ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: missdiaz on March 21, 2012, 04:05:50 pm
-
I am just about 4 months post surgery and am now exploring my options in hearing aids to help my SSD. After spending many hours reading the forum, I wanted to know if any one had any updates to share on their experiences with the CROS system as well as the SoundBite. I have no interest in the Baha. From past posts, I noticed that there were problems with the size of CROS as well as some whistling nosies coming from the devices. After my audiology consolation this week, it appears that the size of CROS has been fixed, but how about the quality of sound? With the SoundBite, I noticed some on the forum had issues with the fit of the month piece or the ear piece had broke at one point. If anyone can comment on their current experience with sound quality, comfort, or durability, I would appreciate it. No need to comment on insurance issues or cost of the devices. Thank you!
-
MissDiaz,
I am 3 months post op and also do not want to go with the BAHA, even though others on the forum have had good luck with it. I am picking up my Phonak CROS aids this Friday for my 90-day free trial. I'll let you know how they work out for me.
Lee
-
Lee;
I like the wisdom of your choice. Others may disagree, but after experiencing SSD for 35 years, and after so many trials of things, I felt the extra apparatus just wasn't worth the hassle and got used to the SSD.
Don eye glasses, a hearing aid, a cane, maybe pack a sound amplifier, and one starts feeling a bit more handicapped than they really are. Add advancing age and one really feels older.
Just one persons opinion and experience... Not meaning to offend those who are happy with extraneous devices. I'm happy they help them!
-
MissDiaz,
I am 3 months post op and also do not want to go with the BAHA, even though others on the forum have had good luck with it. I am picking up my Phonak CROS aids this Friday for my 90-day free trial. I'll let you know how they work out for me.
Lee
I am pretty well adjusted to the SSD and it doesn't really bother me in everyday life/work, but I am quite interested in the option of the CROS aids, for these social situations/professional meetings etc, where I can't hear the person seating on my AN side. Lee, I am very interested to know how your trial goes, please keep us posted.
Marianna
-
That's great news Lee. Good luck and I look forward to getting an update.
-
I am also 4 months post surgery and SSD. I have been using the Sound Bite for less than 2 weeks. There is definitely some adjustment to the ITM (in the mouth) part especially when eating. It helps a lot in group setting and also with noisy environment. Does not give you source of sound so that remains an occasional mystery. I am taking the ITM out when not needed and also a quick rinse after eating. Its getting easier to put in and also I am adapting to the feel. Battery length seems to be as advertised, about 8 hours of usage for the ITM (you get two). The sound quality is pretty good but you can tell it is not natural which is not surprising. Hope this helps. :)
-
OK. So I had my audiologist appointment at 8am this morning and got my trial Phonak CROS aids. They were programmed and I went on to work and wore them the remainder of the day. Here are my observations after 9 hours of continuous use:
1. They are extremely small and light. I didn't even realize I had them in, and others didn't notice until I mentioned them.
2. The sound quality is excellent. It sounded like regular sound. No tinniness, no robotic sound, etc.
3. I went out to lunch with co-workers and didn't have to fret about which seat I got. I was able to hear the person seated immediately to my left without issue.
4. After work, my wife tried whispering in my deaf ear and she was amazed when I was able to repeat back what she said.
So far, I am extremely satisfied. I will continue to wear these almost non-stop during this free trial of several months and will continue to report back as time passes. For now I give them an A.
Lee
-
Lee,
thank you for the very encouraging update. I have an appointment with my ENT on Monday, and for sure I will ask him about the CROS aids. I hope they are available in Canada.
Marianna
-
CROS Update:
I put my Phonak CROS to the test this weekend. When I went out to dinner with my wife, she purposefully sat on my left (SSD) side. I was able to maintain perfect coversation without issue. Then we went to the St. Louis Symphony (a venue of about 2,600 others) and I left my CROS aids in. My wife again sat on my left again and she was able to lean over and make comments throughout the performance and I could hear it all no problem.
I realize that today is only Day 4 of my 90-day free trial, but so far, so good.
Lee
-
As I've been reading your posts, Lee, I've been reconsidering my decision to pursue the Soundbite device. In fact, I've made an appointment with a local audiologist who specializes with Phonak. I see her next Thursday. I'm getting a consult and if I like the device, I get to walk out of the consult with the devices ready to try in every day life. I'm going with that route for now. I've got nothing to lose. I'm hoping that I have as good experience as you. We'll see.
On another note, when I explained to the audiologist that I was also considering Soundbite, her immediate reaction was, "we're not going near that device. Something in the mouth is just a bad idea."
My question for any Soundbite users who may have first tried the CROS, "is Soundbite better?" "what advantages does it have over CROS?"
Thanks!
-
On another note, when I explained to the audiologist that I was also considering Soundbite, her immediate reaction was, "we're not going near that device. Something in the mouth is just a bad idea."
My neurotologist and his partners chose not to carry the Sound Byte either. I don't believe that it was so much the "something in the mouth" issue, it was more a "are people really going to want this?" issue. It was a cost issue and a staff time issue as well. I don't remember the specific details (we discussed it a few months ago), but the Sound Byte has to be fitted, etc.
I posted a link regarding the Cros vs BAHA on another thread for you, Ross.
Jan
-
Jan, thanks so much for the information. It's continually helpful to hear all the different perspectives and you continue to be a source of great info and inspiration.
I did go to the link that you sent me about Baha versus CROS. The posts are from 2009 and with the device having been significantly upgraded last year, I'd be curious if the old assessment still holds. I have the appointment next Thursday and I'll at least be able to do some assessment on whether the CROS is right for me and I look no further or I keep exploring other options. Like Lee, I'll post my experience.
Thanks again.
-
Wow, Thanks again Lee for the update.
I feel the same as Ross. I would like to know the difference in sound quality between the CROS and the SoundBite, but I understand that the devices are so new that no one may have experience with both. This is proving to be a difficult decision for me.
-
Lee, for how many hours do the devices last between charges? R u able to wear them from the time you leave for work till you go to bed at night?
-
CROS is battery operated. They use little watch-like batteries. My first set lasted about 4 14-hour days. I am not impressed that they suck the juice like that.....but hey, they work!
-
Now I'm understanding someone's comment about seeing his uncle change the batteries in his hearing aid! I suppose it makes them more portable. The Soundbite ITM piece apparently only lasts 6ish hours. Then you have to have the second one they provide ready to go, but begin to recharge the expired piece so you're ready when the second one expires. Sounds like a lot of managing of getting something charged up for use.
I'm trying to understand what the hearing advantages are of Soundbite over a CROS. If someone has insight on that I'd love to learn about it.
Thanks.
-
Okay, folks...I got my trial pair of Phonak CROS aids this afternoon. What a perfect day to experiment as I had a dinner date with a good friend of mine. We went to what is probably one of the noisier restaurants in Boston (Sweet Cheeks in the Fenway...fabulous!). I purposely had him sit on my bad side so I could genuinely test just how much conversation I could follow. Well, I have to say, I am very excited about the prospect of this solution. I was able to hear him quite well and didn't have to crane my neck once. Tomorrow will be my first test at work. We'll see how that goes, but, man oh, man...this is exciting stuff.
Phonak's upgrade to their new wireless platform has apparently made all the difference for many patients. The technology prior to 2011 just wasn't up to snuff...but this new platform seems to be a winner.
Interestingly enough, I just heard from Boston Medical Center about a dentist referral for the impression needed to mold the ITM piece for Soundbite. I'm going to hold off for the moment to evaluate the CROS for a while. Should I be dissatisfied, I will explore Soundbite.
If anyone has insights on the difference in sound quality between the current CROS system and Soundbite, I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks all, especially, Lee Clinton. You were my inspiration to go check out the device. Had I not read about your comments, I would never have explored it.
Best, rjo
-
Just saying HI, cause following this thread too ;-)
Thanks Lee for pointing it out to me!
-
Hi, I've been lurking, but now I'm intrigued enough to show myself. What kind of hardware is involved with the CROS? How much does it cost, and does insurance pay anything? Yes, I'll check the website, but I find those places are so marketing-driven, I'd rather hear (sic) from end users.
-
The hardware is quite small. You wear a hearing aid in your good ear and a transmitter that also looks like a hearing aid in your bad ear. Many people won't know you're wearing them. The wires into the ear canal are clear and thin.
The cost for the hearing aid is $2150 and $1000 for the transmitter. In MA, insurance companies don't pay for hearing aids. I don't know about other states.
In the three days I've been wearing them, I've been surprised at how effective they are at making certain settings less frustrating. I am experiencing places I'd go in the past where I knew I absolutely wouldn't hear the person on my bad side quite differently now...I no longer have to say, "oh let me sit over there instead so I can hear you better."
I'm wearing it to a ball game today to see how it fares there.
Let's out it this way...I will either purchase these or go with Soundbite. But, there is a helpful solution out there. That's the best news overall.
-
After much debate, I order the CROS system for a trial period of 3 months. I will get them on May 1st. I post an update once i have feedback.
-
I'm learning each day how to benefit from my new CROS device.
A) THEATRE: Last night we went to the theatre. My husband didn't have to sit on my good side to carry on a conversation with me. In fact, we tested out the impact. He talked to my bad ear with the device on and with the device off. With the device on I heard every word. With it off...nothing well.
B) WALKING A HALLWAY: This morning while heading to a meeting, my colleague walked on my deaf side. I heard everything she said and engaged in the conversation without once having to crain my neck. Also amazing.
C) MEETINGS:Was just at a meeting with many concurrent conversations taking place. That was a bit more challenging. BUT, I could now lean into the person sitting on my deaf side and hear them well. In the past, I would have had to crain my neck.
D) IN THE CAR: When driving the car and having my two boys in the back, it is sometimes hard to hear the questions coming
from my deaf side. With the CROS, I'm able to hear it all.
The audiologist gave me the ability to raise and lower the volume of the microphone. In certainly environments I have found it helpful to raise the volume. In others, I have lowered it all the way so that it doesn't distract me. It's a nice feature to have. Very flexible.
My husband's comment last night, "just to be able to carry on a conversation regardless of how we're sitting is worth the price alone." I have to agree. For what we're all trying to correct for, I have to say this technology does a nice job. It genuinely makes living out life's basic scenarios a bit more manageable.
-
Update: I am 4-weeks into my CROS trial and still love it. I agree with everything Ross said above. I basically knew I wanted to keep them after the first week.
One thing I have reflected on lately is that I thought I heard very well with one ear. I originally thought I would only use the CROS in certain situations. However, since having it, I am realizing how much better I hear with it. I find myself wanting to wear them all the time. I don't have to worry about positioning anymore. I don't have to concentrate to hear like I did in certain situations when people are on my bad side.
Bottom line: I am still a fan of the CROS!
Lee
-
Thanks for the update Lee. Its nice to know the options and get real feedback from real people. Did you find the pricing in this area to be similar to that Ross quoted? I have a sudden loss this week, hoping the steroids bring it back, but its good to be informed when the time comes.
Becky
-
One thing I have reflected on lately is that I thought I heard very well with one ear. I originally thought I would only use the CROS in certain situations. However, since having it, I am realizing how much better I hear with it. I find myself wanting to wear them all the time. I don't have to worry about positioning anymore. I don't have to concentrate to hear like I did in certain situations when people are on my bad side.
Bottom line: I am still a fan of the CROS!
Lee
Really good points, Lee. I'm feeling similarly. I thought the device would be helpful occasionally, but as I wear them, I find that they help in situtations I hadn't even anticipated. All good.
-
Been following this thread with interest...in fact, so much interest that I am going to talk w/ an audiologist tomorrow about possibly giving the Cros a try. I have adapted well to being SSD and just knew the BAHA was not for me, but your positive posts here have made me think I should at least consider the Cros. My husband might appreciate it ;D
Will keep you posted,
Cindy
-
...My husband might appreciate it ;D
Will keep you posted,
Cindy
I believe he will, too, Cindy...good luck!
-
As I recently wrote, I mentioned that I would be at a conference and that it would be a great opportunity to truly test out the Phonak CROS. Okay...it doesn't replace one's hearing, but man, oh, man...what a difference in my ability to participate especially at dinner and in conversations at the bar and all that social stuff. Honestly...I could finally hear things that were simply impossible before. After three years of being SSD, I got used to knowing just what it was like in these different environments. Well...I'm back in the game and those situations that used to frustrate, just don't anymore.
Now...I wish I had my hearing back. But, until then, I'm really thrilled with the Phonak solution.
Make sure you have extra batteries handy. They can go at any time over 2-3 days and you want to make sure you're ready.
-
I just got my CROS on Tuesday, so I wanted to give it a few days before giving any feedback. First of all, I am having a hard time adjusting to having the devices in my ears. My ears are constantly itching. It drives me crazy. I have yet to feel the sensation of not having them in my ears. I also feel I am having trouble hearing in my good ear. I worm them to my book club meeting last night to test them out in a noisy setting. I found myself leaning in to hear the conversations. I am a petite person and I feel that my ears may be too small and the device blocks my good hearing. Who knows? May be I just need to give it more time or have it adjusted.
As far as the sound quality, I do not like the amplified sound. I feel like I am now hearing the world through a microphone. I guess I am not use to the non-natural sound I get from the device. I find the sounds of crumpling plastic and wind amplifications to be very annoying. I have a 45 day free trail with appointments set every two weeks for adjustments. I'm going to give them a good try for the next month and hope my audiologist can make the proper adjustments durning this time period. I am lucky to have my hearing aids covered by my insurance, but in case anyone needs to know the cost I was quoted $2848.
-
Missdiaz, I completely get what you're talking about regarding getting used to them in your ears and the microphone sound.
On the ear front, there are adjustments that can me made on the length of the wiring that can help. I sometimes find I don't notice them and then other time I do. Not sure if that fades over time.
I find that the microphone sound is less pronounced when there's more ambient noise. If I'm in a quieter space I notice it more and turn down the volume of the aids so as not to notice. You can have yours programmed in a similar way. I find it really comes in handy both to lower and amplify when needed.
I still find that it's miracle technology that has allowed me to participate more fully.
-
Thanks Ross. I will take your advice into account and make sure I get them adjusted at my next appointment.
-
I seem to be posting on here AND my other topic, but wanted to share.....I had the Phonak CROS ordered today at my local audiologist. I think she said about 10-14 days. I have a 30 day trial. The cost is $2,600 (no unlimited batteries) includes lifetime adjustments, cleanings, etc. IF I decide to not keep them, it will cost me $200. Bummed my insurance won't help either :(
If you didn't answer this on my other post......
For those that DO have the newer CROS, do you have something IN the actual canal of the deaf side? I was told I don't need anything to go into the canal of that side, just a thin clear tube will lay in part of the ear to keep it there. But the hearing side WILL need a tube with a tip/plug thing on the end to go into that canal. I was told there are different sizes, etc. available, so hopefully it isn't uncomfortable.
Do any of you wear glasses with them? Does it bother you at all? I tried a sample one on & couldn't even tell it was there. Couldn't really see it hardly because of my hair AND it almost looked like part of my glasses :D
Thanks
Denise S (MI)
-
Those that already have the Phonak CROS...what is the name of your actual device? My audiologist ordered me the Cassia (I think petite size)
-
Those that already have the Phonak CROS...what is the name of your actual device? My audiologist ordered me the Cassia (I think petite size)
I have the Audeo.
-
Those that already have the Phonak CROS...what is the name of your actual device? My audiologist ordered me the Cassia (I think petite size)
I have the Audeo.
See this is where prices can vary too. There are 3 options Audeo (III, V, IX) And 3 options of Phonak (Cassia, Salona, Ambra). I think these are in order of each from cheapest toots expensive....they offer more.
-
These are all Phonak devices. If you have normal hearing in our good ear, you don't need anything fancy and should go with the basic model. The Audeo is the most basic.
-
Yeah, they are all made by Phonak, just these were the names on the site I seen. Sure a variety ;)
-
Hi everyone...
I havent been on...been lingering lately.
I saw this thread and wanted to post on the Soundbite. I received mine in december....there were a few issues here and there with fit and programming....
but i have to say, its awesome! I can hear people typing, I realize Im not saying "huh" alot.
My insurance at the time covered 80%...through united healthcare.
I sometimes forget I am wearing it...when you first put it in, you talk alittle funny.....but after a few days your cheek muscles get use to it and it feels normal after awhile. same with the ear piece..I usually have to take it out a couple of times just to wipe my ear with a q-tip...but there never seems to be a wax buildup.
the hearing aspects.......great! i can go outside and listen to the birds chirp. my brain has sorta picked up on the direction of sound too...its wierd. but i can tell by the sound quality if its coming from the deaf side.
when i first went for the consultation they had me wear a headband like the BAHA to stimulate the noise i would hear........and after having the soundbite for about 6 months now, I can gladly say I am happy I got the soundbite and not another hole in my head. They are very similiar in sound quality
so if anyone is debating....definitely give soundbite a try. ;)
Kate
-
Denise, there is something that goes into both of your ear canals. The side with the good hearing has the wiring and the bad ear is clear plastic. They look the same in terms of shape and both go in your ear canals, it's just that one is clear and the other has color. (I'll email you a picture, since I cannot seem to find out to post it.)
I too felt nothing when I used the trail piece, however I found it very different from the actual devices themselves. I found that the part that goes into your ear canal is cut from the sample pieces. The part that goes into your ear canal carries all the weight. I do notice I have something in my ears and for the first three days my ears itched constantly. Maybe the feeling will fad with time since it's only been a week. It is not too bad wearing sunglasses, I have not had a problem however I have long hair and now notice that I cannot put my hair behind my ears. It just does not stay in place there any more.
-
missdiaz
Thanks for the email! I think the way I follow is with the CROS the one with the clear tube & insert are your bad side, right? If so, mine won't have the part in the ear, just the hook that goes on and in the top of the ear to anchor it on. (someone described it like that on my other post of CROS vs BAHA)
I did go ahead and order a system Tuesday, so I'll find out soon ;) I'm going to try to put up the picture here too:
THANKS, ;)
Denise
-
missdiaz:
Here is a copy of the pic you sent me of the 2. I added the colored circles and posted a question below the pics, can you answer them??......Maybe on that post/topic?
THANKS again
http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=17124.0
-
Mine is the Audeo Model. My good ear works great, so I don't need any bells and whistles. It works great!
-
What about CROS vs. TransEar? I was ready to go down to Tenn to get fitted by Dr. Scumaier in Johnson City once my Medicare sets in. I found out today that Medicare won't pitch in either. The audiologist that I went to see for my father said they he hasn't had much luck with TransEar, but then maybe that is because he hasn't had much experience with it. I've hear such goo d things about the TRANS EAR. Should I do TransEar or Cros. I can't do a BAHA as much as I love you, Jan. It's just that I have Dhler's Danlos Syndrome and that make me a target for mega problems for an incision.
Mei Mei
-
Mei Mei - The good news about CROS is that you can test it out FULLY before committing to it. You have nothing to lose by going to audiologist and having them program the CROS for your hearing. You can give them a deposit and leave with the devices. You can try them out any situation you choose. If you like it, there may not be a need to look further. If you don't, you can check out other options. Since it's so easy to test, it seems like it's a great place to start. That's what I did...checked out CROS before making a commitment to Soundbite which I couldn't test out at all.
-
I am new here and aslo got SSD for almost ten years in China. When i go to hospital, the doctors always say there's no way to cure but to protect your good ear.Of course, Baha now can help us in china, while it costs too much (more than 10,000 dollars) which many people can't afford it.Now i find that SoundBite could improve our hearing on the internet.So i find the forum for more information.
I have two questions below ,please help me if you can:
I hope the BTE part of the SoundBite will be smaller like the CIC heari,ng aid in the ear canal, which it almost can't be seen by others because of i was only 25. You konw, the CROS have made so smaller in the ear. Is the BTE part can't be smaller in the ear canal???
The second question is how does your insurance cover your hearing aid in the USA,even SoundBite? In China, the insurance don't cover the hearing aid ,so it often costs too much to have a hearing aid.Thanks for your attention.
-
Update: I tired the CROS for a month. I liked the CROS, but I still had this feeling that the sound could be better. I decided to go for the SoundBite. It's been two weeks that I have been using the SoundBite and so far I love the sound that I get from it. With the CROS, I felt that I picked up too much background noise, any sound coming from wind or crumpling paper was too distracting, and I was picking up too much sound while in a crowded room that I had a hard time focusing on one conversation. With the SoundBite, I feel that the sound is much cleaner and I am not picking up as much background noise. Without the extra background noise, I can focus more on the sounds I do want to pick up. I can hear the conversation at a dinner table without the distractions of the extra background noise. I was worried that the mouth piece would be uncomfortable and I was surprised that it was not that bad. It does take time getting use to it, but it was less than a week for me.
The SoundBite comes with two month pieces. I was getting some feedback from the device, but I found that one of the pieces fit better than the other. When the fit is not correct, feedback will occur. I plan to bring this up to my audiologist at my follow up visit. For now, I just wear the piece that fits best more than the other piece. I did notice that my tooth became sore when I attempted to wear the device all day. I also only really wear it when I leave the house since there is the white noise that it picks up. It is also not super easy to eat with the mouth piece in, but with time it has gotten better. Overall I am happy that I made the switch. I know it can be expense, so it you can swing the cost, it is a fine option. Only time will tell if I uncover any other issues with the SoundBite, but I will try to keep posting updates.