18

Sorry, but this was true years ago.
For example simulate Phonak Bolero M30-PR on flat 60dB audiogram in Target.
For DSLv5 children version will be gain on G50 38-54dB and adult version 29-44dB.
That is far from 20dB.

#19

Gain from what?
The hearing loss has to be taken into account.
Or am I missing something?

#20

I used a Lumity. DSLv5 did tend to give higher amounts of gain but I’m pretty sure it’s not used that often in adults. Phonak adaptive gave 20-25 dB and NAL-2 gave about 25.