Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Related: About this forumThe World is a Very Noisy Place! LOL
Finally took the plunge and bought my first hearing aids. Eargo, to be specific. Cannot believe the difference and now wonder why I've been so hesitant. I've had several hearing tests over the years, so I knew there was a profound problem--all that straining to hear speech, TV, whatever. Also had a MRI taken several years back and knew I had considerable scar tissue behind each ear. I have moderate loss in my left ear and severe loss in my right. My family was constantly on my back to do something bc I was always having them repeat themselves and/or screwing up conversations.
But today, I went to CVS for a flu shot. I could hear my name being called. I could hear the technician without difficulty, in addition to the swishing of my coat and tapping of my shoelaces and heels. The background noise will start to level out from what I've read as my brain adjusts to all the sounds and pitches I wasn't formerly able to hear.
These are tiny, in the-ear-appliances with bluetooth capability. Setting the volume and programs is easy-peasy on my iPhone and the aids are rechargeable, no tiny batteries to mess with.
The shipment came yesterday, so this is Day 1 of full usage. So far? I am surprisingly impressed.
Anyone else have the Eargo experience? I'd love to read your feedback. I actually talked to someone at the company about 5 years ago. But I just wasn't ready then (stupid vanity, really). On the other hand, the product is far more sophisticated than it was then and I've gown accustomed to my bluetooth Apple ear buds. Think that helps in accepting the in-the-ear design.
Anyway, I have now rejoined the hearing Universe. Even though,
The World is a Very Noisy Place.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Never been very pleased with them and they were too damn expensive even with insurance. Tell me more about the brand you named.
peggysue2
(11,496 posts)As I said, I've had several hearing tests with the audiologists from my ENT's practice back in TN. So, there was no question I had a problem with the most severe loss in my right ear.
Eargo advertises their product for mild to moderate hearing loss. I was somewhat skeptical if they could really help me but since there's a 45-day return policy, I thought I'd give it a whirl.
The two appliances cost me $2450, that's for the Eargo5. Presumably, I caught a Christmas special with $500 off the normal price. Think they're now offering $300 off.
There's a 2-3 year warranty on the units as well as teleconferencing/phone/email/chat advice from their techs and audiologists. That's if you have questions or problems like syncing the devices to your phone or sound adjusting the units to your personal levels or anything. I didn't have to do that (yet) because the sync was really easy. The SA took two attempts but I finally got it working. I even had my first software update last night without a hitch.
As I said, this is only my first day. But for me, the aids are comfortable, barely noticeable and have already enhanced my day-to-day activities. Per my earlier post I went to CVS this morning and could actually hear my name being called. Also went to the ACME and was able to interact with the cashier, as in I actually heard her instead of my performance art of pretending.
There's a number of programs you can select. For instance, you can move through a normal setting to restaurant, phone, TV, mask, etc., depending where you are, what you're doing and the environment you're working/hearing in.
This can be easily done on the phone but presumably you can switch between 3 designated programs with a simple tap to the ear. I haven't quite mastered this yet.
Thus far the Eargo folks are making me a believer, and more importantly, a person who can actually hear.
I'd nearly forgotten what that felt like!
TygrBright
(20,987 posts)I'm going for my first assessment/fitting with the audiology office this afternoon. Not looking forward to it but I know I need it.
trepidatiously,
Bright
peggysue2
(11,496 posts)Hope you have an equally pleasant surprise at the end of your appointment.
Strange, you don't realize how big the loss is until you regain function. At least, I didn't. All those years of compensating for something I could have taken care of earlier.
LOL. I think I'll stick vanity in a dark closet from here on out.
Good luck!