I wondered about these when I first read about them, as I am a likely candidate. While I applauded Elizabeth Warren’s effort to make OTC hearing aids available, your points about how bewildering it was to choose and adjust them appropriately are right on target. So, as in my case the problem isn’t so bad as yet, I didn’t bother. But I use AirPods anyway, so it wouldn’t be a big stretch, with the exception that I am not one to wear AirPods constantly, as I find it uncomfortable to have things in my ears. But they do sound worth a try. I’d be interested in a follow-up report on this once they are on the market and people have experience with them.
Thanks for the write up, an interesting topic indeed. The topic is complex indeed.
As one who served as president of a local chapter of Self Help for Hard of Hearing (now known as Hearing Loss Association of America ), I have experienced many folks who experienced hearing loss. I meet with many people who were new to this world. Sometimes, some would mention relatives and parents that get hearing aids but leave them in the drawers. I draw upon this experience to offer some observations (anecdotal, of course) that there is a stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids. Also experienced many that had a hard time adjusting to this world. Seems that many expect these devices to replace their normal hearing. It's important to realize that these are aids and not restoring their hearing. With the digital technology, we have been able to close that gap. Still, the stigma of old age persist and why in the ear aids (less or not visible) are more popular. I just cannot see that air pods will be the answer. Besides, as Susan said, these are not meant to be wear worn all day. I hope to post a note tomorrow on the realities of old age.
Maybe you can make a note of HLAA with your patients. Lots of good information and I'm sure you have a local chapter. https://www.hearingloss.org/about-hlaa/
In 2009 I had ASNHL, much worse on the R . No conductive loss . Since 2009 I have tried many of the most high tech versions of aides . Hearing aides are not helpful when the loss is more sensorineural. I know this firsthand . This really helped me understand why many are very frustrated with hearing devices. If one makes an analogy to the eye - if your refraction apparatus is wonky , we have glasses , contacts and even eye muscle surgeries to correct that. But if your processor, i.e. retina ,goes bad , current corrective tech is not much help. It is similar with the ear. My “ear processor “ went bad . Maybe a Cochlear Implant for me someday ( I still have one pretty good ear )
I wondered about these when I first read about them, as I am a likely candidate. While I applauded Elizabeth Warren’s effort to make OTC hearing aids available, your points about how bewildering it was to choose and adjust them appropriately are right on target. So, as in my case the problem isn’t so bad as yet, I didn’t bother. But I use AirPods anyway, so it wouldn’t be a big stretch, with the exception that I am not one to wear AirPods constantly, as I find it uncomfortable to have things in my ears. But they do sound worth a try. I’d be interested in a follow-up report on this once they are on the market and people have experience with them.
Thanks for the write up, an interesting topic indeed. The topic is complex indeed.
As one who served as president of a local chapter of Self Help for Hard of Hearing (now known as Hearing Loss Association of America ), I have experienced many folks who experienced hearing loss. I meet with many people who were new to this world. Sometimes, some would mention relatives and parents that get hearing aids but leave them in the drawers. I draw upon this experience to offer some observations (anecdotal, of course) that there is a stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids. Also experienced many that had a hard time adjusting to this world. Seems that many expect these devices to replace their normal hearing. It's important to realize that these are aids and not restoring their hearing. With the digital technology, we have been able to close that gap. Still, the stigma of old age persist and why in the ear aids (less or not visible) are more popular. I just cannot see that air pods will be the answer. Besides, as Susan said, these are not meant to be wear worn all day. I hope to post a note tomorrow on the realities of old age.
Maybe you can make a note of HLAA with your patients. Lots of good information and I'm sure you have a local chapter. https://www.hearingloss.org/about-hlaa/
In 2009 I had ASNHL, much worse on the R . No conductive loss . Since 2009 I have tried many of the most high tech versions of aides . Hearing aides are not helpful when the loss is more sensorineural. I know this firsthand . This really helped me understand why many are very frustrated with hearing devices. If one makes an analogy to the eye - if your refraction apparatus is wonky , we have glasses , contacts and even eye muscle surgeries to correct that. But if your processor, i.e. retina ,goes bad , current corrective tech is not much help. It is similar with the ear. My “ear processor “ went bad . Maybe a Cochlear Implant for me someday ( I still have one pretty good ear )