ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: pstressel on August 01, 2010, 10:54:51 am
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I had an AN removed about 8 years ago. I had to have the translab surgery, so the hearing on my right side was completely taken. This has not been an issue for me all these years and I have lived with it fine. However, I am now in training for a job that requires that I be able to listen and hear what is going on around me. I need to be aware of things going on around me, not just at my desk. I am not one to listen in on other conversations so part of what I have to overcome is not physical. But being deaf in my right ear when I sit in the far left desk can make this very challenging. This job means a lot to me, so now I am wondering if there is a hearing aid, or some kind of aid that may be able to help me overcome this. As I said, I never felt at a disadvantage before so I never had a reason to inquire into this before, but now I'm afraid I need something to help. Thanks for any information anyone might be able to pass my way. ~Pat
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Pat -
check out the BAHA @ www.cochlearamericas.com
You can try a demo at the office of any doctor who does the implant. I think you'll like what you hear.
Jan
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I use a combination of a wireless microphone and a small receiver that sends sounds to my right ear. I use it at work -- setting up the microphone on my deaf side. My wife wears the mike when we are out at a restaurant etc. It was easy to test it out in the audiologist's office & I took it for a (30 day?) trial before purchase.
I know some people use transear or Bi-cross systems as well. The soundbite system looks interesting -- it is in trials now.
Here's info from the manufacturer about the Phonak system I've been using since January:
info about the zoomlink+ FM microphone transmitter:
http://verve.phonak.com/consumer/products/fm/transmitters_new/com_zoomlink.htm
There is additional info in the .pdf file at the bottom of the page.
This system is designed to work with a variety of hearing aids, including cochlear implants.
My hearing is fine in one ear so I use the isense micro receiver:
http://verve.phonak.com/consumer/products/fm/receivers_new/isense_-_micro.htm
--Greg.
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Interesting info, Greg. How big is the ZoomLink and how do you wear it?
Thanks,
Sara
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The zoomlink (microphone) is about 3 1/2 inches long by 1 inch by 1/2 inch. The speaker can wear it around their neck -- the lanyard is also the FM antenna. This option works best if your partner wears it. This hearing solution is also often used in school settings: the teacher wears the microphone. I think there is also a clip-on type of microphone designed for outdoor use but I haven't tried it or seen it.
At work I usually leave the microphone on my desk pointing toward the speaker (on my SSD side). I have also attended small conferences: I talk with the speakers before the session starts & leave the microphone in good spot on the podium so I can hear more clearly.
I don't think it is the perfect solution-- it depends upon placing the microphone in the proper place - but I find it helpful.
--Greg.