Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, IEM's and the Half Deaf Musician

[Screamin Willie]

I'm wondering how folks (besides me) deal with (or don't) with hearing loss as it affects your music, on and off stage, but also the other aspects such as how it affects your interaction with the other members of the band as well as others around you.

I've been hard of hearing since I was a teenager. Guns, guitars and open headers, it just don't get no better.

Well, I'm 59 now and I've finally decided to do something about it.

My trip to the doctor today was quite an eye opener for me. I had no idea, but should have realized, where the technology is today. It is just crazy cool.

I had the hearing tests done and got the report. No surprises. I have a severe high freq loss. I've known that since I was 17 years old.

Here comes the cool part. The doctor explained with the digital technology they can filter, pass, shift freqs wherever you need them. The aids are computer programmable so they can be dialed-in for you. There is other cool stuff like auto-leveling. Now here is the REALLY cool part. The system I am looking at also has a pendant that you can plug your phone or mp3 player into and stream music, or phone calls or whatever, wireless to your hearing aids. Huh? Huh? Pretty badass eh?

So I'm thinking I'll plug an aux out from the board into this little x-mitter and I got monitors. Whatayathink?

I talked to the doctor about the stage situation and she is going to do some checking and see what she can find that might help.

How ya'll with hearing troubles dealing?

Willie

[John II]

Your description sounds like the hearing aids my father recently invested in. They changed his life. Cool indeed.

[crosse79]

Great to hear technology can help - options like this are always good for musicians.

[walterw]

The system I am looking at also has a pendant that you can plug your phone or mp3 player into and stream music, or phone calls or whatever, wireless to your hearing aids. Huh? Huh? Pretty badass eh?

So I'm thinking I'll plug an aux out from the board into this little x-mitter and I got monitors. Whatayathink?

sounds like super-ultimate badass IEMs to me! what's the wireless range?

[Tadams]

Did you go to a regular doctor? or a specialist?

[walterw]

sounds like super-ultimate badass IEMs to me! what's the wireless range?
OK, before i go that far, do they block outside sounds, too?

because the point of IEMs is to block the on-stage "jet engine blast", then pipe in whatever you need at a comfortable level.

earpieces that allowed all outside noise in too would be no good; you'd have to blast them to get over the outside noise, destroying what's left of your hearing in the process.

[jekylmeister]

Your situation sounds very much like mine. About a year or so ago I had the tests done and got two digital hearing aids. Very small footprint, with the little clear tube that runs into the ear with a speaker on the end. They make everything - loud. I don't wear them very much any more (at least at the moment). In addition to being a little uncomfortable, I'm conscientious about them, even though they're not too noticeable. I'll tell you that my wife is not happy that I don't wear them. She worries about how I perform at work with this hearing loss. I am not deaf, but my hearing is decreased. Maybe I've got selective hearing loss when she's yacking at me.....
My insurance paid for mine and they were about $1500 each. They're very hi-tech - they plug them into the computer and can adjust them based on the feedback you give them. Mine have 3 channels - regular, for using in a loud environment (restaurant), and for directional (TV).....

[veus55]

This is the reason I always use ear protection.
I invested in some good custom fitted ear protection. The good quality ones keep diminish most of the frequencies equally so they sound pretty good.

I only spent around $200. The best investment any musician can make.

[Screamin Willie]

Your description sounds like the hearing aids my father recently invested in. They changed his life. Cool indeed.

Same for my Mom, that was a big part of my motivation for getting off my butt and doing something about it. And she's 80 years old.

sounds like super-ultimate badass IEMs to me! what's the wireless range?

Not sure on the range yet.

Did you go to a regular doctor? or a specialist?

This was and Ear, Nose and Throat MD. They have on-site testing as well. the doctor's card says Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology.

OK, before i go that far, do they block outside sounds, too?

because the point of IEMs is to block the on-stage "jet engine blast", then pipe in whatever you need at a comfortable level.

earpieces that allowed all outside noise in too would be no good; you'd have to blast them to get over the outside noise, destroying what's left of your hearing in the process.

The doc said there are different ear pieces that I can swap out for stage use.

Your situation sounds very much like mine. About a year or so ago I had the tests done and got two digital hearing aids. Very small footprint, with the little clear tube that runs into the ear with a speaker on the end. They make everything - loud. I don't wear them very much any more (at least at the moment). In addition to being a little uncomfortable, I'm conscientious about them, even though they're not too noticeable. I'll tell you that my wife is not happy that I don't wear them. She worries about how I perform at work with this hearing loss. I am not deaf, but my hearing is decreased. Maybe I've got selective hearing loss when she's yacking at me.....
My insurance paid for mine and they were about $1500 each. They're very hi-tech - they plug them into the computer and can adjust them based on the feedback you give them. Mine have 3 channels - regular, for using in a loud environment (restaurant), and for directional (TV).....

This is exactly what I don't want to happen. jekylmeister, I am truly sorry that is the way it turned out for you. And, this is, in part, what has kept me from doing something about it. One of the first things I told the doc was I don't just want to stick two powered speakers in my ears. She explained, that's not what it does. There is a whole lot more going on than just cranking up the volume.

jekylmeister, my brother, I encourage you to talk to your doc and see if you can't get your's tweaked-in. We kid about tuning out the ol' lady but the truth is, it is probably more frustrating for the people around us than it is for us. Do you play in a band? And you already mentioned work. Ok, off my soapbox. One last thing about the volume. The units I am looking at have auto-leveling to avoid the problems you had. They also have a button that can be programmed to cut the volume when you want. These are the behind the ear units. Not sure what you have.

On hardware. I was shown 6-band, 16-band and a 20-band units. Much like a graphic eq, you can do a lot more with 16 than 6. It's all about manipulating freqs and levels.

This is the reason I always use ear protection.
I invested in some good custom fitted ear protection. The good quality ones keep diminish most of the frequencies equally so they sound pretty good.

I only spent around $200. The best investment any musician can make.

THIS is the intelligent approach.


Thanks for the feedback all,

Willie

[GAD]

Sounds like you'll have those babies cranked up and lose the rest of your hearing in no time. :)

Just kidding - they do sound cool.

[KLB]

If you do use IEM, be sure to put limiters on them!!!!

If something goes wrong and you get a super loud blast, you can instantly damage your hearing before you can even get the IEM out.

[Jahn]

i've got high freq loss in my right ear, and yeah i'd jump at the shot at a hearing aid there - but i've got tinnitus in that ear too. no way do i want to get a more pronounced ringing due to an improvement in high freq hearing in that ear.

[Screamin Willie]

Sounds like you'll have those babies cranked up and lose the rest of your hearing in no time. :)

Just kidding - they do sound cool.

LOL, I wonder if I can get 'em with two 6L6's

[Screamin Willie]

i've got high freq loss in my right ear, and yeah i'd jump at the shot at a hearing aid there - but i've got tinnitus in that ear too. no way do i want to get a more pronounced ringing due to an improvement in high freq hearing in that ear.

I don't think it works like that. But, I don't know. It would be well worth talking to a doctor. You may be surprised at what they can do.

[KeithC]

We fit hearing aids and I will say the current technology truly is leaps and bounds above what it has been.

We fit more of the "open ear" receiver in the canal type that fits behind the ear with a very thin speaker link that goes to the ear.
They come with remotes too.

With more auto programs that are constantly taking in your current listening environment and seamlessly changing between pre set auto programs they really can help tremendously to get speech heard while unwanted noise is kept to a minimum.

They can be expensive but never in my couple of decades of fitting and helping fit HA's have we had such high acceptance rate and positive results.

Just remember you should always get a trial period where you can try them and get them reprogrammed and then if they don't work you can return them and get most of your money back. Here we are allowed to keep up to 10% although we never do keep that much on a return.

There are some unrecoverable costs and having a "trial fee" is appropriate.

Good luck!

[KeithC]

I don't think it works like that. But, I don't know. It would be well worth talking to a doctor. You may be surprised at what they can do.

Actually hearing aids can help in some cases with the effects of tinnitus. Not always but sometimes they do help mask it with other frequencies being amplified around the ringing freq.

We've never had anyone that felt the aid made it worse. Not saying no one has ever reported that or that ALL people get a benefit in the ringing department with HA's but some sure do.

[BatChainPuller]

This is the reason I always use ear protection.
I invested in some good custom fitted ear protection. The good quality ones keep diminish most of the frequencies equally so they sound pretty good.

I only spent around $200. The best investment any musician can make.


Loud noise isn't the only cause of hearing loss. There are genetic forms of hearing loss as well. I have always been very protective of my hearing from when I first started playing in bands, but have had significant loss in one ear due to otosclerosis. The other ear may or may not be affected down the road. I have two sets of the custom fitted earplugs, but unfortunately they can't prevent every kind of hearing loss--not that musicians shouldn't get them, because they are great at what they do.

[Jim Jones]

I've had hearing aids myself for going on three years now. (I'm 40) I have otosclerosis so it's as much heredity as damage from loud volume over the years for me. Although I'd bet the tinnitus is from volume. :)

Hearing aids have made a world of difference for me in everyday life (I'm a radio announcer), but unfortunately they don't work worth a rat's ass in a loud volume situation. If I'm playing my guitar on anything past 1 I have to take them out because they distort like a mother. Same goes for concerts or even a cranked stereo.

[Screamin Willie]

If you do use IEM, be sure to put limiters on them!!!!

If something goes wrong and you get a super loud blast, you can instantly damage your hearing before you can even get the IEM out.

This is something that scares me about the use of IEM's. And I am only recently learning about IEM's. I am perfectly happy with stage monitors. But being able to incorporate it with the hearing aids, and it be wireless is pretty damn cool. Plus, my wife has been on me forever to get hearing aids. Now, she would never support the idea of me forking out the bucks for IEM's. So if I can incorporate the two, I'm good to go. The units that I am looking at automatically clamp the peaks you are talking about. I would be surprised if some upper end IEM systems didn't have similar features.

[Screamin Willie]

The hearing aids that I am looking at are Audeo series by Phonak. www.phonak-us.com

They also make make ear phones that they tout as being used by professional sound engineers and musicians for their IEM's.

Maybe some of yuz have heard of them.

Any experiences with other brands?

Thanks again

[slopeshoulder]

This is the reason I always use ear protection.
I invested in some good custom fitted ear protection. The good quality ones keep diminish most of the frequencies equally so they sound pretty good.

I only spent around $200. The best investment any musician can make.

Same here. They are GREAT, and sound GREAT. Start with them in and you won't notice they are in. I did foam once and all tone was gone, but not with the good custom made ones.
Then maybe we won't have to get the wonderful new hearing aids for a long long time.

[KeithC]

The hearing aids that I am looking at are Audeo series by Phonak. www.phonak-us.com

They also make make ear phones that they tout as being used by professional sound engineers and musicians for their IEM's.

Maybe some of yuz have heard of them.

Any experiences with other brands?

Thanks again

I've sure heard of Phonak. We fit mostly Unitron and have over the last few years ZERO returns.
All the companies have their own take on all the newest technology for sure.

Starkey is probably the biggest name and we can fit them also. Since you have to have fitting software and hardware for all brands most offices stick with one or two brands.

[JMPRO]

I have been wearing the aids for about ten years now. One thing you all need to know is that the hearing aids are just that, an aid to hearing but they will never replace real natural hearing. No matter how good the tech is at adjusting them you will always hear a processed and electronic sound somewhat like playing your guitar through a small solid state cheap amp with a 4" speaker. I compare the aids to using a cane, ya you can get around but its not the same as having two good legs.
Jerry

[Jahn]

Actually hearing aids can help in some cases with the effects of tinnitus. Not always but sometimes they do help mask it with other frequencies being amplified around the ringing freq.

We've never had anyone that felt the aid made it worse. Not saying no one has ever reported that or that ALL people get a benefit in the ringing department with HA's but some sure do.

now THAT i didn't know about. hmm, might be worth looking into, thanks!

[KeithC]

I have been wearing the aids for about ten years now. One thing you all need to know is that the hearing aids are just that, an aid to hearing but they will never replace real natural hearing. No matter how good the tech is at adjusting them you will always hear a processed and electronic sound somewhat like playing your guitar through a small solid state cheap amp with a 4" speaker. I compare the aids to using a cane, ya you can get around but its not the same as having two good legs.
Jerry

Good point. And we always point that out.
The newest platforms are really much more realistic though. I have a slight loss in the highs but no need for HA's but I have tried on and worn them just for knowledge and experience and the latest ones we have fit are much more natural.

But nothing (so far) can and does sound 100% natural. Typically the brain gets used to how hearing aids sound and the benefit hopefully outweighs the downsides.

[jekylmeister]

Same for my Mom, that was a big part of my motivation for getting off my butt and doing something about it. And she's 80 years old.



Not sure on the range yet.



This was and Ear, Nose and Throat MD. They have on-site testing as well. the doctor's card says Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology.



The doc said there are different ear pieces that I can swap out for stage use.



This is exactly what I don't want to happen. jekylmeister, I am truly sorry that is the way it turned out for you. And, this is, in part, what has kept me from doing something about it. One of the first things I told the doc was I don't just want to stick two powered speakers in my ears. She explained, that's not what it does. There is a whole lot more going on than just cranking up the volume.

jekylmeister, my brother, I encourage you to talk to your doc and see if you can't get your's tweaked-in. We kid about tuning out the ol' lady but the truth is, it is probably more frustrating for the people around us than it is for us. Do you play in a band? And you already mentioned work. Ok, off my soapbox. One last thing about the volume. The units I am looking at have auto-leveling to avoid the problems you had. They also have a button that can be programmed to cut the volume when you want. These are the behind the ear units. Not sure what you have.

On hardware. I was shown 6-band, 16-band and a 20-band units. Much like a graphic eq, you can do a lot more with 16 than 6. It's all about manipulating freqs and levels.



THIS is the intelligent approach.


Thanks for the feedback all,

Willie

Willie, I appreciate the kind comments. Mine are very high-end and perhaps I did a poor job of representing them. I have had them adjusted several times and they do a great job filtering what they're supposed to and allowing through what you want. They work fantastically. Having said that, and anyway you slice it, it's still amplified sound and for all the reasons I stated above I just don't like wearing them. A time will come, no doubt, where I won't have a choice, but that time is not now.
The effect on my loved ones is not lost on me, either. They suffer the most. Yes, I play in a band and we probably play louder than we ought to, but not blow-our-brains-out loud. My hearing, like someone earlier said, was compromised when I was young through probably a combination of loud amps/music, guns, and a couple of perforated eardrums waterskiing. My hearing has pretty much been like this for many years although it's no doubt deteriorating with age. If I could go back to 20 years old, I'd do things a little differently. I also suffer tinnitis, which would drive anyone crazy, but I live with that, too.

Cheers, and thanks again for the thoughts.

[AussieIan]

I'm wondering how folks (besides me) deal with (or don't) with hearing loss as it affects your music, on and off stage, but also the other aspects such as how it affects your interaction with the other members of the band as well as others around you.

I've been hard of hearing since I was a teenager. Guns, guitars and open headers, it just don't get no better.

Well, I'm 59 now and I've finally decided to do something about it.

My trip to the doctor today was quite an eye opener for me. I had no idea, but should have realized, where the technology is today. It is just crazy cool.

I had the hearing tests done and got the report. No surprises. I have a severe high freq loss. I've known that since I was 17 years old.

Here comes the cool part. The doctor explained with the digital technology they can filter, pass, shift freqs wherever you need them. The aids are computer programmable so they can be dialed-in for you. There is other cool stuff like auto-leveling. Now here is the REALLY cool part. The system I am looking at also has a pendant that you can plug your phone or mp3 player into and stream music, or phone calls or whatever, wireless to your hearing aids. Huh? Huh? Pretty badass eh?

So I'm thinking I'll plug an aux out from the board into this little x-mitter and I got monitors. Whatayathink?

I talked to the doctor about the stage situation and she is going to do some checking and see what she can find that might help.

How ya'll with hearing troubles dealing?

Willie


settle down a moment. yeah hearing aids are good but not perfect. i'm not using the bells and whistles you're talking about, but they don't work as good as they sound in the brochures. still, they've changed my life and I'm eternally grateful.

First they are an absolute pain in the azz to get programmed right. You have to tell the audiologist what you need adjusted and it's really hard
to put it in words. I had mine adjusted five or six times before I got them right, and honestly I think it was a fluke it worked. It's like trying to adust a Rubix cube.. My aids are supposed to have a program where they adjust to different sounds and surroundings. I don't even use that, it never sounded right.

I still struggle with TVs and phones to a certain extent.

Still I'm amazed at how close to lifelike they sound. Music probably doesn't sound as good but it's close. With the right aids programmed correctly you'll be happy.

One thing that sucks. When you touch your hair or move your glasses around, you get a LOUD brushing sound. Your voice will sound really weird at first too.

[jekylmeister]

settle down a moment. yeah hearing aids are good but not perfect. i'm not using the bells and whistles you're talking about, but they don't work as good as they sound in the brochures. still, they've changed my life and I'm eternally grateful.

First they are an absolute pain in the azz to get programmed right. You have to tell the audiologist what you need adjusted and it's really hard
to put it in words. I had mine adjusted five or six times before I got them right, and honestly I think it was a fluke it worked. It's like trying to adust a Rubix cube.. My aids are supposed to have a program where they adjust to different sounds and surroundings. I don't even use that, it never sounded right.

I still struggle with TVs and phones to a certain extent.

Still I'm amazed at how close to lifelike they sound. Music doesn't sound as good but it's close.

One thing that sucks. When you touch your hair or move your glasses around, you get a LOUD brushing sound. Your voice will sound really weird at first too.

Not to mention you're suddenly (the first time) hearing stuff you weren't hearing before - keys jingling, little weird sounds your car's making, etc.....
But yeah, on that brushing sound. Also, if you have somebody yell next to you, it'll make you jump out of your skin.

[Screamin Willie]

I have been wearing the aids for about ten years now. One thing you all need to know is that the hearing aids are just that, an aid to hearing but they will never replace real natural hearing. No matter how good the tech is at adjusting them you will always hear a processed and electronic sound somewhat like playing your guitar through a small solid state cheap amp with a 4" speaker. I compare the aids to using a cane, ya you can get around but its not the same as having two good legs.
Jerry

Good point. And we always point that out.
The newest platforms are really much more realistic though. I have a slight loss in the highs but no need for HA's but I have tried on and worn them just for knowledge and experience and the latest ones we have fit are much more natural.

But nothing (so far) can and does sound 100% natural. Typically the brain gets used to how hearing aids sound and the benefit hopefully outweighs the downsides.

I am both cautious and hopeful, going in. I know it will be processed.

Willie, I appreciate the kind comments. Mine are very high-end and perhaps I did a poor job of representing them. I have had them adjusted several times and they do a great job filtering what they're supposed to and allowing through what you want. They work fantastically. Having said that, and anyway you slice it, it's still amplified sound and for all the reasons I stated above I just don't like wearing them. A time will come, no doubt, where I won't have a choice, but that time is not now.
The effect on my loved ones is not lost on me, either. They suffer the most. Yes, I play in a band and we probably play louder than we ought to, but not blow-our-brains-out loud. My hearing, like someone earlier said, was compromised when I was young through probably a combination of loud amps/music, guns, and a couple of perforated eardrums waterskiing. My hearing has pretty much been like this for many years although it's no doubt deteriorating with age. If I could go back to 20 years old, I'd do things a little differently. I also suffer tinnitis, which would drive anyone crazy, but I live with that, too.

Cheers, and thanks again for the thoughts.

Yea, I can see the big pain in the butt part. Good luck, man.

settle down a moment. yeah hearing aids are good but not perfect. i'm not using the bells and whistles you're talking about, but they don't work as good as they sound in the brochures. still, they've changed my life and I'm eternally grateful.

First they are an absolute pain in the azz to get programmed right. You have to tell the audiologist what you need adjusted and it's really hard
to put it in words. I had mine adjusted five or six times before I got them right, and honestly I think it was a fluke it worked. It's like trying to adust a Rubix cube.. My aids are supposed to have a program where they adjust to different sounds and surroundings. I don't even use that, it never sounded right.

I still struggle with TVs and phones to a certain extent.

Still I'm amazed at how close to lifelike they sound. Music doesn't sound as good but it's close.

One thing that sucks. When you touch your hair or move your glasses around, you get a LOUD brushing sound. Your voice will sound really weird at first too.

Ok, I'm settled. LOL I know hearing aids are not perfect. And I know I'm a dumbass for not taking care of my hearing. Fact is, when I was a kid, I didn't know any better, and nobody ever said anything. I thought your ears were suppose to ring for three days after you got done shooting.

At the same time, I'm excited about getting some of my life back and hopeful it comes in a package I can live with.

"It's like trying to adust a Rubix cube." Now THAT is funny. I was going to ask about a USB port and an APP for it. Mmmmmmaybe not. lol

Thanks for all the feedback folks. Good insight for me. Hopefully help some others.

Willie

[KeithC]

Yes. The more bands the more the program can precisely separate out noise from speech as there shouldn't be as much overlap. When the program detects speech in a certain area it can act on it more precisely if there are more and narrower bands available.

The programming is only as good as the company's software programming of course.
Honestly we usually only have to do minimal programming after the initial first programming and feedback cancellation is run. Many times none is needed. We offer a longer trial period than is required too.

Just this past Tuesday we had a 95 year old man pick up his set. He more than likely doesn't have a lot of years left but he wanted to hear what was going on around him for the time he had left. He was still very sharp and could easily join in but didn't because he couldn't hear. He left the office happy saying he was very optimistic. A good attitude is important for acceptance.

Good luck. Keep a good attitude and find out exactly what the trial period and fees are.

A hearing aid shop can make a pretty good living just getting people to try them and then keeping a large return fee. Of course it takes time and time is money so I'm not begrudging them their fees.
We just hear a lot of stories that don't turn out well and the person is out $500.00 for their "trial fee" and left with a really negative impression of hearing aids and the profession!

[JSnead]

As mentioned, there are a number of causes for hearing loss. In general, LOUD NOISE causes most of the loss. In my case, it is a little of everything including chemotherapy. There is a certain class of chemo drugs that cause nerve damage and since the signals are sent to the brain via nerves...

I consider myself blessed. I'm alive and most of the loss is in my right ear, which was not terrible. I wear one aide and it is a Phonak-micro/behind the ear. It made a world of difference. My ENT doc provides audiology services and I got mine though his audiologist. I had no problems getting it adjusted or adapting to it.

My "advice" is not to wait. It was explained to me that over time, the brain losses the ability to process sounds/signals. That means that, even if you could restore the signal, the brain may not be able to process it as sound--if it has been too long. Find someone good that you are comfortable with and see what they can do for you. I'm pleased with mine and have had no trouble with it. Shot me an email if I can answer any questions for you.

Jerry

[AussieIan]

The hearing aids that I am looking at are Audeo series by Phonak. www.phonak-us.com (http://www.phonak-us.com)

They also make make ear phones that they tout as being used by professional sound engineers and musicians for their IEM's.

Maybe some of yuz have heard of them.

Any experiences with other brands?

Thanks again

I own a pair of Phonak Audeo Smarts. They are great! The guy who was saying HAs sound like a cheap transister radio must have some pretty poor aids. When it comes to playing guitar, I honestly believe I'm not hearing much different than anyone else. I like the same amps and guitars everyone else does. My only problem with music, say the car radio or stereo, is that I need everything turned up a bit to get the proper mix.
When it's turned up everything sounds great. I'm sure I'm not hearing music as good as I used to, but it has to be pretty close because I'm not missing a beat. If I was a professional musician, I guess I'd be a little bummed knowing the audience and I aren't hearing exactly the same thing.

I still have a problem with watching TV, especially in our room with a high ceiling. I still struggle with people who have low pitch voices.

I tested a pair of Siemens for a month and I was never so happy to give anything back.

Let me say this though, the professional that programs your hearing aids IS EVERY BIT AS IMPORTANT AS THE HEARING AIDS THEMSELVES!

[Jeff Gehring]

I've got a pair of Phonak audeos too. They work fine for what I bought them for -- being able to recover high freq information to hear and understand conversation, in work and social situations. For guitar playing, I take them out, period. Guitar sounds terrible, mainly due to the anti-feedback processing. The algorithm assumes any relatively isolated and constant pitch is feedback, and attempts to phase cancel it. The result is that real program sounds like guitar have a tinny warbly chorusing to them as the hearing aid generates an opposite polarity signal that drifts in and out of phase lock with the guitar tone.
My audiologist was able to provide an alternate program setting I could switch to using the button on the behind-the-ear-piece, but to be able to switch from the normal program to the program with the antifeedback disabled, I had to give up the ability to be able to turn the volume up and down. That was too much of a pain so I went back to just the stock programming (which works great for speech) plus the volume control funtion...

[Screamin Willie]

... -- being able to recover high freq information to hear and understand conversation, in work and social situations. For guitar playing, I take them out, period. Guitar sounds terrible, mainly due to the anti-feedback processing. The algorithm assumes any relatively isolated and constant pitch is feedback, and attempts to phase cancel it. The result is that real program sounds like guitar have a tinny warbly chorusing to them as the hearing aid generates an opposite polarity signal that drifts in and out of phase lock with the guitar tone.
My audiologist was able to provide an alternate program setting I could switch to using the button on the behind-the-ear-piece, but to be able to switch from the normal program to the program with the antifeedback disabled, I had to give up the ability to be able to turn the volume up and down. That was too much of a pain so I went back to just the stock programming (which works great for speech) plus the volume control funtion...

Thanks Jeff, your first point is my primary reason for the hearing aids.

Interesting how the guitar part didn't work out. And for the reasons it didn't, my whole idea of being able to use these for IEM's probably just won't work. Will have to see.

Willie

[Screamin Willie]

Thanks again all for the feedback. I'm pulling the trigger today. I'm gonna do this.

After spending the last couple days consumed by this, I have a better understanding of the technology and, thanks to you fine fine folks, some real life expectations.

Wanted to catch you up on the hardware. I understand better now, how it works. Pretty cool. Don't know about the IEM thing but still...

I originally mentioned looking at the Phonak brand Audeo series of hearing aids. That was one of three I was quoted. And it was the least expensive. I'm going with the Ambra series. As far as the wireless part, they will both do the wireless thing. The hearing aids are wireless capable. Best as I can tell, using RF technology. There is an accessory available called ComPilot. The ComPilot is a pendant (a little bigger than a wireless key fob or about the same) you wear around your neck. The necklace part is an antenna. The ComPilot is a wireless x-mitter to the hearing aids. The ComPilot is also a Bluetooth x-ciever and has a built-in microphone. In the simplest scenario, you can pair it with your bluetooth phone and take phone calls or listen to your ipod completely wireless. The ComPilot also has a standard audio input jack that you could use for ipod or whatever. The ComPilot is also a remote control for the hearing aids. Because you have to wear it around your neck, my original idea of setting it by the mixer and plugging in an aux out apparently will not work. For someone that uses IEM's, I suppose you could plug your pack into it and have wireless earphones.

Pretty cool, eh?

Willie

[Jahn]

That's actually pretty cool! I like gadgets, haha. Let us know how it goes!

[leona.mccauley]

Hey Willie, its been 10 years that I'm using Hearing Aids. Earlier it was analog later shifted to Digital hearing Aids (http://www.metrohearing.com) and trust me they work good. For the first few days you might feel everything near you makes noise but later after you get used to it, you'll surely enjoy having it on.

[wrong_note_rod]

This is the reason I always use ear protection.
I invested in some good custom fitted ear protection. The good quality ones keep diminish most of the frequencies equally so they sound pretty good.

I only spent around $200. The best investment any musician can make.

I did that too.

Altho they were custom-fitted for me, they arent that comfortable to me. They do sound better than any other kind of hearing protection.

I usually put them in my ears about an hour before I start playing, to give myself plenty of time to get used to them.

[Screamin Willie]

Hey Willie, its been 10 years that I'm using Hearing Aids. Earlier it was analog later shifted to Digital hearing Aids (http://www.metrohearing.com) and trust me they work good. For the first few days you might feel everything near you makes noise but later after you get used to it, you'll surely enjoy having it on.

Thanks, leona.mccauley. Very glad to hear from experienced, and satisfied, user. I guess for you, the technology improvements have been pretty incredible.

[Screamin Willie]

Hey all,
Been meaning to get in here with an update. It's has been pretty crazy cool.

This has turned out to be an experience I never expected, in a great way. I'm getting opportunities probably not available to most folks.

I'd have to say the biggest lesson learned, so far, through all of this, and the best advice anyone could offer is, get more than one opinion. Here's why, for me. A year or so ago I finally caved to the idea of getting hearing aids. I knew, going in, I wanted to see a real doctor. The mall kiosk or any other source was not an option. If I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it right. Made an appointment, with a real doctor, and went through the usual testing. The doctor informed me, with my type of hearing loss, chances were the hearing aids would not help me. But if I wanted to try them, there was a 30 day return policy. I left there a little discouraged, to say the least, with no desire to "give them a try" considering the amount of $$ at stake. FF one year. Let's try it again. Different doctor, different audiologist, totally different experience. Doctor #2 believes hearing aids WILL help and that he has an exceptional audiologist that hasn't failed yet. So definitely get more than one opinion. Also different audiologists are going to sell different brands of hearing aids. Some brands may have features you prefer over others. Some may just sound better to you. Your audiologist may have demo units that you can try. Don't be afraid to ask. We're talking about a considerable (at least to me) chunk of change here.

Hardware update. I have been very fortunate in being able to try out three different hearing aids, so far. The first set were demo units (a slightly lesser model, from the same company, than the ones I chose). The audiologist set them up for me to try while we waited a few days for mine to come in. A few days later, I pick up my new top of the line units. The new ones were a nice improvement over the demo units, for me, as far as sound quality and features. Side note, I am seeing the audiologist once a week through all of this. Each week I show up with my list of questions and comments. We're making tweaks and all is good. Then the audiologist hits me up about trying out a whole different manuf. model. New manuf for them, new experience for me, I'm in. I'll be your test subject (aka: guinea pig). I've had the new stuff for a few days. Definitely liking the sound quality and features over the others.

I told myself I wouldn't use "gear" analogies in this thread but there really is quite a vast difference between models and manufacturers, just like gear. And I've only tried three different ones. Being able to try different stuff is a major plus, on this journey.

Willie
hearing a little better these days

[FFTT]

Until the 90's, I had perfect hearing as well as perfect pitch
even after years of playing live.
Now I'm clinically, profoundly deaf in my right ear with maybe 50% remaining
in the left side.

One of the top audiologist at Johns Hopkins blamed
over exposure to sound via headphones, from hours and hours of recording.

MRI's showed nothing except chronic sinusitis.
Wouldn't you know that after paying in over $100K in health insurance premiums, hearing aids are not covered, even partially.

If I could afford modern day hearing aids as described above,
my concern is doing even more damage to what remains of my hearing,
since amplified sound was the cause to begin with.

Warranties for such an expensive item are pitifully inadequate.

What's so ridiculous is that the insurance would pay $40K
for cochlear implants, but the tech really isn't there yet,
with numerous stories about complications, failures,
follow up surgeries, replacing power supplies etc.

With all the advances in micro electronics, I'm amazed no one
has developed a true bionic replacement that does not need
batteries or external power supplies.

[AussieIan]

Then the audiologist hits me up about trying out a whole different manuf. model. New manuf for them, new experience for me, I'm in. I'll be your test subject (aka: guinea pig). I've had the new stuff for a few days. Definitely liking the sound quality and features over the others.



what's the new brand? which ones did you try before?

[Screamin Willie]

first brand is Phonak
second brand is Widex