ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: mimoore on August 19, 2008, 09:17:48 am
-
I just found out I cannot get Transer in Canada and I am soooooo bummed. I wonder if I can just go and get it? They said to check back in 6 - 12 months. I wanted to try it now, my ENT recommended Cros Ear (using two hearing aids). I didn't want anymore surgery (the Baha) so really wanted to try the Transear - grrrrrrrr.
Michelle :'( :'( :'(
Crying a tear in my beer. :'( I don't like beer and really only cry out of one eye - what a sight.
-
Hi, we cant get the Transear in the UK either, Rick the General Manager at Transear is hoping to get it over to the uk by the end of 2008, if you want his email let me know. Am like you i dont fancy anymore surgery and i thought this was a answer to my prayers, I have a cros aid but i dont like the idea of two aids, i have a trail for the BAHA on friday.
-
That would be great to have his email and then we could know as soon as it is available. Thanks.
-
Hi there, Mimoore. I'll save you writing me privately by commenting publicly. We do not yet have a support partner in Canada, but we hope to remedy that in 2009. Because bone conduction hearing aids are classified as Class II devices, we need a distributor who can market the product, provide support to hearing healthcare professionals, and handle regulatory issues with your government. We have found such a partner in the UK, and I will be conducting training there in late October. Hopefully we will have similar success in Canada by the end of the first quarter of 2009, but there are no guarantees, of course.
We are as anxious as you are and are flattered by your (and jazzfunkanne's) interest. I don't want to be unprofessional by recommending against CROS hearing aids, but statistically they have very poor retention rates and a high percentage are returned for credit. (My opinion does not apply to BICROS aids, however.)
I can promise we will work diligently to get north of our border as soon as is practical. In the meantime, if you live close to the border we can help you find a U.S. provider for TransEar.
Regards,
Rick Gilbert
VP & GM of Ear Technology/TransEar
-
Thank you Rick for your response. Is it possible for me to come the the States and get one?
Thanks jazzfunkanne for your help.
I will look forward to more information as it becomes readily available. Good luck with all that is needed to bring it north.
Enjoy your day.
Michelle ;D
-
Hi, we cant get the Transear in the UK either, Rick the General Manager at Transear is hoping to get it over to the uk by the end of 2008, if you want his email let me know. Am like you i dont fancy anymore surgery and i thought this was a answer to my prayers, I have a biocros aid but i dont like the idea of two aids, i have a trail for the BAHA on friday.
-
Michelle- if you hear anything about the TransEar in Canada, or how Canadians can go to the US for one, I would appreciate hearing about it! Thanks. Elda, Prince George, BC.
-
For sure!
-
Dear Donnalynn,
I am SSD and have not yet done anything, still researching.
Here are two sites that explain the Transear (no surgery needed) and the Baha (surgery required). Jan has the Baha and I am sure she will tell you how great it has been for her.
Good luck.
Michelle ;D
http://www.transear.com/
http://www.umm.edu/otolaryngology/baha.htm
-
Hi, Donnalynn -
just sent you a PM with a link to my BAHA pictures that I posted on this forum in June.
There are many BAHA users on this forum - Lori, Catflower (Linda), Ellis, Sam Rush, Joef, Sabuck, shygirl all come to mind.
As Michelle mentioned, I absolutely LOVE my BAHA. The link she gave you is a wonderful link and explains the "technology" behind the BAHA. I can never explain the medical theory, because I just don't have a head for it (I'm an accountant), but I do know it works wonders.
As I mentioned in my PM, but will tell you again here, the surgery isn't bad at all. It's a fast, simple outpatient procedure - not at all like AN surgery - and it can be done with either local or general anesthetic. I opted for local and could have literally walked out of the OR after the procedure if my doc and the nurses would have let me.
Three months after the surgery I was able to start using my processor (tiny hearing aid) and the rest is history ;)
Jan
-
i have a trail for the BAHA on friday.
Jazzfunkanne -
good luck with the BAHA demo. I think you'll like it ;D
Before my demo I had been getting input from other BAHA users on this forum and was pretty sure I wanted to have the surgery. The demo sealed the deal for me! I found it truly amazing!
Let us know what you think,
Jan
-
interesting Jan I didn't know you could have a demo - kewl I wanna try it.
-
Donnalynn, I totally get the whole surgery thing. I am going for a mamogram tomorrow and am dreading walking into a hospital. I haven't had experience wit the Tranear but am eager to hear (pardon the pun) what others have to say. My ENT here in Canada suggested the Cros hearing aid which is wearing two hearing aids, the good ear transmitts to the bad ear (that's what I understood anyway). I don't want to have to wear two if it is not necessary, that I why I am so interested in the Transear. I am waiting to hear more about when it may come available to us here.
Never aplogize for asking questions, we all learn more that way!
Michelle ;D
-
Another Canadian here (Toronto, ON) who may be interested in this option if/when it becomes available.
Thanks for raising this Michelle.
Trish
-
Hi Donna-Lynn,
I like Trish live Ontario, I am just North of Toronto. I will certainly let everyone know information as I find it out. I am going to a hearing aid clinic tomorrow for a consultation as well as my mamogram (yippee for me). So I may have more information tomorrow. I also see my ENT in October and I dropped off information about the Transear to her so it will be interesting to see what she has to say. I will keep you posted.
I also went for an interview today for a teaching postion (kindergarten) so I have my fingers crossed. Yes I am SSD but that or my paralysed face (lots of twitching with a tiny movement) is not going to stop me. I am a survior and never give up!!!
Michelle ;D
-
Hi Donna-Lynn,
I have a TransEar. It looks like a behind the ear hearing aid, but it works through bone conduction. You only need one in the deaf ear. You get it from an audiologist. They put something in your ear to get a mold of your ear to help them make the hearing aid. In about two weeks you will get your TransEar. I chose it because I didn't want anything permanent in my head. The TransEar can be put in and taken out easily when you chose. I don't know of any studies that have compared it to BAHA, but from the comments I've heard about both it seems that they are similar in hearing gain. Either one, BAHA or TransEar, is a matter of personal choice. I've heard of people that are happy with both of them. I've had mine now for 1 1/2 years and am very happy with it. It seems to get better over time as your brain becomes adjusted to it. If you have more questions send me a PM and I'd be happy to answer them.
Jean
-
Hi Donna-Lynn,
I just wanted to say welcome to the forum, and I'm glad to see you are posting now. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions about it, and don't worry about posting in the wrong place or anything.
I know very little about BAHAs and TransEars, except that I think having a BAHA mounted on your head is cool. 8)
I'm not from Canada either, so I'd better scoot now.
Steve
-
Steve,
We'll make you an honouree Canadian, won't we girls :-* Its amazing how many of us are on this forum. WOW!!! and Thank God for this forum!
Welcome DonnaLynn again,
Anne Marie
-
Michelle -
yes, there is a BAHA demo! It's basically the processor (aka tiny hear aid) attached to an elastic headband - since no doc would want to perform the real surgery in order to give a patient a demonstration :D
I've told the story lots of times, but I'll retell it for all you newbies.
The day of my demo, the doc put the headband on my head and told me to plug my "good" ear with my finger. Then he sat across from me and talked. Having heard nothing out of my deaf ear for 4 months, it was absolutely amazing to me that I could hear every word he said. From that moment I was hooked.
I would have had the surgery that very day if it would have been a possibility, but it took another 5 months to get approval for the surgery and the processor from my insurance company - it normally takes 4 to 6 weeks. While I hated waiting 5 months, it was worth it to only pay $400 in deductible.
As Jean mentioned, BAHA vs TransEar is a personal choice. There are those who couldn't imagine having a hole drilled into their skull and a titanium abutment implanted, but there are those who couldn't imagine wearing a hearing aid in their ear. In addition, there are those who adjust to being SSD just fine and they opt to remain that way. You need to do what is best for you.
Jan
-
Thanks Jan
I am seeing the audiologist today so I will pick his brain. :o
Michelle ;D
-
There is a TransEar provider in Williamsville, New York, which is only 12 miles
away from Buffalo. Will this help?
-
Hmmmm that is interesting. I went to the audiologist today and of course they don't have it here in Canada so they suggested the Cros Hearing aid (your wear two and one is just a reciever), Both here would cost me $1200.00. I may do it while I wait for the Transear to come. Seems dumb to buy one thing- get used to it and then switch. My other option is to drive to the States and get it but what about follow up? I hear it can be a bit finicky at first and they need to sand areas down that bother your ear. A snug fit is necessary, so I don't know (thinking out loud here). The Cros is just a tiny thing in the ear and of course a device behind the ear. Not quite as big as a regular one.
does anyone have experience with the Cros?
Michelle ;D
-
Hi Mimi. I don,t know what Transear is...but my son wears a Widex digital hearing aid....works as a pharmacaeutical rep so needs to block out some noises but hear all the other voices as well. IT WORKS. NO SURGERY.... Looke up Widex on the web. It is available in Canada and is partially covered by health insurnce. Carol
-
Hi jan, the trial for the baha was really good the sound was so clear, i have till oct to make up my mind , as i said its the thought of more surgery to my head.
-
ps , jan do you noticed the baha when wearing it does your hair cover it ? thanksx
-
Michelle:
I am in discussions with a major Canadian company, and we will be building one for a test patient in Ontario next week. If all goes well - and I think it will - there will be a (worst case) 6 month process to go through the regulatory process. Early spring looks like a good bet at this time for wide-scale distribution north of the border. 8)
Regards,
Rick Gilbert
-
Yippee can't wait.....keep us posted please Rick.
Thanks Michelle ;D
-
Excellent news from Rick about the Transear!!! ;D
jfanne -
yes, my hair does cover my BAHA and I wear my hair fairly short. Pictures can be found at this link http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6634.msg65388#msg65388
Jan
-
Yes, yes, please keep us Canadians posted on the transear... ;D
-
I had the BAHA surgery this last Thursday. It was a piece of cake compared to the AN surgery. I had my translab on June 12, so it was about 3 1/2 months after. So hopefully this will allay any concerns about physically being able to have BAHA surgery soon after AN surgery. Psychologically, it might be tougher if you had a rough go with the AN surgery.
So far, I LOVE the implant. Even though I won't get the processor for 3 months, when I touch the cap of the implant, ever so slightly, I can hear a "skritchy skritchy" noise in my good ear. It is SO COOL! I am looking forward to getting the transmitter. Maybe Santa will bring it for Christmas - that's the right time frame!
Tammy
-
That is so great Tammy! Keep us posted and let us know how it goes. My tinnitus is driving me CRAZY!!!!! Come on I am deaf and get this - totally not fair. I can't wait to hear again out of my left ear.
Santa is watching be a good girl. :o
Michelle ;D
-
Hello Michelle et al,
Any change in the status of Transear in Canada? This non-surgical option does sound intriguing. Curious to know if anyone out there has tried both Transear and BAHA. And if anyone using BAHA wears their hair really short or are bald. Having what appears to be the equivelent of a jack in your skull, I would think, comes with some challenges. Rain / showers an issue? How do you clean it?
I'm hoping to have options available, should I choose to not just live with SSD.
Cheers!
Ken
-
And if anyone using BAHA wears their hair really short or are bald. Having what appears to be the equivelent of a jack in your skull, I would think, comes with some challenges. Rain / showers an issue? How do you clean it?
I can't believe my luck, I get to spring the answer to the question on cleaning a BAHA mounting post.
You use a toothbrush and Dawn dish-washing liquid. Wait, the Dawn might be to get out the antibiotic you apply after the surgery. Maybe you can use regular soap after that. I don't really know what I am talking about, but I'm pretty sure a toothbrush enters the picture somewhere. ;D
Steve
-
Hi,
I wear my hair short and have no trouble concealing my BAHA -- my processor is the Intenso model, which is larger than the Divino model. There's a good range of processor colors -- I have the brown which matches my hair color quite well. The abutment -- the titanium thing that's attached to your head is quite unobtrusive. I have to say that the thought of having an implant in my skull seemed a bit creepy at first -- but the reality is that it's no big deal.
The processor is not water proof, though I met someone yesterday who accidentally jumped in a swimming pool with his processor attached ... realized it as soon as he hit the water, got out immediately and dried the processor with a hair dryer. He said it's been working fine ever since. I don't plan on trying that out. But the story presents a good point -- you get so used to wearing the processor that you aren't really aware of it.
Re: the cleaning process -- I wash my hair every day and have had absolutely no problems with infection (knock on wood); a soft toothbrush is supplied by the manufacturer, but (per my doctor's advice, by the way) I've never had to use it. I remember using a little bit of antibiotic for a couple of days after the surgery, but have used nothing since. I believe that some people have occasional problems with tenderness or infection -- I'm among those who don't. In general, I think of my BAHA as analagous to my contact lenses --- I'm extremely careful with the equipment, wash my hands thoroughly, and have a set routine. I've been using my BAHA since June, I really like it, and I don't even think about it that much anymore -- it's become part of my life.
Best wishes as you make your decision!
Catherine (JerseyGirl2)
-
Ken -
Steve is correct. Post op you can clean your BAHA abutment (titanium post) with Dawn dish detergent to get the antibiotic ointment out. Antiobiotic ointment is quite greasy and the Dawn cuts this grease. Some patients use Dawn in place of shampoo after their AN surgery since you also typically put antibiotic ointment on your incision/scar.
You can also use a very soft toothbrush to clean your abutment. Post op, before I got my processor and my handy dandy gift pack from Cochlear with my "official toothbrush" (it's blue with the name Cochlear on it), I purchased some baby toothbrushes and they did the trick quite nicely.
Once your BAHA site is healed and you aren't using antibiotic ointment any more you can just use regular shampoo and clean your abutment when you wash your hair. You can use the toothbrush Cochlear provides or you can use a soft washcloth.
I wear my hair short and it covers my processor, but I'm a woman, so as a man you'd probably wear your hair even shorter. There are pictures of my BAHA site and processor on the forum - both attached and unattached to my head - that you might find interesting. But I thought I'd send you the link to Bucko's (sabuck's) BAHA photos instead, since I thought it would be more helpful for you to see it attached to a man's head.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=c12fbffbe1ab8b876011a2ea53b7612a&topic=6833.0
Joef also has pictures of his BAHA that he PM'd to me before my BAHA surgery - perhaps he'll send them to you if you ask him.
Jan
-
Dear Ken:
I will likely be 4-6 months before the regulatory issues come full circle in Canada, but I feel very confident that we will be offering TransEar in Canada by summer of next year. Of course we hope it will be sooner, but governments tend to move rather slowly - on both sides of the border - so we are cautious in our estimates.
Regards,
Rick Gilbert
-
Hi Rick,
Thanks for keeping us posted. I am so excited and am trying to be patient. Looking forward to the day I can hear out of my left ear again.
Michelle ;D
-
hip hip hooray....transear in Canada....Now a question on the BAHA...can one swim with the abutment only????
JO
-
Donnalynn:
No, 100% loss in the bad ear is not needed. We have fit a number of individuals who still have some residual low frequency hearing left on the bad side, and the programming is adjusted by the audiologist to compensate. We also typically add a larger vent in what we call the transfer unit. Most important is the hearing in the better ear, where we like to see thresholds of 30 dB or better out through 2K Hz. This is the ear that "hears" the energy coming from the bad side, so it must still be in good condition. There is a complete FAQ on our web site at http://www.transear.com. It also contains information on the new model, and it describes several other FDA-approved conditions where TransEar can be utilized. I hope this answers your question.
Regards,
Rick Gilbert
-
Yes, the processor is not waterproof and must be removed for swimming, showering, etc. The abutment is permanently attached to your head, so it does whatever you do!
Catherine (JerseyGirl2)
-
To Mimoore, donnalynn, ken, and the many others who have inquired about TransEar in Canada, I'm pleased to resurrect this topic with news that we are finally ready!
We are happy to announce that Bernafon Canada Ltd. will be our Canadian distributor. I'll provide contact information here if the moderator OKs it, or those interested can send me a private email to which I'll reply quickly.
Woo-hoo! :D
TransEarXpert (Rick)
-
w00t! is right, Rick! thanks for keeping everyone updated.
Noting here where disti info for CAN for Transear should be fine, as we share info here for other types of assistance for AN'ers. this "Mod" votes yes to post it here. People can also PM you here if they want to contact you directly for add'l info.
Well done it getting Transear to CAN. About time! :)
Phyl
-
Phyl has allowed me to post the "official" news bulletin for those members in Canada who have been so patient with us. Here goes:
We are pleased to announce that Bernafon Canada Ltd. has been appointed as the Canadian distributor of TransEar. Regulatory issues are complete! We do not have a list of specific providers yet, and it will probably take some time for Bernafon to establish a complete network. But it shouldn't be too much longer to have major Canadian cities represented by at least one provider.
Anyone interested can contact Bernafon toll-free at 1-800-265-8250 or by email (am@bernafon.ca) for further information on provider availability. In the U.S., we found that inquiries from ANA-ers really sped the start-up process up, and I’m sure that Bernafon will be happy to send your current hearing healthcare provider an information packet on request. That will be the quickest way to get professional relationships established.
I'm available to assist wherever needed, preferably by private email. Good luck to all.
Rick (TransEarXpert)
-
Exciting News Rick!
Thanks for updating us!
I have made my appointment! I will keep you all posted.
I am soooo happy.
Michelle ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Hello everyone. I can't believe that the transear works with no surgery. I have been psyching myself up for when it's time to do something about my hearing aid and was not too thrilled with the baha surgery. I am so grateful for everyone's information on this thread and to mimoore for looking into it and to Rick for all his support and everyone else's input. Please keep us all informed.
Vivian
Toronto, Ontario
-
I have has a TransEar for 3 years now. I would not go without it. As far as pros go: it's easy to use, just pop it into my ear in the morning; the newest version that I now have has much better voice discrimination, it's fairly easy to understand conversation on the deaf side; the batteries last 1-2 weeks before needing to be changed; it comes with the dry 'n store box to help keep the TransEar clean and dry; I have mild, mild tinninitus and I really don't notice it all when I have the TransEar in; I also "feel" more balanced when I'm wearing it, meaning my head doesn't feel "lopsided" ( I know that is all purely psychological though); I am able to wear it all the time while I'm awake, don't even notice it (I've gone to bed with it in and only noticed it when I laid on that side). The cons for me would be the times that the wire has broken. If it came with an extra wire it would be perfect. I have noticed that the wires tend to be stronger on the newer version. Dealing with TransEar is excellent, too.
All in all, from what I've read the sound you get from the TransEar seems to be similar to the BAHA although I can't say for sure because I've never tried the BAHA. You do need to take it off when you are in water. Although I got caught in an unexpected rain storm and then put it in the Dry and Store and it was fine. It also does not work well in noisy environments. I don't know of anything that does.
Hope this helps. If you have any other specific questions, please ask and I'll do my best to answer them.
Jean
-
Thanks Jeanlea,
I am going to print off some information as they too will be new to this. I know many have you using the Transear have worked through the growing pain. What is the newest version called?
Note:
* tight fit
* extra wire
* dry and store kit
*
Anything you think would be useful please add to the list.
Michelle ;D
Getting excited to hear!
-
It's the TransEar 380 HF.
-
My hearing in my good ear is normal. So no aid in that ear.
Jean
-
Jean,
* have you had any trouble with the fit?
* Do you feel it when you yawn or chew?
* Can you hear a phone conversation on the deaf side with it?
* can you block off loud restaurant noise with it?
* Can you manually adjust it off and on? or do you have to take it right off?
All these questions eh?
Thanks so much I really appreciate any info I can get.
I see my audiologist on Monday so I really want the 'skinny' on this all.
Thanks so much!
Donnalynn
I was llucky and never had any trouble with the fit.
I don't feel it at all when I yawn or chew. I forget I'm wearing it.
Never really tried to talk on the phone on that side, but I can hear other things around me when I'm talking on the phone with my good ear.
Can't realy block off loud restaurant noise with it. I can carry on a conversation with someone sitting next to me in our school lunch room which is very loud.
If I wanted to, I could turnthe volume all the way down which turns it off while I'm wearing it. Haven't really wanted to do that though.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your appointment on Monday.
Jean
-
So I called a local company who will be carrying the Transear and they told be to call back in a month or so. They need to go through training. I said I would be a guinea pig. Can you tell I am excited to get the ball rolling.
Michelle ;D
-
Michelle,
You are a model of patience on the forum. For you, a month should be nothing. :)
I hope that it works out fabulously well and that you are ecstatic about the results. You deserve it!
Steve
-
The company I called was "Listen Up" but I will also be calling other companies. I will start with Helix. I will keep you all posted with any new discoveries.
Michelle ;D
-
Donnalynn, was your appointment this past Monday? If so how did it go?
Here is another link where TransEar is discussed and may help some: http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=12076.msg139310#msg139310
Jeanlea: I'm from Michigan too and asked on another topic where did you go to get your TransEar?? Thanks!
Best wishes to those of you who get one.............be sure to keep us informed :)
Denise S. (Michigan)
-
Denise,
I'm acrosss Lake Michigan from you in the Upper Penninsula. I got my first TransEar in Appleton, Wisconsin. The audiologist was a relative of my sister's so I got her to do it for me. Since I was her first one I got a good price. I'm working with a new audiologist who is closer to me in Menominee, Michigan. She hasn't done one yet, but is willing to do so. She's working with my insurance company to see if they will cover the entire cost. Apparently my insurance will pay $1600 PER EAR. Even though I only need one aid, they currently will not pay more than that for the TransEar. I'm still waiting to hear if she makes any progress. In my experience you find an audiolgist that you like, tell them about the TransEar and they will do it for you. The company is really good about helping new audiologists.
Jean
-
How much is the Transear?
Michelle ;D
-
Mine cost $2400 three years ago. Another place closer to my house was going to charge me $2900. That's why I decided it was worth it to go further from home.
Jean
-
Denise,
I'm acrosss Lake Michigan from you in the Upper Penninsula. I got my first TransEar in Appleton, Wisconsin. The audiologist was a relative of my sister's so I got her to do it for me. Since I was her first one I got a good price. I'm working with a new audiologist who is closer to me in Menominee, Michigan. She hasn't done one yet, but is willing to do so. She's working with my insurance company to see if they will cover the entire cost. Apparently my insurance will pay $1600 PER EAR. Even though I only need one aid, they currently will not pay more than that for the TransEar. I'm still waiting to hear if she makes any progress. In my experience you find an audiolgist that you like, tell them about the TransEar and they will do it for you. The company is really good about helping new audiologists.
Jean
Hey Jean, THANKS for the info. I had wondered if you actually went to WI vs. MI. Glad to hear now there is someone closer to you and hope it all works out. I've been to Menominee a couple years ago. We took the carferry from here in Ludington across to Wisconsin, then drove up to U.P and North to Cooper Harbor, all over the U.P. all the way east to Drummond Island (missed some of the west, and couldn't get up to Taquamenon falls because the big forest fire broke out the day we were goiing (seen all the sights, snoky sky, some flames, even askhed on our vehicles and weird red sky in the eveining....scary). BEAUTIFUL!! I have read you really like your TransEar. I was hoping for BAHA because I periodically get stabbing pain in my ear canal & thought the TranEar "may" make it more discomforting (not sure though) Insurance won't cover BAHA, but they are trying a different approach due to the implant. As for TransEar I was told no for sure, but if I had to do something out of pocket......that is WAY cheaper :-)
Thanks again for the info.
Denise
-
Good morning to all
I'm too becoming a model of patience from Canada! ::) Just a quick question, did somebody hear anything about when they should be ready to actually fit us with the Transear in Canada? The announcement was in late March I believe....
-
Valerie, I am still waiting... I have talked to many local hearing aid places and they really don't know much. I have given them the contact information I have and hopefully soon I will hear.
Michelle ;D
-
~Yawn~ still waiting........
Every place I call says "Oh I haven't heard of that!" "Call back in September" or "Are you sure?"
Michelle :(
-
Hi!
I'm so with you on this one! Keep checking their website as well for information. I don't know how long the process will be but I'm with you on the waiting part. :P You have been an example of patience...he could only be a couple of months more I suppose.
Take care
Valérie
-
Maybe I should take up knitting hats or something creative like that!
I am kind of glad I needed to wait, only because I had perfect hearing prior to surgery and I would have compared the Transear to perfect hearing. At least this way anything can be better than totally deaf! ::)
As usual I will keep you posted!
Michelle ;D