Hearing Aids

LegacyUser

Am in the market for a hearing aid and have had a few recommendations from different shops around town. Each shop, as is the norm, recommended one brand over the other, some dimissing brands entirely.

As it's quite an expensive item and one that most people only buy once, I was hoping someone here might know something about either the options available or the shops in Dublin that sell hearing aids. Any info is welcome, bad/good experiences, recommendations of friends etc. Basically anything as I know very little.

Thanks.

athena 2000

These two links will lead you to information about hearing aids and the best technology that might help you.

http://www.earaces.com/Specialtopics.htm
http://www.hearingaids101.com/

Have you or the person needing the aids been tested by an audiologist to determine your needs? A relative of mine won't wear his aid because of background noise issues and comfort, so I agree that you need info before such a big purchase.

Keep in mind that assistive listening devices are compatible with certain hearing aids, so it's best to determine what functions will be needed to ensure that the hearing aid has the right capabilities that are needed now and in the future.

Agent Smith

what type are you looking for? internal or external?


perhaps

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=384 might be a better place to post,

Victor

I would pay attention to any recommendations from your specialist, together with you own criteria - indoor / outdoor use, size, functions, etc. I imagine every salesperson will want to sell their own product.

athena 2000 wrote:

so I agree that you need info before such a big purchase.

You may be entitled to some assistance under welfare / health guidelines.

http://www.welfare.ie/publications/sw24.html#1.4

athena 2000 wrote:

A relative of mine won't wear his aid because of background noise issues and comfort

I would have thought "background noise issues" would have been solved with the current state of technology. Is it perhaps an image problem?

the_syco

Victor wrote:

I would have thought "background noise issues" would have been solved with the current state of technology. Is it perhaps an image problem?

Your correct.

With my old hearing aid (analog), an increase i sound would increase background noise as well. Crappo in pubs, basically. Also, due to the wind, I could not wear two at the same time, as a strong wind would render me deaf, as a hissing noise would be caused.

The hearing aid I'm currently using (in both ears) , tho, and the wind only slightly effects me, and as its digital, it turns background noise's into a lower hum of noise.

The size is depentandent on how bad your hearing is. There is a smaller size of aids than the ones I wear, but they wouldn't be powerful enuf for me.

I currently wear the in-ear ones, but you can also get the around-the-ear ones in digital, as well.

===

athena 2000; your relative should go in for a new ear mould. If its too old, it'd be uncomfortable. As for background noise, most digital hearing aids can decrease it.

===

My best advice is to book an appointment with the NRB, and go from there.

Original poster, I got my hearing-aid in Bonovox, just off Connolly Street (the pedestrinised street opposite of henry street). Friendly staff, and the person there will give you the options (from a low price one, to the more pricer ones), after the hearing test. Unlike some shops, who tried to get you to buy the pricest model, this guy gave me a choice.

===

If you have any more questions, ask, and I'll do my best to answer. I've worn an analog hearing aid for about 13 years, and a digital one for the last 1 year. The digital is a HUGE difference.

The things I can do now, with the digital hearing aid that I couldn't do beforehand, with the analog one;

• wear headphones (the analog ones give you massive feedback/whistling sound).
• wear both hearing aids (even when cycling -> the wind doesn't block ALL noise anymore).
• talk on a mobile phone (with the analog, I'd only hear the eletric tat-tat-taaaat-tat-tat noise).
• hear my mates in the pub (before; the background nosie, I couldn't hear anything much).

Couple of things;
If your in full-time education, the payee can claim 50% back in tax.
If your past a certain point (I don't know how bad this is), the goverment will pay half the cost.

So if your still inschool, and your hearings bad, you parents could end up paying only 25% of the total. Something worth noting.

Victor

the_syco wrote:

Original poster, I got my hearing-aid in Bonovox, just off Connolly Street (the pedestrinised street opposite of henry street).

Bonavox Hearing Aids
9 North Earl st, Dublin 1
(01) 8742341

But there is a good choice http://www.goldenpages.ie/Results.asp?origin=HOME&rubric=select&what=hearing%20aid&where=dublin

athena 2000

Victor wrote:

I would have thought "background noise issues" would have been solved with the current state of technology. Is it perhaps an image problem?

Possibly, though the hearing aids are of the smaller in-ear variety. I'm not sure if they are digital or not. He does seem to enjoy telling us that we mumble, though.

the_syco wrote:

athena 2000; your relative should go in for a new ear mould. If its too old, it'd be uncomfortable. As for background noise, most digital hearing aids can decrease it.

They aren't that old, but he might need a new mould taken. I'm inspired now to go bother him about it. Thanks, I learned a lot more practical things from your experience. I hope the OP has benefited as well.

the_syco

athena 2000 wrote:

He does seem to enjoy telling us that we mumble, though.

This may be due to one of three reasons;

a) His hearing aid is not powerful enough, and he thinks your just mumbling, as he can't hear much.

b) The hearing aid was not set correctly, and may not be set so that he can hear clearly.

c) The hearing aid needs cleaning. Once wax gets in the hole, you won't hear anything.

LegacyUser

the_syco wrote:

Your correct.
My best advice is to book an appointment with the NRB, and go from there.

Original poster, I got my hearing-aid in Bonovox, just off Connolly Street (the pedestrinised street opposite of henry street). Friendly staff, and the person there will give you the options (from a low price one, to the more pricer ones), after the hearing test. Unlike some shops, who tried to get you to buy the pricest model, this guy gave me a choice.
.

Thanks for the detailed reply. Have been to Bonavox and a few other places and some shops recommend Siemens hearing aids while others scoff at Siemens and instead recommend something called Widex (not sure if that's the correct spelling).

I think digital is the way to go alright, but has anyone got opinions on the brand?

Thanks again for all replies.

memphis

the_syco wrote:

Your correct.

With my old hearing aid (analog), an increase i sound would increase background noise as well. Crappo in pubs, basically. Also, due to the wind, I could not wear two at the same time, as a strong wind would render me deaf, as a hissing noise would be caused.

The hearing aid I'm currently using (in both ears) , tho, and the wind only slightly effects me, and as its digital, it turns background noise's into a lower hum of noise.

I currently wear the in-ear ones, but you can also get the around-the-ear ones in digital, as well.

I had the same problem with mine and refused to wear them for the exact same reason as above. You need to shop around and get the best recommendations. I eventually got in conatct with Hidden Hearing, who will test your hearing and recommend what aid best suits. They sell only digital devices, which are the best as anolog ones simply only increase the volume, meaning that background noise is picked up too. Whereas with a digital device it can be programmed to suit your needs, increasing (in my case) the lower sounds, like bells ringing, whispers, etc.

The only disadvantage is that these aids cost an arm and a leg, but at the end of the day if they do the job I say buy them. But be prepared to pay anything from 3,000 to 10,000 Euro, for two.

memphis

Eurorunner

I eventually got in conatct with Hidden Hearing,

I wouldnt recommend you buy off this crowd - and would assume that most of the others operating in the rep. of irl. are the same.

I suggest you do the following: Go to one of these places and let them make their suggestions and decide which type of device suits you best. Get prices and make sure to get the make and model of the device.

Then look it up on the net, and i guarantee you that you will save 100's. I sorted this out for a relative - saved em from the clutches of hidden hearing and took them up north. It meant 2x trips to NI, but with a few hundred in the difference, it was well worth it.

ciscokid

I am also in the market for powerful hearing aids. Have same issue i.e no one in Dublin seems to have the expertise to recommend the right models, nor are they independent.

Last set came from the NHS who basically gave me the best available for my hearing aids.

Are the NRB any use? Last time I tried them they seemed pre historic...

What do you do in Belfast ?

V1llianous

Victor wrote:

Bonavox Hearing Aids
9 North Earl st, Dublin 1
(01) 8742341

I wouldn't hesitate recommending these guys. Being using them for over 10 years now.

I went in the other day for a hearing test to make sure my model is up to scratch with my current hearing and I was told honestly that it is fine, they gave it a bit of a clean. I certainly know of plenty not so reputable dealers that would have sold me a new one.

Regarding the analog re digital debate - I was told that digital wouldn't do anything for my hearing loss so was sold an analog one at less than a fifth of the price.

Go here and ask for Bill McMahon - top guy !

memphis

I have my hearings aid from Hidden hearing for about a year now, and have no problems with them whatsoever. I also should have pointed out that these guys will call to your home to fit them for you! And if you require any after call service they are there for ya at the end of the phone, and will call to your home again if the case needs be to service it for ya.

I highly recommend them (if you can afford them). have no regrets buying from them despite how costly they were. My life is much better now with them. I'm hearing alot more clearly and getting on quite well in college as a result of wearing em. I have even recommended em to others.

ciscokid

How confident are you that there isnt a digital hearing aid that does the job better than your analog aids? If its just on the basis of HH meeting then it isn't really independent no matter how nice they are surely ?

memphis

ciscokid wrote:

How confident are you that there isnt a digital hearing aid that does the job better than your analog aids? If its just on the basis of HH meeting then it isn't really independent no matter how nice they are surely ?

I am using a digital aid!!! Hidden Hearing don't specialose in anything else other than digital aids!

I wore hearing aids for years as a kid in school. They were those anolog ones supplied by the NRB in association with the Health Board, and Dept of Ed.
They were ok, but not ideal for my lose. they were uncomfortable, didn't fit well, amplified the wrong sounds, and so on.

I'm not dismissing the fact that there are better people to buy from, at cheaper prices, however, the point I'm trying to make is that I have no regrets purchasing from Hidden Hearing. And think their after care service is excellent.

I rest my case, Ye all all individuals who can make up your own minds who ye wish to buy from.

the_syco

V1llianous wrote:

Regarding the analog re digital debate - I was told that digital wouldn't do anything for my hearing loss so was sold an analog one at less than a fifth of the price.

While this may be true, with the analog one's you'll hear teh wind, but with the digital ones, some cancel it out a bit, so you don't hear that much wind (and allows you to hear other stuff). Esp handy if you need two aids, and you walk about. With the analog ones, you only hear the wind, but with the digital, you'd also be able to talk to people, even if it were very windy, and hear the traffic (actually the reason why I only ever wore one analog, but can now wear two digital).

memphis wrote:

getting on quite well in college

If you got them whilst you were in full time education, you should be able to claim back tax, if you have not done so already. Ask HH about it, as they should know about which form you'd need. If not, ask here, and I'll see if I can find out for you.

ciscokid wrote:

Are the NRB any use? Last time I tried them they seemed pre historic...

Yes, they are old, but I've had sucess with them. Put it this way: if your below 18, and your hearing is below a certain percentage, they provide the hearing aid to you free. The hearing aid may not be the best tech, but they helped me to hear, and without putting my parents under financial strain at the time. I think (not sure, tho) that they only help you until you are 18 or younger or in full time education. Also, shortly after I stopeed using them, I heard that they got some digital hearing aids in.

=-=

If your hearing is very bad, the hearing aid, digital or analog, will be external (above your ear), but if its not too bad, you can get internal aids (the ones that are not so visable, within your ear).

=-=

There's a shop on Parnell Square East (north of O'Connell Street) that sells stuff for hard of hearing people. Two things that the hard of hearing would find VERY usefull.

1) Alarm clock with a vibrating attachment (all included: €67). Myself, most alarms didn't wake me. Heck, I'd wake the entire house, and I'd still be asleep. The vibrating disc, which was connected to the alarm clock, can fit under your pillow, and really helps to wake ye up:) As in, if its under the mattress, the entire bed shakes:D

2) Loop system. You know that "T" switch on your hearing aid? Well, with one of the loop system's they sell, you plug the transmitter into the TV, and put the reciever around your neck, and you hear the TV crystal clear. Its great (shop person demo'ed it to me). Yet to get one (bit pricey: €250 or so), but its on the wish list.

ciscokid

memphis wrote:

I am using a digital aid!!! Hidden Hearing don't specialose in anything else other than digital aids!

Thanks memphis - was actually responding to villanous ....

ciscokid

Nice one syco - good post.

V1llianous

ciscokid wrote:

How confident are you that there isnt a digital hearing aid that does the job better than your analog aids? If its just on the basis of HH meeting then it isn't really independent no matter how nice they are surely ?

If this is in response to my post - I am confident that for my hearing levels the analog is as good as a digital. I was told by the guy in Bonovox that there was nothing more a digital one could do for me over the analog.

I haven't been to Hidden Hearing for an aid - out of interest I went straight after my assessment with Bonovox and they said I needed 2 digital aids without even testing my hearing. One of my ears has a slight loss but not substantial enough to use a second aid. As a result this warned me off them.

I had previously asked my ENT consultant and the audiologist in St. James' (before looking for my latest aid) whether I should get a second aid and they both concurred that as the loss was so slight there would be no point.

Carlito Perez

memphis wrote:

I eventually got in conatct with Hidden Hearing,memphis

Ye have to get a listen to this, http://www.livinghistory.ie/~billy/RubberBanditsHearingAid.mp3

p.s moderators. this is a legal mp3. free distrubution and that.

memphis

Carlito Perez wrote:

Ye have to get a listen to this, http://www.livinghistory.ie/~billy/RubberBanditsHearingAid.mp3

p.s moderators. this is a legal mp3. free distrubution and that.

LMFAO

Communicating by telephone can be quiet difficult ok when hard of hearing. I'm guessing that that guy also had a speech impariment as a result of his hearing defect and hence the reason why she couldn'y understand him. Awkward situation..... but humorous!

If you got them whilst you were in full time education, you should be able to claim back tax, if you have not done so already. Ask HH about it, as they should know about which form you'd need. If not, ask here, and I'll see if I can find out for you.

Thanks for that, but I have done so!! Was a big advantage ok, considering that my Dad (not I) spent a heck of alot from his life savings on the two aids. I also have them covered under the house insurance!

the_syco

Carlito Perez wrote:

http://www.livinghistory.ie/~billy/RubberBanditsHearingAid.mp3

WTF? I understood what he was saying. Dumb b|tch.

Also, she spoke quite low at times, to a person whom she knew needed a hearing aid, and then got agrivated when he couldn't hear her.

memphis

the_syco wrote:

WTF? I understood what he was saying. Dumb b|tch.

Also, she spoke quite low at times, to a person whom she knew needed a hearing aid, and then got agrivated when he couldn't hear her.

Gotta agree with ya on that.. Her manner with him wasn't the best. And for someone in customer services, knowingly dealing with a person who requires a hearing aid, who gets aggrivated is bad form.

Can't say I have ever had a problem with them in that way!!! I find them very obliging, and confident in what they do.

Victor

the_syco wrote:

Dumb b|tch.

Chill!

ciscokid

V1llianous wrote:

If this is in response to my post - I am confident that for my hearing levels the analog is as good as a digital. I was told by the guy in Bonovox that there was nothing more a digital one could do for me over the analog.

I haven't been to Hidden Hearing for an aid - out of interest I went straight after my assessment with Bonovox and they said I needed 2 digital aids without even testing my hearing. One of my ears has a slight loss but not substantial enough to use a second aid. As a result this warned me off them.

I had previously asked my ENT consultant and the audiologist in St. James' (before looking for my latest aid) whether I should get a second aid and they both concurred that as the loss was so slight there would be no point.

Thats the crux - where to find someone who is independent and capable at the same time. I am making enquiries abroad to ensure that I don't end up using a pair of hearing aids for the next 10 years that are not as good as ones I could have gotten with the right info beforehand.... when your hearing is as bad as mine every % counts big time.

the_syco

ciscokid wrote:

Thats the crux - where to find someone who is independent and capable at the same time. I am making enquiries abroad to ensure that I don't end up using a pair of hearing aids for the next 10 years that are not as good as ones I could have gotten with the right info beforehand.... when your hearing is as bad as mine every % counts big time.

Goto NRB, and say your looking for advice. If you want directions, drop me a PM.

oskar1

hi all,i also need 2 hearing aids,was wondering if anybody out there has had any experience in purchasing the siemens ultimate listening 832 digital hearing aid from specsavers in ireland,how did you find it?performance etc.i've gone to number of suppliers hidden hearing etc and found a huge price difference with them,i've been told odacon,widex siemens are the best by each supplier of the above models,so i don't want to waste money on an inferior model.so if anybody out there can help me out regarding specsavers i'd appreciate it,cheers oskar1

The Recliner

Hi and welcome to boards

Hopefully you can get the information you need here

I am locking this thread as it is over 3 years old and any information in it is long since out of date

I would suggest starting a new thread on this, that way all the answers will be relevant to your situation, if you have any trouble starting a new thread PM me and I will help you out

Thanks
Rec