Posted on 09/08/2011 6:25:18 AM PDT by Red Badger
It is estimated that only 20 percent of people who could benefit from hearing instruments seek help, many often waiting up to ten years from the time they could benefit from hearing amplification. Among those who try hearing instruments for the first time, acceptance can be slow and rejection rates high.
Now, a new advanced technology hearing device from Oticon, Inc. shows the potential to deliver immediate benefits and motivate immediate acceptance by people new to hearing amplification.
Results of a multi-center international study with first-time users conducted by researchers at Towson University in Baltimore, MD and Horzentrum in Oldenburg, Germany suggest that Oticon Intiga provided first time users with immediate and obvious benefits. The study also showed that although it is widely accepted that people new to hearing devices usually take a longer time to accept amplification, participants in the international study immediately accepted new Intiga.
[SNIP]
"Hearing devices, no matter how advanced their technology, provide no benefit 'in the drawer'," says Oticon President Peer Lauritsen, referring to industry studies showing that 1 out of 10 of those who purchase hearing aids never wear them -- a number estimated at nearly 1 million people in the US alone (MarketTrak VIII, 2011). "With Oticon Intiga, we aim to create an immediate 'now effect' -- immediate and obvious benefits from the start that motivate rapid acceptance and long term use."
[SNIP]
Intiga is the world's smallest wireless hearing instrument. Bluetooth capabilities allow Intiga to connect wirelessly to cell phones, becoming a virtual hands-free headset. With addition of the Oticon ConnectLine system, audio from televisions and landline phones can be streamed directly to the hearing instruments. The discreet ConnectLine clip-on microphone can be used with Intiga to enhance a user's ability to engage in one-on-one conversations in difficult listening environments.
(Excerpt) Read more at marketwatch.com ...
George, a distinguished senior citizen, was telling the boys down at the Senior Citizens Center that he just got his new hearing aid. “It’s the best money can buy,” George said. One of the boys asked, “What kind is it?” George replied, “Quarter after three.”
I recently got a Phonak too and am very pleased. $3K and free batteries for life. Half of what my old ones cost years ago and batteries for those cost $2 a week.
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I can hear fine as there isn’t any competition for the sounds that come to my ears, but if I go to say a restaurant (rarely anymore) I can’t hear anything but jumbled noises as all the sounds compete for what little hearing ability I have left.
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I have the same problem. If there’s any competing sound I may as well be deaf.
I’ve got the TV volume maxed now and it’s been that way for about a year. Just last week I noticed that I couldn’t hear it even maxed without seriously straining. If the kids are talking or there’s a fan on, you can forget it.
I listen to music very loud and everyone is telling me that I’ll further damage my hearing. What they don’t realize is that that volume is not loud for me.
For right now I think that I’ll just get better speakers for my laptop, a sound system for the TV and cut out those things when I’m having a conversation.
“I have the same problem. If there’s any competing sound I may as well be deaf.”
Yes, that’s “Tone Deafness” as I understand it. Probably want to go to a hearing aid center, take a hearing test to confirm it. You’ll then know what you are up against. Simple amplifiers for those that need amplification are relatively inexpensive, but the computerized guys for the seriously tone deaf are expensive.
“He can get one through the VA FREE.
A friend of mine just did..................”
I thought so too. I signed up for VA benefits, and was told it was means tested and I had too much net worth.
You said it all. No need for me to repeat my condition.
My mom is 88 and we live together since her strokes.
It IS frustrating. I love her to bits... but it is like ‘I Love Lucy’ at my house. I put something down, in a flash is GONE and she doesn’t know anything about it.
When I come home from work it is... ‘s’plain Lucy’....It is mostly OK, but a little crazy too.
Hmmmm.....means tests for VETERANS but not for Social Security or Medicare..............................
It is kind of a bittersweet experience becoming your parent's guardian.
Do your Mom and self a huge favor, and get her hearing tested. Hearing loss in elderly patients is all too often mis-diagnosed as the early stages of dementia.
If hearing instruments are required, avoid the “in-the-ear” type, as they are slippery and hard for the elderly to insert. The newer “behind-the-ear” style are easier to handle, and are very comfortable to wear.
To this day, I blame an inept audiologist for my Mom’s decline. When an elderly person cannot hear clearly, they tend to withdraw and live in their thoughts, and not interact with others.
Helping her hear clearly will prolong and enhance the time you have left with her in your life. Make the most of it.
“It is estimated that only 20 percent of people who could benefit from hearing instruments seek help, many often waiting up to ten years from the time they could benefit from hearing amplification”
Hearing aids are expensive...and insurance plans rarely if ever cover their purchase. You’ll get a dental plan and a vision plan, but no hearing assistance.
maybe Obama will help me get one...
Wasichu
Get a set of TV Ears. They’ve changed my life for the better.
It's a real hassle having to maneuver conversations to where they come from my left and not my right side.
LOL! Hey buddy, got any coffee?
I have that same concern. Plus have a question of will one of these also amplify tinnitus??? That would suck.
Not sure one of the “salespersons” would give true advise on these questions.
bookmark
There is no doubt that she has had multiple mini-strokes. An MRI confirmed that. I did conclude our discussion yesterday with the idea that she should go for a hearing test but that did not mean she had to get a hearing aid. Easing her towards things without making them sound like ultimatums seems to help. I think some of her reticence comes from the fear of losing control, which is unavoidable, so not seeing a doctor or following other advice is her "pushback" against that.
I have good ones, tiny and digital. But moisture kills the batteries fast. Can’t wear them in the rain, or when doing the kind of things that make a man sweat. Thus I hardly wear them. Only for big family gatherings.
Like with other computers and software, you do get what you pay for to some extent and audiologists will try to sell you their top of the line whatevers.
But, any model or style can be impressive once it's been set up for your hearing loss and you've gotten used to wearing it.
The behind the ear (BTE) models have dual microphones and which help you discern where sounds are coming from better as well as help to pick out voices from noisy backgrounds.
For improving your quality of life, a good hearing aid or two can be like a good pair of glasses.
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