Advice on how to decide if I should use aids

I’ve had aids for 12 years and I’m half way through a 90 day trial of Phonak 170-R with domes provided by Boots Hearing. I previously had Oticon Engage with custom moulds for 10 years from the NHS then latterly Danelogic NHS - funded aids with custom moulds.

The answer to your question about whether you should get aids is a definite Yes. The outcome so far of my trial is that the Phonaks are no better overall sound-wise than the NHS provided aids, the main problem I have is getting the moulds to stay in place, having tried various sizes. I would make sure you are happy with ‘Receive In Canal’ domes before going further as I think I may have to revert to custom moulds where the ‘Receiver’ i.e the speaker is not in the ear canal.

If you do get tested at a ‘hearing aid shop’, ask for a copy of the test before you leave. They are legally required to give you one (in the States). Not sure if this is by state law or nationally, but I remember it is the case.

Your situation sounds quite common, many people find that hearing aids can help overall, but certain everyday situations, like hearing a softer-spoken partner or following conversations from a distance, can still be challenging.

I’m the co-founder of Jabees, and this is one of the reasons we developed the HearLink Kit2. It’s a simple wireless microphone paired with bone conduction headphones. The microphone can be placed closer to the person speaking, and their voice is streamed directly to the listener.

It’s not a replacement for hearing aids, but some people find it useful as a complementary tool for specific situations where they need a little extra help.

One of our users, Dr. Stephen Acker (a retired M.D. Oncologist), shared his experience using HearLink for conversations, church, and group settings. His experience was one of the reasons we continue developing this type of assistive listening technology.

Happy to share his video if it’s of interest. I hope your hearing aid trial goes well, and it would be interesting to hear how you get on with the Phonak trial.

Yes, thanks. I have a copy of the audiogram, no problem with getting it.

I agree your loss is not severe, but it does drop off in the upper octaves. I put off getting aids for about 8 years because I could hear well enough most of the time. Like you my wife has a soft voice. It was my primary care telling me about the connection with dementia that got my attention.

I bit the bullet in January 2025 and bought a pair of Phonak I90Rs [non-sphere]. Suggestions based upon my fairly recent experience and my readings here and elsewhere:

1. Obviously it is a personal decision, but I got used to the aids fairly quickly. There was some minor physical irritation because I also wear glasses, but I got used to that over time and adjusted my frame style.
2. Go to a certified audiologist; don’t rely on a technician. An excellent and accurate hearing exam I believe eliminates the need for repeated ‘tweaking’ of the program.
3. Buy the best aids you can afford. The technology has developed quite well in recent years, so take advantage of it if you can.
4. Other users say you get used to the rustling and scratchy sounds because you are hearing things in that octave range you heard in a long time. My experience has been different. With mild to moderate loss, I just turn the volume control down one notch and everything sounds natural. In this same vein, I also insist on open domes. Again because my loss is not severe, I prefer to get as much natural sound coming through as possible.

I pray this helps.

Dan

@Bimodal_user said:

And Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere and R (non-Sphere)?

Not mentioned. I’ll have to ask

Thanks. Useful information.