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Archive => Archives => Topic started by: Survival Nate on August 13, 2006, 05:35:19 pm

Title: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 13, 2006, 05:35:19 pm
Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I get mine this week but wanted to hear about it. I was surprised it was the most expensive I had to choose from and Tri-Care still paid for it.

I had my AN removed Feb of 2005 I have never felt better I had very little nerve damage to my face, only lost my hearing and balance on one side and a few small numb patches. I was a lucky one.
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Boppie on August 13, 2006, 06:56:36 pm
I've queried this subject two or three times on here.  No anecdotal  reports have come through.  I sure would appreciate your reports if you could keep us posted.  The only advice I've gotten from hearing aid users is that you must give the new appliance an honest workout and keep it on every day until you adjust to it.  ...sort of like the saying, "It takes 21 days to develop a new habit".  Please keep us posted.
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Battyp on August 14, 2006, 05:02:11 am
Hi Nate,
I do not have one but am considering getting one if it turns out I'd benefit from it.  Please let me know how you like yours.  I was told they are about 3500?  My insurance of course declined to cover any of it.  Just curious why did you pick the cross aid over the baha?

thanks,
Michelle
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Survival Nate on August 14, 2006, 10:00:09 am
The Baha is to much work to keep clean and all that the cros-link seemed perfect since I only need it for work and the rest of the time i dont have to listen to my wife lol :P The BAHA I liked at first but when I saw how much care it needs, I felt it I would do that Im just a lazy person. Ill keep everyone posted when I get my aid i get it soon im so excited lol ;D ;D
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Boppie on August 14, 2006, 12:30:06 pm
Nate,

I agree about the cleanliness/maintenance issues.  Picture this...getting my hair done in the beautician's chair in the nursing home, or worse getting a yowie scrub down in the shower bath in my room.  Caregiver says, "What's this screw thing?  Take it out!"  I say, "What thing?"  I mean, like it or not, this too and worse could come to pass. ;D 

I'd rather just have an appliance like everybody else wears in or behind the ear.  Uretha said, "You have to think about these things!"  :D
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Static on August 15, 2006, 01:20:02 pm
When I was still working, I wanted to look into getting a CROS but my insurance wouldn't pay for any of it and they are really expensive.  I still am interesting in hearing what other people who have them think since I haven't put the thought totally out of my mind.  Maybe I can get assistance somewhere out there.  I agree with the thought of the CROS over the baha.  Don't th ink I'd want another surgery and something sticking out of my head! lol
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Survival Nate on August 15, 2006, 01:25:46 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I CAN HEAR AGAIN, I got my hearing aids and WOW I didnt think I lost so much hearing, the Phonak CROSLink is awsome. I just got them about 2 hours ago and im still trippin on the sounds I can hear,

Pros- HEARING 110%, weightless I can hardly feel them, I can still hear fine from the good ear, even with the Aid receiver

Cons- Delay there is a slight delay at first but not enough to effect anything,

This is my update for the first day I will keep you all posted on progress. Im very happy with them there is no dout. The total cost was $3,450( TriCare Prime paid for it for all you Military Dependants, I was surprised it was the exspencive one) well off to play with my new aid more any questions feel free to ask ???

Bye for now
Nate ;D
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Captain Deb on August 15, 2006, 01:36:55 pm
Quote from: Boppie on August 14, 2006, 12:30:06 pm
Nate,

I agree about the cleanliness/maintenance issues.  Picture this...getting my hair done in the beautician's chair in the nursing home, or worse getting a yowie scrub down in the shower bath in my room.  Caregiver says, "What's this screw thing?  Take it out!"  I say, "What thing?"  I mean, like it or not, this too and worse could come to pass. ;D 

I'd rather just have an appliance like everybody else wears in or behind the ear.  Uretha said, "You have to think about these things!"  :D
You could just tell 'em "Oh, that's where I plug into the Matrix."
Capt Deb
Title: Re: HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one?
Post by: Boppie on August 15, 2006, 01:52:50 pm
Nate,  Your Cros links both ears since you have hearing loss on GK side, right?  So does a unit sit behind each ear in your situation?  Do you have an In-The-Canal  bud too?

And we want to know how it works in a group setting.  We are so lucky to have this opportunity to get your reports.  I am so excited about this.  If the manufacturers only knew!  ;)  $$$$$$$$$$$ 

It would be great if these would work well enough for SSD.

I remember trying out the BAHA head band tester last January.  The restaurant I was eating in had some sort of refrigerator or motor humming off to my AN side.  I could hear it quite well and crisply but I was still not able to say it was from my right or left.

I didn't get to test the BAHA in a crowd.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 15, 2006, 01:57:02 pm
Deb, "Oh, that's where I plug into the Matrix." ;D

Cool Grannies do happen!  But I might forget and tell the caregiver to throw my unit away.  My kids would need to carry the BAHA unit in with them and plug me in when we needed to talk.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 15, 2006, 02:04:06 pm
I have SSD on my Right side, perfect hearing in my left. It is a behind the ear, and there is molds for in the ears aswell the mold on the left does not effect the hearing. Im going in a few to group test it I will post later tonight the results. When I have it on the sweet spot I dont get any humming at all, unless a strong wind is blowing the mute button works for that. Over all im still very satsifed with it. ;D
excuse the bad spelling im a horrod speller to many chat rooms growing up lol
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Obita on August 15, 2006, 04:00:46 pm
Nate: 

I am anxious for another update.  This is very exciting and I am so happy for you!!

Any chance you can tell where sound is comming from with your new aids?  SSD would be so much easier to handle if I could just locate sounds again.  (I miss you left inner ear :()

Kathy
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: cookiesecond on August 15, 2006, 07:04:55 pm
Nate,
This is awesome! I am so happy for you. I look forward to your updates.I have talked to my Dr about the Cros. I do not want another surgery!Sometimes I think I have adjusted to the ssd and sometimes it really bothers me...
Take care,
Lynn
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on August 15, 2006, 07:20:43 pm
Thanks for sharing Nate..keep us posted on how you like it!  I'm hoping to qualify for one ;o)
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Desilu on August 15, 2006, 07:37:55 pm
Hi Nate,

I am really excited for you and glad to know that your new "aid" is working well for you. I have a good friend who might be very interested in this device. Please keep us updated and let us know all the pros and cons. Thanks, for your informative posts? Ann
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 15, 2006, 07:49:39 pm
Well it almost 10:00pm the first day and nothing really wrong it worked great at Wal-Mart I was surprised. The weird thing was when I entered and left the building, the anti-theft device at the doors giving a mild ticking I though it was pretty cool I had to walk through a few times. It was nice to beable to hear move people as I walked around I was even able to locate were sounds are comming from A slight turn of the head and it works like sonar becouse you have the real sound and the digital sound there is a slight difference in tone so it works pretty cool. Any Questions Just Post It. Im check on reguler time

Nate ;D

I CAN HEAR YOU :o
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Captain Deb on August 15, 2006, 08:11:44 pm
Nate,
Do you get any kind of a "loaner" to test drive(hear)? I'd hate to spend $3500 on something and not love the results.  I'm glad you are loving yours! I miss me stereo so much!  And I used to be quite the party girl, now I sit in a corner cuz I can't hear ANYTHING in a crowd unless I jerk 'em by the collar and stick my ear up to their mouth. Walkining my dog on our one-lane dirt road is scary cuz I can't tell which direction the cars are coming from--have had a few close calls.
Capt Deb 8)
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 15, 2006, 08:16:23 pm
Great News for all of us, Nate! :D :D :D :D

Question: do both buds fill up your ear canals tightly?  Is this comfortable for you?
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 15, 2006, 08:18:44 pm
No they never offered me a loaner, but I never asked. And the car thing i understand im one of those people that looks back every three steps until i get dissy and fall over lol
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 16, 2006, 11:51:00 am
Boppie

They are molded to the ear so they fit snug and are comfortable they do hurt at first slightly but my ears adated and it doesnt hurt any more.the good ear,  the mold has a opening so you dont lose hearing in the good side
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 16, 2006, 12:45:06 pm
NEW PICS Things you dont see on the brochure......... 8)
Silver sender Black Reciever
(http://myspace-824.vo.llnwd.net/01055/42/80/1055180824_l.jpg)
Good ear, has mute button and volume control boot has mode select - can be used as a hearing aid for good side but mine is disabled
(http://myspace-993.vo.llnwd.net/01055/39/97/1055177993_l.jpg)
Bad ear ON/OFF and volume control
(http://myspace-800.vo.llnwd.net/01055/00/88/1055178800_l.jpg)

Im going to get the Smartlink mic with it that has Blutooth so I can use in for school and my Cell Phone

If you want to se more of it I can take more pics for anyone
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: chrissmom on August 16, 2006, 05:47:36 pm
Nate,

Thanks for the tip.  Chris is about your age (22) and if you like the cros-link maybe he will too.  You make some good points.  Keep us updated as to how you're doing with it.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 16, 2006, 06:12:01 pm
My generation invented this word and I get to say sooooo COOL!
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 16, 2006, 07:04:48 pm
Well Boppie asked me a good question. How do you work with glasses?
Well i dont where glass SO i put my wifes glasses on and they fit perfectly

PROS - they work well and fit secure with out feeling bulky, they go on easy

CONS - thicker armed glasses might not work well but the standard size does, I would not recommend for sunglasses becouse of the on/off so much when you take the glasses off you have to be aware of the aid so they dont get pulled off, I will still were Sunglasses when I drive and need them for long periodes of time
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 16, 2006, 08:26:55 pm
Okay, Nate, did you need the approval of your neuro to get fitted up with the aid or did you just choose an aid vendor to buy from?  Did they require an expensive hearing hearing test to prove deafness?
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 16, 2006, 08:31:42 pm
Here's my prediction...we will see new style ear pieces for glasses that allow other appliances to share on the ears.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 16, 2006, 10:07:03 pm
I told my doc I was getting one, he said "cool". My Neuro never formally approved it.My Family Doc (military DOC) issued a referral for the audiologist. The audiologist talk to me about it I first was in for the BAHA but he showed me a croslink and I thought in was cooler. They did give me a hearing test to test my good ear.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Patti UT on August 16, 2006, 11:54:21 pm
Nate,
  Do you have tinnitus?  I was wondering how your new aids would work if you had really bad tinnitus?

Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 17, 2006, 05:54:13 am
I dont get it to much, but if it effercts the aids i will post
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on August 17, 2006, 05:19:50 pm
Nate thanks so much for sharing the pics....I'm so hoping they will work for me!  Now I know what to expect if I get approved for the aids.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Captain Deb on August 17, 2006, 07:48:43 pm
Wow, I'm so glad you are lovin' these new thingies! One of the things I'm looking forward to at the Philly convention is the opportunity to try out summa these gizmos and gadgets. I sure would like to get back out on the road again--lately I've had too many close calls on our curvy one-laned road to walk much and too busy/lazy to go to the local park to walk. Sure would be great at social events!
Capt Deb
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 23, 2006, 10:39:32 am
New problem found in the croslink, I went on my first job and found a ringing when it was real close to the computer, im still investgating it will post when further looked in to it, it seems to only happen at boot up when it gets into windows it stops im thinking the BIOS might be sending out signals

Nate
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Boppie on August 23, 2006, 03:37:59 pm
Okay, Nate as long as you keep us up to date with notes, I will know what to expect when....  I am hoping to get in to the audiologist in mid september for a fitting like yours.
The bios must be sending signals to the thing!......This is Hal ;D
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on August 23, 2006, 08:25:33 pm
Hey Nate let me know if it happens to send you a cute guys phone number  LOL
Keeping fingers tomorrow I get good news and get one too!
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Jeanlea on August 24, 2006, 07:59:03 pm
Does insurance cover the cost?  They sound better than having something more permanent like the BAHA.  I don't want anything more done to my head. 

Jean
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Sue on August 24, 2006, 09:15:18 pm
This is the one my audiologist recommended for me, but, alas, I don't have insurance that will pay for hearing aids. Lucky you!!  I guess this is one of the type that works best for our situation.  Really glad to know that this is working for you, Nate.  As for your spelling...you can always copy the text and paste it into your e-mail as if you were going to send it out, check with spellchecker and then put it back into this Forum.  I've done that before when I thought I was messing up some words.  It's a thought.  I do wonder what our English will be like in, say 100 years, with the proliferation of texting, e-mails, and such. It will probably look very different, that's for sure.


Sue
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Larry on August 24, 2006, 09:23:14 pm
Just spotted this thread and am interested.

Nate, thx for posting throughout your test. The boot up signal is probably one of Bill gates's undocumented features of Windows!!!!

Wonder how it works with cell phones with and without bluetooth.

I must look into it although I must say, at times, it's ok to have selected hearing, especially with 3 other girls in my household.


Laz
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 25, 2006, 09:56:47 pm
Well I may have found the problem with the noise being sent from the computer I had the reciever on a locked setting that has no use programs when it is in normal its fine.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 25, 2006, 09:59:36 pm
Oh ya i just rememberd I was on Base (Shaw Air Force Base) and I got a strang tone coming from the runway then is stopped it was kind of cool it was very low I could barly hear it
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on August 26, 2006, 08:50:34 am
I got my approval!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Jeanlea contact vocational rehab.  They might be willing to pick up the tab if it will help you maintain employment.  Heck, teachers need to hear all around them! My insurance wouldn't cover it but voc rehab is paying for them to help me regain my employment.  It's always worth a shot...the worse they can say is no!  You know that nothing ventured nothing gained statement.

nate how was your hearing in your an ear before you got your cros?  I have severe tinnitus in both ears more so on my an side.  An my last audiogram showed no hearing at all.  I know I have a teeny tiny bit which occurred after my last ent visit.  I just don't want to get my hopes too up.

thanks!
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 26, 2006, 09:37:12 am
 My AN side is dead the nerve is cut, My good side I have very good hearing says my Audio guy. I do get tinnitus alot but thats if it quit I havent noticed a problem with it, when im using the aids
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on August 26, 2006, 01:34:23 pm
oh wow so then they might just work for me as I still have the nerve and a teeny tiny bit of hearing.  (dead on the audiogram but I swear I can hear a dial tone on full blast in a quiet room)

Oh Nate I just love your new graphic..thanks for the smile!!!!

Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Larry on August 27, 2006, 10:19:45 pm
mmmmmm, must investigate.


Laz
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 28, 2006, 01:08:43 pm
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/nathangammons/1animated15-thumb.gif)  TEST IMAGE
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: matti on August 28, 2006, 06:54:57 pm
You're making me dizzy Nate LOL

Want to thank you, I have been following this thread and have been contemplating the Cros-link. Think I will make an appointment with my audiologist.

Cheryl
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on August 29, 2006, 11:52:19 am
Well I had my 2 week check up today all is fine, I gave the forum addy to the Audio guys so he can check out the thread.
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/nathangammons/apache_firing_machine_a_hc.gif)

Bye all
Nate
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: amylynn on August 30, 2006, 04:43:36 am
Nate,
   Congrats that is really great and encouraging news.  Keep us up on it.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Captain Deb on August 30, 2006, 04:52:58 pm
I can't WAIT to get mine! First purchase with disability money after I pay off the credit cards I put my doc bills and health insurance on. I hope the price goes down to about $10.00 by then!

Capt Deb 8)
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Jeanlea on September 01, 2006, 02:41:09 pm
I have some questions that may seem a bit stupid, but then I'm guess I'm a bit stupid.  lol  Do you go to an audiologists to get these hearing devices?  How do you find out if your insurance will cover it? 

Jean
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Survival Nate on September 01, 2006, 04:28:51 pm
yes and i have TriCare i beleive it is diffrent than other insurance
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: klg31728 on September 28, 2006, 08:30:19 am
Nate,

How does your Phonak Cros-link work in noisy background situations (restaurants,etc.)? 
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Chris on September 28, 2006, 11:22:25 pm
Excuse the ignorance. Does this device transfer sound to the good ear? How does it block the tinnitus noise? Mine is quite loud and my AN side is totally deaf. My other ear is good but useless in a crowded room with background noise.
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Battyp on September 30, 2006, 03:25:49 pm
Nate is in the middle of moving so it might be a while before he answers.  He is deaf on his an side too.  I was told that hearing aids can block tinnitus noise I'm not sure why but just have been told that it can and according to nate for him it does.  I think it masks the noise.  I'm hoping to get evaluated for aids soon.  Chris's mom mentioned a new type of aid in one of her posts, the web page was interesting. 
Title: Re: UPDATED HEARING AIDS Phonak Cros-link anyone got one? I DO !!!
Post by: Chris on September 30, 2006, 04:09:00 pm
Thanks, I'll certainly be looking into this. When you have finished moving Nate, could you please give us an update.