Oticon Hearing Aid Check

I can’t believe it’s been three years since I got my first pair of hearing aids. I knew I was having a hearing problem because the TV volume was set at ridiculously high levels and I was constantly asking my husband to repeat himself.  And the hearing test confirmed my suspicions. It was also during the height of the pandemic. So I not only had to get used to the idea of wearing the hearing aids, but also getting used to them in a very sheltered environment. Then I had to get used to them again once we began to start living our lives in the outside world. So before the three year warranty expires in October, I got a reminder email that the aids should be brought in for a check, clean up, and for a battery change. The batteries were starting to run low early in the evening. It was the first time I saw the audiologist without a mask. The hearing aids looked good and the battery was changed. I asked about the newest technologies and at this time I am content with the pair that I have until it really becomes necessary to update them. It’s sort of like an iPhone. Unfortunately the ringing in my ears has returned and that may mean they need to be adjusted based on another hearing test - which I may schedule in the fall. I also got another year warranty. The charge for that can also be used to purchase a new pair. Supposedly these Oticon aids last 5-7 years. I’m happy that the battery change made a big difference and that these sorts of devices are available to make life easier. And the best part is that the office is literally right across the street so it couldn’t be any more convenient. 

Oticon Hearing Aids

I flunked the hearing test. I had been putting it off because I had a feeling that would happen. As a result it was recommended that I wear hearing aids. Both of my parents needed hearing aids, but I don’t think this early on. I have ringing in my ears - maybe from taking baby aspirin for over forty years - or maybe from blood pressure medication. Not knowing what to get, I relied on the audiologist recommendations. Since there is an office just across the street, we felt this would be most convenient, but probably more expensive. I didn’t want the aid to sit in my ear, and since I have moderate to severe loss the behind the ear type was recommended. So I ended up with Oticon brand. I got them almost two weeks ago and it’s been interesting to adjust. I am overly sensitive to sound - especially non spoken peripheral noise. It can drive me crazy. On Tuesday I go back for a check up. The nice thing about the hearing aids is that they are rechargeable, can be linked to my iPhone to make adjustments using the app, and they can stream to phone calls, music and other things. Since I don’t know what to expect I’m not sure if this is the best way forward. I do know the tv sound is much lower now, but I can also hear my husband chewing food. Oftentimes it sounds like static if the wind is blowing. It feels like it’s just another thing falling apart over the last year and I don’t like it. Hopefully things will begin to feel normal again soon. I suppose it’s better than asking my husband to constantly repeat himself. But since we are not living the way we used to I don’t know how well these devices will work in the real world of rooms and restaurants filled with people. Hopefully they can be adjusted to manage the changes if and when they ever materialize.