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Need help with background noise

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My hearing is just fine until there is background noise. Is there an otc hearing aid that works for me or must I have the full hearing exam and an expensive hearing aid fitted?

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@rodlloyd said:

My hearing is just fine

This is exactly what I said for at least 20 years. before I got hearing aids
I see you joined this community 8 years ago … you also know you have hearing loss.
Get a hearing test ! Then come back and ask questions and get advice here.

LOL to GrayGhost’s excellent piece of advice to you! GO FOR IT. Get tested, then see if the audi recommends or prescription aids.

Aids have become fashion statements today! I proudly show off my Phonak Lumity Life 312 aids in Precious Pink and (backup pair) Caribbean Pirate. GORGEOUS and extremely useful for my lifestyle.

That said, you’ve just stated the Holy Grail for us all: Comprehending speech in LOUD NOISE. I have a dedicated program that takes the background noise out and lets me focus on speech, but these aids are not even as good as the newer Phonak Spheres or Oticon Intent. See what’s out there. Keep an open mind and put YOUR comfort and quality of life ahead of what others think you should be doing or wearing.

In reply to @freezerman404

AirPods can also facilitate a quick and dirty home test which (for me, at least,) is remarkably close to the professionally administered tests. If you are mild/moderate in losses, then otc (even apple AirPods Pro 2) might be an answer. The site also has reviews of hearing aids in general, both otc and prescription. Many here find the Costco hearing aids quite good fora remarkable price.

WH

In reply to @1Bluejay

When buying hearing aids buy what works for you - price be damned. Id you buy on price you ALWAYS OVERPAY, because if it doesn’t work for you it is a 100% waste of money. My Dad went through 5 or 6 different sets before he decided not to look at the price tag. My first pair (Oticon OPN 1) cost more than my car and truck combined - but I have never regretted it. My current Exceed 2 set cost more, but the car is more expensive too (same truck) so no longer cost more than both!!!

I’ve always looked at myHAs as money well spent. For me getting 20 yrs ago was the best thing I’ve done for myself.

Yeah, I’d bugged my audis for 15 years to ask Phonak for “adult” aids in “child” colors, cuz kids had all these cheery choices while us grownups got the BMW color swatches to choose from.

Oh, like silver, black, and sand beige? I love the phrase BMW color swatches! Then again, I wouldn’t mind a nice midnight blue.

@rodlloyd said:

Is there an otc hearing aid that works for me or must I have the full hearing exam and an expensive hearing aid fitted?

We have zero ideas of how to answer your question without knowing what your hearing loss is. Sharing your will get the ball rolling to help you.

I am currently on vacation, but will get an exam as soon as I get home. I am sold.

I tried my iPhone and AirPods while listening to a tour guide. The sound was clear but delayed a little and I could hear the sound live also, so that was very distracting.

AirPods Pro? They are more occlusive of external sounds than regular AirPods.

Did you try the hearing test built into iOS?

WH

There are a handful of test apps on the google play store. I used Mimi on iOS and liked it a lot before IOS incorporated the test into the system. It used to be available on android. Maybe still? I read it is no longer supported on android.

WH

As others said, get a hearing exam. The price on the hearing aids is largely being set-up and fitted by the audiologist, once you have the , you can possibly do that part yourself. Whilst there are online sites and tools to create an audiogram, and audiologist will check why you have hearing loss, and also exclude stupid causes like ear wax.

Thanks for the advice. I purchased an Elehear Rebound with a 45 day trail, to see if it helped. It did not.
I finally got a full hearing test and they said I do not need hearing aids, they will not help with my background noise. After further discussion, I was diagnosed with “Hyperacusis” with a referral to a neurologist. It was also discovered that all my sinuses are full of polyps and surgery is scheduled next week to have them removed. Also I have arthritus in the jaw. The hinge for the jaw is right next to the ear.
I am glad I had a hearing test and pressed them to dig deeper into my hearing problems. I will keep you posted.

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