|
Author
|
Topic: took the big step
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 29, 2004 08:10 PM
If there is anybody with worse hearing than me, I feel real sorry for them.
I have been wearing my new CIC digital hearing aids for a few days now.
Rather than a boring report, anyone interested can ask and I'll do my best to answer your questions.
First teaser: my wife thinks they are wonderful!
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
|
posted August 29, 2004 09:02 PM
Do your ears get sore by the end of the day, mine do when I wear in the ear plugs?
Can you turn em up like a game ear, and do they have a volume limit for loud noise?
Krusty 
--------------------
Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Az-Hunter
Hi, I'm Vic WELCOME TO THE U.S. Free baloney sandwiches here
Member # 17
|
posted August 29, 2004 09:03 PM
Leonard, Im afraid Im right behind you, but clawing and fighting it the whole way.....and not sure why, vainity maybe, who knows?
My wife is on me constantly to go get the shrimp behind the ear thing. I tell her Im holding out for some kind of microscopic implant, wher the whip antenna will merely blen in with the hair coming out of my ears now:)
I think you owe us a full report, most of us have been pulling the trigger a long time, and we all suffer some hearing loss to one degree or another.
Give us the pros, cons, any surprises you had, misconceptions? Pics if you have any, does it look like a tiger prawn hanging behind your ear, or is it a tiny little pink bean you cram down the ear canal?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Posts: 1633 | From: 5 miles west of Tim | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Bryan J
Cap and Trade Weenie
Member # 106
|
posted August 29, 2004 09:21 PM
I curious about background noise being amplified and making a bad situation worse. Been to a crowded restaurant yet?
Posts: 599 | From: Utah | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 29, 2004 10:28 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do your ears get sore by the end of the day, mine do when I wear in the ear plugs?
Can you turn em up like a game ear, and do they have a volume limit for loud noise?
Krusty
I got these at Costco. They test you for an hour, and tell you what you need. Of course, I needed the max, both ears.
They take a soft, two part silicone mold that sets up in about two minutes. So, they fit my ear canal exactly, and although it takes a little getting used to, no they have not made my ears sore, after all day.
As far as volume, this model has a push button system that changes the program for different situations. I saw the one with a volume control, but that's not what I got.
quote:
I curious about background noise being amplified and making a bad situation worse. Been to a crowded restaurant yet?
No, doesn't happen with this technology. Also, the different modes come into play, but so far I have not had the need to change anything, the first beep seems to work for everything but holding a phone up to my ear...feedback, if I'm not careful.
AZ, you bet I understand about the vanity part. That's why I got the one that goes completely in the ear canal (CIC) It has a little piece of nylon to pull them out, and you can't hardly see them unless you try to look directly into my ear.
That was one of my favorite expressions: shrimp behind the ear, or mushroom growing out of my ear. They program a set for you to wear while you are doing your shopping; and guess what? It's the dredded SHRIMP BEHIND THE EAR model! However, the way it's positioned, even IT is difficult to detect. I didn't want to take any chances, it costs about $400 more to get the miniatures, so I decided I needed the best concealment possible. Maybe implants are on the horizon, but for now, this is state of the art.
What makes this digital technology so neat for those of us with nerve damage is that they can use a computer to amplify only those frequencies that you need. Everybody is different. If my hearing changes, they can change the aid. My chart looks like an Olympic ski jump, I needed the model with sixteen channels. Yeah it looks kinda like a bean with a little nylon antenna that acts as the handle.
Only surprise, so far is that they said it wouldn't decrease the constant ringing, but it does. I watch TV and hear everything from twenty feet away and it's about four notches lower than I used to use, as far as volume.
Another surprise is I'm talking lower. Now it's my wife that says : "Huh?" all the time.
Running water and krinkly plastic bags, like chips, etc. make enormous noise. Driving with the windows down is noisy, eating drowns out some sounds too, instead, I hear my jaws moving up and down.
There is no sales tax on hearing aids, another surprise.
I have to clean them with a brush and a pick, but I have been very careful about keeping my ears clear of wax, and water, etc. So I just brush them lightly before I insert them. It's a little tricky, kind of like putting in contacts for the first few times.
The batteries are about 35 cents apiece, and last about a week. I bought twenty for around six bucks, whatever that figures out to be? They give you a little tester, and a bag with desecant in it, to keep the moisture from getting at the electronics.
It is a Federal law that they have to refund your money, within thirty days, but Costco gives you 60 days. They also come with a two year warranty, and will replace free, one time, even if you loose it. I think, after that, I can buy a warranty, but not sure?
So far, no negatives except the price. They cost $1995 each, which is about five hundred dollars cheaper than anywhere else I looked.
Anything else I can tell you guys, just ask away!
Oh yeah, it takes ten to fourteen days to get them back from the factory after you take the impressions.
And, I know a lot of us shooters need these things, but are afraid of the stigma. I'm one of them, but these aren't half bad, and so far nobody has noticed them and asked. Don't worry. They really are difficult to spot.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted August 30, 2004 04:47 AM
Thanks for the information, Leonard. Same boat here. but, it's not the vanity thing. With my hairline, vanity went out the door a long time ago. LOL For me, it's the cost. Mortgage on this house, looking for a bigger house, two kids, blah, blah, blah... Far too many things between where I am right now and where I'll be standing with $5K that I have nothing better to do with. For now, I just keep telling myself that the ringing is "normal". ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5438 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich Higgins
unknown comic
|
posted August 30, 2004 06:20 AM
I'm sorry, Leonard, can you repeat that? I missed half of it.
IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 30, 2004 08:52 AM
Lance, I fully understand. Actually, it was my wife that made the decision for me. She was going bonkers, repeating everything two and three times.
....the one I like is where they repeat everything BUT the one, single word I didn't understand, and then, don't remember what it was! The attitude that I'm somehow causing trouble by not listening to what is being said.
I also understand about the house and the kids. Guess what? After that, there's the, so called, "rebounds" and after that you have grandkids that need braces, etc. It never ends. Buy a new, bigger house, and a few years later, add on to it. Now, I have a big house, and don't need it, they're all gone.
This step is not for everybody. On the other hand, there is a lot of need, and people don't know what to expect, so if I can satisfy the curiosity, that's what I'm here for.
No hope for Rich, he's the kind of guy that even tries to save money on razor blades.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Bill Martz
Knows what it's all about
Member # 378
|
posted August 30, 2004 01:15 PM
Hello all
Now I know why you guys use toy quality wildlife callers. You're all DEAF.
--------------------
Bill Martz
www.wildlifetech.com
Posts: 96 | From: NH | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cal Taylor
Knows what it's all about
Member # 199
|
posted August 30, 2004 01:25 PM
OUCH!!!!
--------------------
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
FoxPro Field Staff Member
Posts: 1069 | From: Wyoming | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Greenside
seems to know what he is talking about
Member # 10
|
posted August 30, 2004 01:32 PM
Leonard
quote:
Another surprise is I'm talking lower. Now it's my wife that says : "Huh?" all the time.
Something tells me the pay back is going to be hell!
Dennis
Posts: 719 | From: IA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
brad h
Knows what it's all about
Member # 57
|
posted August 30, 2004 02:26 PM
Hey Bill,
I noticed your WT price was reduced considerably. What's up?
Brad
Posts: 346 | From: Glendive MT | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 30, 2004 02:38 PM
Yeah, that really was a good zinger, Bill! Didn't know he had a sense of humor?
And, Dennis. Absolutely, it's a two edged sword, and that's all I'm going to say about that! Just this morning, she demanded that I install my aids before she would continue a discussion.
Krusty asked a question that I glossed over. These aids are supposed to limit harmful noise, gunfire, jet engines, etc. Theoretically, you can use them instead of ear plugs, and shoot and hear commands without further damaging your hearing. Have not done that yet.
Another thing, may have explained this adequately, not sure? There is a small push button inside. I can push it, and it beeps back and tells me which, of four programs I have selected. They say to select the same program for both sides. In other words, do not run number 1 in the left ear and number three in the right ear. I may be arrested, if I'm caught doing that?
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
onecoyote
Knows what it's all about
Member # 129
|
posted August 30, 2004 03:42 PM
Toy quality callers lol dang? ![[Frown]](frown.gif) ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) I have two hearing aids, one for each ear. Lost 60% of my hearing so the doctor said. I never use the things, I can't stand what they look like but my hearing is so bad now I may start using one of them. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
--------------------
Great minds discuss ideas.....Average minds discuss events.....Small minds discuss people.....Eleanor Roosevelt.
Posts: 893 | From: Walker Lake Nevada. | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 30, 2004 03:57 PM
Cowboy up, Danny. Everybody will laugh at you, but who cares.
Good hunting. LB
PS thanks for the real email....I posted it on a bunch of triple XXX sites.
edit: BTW that's another thing they advised me to use both, it really confuses your brain to just wear one aid.
[ August 30, 2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted August 30, 2004 08:06 PM
Hell, Danny, ppl already laugh at me anyway. At least with hearing aids, I'd be able to hear what they're saying about me and laugh along, too. God knows I screw up enough to give 'em all the ammo they need.
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5438 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
sbarbour
PAKMAN
Member # 392
|
posted August 30, 2004 09:45 PM
Leonard, it sounds like you're having a much better experience with your hearing aids than I have. I bought my first one about 18 years ago (the shrimp behind the ear) and have tried 3 different sets since. I have yet to find hearing aids (that I could afford) that don't drive me nuts in a crowded room. My advice for those thinking about buying them would be to do as you have done and buy the latest technology.
Posts: 4 | From: Haskell, Texas | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 30, 2004 10:59 PM
Welcome to the New Huntmasters, sbarbour. Glad to have you on board.
I agree with you on the older type aids that only offer across the board amplification. Been there, done that. It all depends on if you have nerve damage, and a constant ringing. These digital aids are the only way to go, if this is your problem.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
onecoyote
Knows what it's all about
Member # 129
|
posted August 31, 2004 08:51 AM
Leonard, did you say cowboy up? how did you know I lived in a one horse town....Huhhh....did you say triple xxx hearing aids? I only do one hearing aid, that way I'll always have an extra People well laugh at me? Good, That's what this worlds needs, someone to laugh at or with
[ August 31, 2004, 08:53 AM: Message edited by: onecoyote ]
--------------------
Great minds discuss ideas.....Average minds discuss events.....Small minds discuss people.....Eleanor Roosevelt.
Posts: 893 | From: Walker Lake Nevada. | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted August 31, 2004 09:29 AM
Danny, what do those blue pills run, per dose?
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31494 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
brent Saxton
unknown comic
|
posted August 31, 2004 02:29 PM
I dont know being a young buck and all but I must be loosing my hearing!
I cant hear a word you all are saying!!!!
I Know, I know that was mean and Im sorry! Just couldnt stand it!
Danny.....Blue pills???? Whats those for? Do they help ya hear?
Kee
IP: Logged
|
|
NASA
Knows what it's all about
Member # 177
|
posted August 31, 2004 03:35 PM
Quote, "Now I know why you guys use toy quality wildlife callers. You're all DEAF."
Yeah, but the coyotes aren't. I'm only interested in the ones within hearing range of a hand call anyway. I don't have time to wait on a response from a coyote 3 miles away who heard a PA system broadcast. I could have made 3 more stands by the time he finally comes in.
Seriously, callers would rather make three 20 min. stands with the potential of getting (at least) 3 responses, instead of one 60 min. stand just to bring in one coyote.
[ August 31, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: NASA ]
Posts: 1168 | From: Typical White Person | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted August 31, 2004 03:59 PM
Uh-oh. Here we go. "Ding, ding!" Round two.
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5438 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jay Nistetter
Legalize Weed, Free the Dixie Chicks
Member # 140
|
posted August 31, 2004 04:11 PM
Geeze NASA! I thought it was real funny.
Leonard. Will they pick up Rush?
--------------------
Understanding the coyote is not as important as knowing where they are.
I usually let the fur prime up before I leave 'em lay.
Posts: 1006 | From: Arizona | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
NASA
Knows what it's all about
Member # 177
|
posted August 31, 2004 04:28 PM
Well..... so did I. Didn't you see the smiley face? (snicker)
Posts: 1168 | From: Typical White Person | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
