ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: Tricia (horsekayak) on December 08, 2009, 04:56:13 pm
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I have a little hearing left in my right ear,(bout 50% as of right now) and have noticed that now when I listen to my iPod, i basically have to leave the right earphone unused. I can either turn up the volum for the set VERY loud (unhealthy, and I dont do this actually) in order to hear sound in both ears, or just do as i have been doing, which is leave the right earplug unused.
Does anyone know of MP3 (iPod) type earphones that have independent volume controls for each ear? I'm going to Google this of course, but was wondering if any other music lovers know of such things/brands that they could recommend. I"d just like to set the volume slightly higher in the right ear than the left ear...i'm not a crazy rocker anymore, just a real music lover.
i know most of you will probably say dont even worry with trying to use the right ear for hearing the iPod music, but for some music i really would like to be able to hear the "separation", etc. WITHOUT damaging what hearing i still have left
thanks for any suggestions
PS...i just googled and have at least found these...they produce stereo sound using only one earbud...so at least i can get something like stereo..am still looking so any suggestions are still very very welcome http://www.scansound.com/single-stereo-earbud.htm
tricia (horsekayak)
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Tricia,
A quick google produced this: http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CV320-Dual-Control-Stereo/dp/B00008Z1PF (http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CV320-Dual-Control-Stereo/dp/B00008Z1PF).
I can't vouch for how WELL it works, but it fits the parameters of seperate volume controls for each side.
Good luck!
Brian
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Tricia -
shortly after my AN surgery left me SSD, I purchased a mono plug adapter and a single ear phone from my local Radio Shack.
The mono plug basically takes the sound from my iPod that would go to each ear and converts it to a single source so that the one ear phone (actually an ear bud) lets me hear it in my "good" ear.
The cost of the mono plug and the single ear bud combined was less than $10. It's nothing fancy, and I know others have mentioned different options here on the Forum, but this is definitely inexpensive and does the trick for me.
While I do not have independent volume controls, with this solution there is no need for them.
Jan
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I think someone posted about a headset that combined the stereo sound in one ear bud. I don't don't remember if this was the brand/site but this is similar if not the one:
http://www.scansound.com/single-stereo-earbud.htm
Let me see if I can find the original thread...
Here it is: http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=10647.0
and this one: http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5987.0
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Jan and Anissa,
I took from the original post that she was NOT SSD but rather just dimnshed hearing on the AN side. She specifically asked for something with two sides for hearing music but different volume controls for the sides because she needs it louder in one side than the other. Both of your options are good for SSD people but don't fit the initial request I don't think.
Just wanted to point that out. :)
Regards,
Brian
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Hey there all,
Thanks for suggestions, links to products and links to earlier posts that i had missed..i didnt even know what to call these things till i started reading....
am going to make a selection and order...will let you all know what i think...music is so important to me, this is really a great thing to find out about !!!
tricia (horsekayak)
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Both of your options are good for SSD people but don't fit the initial request I don't think.
Brian -
I got the part about not being SSD. However, if you eliminate the "semi-good" ear and just focus on the "good" ear, my suggestion would work just fine.
Why worry about sound to the less than perfect ear when you can just bypass it completely.
That was my thinking :)
Jan
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..... not to be-labor the point, but an earphone in only one ear, even though both channels are pointing to it still is not stereo, is it?
Tricia, thanks for asking the question because I have the same situation. However the 20% hearing remaining in my AN ear is poor quality because of spotty frequency ranges ...... and of course, the ever present tinnitus. My hearing aid helps greatly with one on one conversation but is not much use for music (with much greater frequencies). As a musician, this has been one of the most frustrating things for me.
Clarice
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Both of your options are good for SSD people but don't fit the initial request I don't think.
Brian -
I got the part about not being SSD. However, if you eliminate the "semi-good" ear and just focus on the "good" ear, my suggestion would work just fine.
Why worry about sound to the less than perfect ear when you can just bypass it completely.
That was my thinking :)
Jan
I'm with you, and I suspected that as your reasoning to begin with. But, I thought she was trying to find something that she could use in both ears just seperate volume controls because of the hearing deficit on one side. Your logic for using a mono plug that puts all of the sound on one side was sound (like the play on words? ;) ) and definitely an option for most of us.
On a side note, I really hadn't felt the need to get a mono plug or anything until here recently. I just used one ear bud in by iPod and everything sounded decent enough. Then, recently I was listening to a song with a lot of instruments that I knew VERY well. It just seemed "off".. couldn't put my finger on it. Then, I listened to the same song with the other bud. I got a different set of sounds for the background instruments. It was then that I realized that I wasn't getting the full bore of music through the ear bud that I had. So far, I've just been listening to music (when I do) via the speakers. I'm sure at some point I'll get a mono plug or something so that I can listen with one ear bud and hear ALL of the music.
TTFN,
Brian
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..... not to be-labor the point, but an earphone in only one ear, even though both channels are pointing to it still is not stereo, is it?
Technically no; theoretically yes. Because the stereo sounds ends up in one ear you do hear what you'd be missing if you only wore one ear plug - like Pooter just described.
Pooter -
I'm surprised it took you this long to notice a difference with one ear plug; as opposed to two :o I purchased my iPod as a Mother's Day gift to myself a couple of weeks prior to my AN surgery - you see, I wasn't planning on being half-deaf. But when it turned out I was, I hated the way my iPod sounded. Music just wasn't the same :( I read about the mono plug adaptor and the single ear bud on this Forum. I forget who posted the information - it was more than 2 1/2 years ago - but he was a musician and thought the adaptor was great. It's probably been the best $10 I've spent in recent history.
One of these days when I get some spare time, I'll have to search the Forum for his post and link it to this thread.
Jan
PS - love the play on words; very clever ;D
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Jan,
Is either of these two what you meant?
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=3700.0 (http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=3700.0)
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5987.0 (http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5987.0)
I think I may have to get one of these unless a Rich Uncle decides to die and pay for me to have BAHA and I can hook it into my iPhone via Bluetooth so I can hear music wirelessly through the BAHA. ;D
TTFN,
Brian
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A BAHA with bluetooth, now that would be clever!
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Brian, one of the 1-BUD earbuds will be showing up in my stocking here in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know how I like it.
Like tricia, I am not SSD, but have diminished hearing in my left ear, only 15% or so, not enough to notice in most daily activities, but enough not to be able to use the phone on that ear and dual earbuds/headphones bug me.
Sara
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A BAHA with bluetooth, now that would be clever!
The BP100 has Bluetooth built in but I'm not sure of the application of that yet, but using the built-in Bluetooth with a cell phone isn't far-fetched. Talk about a Borg implant. ;). I'd be all over that being that I am a die-hard Trekkie.
Regards,
Brian
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Cochlear also sells an iPod adapter for their BAHA devices. I know for a fact that it works on the Divino and the BP100 - and although I'm not sure it works on the Intenso, I don't know why it wouldn't.
I tried the BP100 with an iPod attached @ the ANA Symposium (as did Lori - and probably others). I thought the sound quality was amazing. It's a lot more money than my mono plug adapter and my single ear phone, but I may just look into purchasing one some day.
Jan
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Jan (and others),
If you're looking at getting the BP100, then you may want to look at the Audio Adapter for the BP100.. Right now on Cochlear's Store, they have the Audio Adapter for the BP100 on sale:
Price: $247.00 $123.50
Save: 50% off
Just saw that and thought some would be interested..
Here's a direct link to their store: http://www.cochlearstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_51&products_id=266 (http://www.cochlearstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_51&products_id=266)
Don't know how long it's on sale for.. But, for less than half the regular price, it's worth looking at buying if you're getting the BP100 or have it already.
Regards,
Brian
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Thanks for the heads up, Pooter.
Hey, Lori, want to buy me a Christmas present??? It's half price ;D :D
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Wow. It has an isolation transformer. It protects the user from power surges, so maybe Lori can stand under a tree during a lightning storm after all.
Sara
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YES! An isolation transformer. That's exactly what I've been saying I needed. Isn't it? ???
Jan, I would buy it for you, but you are worth so much more to me than half price. I just wouldn't feel right about it. How about I just sing really loud into your good ear?
You'll be begging to be deaf in that ear too before too long!
Now if they'd just run a sale on the actual BP100, that would be a good thing. About the only thing I can afford on their website at the moment is the fishing line and the little stuffed koala bear!
Lori
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Seen the fishing line - must have missed the little stuffed koala bear. Is it comparable to a Zhu Zhu pet??
Half price wouldn't insult me at all. Buy away. Do you need my address again?? LOL
Better get back to the topic @ hand before Phyl finds our halos slipping. Happy Holidays, Phyl :-*
Jan
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No problem, I got the fishing line thing for my halo too! It can't get too far away now.
BACK ON TOPIC, people. >:(
Lori ;D
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Lori,
Would that be the 8 lb test fishing line or the 10 lb test line?
Ooops.. I think I see Phyl! Back on topic, people! Sheesh!
Innocent crooked smile,
Brian
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Damn, Pooter.
When I saw you had posted to this topic again, I thought you were going to volunteer to buy not only me, but Lori, an audio adapter.
Phyl must be sick or something - she's usually caught us by now :o
Last off topic reply from me on this thread, Phyl. I swear ;D
I can't promise that Lori or Pooter will behave, though ::)
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Just like a big sister.. do something wrong to pull us young'n's in, and then stand back and point out the fact that WE'RE doing something wrong! How very big sister of you! There goes THAT Christmas idea.. ;)
We're kinda still on topic, though.. we were talking about you buying Lori and I an audio adapter for our BAHA.. oh, damn.. I don't have one......yet. :)
I'll behave now..
Brian
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Just keep making random references to isolation transformers. It sounds so . . . technical.
Sara
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Those ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS cause ALMOST as much trouble as Jan! ::)
Lori
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Those ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS cause ALMOST as much trouble as Jan! ::)
Oh come on!!! They don't even come close ;) :D
Anyway, getting back to isolation transformers, someone who understands technical things (Pooter maybe) please enlighten me on the concept. Just how do they work? - and why do I want one? (I'm almost certain that I do). Afterall, I don't even know how to program my VCR - or my DVR - that's what kids are for ;D
Thanks,
Jan
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So, you're a 12:00 flasher, eh Jan? ;)
Isolation transformers are built typically with a 1 to 1 ratio. Five volts in is five volts out. The protection comes from the fact that the second coil is not connected to the first, which is connected to mains. As a result, touching a part of the circuit connected to the second coil will not result in a deadly shock. The design of the transformer depends upon the usage that the circuit will draw, typically resulting in larger and heavier transformers needed for higher current applications.
Isolation transformers are not just for isolating electronics from mains voltages. it is also useful for separating parts of a circuit so that power is transmitted while protecting sensitive electronics. Chips and sensitive electronics require a small voltage; anymore can destroy the chip. In contrast, motors, solenoids, relays and many other components require larger voltages. These circuits may need to interact, and the device that protects the more sensitive components is the isolation transformer.
In short, having an isolation circuit in the audio adapter keeps you from being shocked by the power from the iPod (or other devide) through your BP100.
Something like that anyhow.. (*in a hushed voice* Is she gone yet? ;) )
Regards,
Brian
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Oh fine, Pooter. Now you've gone and stripped away all the mystique and it's not going to be any fun to say isolation transformer any more. Thanks a lot.
Geez.
Sara
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Thanks for the very well-written explanation, Pooter. Heck, even I can understand it.
I just don't have a brain for this kind of stuff. I'll have to ask my docs if they removed that part during my "surgical extravaganza". :D
Jan
PS - haven't seen her lurking around this topic; but mark my words, she'll find us sooner or later ;) She ALWAYS does ::)
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Duh, Jan, didn't everyone know that about...what were they again? Isolation Transformers? ???
Oh no....a knock at my door....was that Mod-Jet I heard fly overhead?
Run away! Run away!
Lori
p.s. How 'bout those isolation transformers?
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Sara, it's still fun to say!
Isolation transformers. :)
How very Borg of us..
Brian
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I think the next time I am at Best Buy I am going to ask a salesperson, "What is the ratio of the isolation transformer in this product?" just to see the look on their face.
Sara
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Oh no....a knock at my door....was that Mod-Jet I heard fly overhead?
Run away! Run away!
my Holiday gift to you all here... I let you get away with it yesterday. ;)
Keep on topic folks!
reboards Mod Jet to see what inflight movie is playing.... Ah, TRANSFORMERS!
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Phyl, did they show a trailer for the sequel, Isolation Transformers? Did you hear that LADavid is reprising his role as president? (There, that should keep this on topic.)
Sara
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Thanks for going easy on us, Phyl :-*
Hope you enjoyed the movie ;)
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In-flight movies? Boy, those guys are spoiled.
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In-flight movies? Boy, those guys are spoiled.
Yeah, but they deserve it - they do a damn good job around here. And the pay ain't great ::)
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Jan (and others),
If you're looking at getting the BP100, then you may want to look at the Audio Adapter for the BP100.. Right now on Cochlear's Store, they have the Audio Adapter for the BP100 on sale:
Price: $247.00 $123.50
Save: 50% off
Just saw that and thought some would be interested..
Here's a direct link to their store: http://www.cochlearstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_51&products_id=266 (http://www.cochlearstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_51&products_id=266)
Don't know how long it's on sale for.. But, for less than half the regular price, it's worth looking at buying if you're getting the BP100 or have it already.
Regards,
Brian
Pooter -
have to thank you for this tip.
The audio adapter is still 1/2 price and I am going to purchase one ;D I asked Sam Rush about his and he said it worked well - plus I got another very good review from another BAHA user who doesn't frequent the Forum. She uses her adapter a lot and thinks it's just great.
While I have been very happy with my inexpensive mono plug and single ear phone, I think my shiny new BP100 warrants a shiny new adapter - and 1/2 price is one heck of a deal. I should have the adapter by the time my BP100 makes it's way to my doctor's office in a few weeks.
Jan
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Sweet! Let us know what you think after you get it.. I'm still debating my options and mulling over the financial difficulties of each.. Every little bit of info helps.
Thanks,
Brian
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Aw man, Jan is going to have an isolation transformer on her head and I'm not. I'm going to have to go sulk now.
Sara