• From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 338

Topic: Hearing Aids.

We had a discussion a while back about hearing aids and hearing loss. I use hearing aids and had mentioned that an audiologist friend of mine had told me that I could get a programme for my  digital H aids that was specially set up for music.

Well, I asked when I had my last appointment and they set it up for me. According to the audiologist the actual programme could be improved as it still focusses on the speech range, rather than including all overtones etc that appear in playing music - so there's more work needed there.

Nevertheless, I have been working with these over the past few weeks - and the difference is amazing. There is a much greater range of sound. I am now picking up pitches that I was not hearing before. I have to assume that this is close to what people with perfect hearing  are hearing. It has also meant me having to re-work my guitar playing, suddenly the higher register is more shrill and I am having to dampen strings I would previously have let ring.

So my recommendation for anyone with a guitar addiction and using digital H aids is to ask for a music programme to be added. I replaced my T-loop setting with the music setting and it has made a real difference.

"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understandin' ."    Elvis Costello

alansheeran's Website

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Hearing Aids.

Thanks for the information Alan, I am supposed to wear hearing aids but because the frequencies of sound they amplified irritated me I opted not to wear them, but if these new inovations can adjust to filter out these annoyances I will look into the possibility of wearing them again since it wont cost me anything and the audiologist is a very attractive woman I may make an appointment or two smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 338

Re: Hearing Aids.

Hi Russell,

Check it out. Before I had them re-programmed, my H aids would chirp when they received certail frequencies.

Interestingly the big difference is with the guitar. My mandolin play hasn't been effected by it in the same way ( I play Irish trad ( single line melody) only on the mandolin), so it must be something to do with harmony.

"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understandin' ."    Elvis Costello

alansheeran's Website

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Hearing Aids.

will do smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 139

Re: Hearing Aids.

Hey Alan, did you have this done at the Ulster Hospitial, or was it private.  I wouldn't mind

having it done if it was through the NHS.  Also does your hearing aid use many battries, as

mine seems to do, I would love to know.  Also if it was done on the NHS, I wouldn't mind

Losing the T-Loop.  Hope to hearing from you soon.

Luck and Health to all!!!!!

  • From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 338

Re: Hearing Aids.

Hi Headcase.

Yes, it's on the NHS. My audiology appts are in the City, but Ulster should do it too. They just plug the H aid into the computer and change the system. My H aids seem to go through about one battery every three weeks, but I usually take them out for most of the time when I get home from work and at the weekend, so it's  hard to tell.

My kids throw pillows at me when I don't hear something they've said!

Allabest !

"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understandin' ."    Elvis Costello

alansheeran's Website

7 Reply by Headcase (edited by Headcase 2009-02-04 13:45:59)

  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 139

Re: Hearing Aids.

Thanks Alan for taking the time to answer.  I have to attend the Ulster tomorrow for a chest

X-ray, so I'll go after that, thanks again.

By the way like you songs, I'd love to hear them on Y-Tube.

Luck and Health to all!!!