ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Boppie on October 23, 2006, 12:41:52 pm
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I had the hardware insertion practice session for my new TransEar this morning. No problems so far. The unit fit my "small ear canal" with just three trials and adjustments. This afternoon I go back to get the settings done with their software. It is digital.
I will update this evening.
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I am excited and looking forward to your update. I have an appointment this Thursday with my audiologist and I am armed with questions a mille long.
Thanks,
Cheryl
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I have the TransEar on and it works fine. It fits in my ear canal very well and with a minumum of adjustment to its size for my "small ear". Actually most of the sanding had to be done on the canal probe skinny section, and not on the end part that has the big works inside. I can hear a little bit on the phone with it too. But I'd need another program setting for more phone use on that side. So far, the audiologist has me set up for near conversations and group settings (which allow more filtering of background). So far, I noted that when the audiologist sat in a char beside me and spoke softly and I could converse with her without turning or looking at her face. My husband and I walked to the car and he stayed on my bad side this time. We talked the whole way. No do-si-do. Next I am going to take an evening walk out to the street edge and talk with him there.
TransEar was very good to work with. They supplied the software and hookups for my audio to program me in. They expressed my unit and software so that I could have the aid in time for a big convention I am attending next week.
I have photos of me wearing it if any of you ladies would like to see them. I can email pics if you send me a personal and your email address. I'd be glad to answer back here if you want to ask something I didn't address.
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Boppie:
Congratulations!
It is interesting to me that the audiologist told me I have near perfect hearing in my left ear so I don't need help. The ENT doctor said that I might be getting a device for hearing help. This was before my MRI when the ENT doctor had just seen my hearing test. I had a second test that scored the same. (then the MRI) I didn't see the ENT doctor locally after that. The next step was the consultations with the surgeon and the radiologist. From what I learned, the CK will probably finish off what I have left of my hearing on the right side.
You have come a long way.........good for you!
Again, thank you for sharing so much.
Palace
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Boppie keep us updated! matti and I are going on the same day to the audiologist and we want to be armed and dangerous!!!
;D
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Sounds like great news, Boppie! I'm excited to hear how it works for you in the weeks to come. My insurance is changing November 1. Then I will make an appointment with an audiologist. How did you get your audiologist to try the Transear with you? I know mine doesn't currently deal with it. What are some of the questions that I should be asking? Matti and Batty, let me know how your appointments go. I'm looking forward to being able to have some hearing on my left side again. Boppie, I'd like to see the pics. My email is jeanlea2002@yahoo.com. thank you.
Jean
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The ENT who initally diagnosed me stated that I had near perfect hearing in the good ear too.  But since translab he referred back to the pre-op hearing scores and noted that my upper frequencies on the good side were "not so perfect".  But the TransEar still works with what I have left.
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When I put my finger in my good ear, I hear the Transear side. It sounds like a telephone voice, just normal clear phone. Please note I don't mean a buzzy or fuzzy transmission. Of course, the two sides are heard by one side simultateously, so one doesn't actually hear the "phone " sound coming through. Putting my finger in my good ear just confirms that I am getting input that is "benefit" to my overall hearing. I doubt very much, this has any effect on finding the direction, however. More on this as times goes by... ;D
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Hi,
Amazing....
Could you hear anything out of your "not good side before all this?" Am wondering what level you had before An treatment and also what level you were post treatment for your An. Along with whether or not your hearing loss was a combo of conductive or sensorineural loss or one or the other etc. as that would help anyone else contemplating this , in quite a few ways few ways. (sorry about that.... I now went back and read your posts pre this hearing thing and I do apologize for having missed some of your posts. .. so does this mean you had some operation in your ear? to get this thing to work? you mentioned a small ear canal... if this is already on the bd and i am asking questions already answered here, i'm apologizing and asking where to find all this.... thanks!)
So glad your hearing is so much better. Good for you and your docs. And wishing you and all , lots of good listening forever.
Way to go.
This is great.
Windsong
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Boppie,
I will be interested to read about your progress in different scenarios.
laz
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Windsong, to answer a few questions for you and others. Pre-op I was told I had "good hearing" in the good ear. I had a long standing hearing loss that developed over a period of 8-10 years. However as I sang soprano and alto in a choir by ear, I always assumed my "hearing" was acute. In the most recent (past) 4 years I was given hearing tests in my GP's office and I was told I had aging tinnitus and aging hearing. Well, you never could've proved to me that hearing was a problem just the darn tinnitus. After treatment for numerous URI's and congestion I was sent off to the ENT because finally the PCP said "one sided hearing loss is more than just aging". From then on is history. I had hearing at the brain stem and through each cochlea but the An had destroyed my right hearing nerve. Pre op my hearing tests showed 10% db loss in the highest frequencies on my good side and 65% loss of capacity on the AN side.ÂÂ
Post translab I had few complications. I had late onset rt. numbness of the eyelid, nostril area, lip, and tongue. All of these complications followed a quick progression of healing by 10-11 weeks post op. The tongue and taste buds recovered almost completely by eight months. Tongue has issues only once in a while at ten months (now).ÂÂ
I decided to go for the TransEar. No, I didn't need any kind of surgery or procedure to get the TransEar to fit. I have a very small ear canal and the people at TransEar were concerned that their unit would not go into the canal all the way to the bone area. The audiologist makes an impression of the whole ear canal, sends the result to TransEar and they build the very individualized unit which consists of a probe made of firm clear material. This unit houses a vibrating conductor which communicates with the Behind-The-Ear digital receiver. The vibrations from sound on the side of the head are conducted through the skull to the good cochlea. My unit slid into the ear canal (after a little refinement with the grinding equipment in the audio's office). So my ear canal at the tympanic membrane is not too small after all. The first bend of the outer canal is small. Once the unit is fit right, it feels comfortable and inserts well.
The unit functions like a BAHA, I guess. But the BAHA requires surgery. I don't know exactly how they compare in quality. I tried the BAHA test band. The sound was great but I didn't want more head surgery or anesthetic.ÂÂ
So far, I've tested the TransEar one day. I liked hearing my husband's voice as he walked on my TransEar side outdoors. I had a conversation with my audiologist as we sat side by side in chairs, she on my TransEar side. I heard every word of the soft conversational tone. I did not have to look at her face. I can hear the TV with the TransEar and an ear plug in my good ear. It sounds like a digital cell phone on the stand alone basis. Of course, when I hear sound mixed with both the good ear and the TransEar, the "cell" quality is not discernible. I can tell when the aid is off so I am getting a benefit from it. I don't think I know directions from it. I still have tinnitus. :PÂÂ
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Boppie - thx very much for the detail.
i'd like to know how you get on in other noise environments, particularly if you can shut off the noise if you need to.
cheers
laz
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Boppie,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Trans ear with us. I think the manufacturer needs to give you some kind of discount as you seem to have become their spokesperson on the ANA forum. I am very curious to know if you have tinnitus on your bad side, and if so, how bad is it. Can you describe what your tinnitus sounds like and then describe what effect the Transear has on it. My concern is of amplifing bacground noise, along with the tinnitus makes it so hard to hear anything. It will be very interesting to watch your progress with this new device. So far it sounds great.
also, I'd love to see the picture, I'll send my email to you.
Patti UT
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oops, hadn't read through your last reply to windsong, guess it answered my question on if you had tinnitus or not. Just curious then as to how bad it was and how the transear works with it.
Patti UT
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Boppie,
Thank you very much for your detailed reply here. I do appreciate it.
I will ask my neurotologist about this hearing device next time i see him. Before my An was diagnosed, in fact a few years before, I did get a hearing aid but it was not all that useful for me. I wanted to try it even though they told me it would not work all that well as I had both sensorineueral and conductive loss.
In my humorous moments I realize what i needed then was the An diagnosis earlier lol...
Keep us updated on your experience. Is the tinnitus heightened or is it less noticeable with this trans ear device?
It's good to hear a positive experience re hearing help without having to have an op.
All the best,
Windsong
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My TransEar has not altered my tinnitus. I have the humming and rattling type of sounds all of the time. Post op is worse than pre op. I just ignore it and "Donmensionit", as we say with the babies. :D
Correction:  A few other details on the new aid...The TransEar has settings for background noise control, gain control, and volume control just like the other digitals on the market. The audiologist uses software to program settings for your individual needs. I have two programs. One can design one to four programs with the TransEar. The ear probe on the end of the mold is custom made to vibrate against the bone. The works for the transfer unit reside in the outer housing of the ear mold. The volume and program selectors, the processor, the receiver, and battery reside in the BTE unit. The BTE part is very small. It fits very well hidden and over glasses that have a slender side piece.ÂÂ
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I visited with my grandsons today and could listen to them them without turning my head to hear their five year old "language". I had dinner out in our favorite Mexican restaurant and my husband sat across the table from me instead of his usual seat on my corner right. Also, I heard everything the waiter said from my TransEar (He was on my right). I feel quite pleased having regained some part of the "old normal" me.
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I am not getting a credit, commission, or payoff for speading my good news. I am just getting happier. :D
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I emailed a local audiologist. This was his reply.
"I am aware and have reviewed the TransEar system.
I am trying to collect information from other clinics regarding their interaction with the company and feasibility of working it into our clinic.
I will let you know when I make a decision."
I will be looking for someone else to work with that is more interested in helping me.
Jean
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Peggy, my audiologist went to my ENT with the request that the account be set up with TransEar. It has to be a licensed audiologist who has an in house connection to the ENT. The ENT has to sign off on your deafness. Regular ear/hearing dispensers cannot deal with TransEar. Check this out with TransEar. They can help you find someone. If TransEar can send your ENT some info. maybe that will open the door.
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I had a revelation tonight while watching the cars whiz by on the street (dry pavement hissing). As the car passed the sound was still evident on my deaf side, when before hearing aid I wouldn't have heard it as much.ÂÂ
I have two new normals, "summation" and the tingling sensation of the transear vibration inside my ear canal. I am thinking I have the beginning of sound location on the deaf side. This is claimed on the TransEar site...not sure what to conclude yet.
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Boppie - Thank you for the updates and the photo's, you have been VERY helpful. I can't wait for my appointment tomorrow ;D
Hugs,
Cheryl
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Boppie,
Thanks again for all the research you are doing for all of us. I am so excited. Tonight I talked to someone who works with hearing aids. (She's related to my sister's husband.) She is more than willing to look into Transear for me. She hadn't heard of it yet. I was happy to let her know. Things are starting to look up. The doctors she works with are all in my new healthcare network which also covers hearing aids. I am hoping that this may just work out for me. All thanks to you, Boppie, and the other wonderful people on this forum that are willing to share their information.
I'll be watching for further updates. Good luck to Mattie and Batty. (Gee, sounds like there could be a Dr. Suess story in that.)
Jean
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The TransEar sounds so promising for us SSD's. Thanks Boppie for all the updates. Kathy
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Boppie,
Today marks 9 weeks since the surgery and I'm still having a difficult time getting used to SSD. You offer hope and I truely appreciate the time you take to clearly explain your experience. In one of the posts you mentioned a convention. I have to attend two conventions back to back in Las Vegas next month and I dread it because of the hearing issue It will be six days of excusing myself and asking perople to repeat waht they said. I hate it. At least I see a glimmer of hope for the future. Mr doctor suggested to wait until my next vist in December to talk further on hearing aide devices. He mentioned the BAHA; however he didn't promote it and after telling me the proceedure and $25,000.00 price, I immediately ruled it out. Would you mind sharing an average price tag of the TranEar and the possibility of insurance coverage. I know the BAHA is not covered.
Thank you,
Terry
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I met with my audiologist today and after a long discussion, I decided to get the TransEAR. She has fitted several patients with it and all are extremely happy. She loves the options that TransEar offers as opposed to Cros for ssd when the other ear has perfect hearing. TransEAR is a great company to work with and she knows our TransEarXpert, Rick, very well.
She did 2 impressions of my ear canal and said it was on the small side, but it should not be a problem. Non AN ear canal is much bigger. I get my TransEar in 2 1/2 weeks and at that time she will add the software and I will most likely return a few times after that for adjustments. The cost is $2,700 and this includes all office visits and software. My insurance willl pay 1,750.
I have been hesitant about getting a hearing device because I was worried that once I did, something would come along that was alot better. My audiogist said that because SSD is such a relatively small percentage of the hearing impaired, manufacturers don't focus on us. She has been an audiologist for over 30 years and said this device is remarkable.
So needless to say, I am very excited, I know it won't give me what I had pre-AN, but I think it will make life a little easier.
Cheryl
Thanks again Boppie!!!!! ;D
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I am glad you know your audio and get positive information from her.
That was timely, huh? Yes, I attended a large group meeting today. I could hear the committe reports from the floor and didn't need to stand up nor turn my head. I attended a craft workshop and just enjoyed the flow of conversation so much.
I only wore the aid 4½ hours today. I am working up on the wearing time. Just like having a new pair of contacts.ÂÂ
Did your audio mention anything about the Dry n' Store unit TransEar has. To my surprize my aid came with a Dry n' Store included in the price. This is a big help towards cleaning and sanitizing the aid when it isn't in your ear. Hopefully, you'll get one too! TransEar makes both products. ÂÂ
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Price should be somewhere between $2,700. and $3000. I don't know how that would work out on insurance payout. I don't know how the ENT or audiologist charges.
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Oh goodie...more positives..can't wait for my appt. Got changed to the 9th. Anyone who's insurance doesn't cover their aid might want to go through the hassle of vocational rehab. If it will help you maintain employment, or get employment they will cover hearing aids. That is who is sending me for mine since my insurance wouldn't cover it.
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Boppie - thx very much for the detail.
i'd like to know how you get on in other noise environments, particularly if you can shut off the noise if you need to.
cheers
Yes, Larry you can reach up and turn the whole unit off without having to remove the piece from your ear canal. Also, you can select a different preset listening evironment with similar ease.
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Boppie,
I am so happy for you! What a difference the Trans Ear is making for you. When I finally went for my annual hearing test (I really didn't want to go to hear that I was SSD). I asked the audiologist about it. She had never heard of it and was looking into it for me. It has been two weeks and I haven't heard from her yet. I may start calling other offices to see if they have it. Thanks for all the info. I've been reading every bit of it.
Hugs,
BrendaO
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Oh goodie...more positives..can't wait for my appt. Got changed to the 9th. Anyone who's insurance doesn't cover their aid might want to go through the hassle of vocational rehab. If it will help you maintain employment, or get employment they will cover hearing aids. That is who is sending me for mine since my insurance wouldn't cover it.
I have a question for you - I don't have insurance coverage for hearing aids so am interested in
your comment regarding the vocational rehab. Will they allow you to choose the Transear as opposed
to whatever they are willing to pay for. I understand the Cros is much less expensive while being
much less effective and am curious whether or not they push the cheapest aid rather than something
like the Transear. Have you told them this is what you want - is that possible? Thanks, Trudy
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Trudy,
My insurance doesn't cover hearing aides either, BUT, they do if it is a quality of life senerio. The doctors think it is. So do I. Have your doctors write to the insurance company. Boppie's husband suggested it to me so I called and asked the insurance company and they said yes, if it surgery or an appliance that benefits the insured with a better wuality of life it is paid for. It is worth a shot. Good luck.
BrendaO
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One other thing I forgot to mention regarding TransEar, they offer a 30 day, 100% money back guarantee. I have extreme head/ear sensitivity, so much so that all of my reading/sunglasses have the arm removed, so I was very happy about the return policy.
Brendalu - You are absolutely right, I had similar issues with my insurance company and because I lost my hearing as a result of the AN surgery and had perfect hearing before surgery, they were willing to pay.
Cheryl
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I found no significant difference between the quick quotes for the Cros/BiCros and the TransEar. ÂÂ
The Bi/Cros benefits those who have one deaf ear plus need of correction in the good ear.
Yes, Matti, I have the 30 day money back guarantee for my TransEar, minus a deposit. I think this is universal for hearing aids.
ÂÂ
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Thanks for all the info on the Trans Ear. My surgeon hasn't heard of it, but I'm checking with the audiologist when I see her in 2 weeks.
Nan
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To my knowledge...won't have my appt until the 9th of November they do not dictate what type of hearing aid to give me. They will give me whatever the doctor recommends that will benefit me. I was told a quote of 3500 for the cross so sounds like the transear is in the same ball park. Funny when I asked my insurance company about paying for hearing aids they told me under no circumstances is that a covered event..wonder if I was told wrong? Doesn't matter as now I have no insurance anyway LOL
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Please don't shoot the messenger...
I want to be perfectly honest with you since I've said much about TransEar so far. If you know that you can tolerate having an object pushed inside your ear canal, fine. Some people don't want intrusions in the ear canal. My friend, who was born without hearing on one side told me this tonight at choir. He senses pain when someone touches his ears!ÂÂ
If you get one of the orange ear plugs and push it way into your bad ear canal and leave it there for a few hours, you'll know how it feels. If you don't mind that, then you'll be ahead of the game in the audios office at fitting time for a TransEar.
The other side of the coin is the BAHA implant. I have some problems with that idea, so to each his own.ÂÂ
The Cros/BiCros will be in my future since my good ear hearing is not 100%. I am happy we have choices and there are 30 day trials for hearing aids. Something new is always coming along.ÂÂ
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Thx Boppie,
I'll try the ear plug demo and see how it feels. I guess you get used to it.
I was at dinner the other night and really struggled to hear the conversation. Pardon was used a lot and then i had to turn my head to try and har.
Got to do something soon i think. Am watching this post with interest.
Laz
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Hi Boppie - Great advice, I will start prepping my ear for the new arrival ;D
How was the TransEar at the convention you attended? Have you had to go back to the audiologist to make any adjustments? Still pleased with it?
hugs,
Cheryl
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Hi Boppie, I was reading your post on the TransEar. I have not heard about this before. I had AN surgery about a year and 1/2 ago. I am deaf of my right side. I still experience dizziness, but other than that I am doing great. I had a few questions for you about the TransEar. Is this something that will aid only with partial hearing or does it help when there is total hearing loss in one ear like I have? I was told about a Trans CROSS device. Have you looked into that or heared of anyone who has had one? I was wondering how well they work. I went to my ENT yesterday and he gave me some information on the BAHA. Presently I am seriously considering the BAHA. Again, I was wondering if you looked into that or have heard from those who have had the procedure done. I'm not in any rush to get it done, but I do like the idea of being able to hear things that are coming from my right side. It sounds like you are happy with your TransEar. I'm glad it working for you. Thanks for your input.
Randy ÂÂ
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Hi Randy - I have single sided Deafness (no hearing nerve) and just placed an order for a TransEar. It works on the same principal as the BAHA, where sound is conducted through the bone, but without the surgery. I believe the cros is more beneficial to those who already have some hearing loss in the good ear. I was not a candidate for either the BAHA or the cros, the BAHA because I still have extreme head sensitivity and the Cros because my good ear has perfect hearing.
There are a few members on here that have the BAHA and I am sure would be more than happy to give you info.
Cheryl
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Cheryl,ÂÂ
Since the convention ...
It was wonderful to having the hearing summation from my deaf side. I attended a craft class where 21 ladies introduced themselves and said a few words while standing at their seats. I heard every bit of it. I stayed in the class for three hours and heard all of that too!
Having had some issues with ear canal sensitivity, I am seeing the audiologist to have the transfer canal insert adjusted Wednesday. The insert is made of resin and it must vibrate against bone of the middle canal (second bend) opening. My fit is just tight enough according to its design, but I have such a small ear canal that my jaw bone pinches a tad when I move. So I am off to the adjustment grinder. One of the questions I had to answer at the meaurement session was "Did I have TMJ?" Well, never had any, but ... I will know more Wednesday evening when I return.ÂÂ
I can't say enough about the cooperation TranEar has given me on getting a custom fit.ÂÂ
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Hi Boppie - Happy that it went so well at the convention, which would certainly put TransEar to the test and it passed with flying colors ;D YEAH!!!!
I took your advice and have been prepping my ear with a plug. I do have some ear sensitivity, so hopefully this will help lessen that.
I get my TransEar on the 13th and after reading how well it is working for you, I am more excited than ever.
Thank you!
Cheryl
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Oh boy...I've been using ear plugs and they don't bother my ear. Would hate to have something attached to my head! How does the transear work if you have tinnitus in both ears? I think my hearing in my right ear was fine just the pesky extra noises. I used a drill tonight and my goodness...never ever ever drill without ear plugs. Bad idea. my head was spinning from the sound.
Boppie what kind of convention did you go to? Sounds like it was a fun one!
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I don't notice change in the tinnitus with the hearing aid. But tinnitus has not been a complaint or issue that caused me to seek a hearing aid.
I attended a week long quilt convention at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston...about 1000 vendor booths and as many quilts. Four convention halls, three floors of people, classes, stuff to buy, and things to look at, and food! I stayed 2 days in a Hilton and 3 days in a Hyatt Hotel. At least 60,000 people attend at my last reading in the late 90's. I've been doing this for 26 years in November. It is my annual vacation treat!
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Boppie
I am reading this with interest because in social situations I find it would be helpful to have an aid for my SSD. I considered BAHA but don't want surgery. I have to use a stethescope at work and wonder if the transear would make that impossible? Or is it far enough into the canal that I could rest the stethescope just in my ear? Or is it easily removable so I could wear it socially but not at work (my SSD isnt much of an issue at work as the majority of my interactions are in a quiet exam room).
Thanks!
Amy
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The pickup receiver (microphone?) for the TransEar sits outside the ear canal at the top tip of the lobe (shell). The transfer unit plugs up the outer canal and sits flush with the head. You'd not be able to put the stethescope arm there, no space.
Yes, this would work in social situations. Once you've had the TransEar insertion training you can easily insert or take it out and put it in a carry pouch. At home you'd place the entire unit in a Dry and Store Case to allow it to sanitize and dry itself overnight.
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Thanks for the information. I find that it is only in group social situations that I notice the SSD so haven't been annoyed enough to persue surgery (and the bi-cros this is not for me) but this might be a perfect solution!!
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I had an adjustment sitting for my TransEar this morning. The audiologist smoothed a few spots on the resin transfer mold and I am still very satisfied with the sound I am getting from the aid. I just wanted to report on the adjustment since I believe most TransEar users will need to anticipate some fitting adjustments when the unit is brand new.
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MRI today and one year followup. The tumor is out of there!
My neuro seemed pleased that I have sought a hearing aid and found something to make social life more complete. His statement was, "any aided improvement of hearing for my deaf side was a good thing". He had offered a BAHA a year ago, and I had turned it down for my own reasons.
I went to the MRI and doctor's appointment without the TransEar today. I thought taking it out and putting it back in would be too much trouble. But, I was wrong about leaving it at home. Once again I ended up doing the do-si-so with my walking companion in the hallways, and I couldn't pick up all of the road sounds in the car. I missed that!
My husband said, "Oh! how quickly she changes her mind." ;D
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YEAH!!! Congratulations on the MRI results ;D  Hope you celebrated!!
I have a one week delay in getting my TransEar, so my new appointment is scheduled for this coming monday. I am looking forward to eliminating the do-si-do from my daily routine lol
Thanks again for all your help :-*
hugs,
Cheryl