ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: matti on December 05, 2006, 04:19:28 pm
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I was fitted with my TransEar last Thursday (Nov.30th) and at first I was quite disapointed. I am not sure what I thought would happen once the aid was placed in my ear and turned on, but I did not notice any difference or help with hearing. I was told that the brain needs time to adjust to the new signals it is receiving and to give it a few days. It has been 8 1/2 years since I lost my hearing nerve, so I vowed to be patient. Halfway through the day on Sunday, I was typing away and suddenly the sound of the typing took on a different tone. I plugged my good ear and could hear the typing sounds coming through. It was tin can sounding from a distance, but as time has passed, the quality is getting better.
I have put this TransEar through it's paces the last couple of days, with mall shopping, a trip to the dentist (could hear assistant talking while dentist was drilling) and the grocery store. I am beginning to figure out some directional sound, as the sound that comes through the bad side does have a different tone (tinny). I also find that I am asking people to repeat themselves less and when my hubby is sitting on my bad side, I can hear him without having to turn my head. He does have to be sitting close. Today I was in the drive though at McDonalds and could hear the people behind me ordering, turned off the TransEar and could not make out what they were saying. I find myself turning it on and off quite frequently to make sure what and if I am hearing anything.
I tried to put the phone up to the TransEar, but heard nothing. My transEar does need to have the software reprogrammed because I have to keep it at it's highest volume setting #4 to be able to hear anything, #2 is the norm . Along with that high volume, I keep getting feedback which annoys eveyone around me. The aid does have two settings, one for noisy environments and the other for more quiet. I don't notice a difference in either.
I have never worn any type of hearing aid, but I find the TransEar very, very comfortable, I forget I have it in place most of the time. I do not feel it vibrate in the canal, but if I hold it in the palm of my hand, and speak into the microphone, it will vibrate. It does not increase or decrease my tinnitus.
So, all in all I am happy with it so far, as I had said it does need some readjusting, so looking forward getting that done this Thursday.
Will keep everyone updated and I want to give a very special THANK YOU to Boppie for helping me through this process :-*ÂÂ
Hugs,
Cheryl
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Hi Cheryl...
Congrats on your initial success with the TransEar...it bodes well for the future and it's always great to hear (no pun intended!) good news.
Regards
Derek
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;D
"Wow, Cheryl that is absolutely fabulous!"
I'm so happy for you! It was interesting to hear about your story. It is early so, I imagine things will get better and better for the hearing on your new Christmas ear!
That is a fabulous present to be able to hear. I miss my hearing already and it has only been this year that is got bad and I lost my "presence."
Things change over the years so, even more improvements may come along with hearing-aides.
I'm thrilled to hear a happy story.
Take care Cheryl and enjoy,
Palace
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Cheryl,
It's good to hear it is working out for you. Keep us posted on how it goes as you get more used to using the Transear device.
Regards,
Rob
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Cheryl:
Congratulations! Regaining even some hearing on your former 'deaf side' - after over 8 years - must be a thrill. What a Christmas present!
TransEar sounds so great that I may consider it in the future. Right now, I'm coping just fine but I may want better hearing down the road.
Is it covered (in whole or in part) by insurance? Must it be prescribed by a surgeon or ENT?
Inquiring minds want to know. :)
Jim[/color]
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My TransEAR costs $2,700 and my insurance company covered $1,500. You can't believe how thrilled that made me!! I also have a 30 day, 100% money back guarantee. The total cost includes all audiologist appointments, readjustments (which will be a few) and a dry and store kit that sanitizes and dries out the aid everynight.
It does not have to be prescribed, but since TransEar is fairly new on the market, many audiologist do not carry it or even know about it. I was very fortunate that my audiologist did carry it and has fitted 3 patients with it. I will say that the TransEar VP, Rick Gilbert is wonderful to deal with and handles questions and problems very quickly.
Yes! I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present ;)
Cheryl
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HEY CHERYL!!! YEA YOU I know you can HEAR me!! ;D
So glad to HEAR the great news. you and Boppie are our guinie's on the trans ear. Love HEARING about it, keep us inofrmed as you go. It SOUNDS like it's a good product for ue SSDer's I want to look into getting one soon.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Patti UT
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Wow your insurance paid for part of it? How did you work that one???
Can you take a picture of it and post it? Or email it to me and I'll post it.
What a great Christmas present. I got $6000 worth of teeth last Christmas--my lower bridge was dislodged by the tube during my surgery. Tried to get insurance for that one, but no go!!
Congrats and keep up the good work!!
Capt Deb
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Hi Matti,
Happy to hear that your TransEar is working out for you. I finally found someone to sell me one, too. My initially appointment will be on January 2. How long after the initial appointment did it take until you got your TransEar? I will look forward to reading more updates from you and Boppie. If it weren't for this board I would not have even heard of TransEar.
Jean
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Jeanlea - My TransEar took a little longer than normal at almost a month, due to a shipping mix-up and the fact that I ordered a brown processor (fits behind the ear) to match my hair. TransEar only carries a tan processor and has to order out for the brown. If I had ordered the tan it would have taken 2 weeks from ear impression to fitting.
I agree, if it weren't for this board I would not have heard of the TransEar either. Thank goodness the TransEarXpert paid us a visit.
Deb - Great idea! I will post a picture of it tomorrow. I really lucked out with my insurance company, they have a great hearing aid benefit, not so great in other areas, but I'm not complaining. Yes! this year's Christmas present also included a root canal and two crowns :)ÂÂ
hugs,
Cheryl
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Hi all, my first post here.
I'm following this thread with great interest, sure sounds like a great device. Sadly it won't be available on this side of the atlantic for another decade I guess (we're usually ten years behind in this country) so it might mean another trip to the US for it, maybe. Well, had CK at Stanford, so why not a TransEar? Should be a piece of cake, just some logistics to figure out.
Anyway, keep us informed how you getting on with it Cheryl.
All the best, Lorenzo
PS: by the way, fantastic site you guys. Love the humour and great information too! Brilliant. Well done.
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My TransEAr is five weeks old and I still love it! I use it on every occasion when I leave the house or when I have the grandsons over to visit.
By the way...I want to add that annoying sounds that wind makes against a hearing aid have been mentioned by some folks. I have not yet noted any problems like this.
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Cheryl - I'm glad to hear you are making the adjustments with your new found "hearing". Congrats!
Laura
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hey Cheryl.....
pssssst.... can you hear me now? ;)
YAY!!!!! Please let us know when they get the software kink fixed! Congrats, congrats and now you'll be able to hear Beanie (Cosmo's cyber-babe) on the phone!
HUGGLES and CONGRATS!
xoxo
Phyl, Iain and Beanie
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Cheryl, this is all wonderful news! Glad you have stuck with the trial and it's getting better, more so with new software.
This has helped us all consider our options....
hugs,
Nan
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I'm so interested in the progress of you folks with this gizmo! I just wanna hear me Buffett in stereo again. Oh and Dr Love, I'd like to actually hear some of what he says for a change without the "whaaaaaaaatttt???????"
Capt Deb 8)
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Sure wish I already had my TransEar. I'm attending a training session for teachers today and tomorrow. I'm having some difficulty hearing the people on my left side. Hard to take part in the small group discussions. I probably seem anti-social or just plain dumb. lol
Jean
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Hey Matti,
Glad to hear that transear is working for you. I am only 23 yr old and I don't want to put any hearing aid in haste. Please keep us informed about its progress so that I can consider options for treating my SSD
Robin
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Matti,
The dogs are back home safe. I hope you can hear me well, the next time we talk on the phone. Call me again and we can test you latest gadgets and hope all is excellent. In the mean-time, I'm feeling really deaf. "What this and what that!" I hope Santa brought you good hearing!
We have DVD's to listen to. (music DVD's) I will post the dogs on the forum, soon.
I'm kind-of wasted from all that champagne. IT GOT ME, thank goodness. The cheek pain is less and the ear got bad from the elevation, today.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR BABY DOG,
Palace
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My transear update - I got my replacement TransEar last week, as the first one was not seated properly in the canal to transfer adequate sound to the good ear. My new one is slightly larger and fits very tight in the canal, but I think it needs to be filed down as it a little uncomfortable. Sound wise, I am still getting too much feedback on the high volume setting, which I need to be on to get any benefit. Because this one is larger, I can feel it vibrate in the canal, but that should go away once it is filed down. I have not given up hope, I just think we need to get this thing programmed right and my 30 days is dwindling down quickly :(
My audiolgist has fit 6 patients with TransEar and for some reason it works great for some and not so for others. I posed this question to her and she passed it along to TransEar. Could the fat pack that was placed in my head have any effect on the TransEar not being able to properly transfer sound? She has 3 patients that have SSD, but not due to any surgery, AN or otherwise. All 3 have had great experiences with TransEar and only have to use volume 1 setting, as opposed to 2 of us that are AN (fat pack) and have to use Volume 4.
Cheryl
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Hi Cheryl:
Darn it......I guess the Transear is no different than anything else ANwise......some this, some that. Did you ask Boppie what setting she uses? She had translab too so I know she has the "fat pack".
Good luck and maybe they will grant you an extension if necessary? I would think they would as they want all of our business. Don't you Transear?????
Kathy
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Cheryl, I can just give details and maybe help a little...
I use settings 2½ and 3 for enough benefit. When I turn up to 4 I get some squirrely sounds, I guess that is too much sound.ÂÂ
I did need some fine grinding on mine two times, where the skinny part was. Each time we filed a teensy bit. I recall the skinny part was too high on the top edge. How would one ever guess what that opening looks like in shape? The audiolost would ask me if it hurt on the front, the back, the top? One time I felt the area in the front near the jaw bone was hurting because I could feel it hurt a little when I moved my jaw to talk. She ground that part a little.ÂÂ
Don't let the sore spots get too bad before you get it filed. I took mine out for a few days to let the sore spots go away before I got the second grinding session. Also, check out the ear shell for red spots where the ear unit pushes up against the cartilage. When this got sore, I couldn't tell the difference where the discomfort is coming from.
As time goes by my transear gets easier to slip inside. I had the fat pack put in my translab incision too. But my biggest problem was the fit in the second curve that has a unique size and curvature. Possibly, we are each unique in the skull :D
Rick Gilbert (TransEarGuy) told me they'd keep fitting my unit until we got it to work. Let me know how it is going.
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Rick has been wonderful and extremely helpful throughout this whole process and as busy as he is, he always responds quickly, even while overseas. I am feeling a little frustrated with my audiologist because when I received the new transEar, I told her immediately that it was very uncomfortable and I could pin point the spots that bothered me. That was on the 21st and I don't see her until the first week in January, so for this length of time, I can't really wear it without experiencing alot of discomfort, especially eating and talking and I believe it is the skinny part that is too high on mine as well. My first TransEar was sooo comfortable that I would forget I had it in.
Like I said, I am not giving up, I am determined and so is Rick that we will get this right yet. I have been affectionately referred to as a "black cloud" by my audiologist and TransEar :D
Thanks again for all of your help Boppie!!!
hugs,
Cheryl
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Cheryl, I remember a comment that my audiologist made the first time she inserted my TransEar. She said something like this, "This ear piece was made a little large so we can customize it".  She added, "(It) was better to err on the side of not taking too much off the insert surface at one time". The ear piece was somewhat uncomfortable on the first day even though I managed to reinsert it three more days and wear it as long as I could. It bothered me especially when I talked and ate, although I could hear with it.ÂÂ
I made two additional visits to get it smoothed more. Now it feels fine and works as well.ÂÂ
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I haven't check out the ANA site for quite a while. I like this new format. I had translab. surgery at Mich. Ear in Sept. 2001. I am still completely frustrated with the SSD.  I need to find out more info on the TransEar. I want more than anything to hear again, I still don't like the bucket on the head hearing I experience. I am on Medicare, does that cover it? Cost is a huge factor right now. Husband takes so many meds for diabeties and new heart stents, we hit the donut hole in June in 2006. I live in Greenville, SC and wonder if there is a qualified audiologist here, will have to check.  I wear glasses. Does the earpiece interfer with the hearing device.ÂÂ
This should be in another topic but I developed blepharospasm about 9 mos. after AN surgery. So I have eyes spasms and meige syndrome, mostly on left side, same side as AN surgery, I have to get Botox about every 4 mos. to help control spasms. So compond this with the SSD I get pretty down in the dumps sometimes.
Jean G
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Jean, The TransEar fits over the top and on the outside of the glasses earpice. I have no trouble with wearing my glasses with my aid. I have to put my glasses on before I insert the hearing aid.
I turned 65 in the month after my TransEar came in. Whew! My insurance paid for the aid for my SSD. I was told Medicare would pay nothing for the same hearing aid. Having read my new Medicare coverage rules, I see that this is true. Also, my audiologist said Medicare never has paid for hearing aids.
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Kathy, I read your post referring to the fat pack from Translab surgery. I don't believe this would interfere with the bone conduction element of the TransEar.
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hey what the heck is this trans ear, i just got my nerve chopped and want to learn about this.
is the sound just transferring to your good ear?
send me a link to this Miracle ear! :P
ahh nevermind, found one
TransEar is an elegant, affordable, and effective answer to SSD. It looks like a conventional BTE (Behind-the Ear) hearing aid, but instead of simply amplifying sound, it relies on bone conduction to transmit the sound to the better ear."""
http://www.transear.com/
I'll have to talk to my insurance!
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Hey Cheryl,
Keep updating us on your new ear ! ::) I'm following your story along with Boppie and Batty ??? I'm surprised insurance paid anything. I'd like to get Chris a hearing aid sometime down the road. Unfortunately, OVR isn't going to be any help as they expect me to pay the first $5000.
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Cheryl Can you hear me now? :-*
How's it working for you now?
I'm still waiting for my vr approval and still looking at all my options.
Will see the Starkey people tomorrow for eval they mentioned an OMNI model for ssd that is suppose to provide some directional sound from front to back.
Have you or boppie noticed any directional sound?
Tim mentioned a phonak system that I'm trying to get more info on too. My goal for this year, get retrained for work and get hearing on my left side!
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Cheryl,
I have been following your story and waiting also to hear from my audiologist. When I spoke with my insurance company they told me that they do not cover hearing aids regardless of the reason it is needed :( , so I am waiting to hear if I can get help from OVR. I would love to be able to hear on the right also instead of always saying "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you", or telling whoever it is that I have to get them on my good side, it really is annoying! I guess you're getting anxious about getting the thing fitted properly, I know I would be! I hope this works well for you! Keep us all posted.
~Karen
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I am not experiencing any directional sound, but when someone is close to my deaf ear, I find that I am not constantly turning my head or asking them to repeat. I still have some trouble in noisy environments, but then again, I am still using the first TransEar which is not transferring sound properly. Still not able to wear the replacement TransEar until it is filed down and programmed next week. It has been sitting in a box on my dresser since December 21st....I am trying my best to be very patient :(
Cheryl
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Yessss Cheryl, ...this new ability to not turn your head every which way to talk with people on the deaf side. That is the greatest benefit for me with my TransEar. I think people who use Phonak CROS or Starkey for SSD must find similar benefit.
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Cheryl,
Beanie, CB and I are sending huggles... I know you are frustrated as all heck.. and thrilled Boppie (blows kiss :-* ) can help you along with this as well...
Hang tough hun!
xoxooxoxxoxo
me :)
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Good morning Boppie.. The Phonak hearing aids I wear are the MicroPiower.
They just came out with them this past year. here is the link.
................  http://www.phonak.com/com_028_0073-xx_micropower_ix_brochure_professional.pdf
It is one of only a couple of hearing aids with the receiver(speaker) in the ear canal
The majority of BTE (behind the ear) aids have an 80 db. power maximum output. Because the receiver is in the canal on the micropower the max. db level is 132 !!!!!! That is off the scale !! I wear aids in both ears for my hearing loss.
Remember, I don't even go for my first appointment of the AN's until Monday, so all this information may mean nothing concerning hearing loss due to surgery.
I have what is labeled moderate to severe hearing loss. These are the third set of hearing aids I have had over a 7 year period and they are the best ones yet..
You will find hearing aid technology is like computer tech. A bigger,better model comes out every year... I just wanted to share my information with you..
Tim
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I have an appt today with a hearing specialist to be evaluted for a starkey model and the phonak model Tim mentioned. Should prove to be interesting. I'll keep everyone update on what I find out! Maybe my neck won't hurt as much if I dont' have to keep turning it to hear? LOL
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I have an appointment to get my Transear Jan. 12. My neurotologist is very skeptical about this. At first the doctor I visited for the tests and fitting was also. Now he seems to be more positive. He says anything that will improve my quality of life he is for. I have such small ear canals that he says this may cause me some discomfort at first. He also says the trick is in the fitting. If not fitted correctly they will not work as well. I will be his first patient with the Transear.
All of my tests showed that I have very good bone conduction. I scored as high as you can go on that. He thinks I will not have problems. I am very determined that this will work. However, during the process of making the mold my ear was kind of irritated for a while. If this works I will be one happy camper. I am more than a little tired of not being able to hear on the left side. Makes the drive thru experience very exciting at the bank.
This doctor also thinks that my balance may improve with the Transear. Long explination of why. My Neurotologist says bah. He also said bah to CK.
Sandy
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Cheryl,
Sorry about the long wait. It would drive me bonkers! Hopefully something will happen very soon for you. I have my fingers crossed!
~Karen
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HI Cheryl,
Can I ask you, where did you get your TransEar fitted? Hope you don't mind me asking.
Ciao, Lorenzo
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Ok are you guys ready for hearing aids 101? LOL
I went and saw a hearing aid specialist. This is after I saw an audiologist who told me there was nothing that could be done for my ssd. I find banks and drive throughs not something I tackle without my son's ears in the car with me!
The specialist was surprised to find I am totally deaf in my left ear. My tinnitus is profoundly loud which was unusual according to her. She also reiterated my first ENT screwed up. I did learn that it's best to wait until the two year mark before checking into hearing aids to give your nerves and brain plenty of time to heal and learn to adapt. I still can not hear a car approaching behind me. I was evaluated for a sharkey brand and a phonak brand. It was explained to me that the cross might be an option down the road and they will let me try one for 60 days to see how well it works before I have to purchase anything. The micropower that Tim mentioned is on the cross line and is top of the line and would be an option too. She was not familar with transear but was going to do some research and get back to me. The tiny bit of hearing I have she really feels is from bone conduction as she masked my right ear at 90 decibels and gave me sound to 110 in my left ear and I didn't respond to it. The tinnitus in my left ear was as loud as the masking in my right ear. So..I guess for now I'm still in wait mode. Waiting for Voc rehab, waiting for the 2 years, waiting waiting waiting..now why couldn't I be wait when diagnosed LOL
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Phooey! I don't get it. Why can't the audiologists and otolaryngologists get on the same page. And how come the BAHA is functioning only 3 months after SSD occurs. ÂÂ
I couldn't disagree more about needing to wait for a hearing aid. My doctor wanted me to get a hearing aid asap. I feel 100% different about myself having a bit of hearing on my deaf side. Being out in the real world with real conversations is just normal and who doesn't want to feel and appear to be normal? I guess I am just too crabby to accept some of the stuff some so called "experts" say. After all they ought to know about SSD. :( There! I got that out of my system. Anybody got a fire hose?
No reflection on you, Michelle. :)
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Hi Lorenzo (my other brother ;)) - My TransEar was fitted through my audiologist at the California Ear Institute (by Stanford), same place I had my surgery. Happy New year too you!!!
TransEar update: Today I attended a meeting in which I would normally have sat deaf ear against the wall. I placed myself in the center of the room and found that I could hear conversations of people sitting close to me on all sides. It was not directional sound, but as soon as I did a visual on those sitting in my area, I was able to surmise who was speaking and what they were saying. I found that by putting pressure on the transfer unit, I get a better quality and volume of sound (true on all aides).
So for the first time since attending my meetings, today with TransEar I felt like I was part of the group and did not have the feeling of isolation. Things should continue to improve when new transEar is fitted properly next week.
Cheryl
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Cheryl sounds promising! Since I was told I was hearing through bone conduction today made me think the transear might be a better fit.
I hear you Lois! So far none of the so called experts can get on the same page or tell me something more than I already know or think LOL Her biggest mistake was telling me they'll give me a two month free trial. You know darn good and well I'll go back if nothing is happening with VR for the free trial LOL
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Cheryl, happy to hear that you could hear on both sides at your meeting. I'm so looking forward to that. If my TransEar comes in on time I will have before my next big meeting and can really test it out. My audiologist said that her clinic gives a 45 day trial period. Cheryl, you mentioned 30 days. Is that from TransEar or from the clinic where you got the TransEar?
Jean
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I know state wise Fl they have to give you 30 days. I would think it's a state thing maybe?
Cheryl?
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Jean - My audiologist tells me that the 30 days is from TransEar and I did double check with TransEar and was told the same. When I first met with my audiologist she did mention 45 days, but then quickly said "oops, I forgot it was changed to 30" ???  She said that TransEar is the only manufacturer with a 30 day, the rest are 45 to 60. I wonder what Boppie's guarantee was?  I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get the TransEar before your meeting!!!
Michelle - upsets me to hear what the audiologist told you about there being no help for SSD. Sad to think how many people leave her office believing that. Maybe the TransEar would be a better match for you, and hopefully the specialist will be getting on board with the company. Is this place closer to home for you?
hugs,
Cheryl
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I think the 30 days came from the audiologists office, but I was told via phone that TransEar would get the fit right for me regardless of the time. Texas has a 30 day guarantee rule across the board for aids, I know that. So I am not sure how much TransEar allowed. I panicked and emailed Transear about rushing my kit and unit. I mean the kit is fit in your ear canal with denture mold material. Then the impressions are mailed to the lab at TransEar for the build. I asked my audiologist to rush the mail. I was sweating that 30 day deadline. Funny thing, the final paperwork didn't get sent in for the insurance claim for a week or two after the 30 days. I guess that doesn't matter though. I think TransEar should extend the try-out time since the process is slow.
I remembr the day the audiologist did my programming with a CD and cable hookup to the unit. We had some difficulty understanding the interface on the CD. Since it was 5:30 and we couldn't get TransEar on the phone, I agreed to go home (6 miles) and come back the next week for the program setting. When I returned she explained that my unit was automatically programmed when she first put plugged it in and that her confusion was unwarranted. TransEar GM told her we were adjusting the unit needlessly! But you see, TransEar is so new to the audiologists. That is why I think there should be some breaks on the try out time.
I wanted the aid so badly that I was willing to wait and work with the office. A smoother and quicker transition time between assessment and fitting would be more fair and less stressful. No hearing aid for SSD is inexpensive. We get worried about risk and those $$$.
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Hi Cheryl (my only sister... ;D)! Happey new year to you too!
Did you say something that you weren't that happy with the audiologist at the California Ear Institute? I'm asking because Rick Gilbert suggested I could get something fitted there, and ass I'm going to California in November and travel a rather long distance, I wouldn't want to go to a place that doesn't necessarily give the best service.
NAother question: how does TransEar work in situations with lots of conversations going on at the same time? Right now in a group situation I can deal with maybe two conversations as a maximum. More than that, and it all gets jumbled and I can't 'hear' anything. I'm often in situations like that at work, so that would my main issue to solve with an aid. Also, lol wonder how it works with headphones? Still can't listen my iPod in stereo... :)
Ciao, Lorenzo
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Lorenzo, As a TransEAr user I find listening to multiple conversations just as difficult as I did pre-op with my 65% hearing loss(AN side). But the plus side is I actually hear on my deaf side. The TransEar volume is not a full regular sound. The quality is fine as it is digital but just not the full volume of a normal 100% hearing ear. I believe it is common (at this time in technology) that aid users for SSD will be experiencing "summation" as a benefit. The other plus is to have only one unit to wear and a good ear serves me well with the summation. Stereo isn't there as you are still doing all of the pickup on one side. I can hear the phone a bit with the aid, but I wouldn't rely on it to hear phone conversation in a busy room.
If my good ear sliips into poor hearing I will probably have to switch to a Cros aid.
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Hi, Thanks for the reply! Things are getting clearer now. Makes sense that hearing wouldn't necessarily improve in terms of recognition in noisy environments. Still only using one ear with TransEar. So, no stereo. Ok.
What do you mean with 'summation'?
Ciao, Lorenzo
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The audiologist I saw told me that the only thing for SSD is a cros. I told her about the transear and she is supposed to look into it. I think I'd rather use a transear than a cros so that my good ear didn't have to have something in it. I was driving someone to an appointment, with stories I would have loved to hear and I think I only heard 3% of what she said to me :( I kept having to ask her to repeat herself if she wanted a reply from me. It really hit home that it would have been so much easier if I had some type of aid to help me. Being deaf in my right ear and being a driver makes it difficult to hear people on that side which is where the passengers sit! Tinnitus is extremely loud today too and I had a really noisy old car to use :( I like this job but being able to hear someone when they say something to me would be nice. Congrats on the hearing ability Cheryl. Hope things continue to get better for ya! Cherly, did either your or Boppie have symptoms of tinnitus and did the aid mask it at all?
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My tinnitus is the same since the hearing aid but I do not notice it during the wearing time for the aid. I believe that my brain is busy processing the sound in the bone and in the good ear. Pre-op my tinnitus only really annoyed me at bedtime and on very humid days...same now. Post op I have acquired sound induced tinnitus on top of the hummmm. I'd say my tinnitus is considerable but, I look at tinnitus this way...my busy brain doesn't have time for tinnitus so I'll ignore it. It works for me!
As soon as anybody mentions the word 'tinnitus', it fires up in my head. I know I don't imagine it. But I can and will ignore it.ÂÂ
I have considered kicking coffee but I don't want to.
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Boppie,
I used to be able to tune out the tinnitus but it seems to continually get worse. It's raining today so it's a real HUMdinger! The only time I can make it lessen is if I lay in bed on my good side and block out all sound so I guess you could say mine is sound induced as well. I find that lately it has been interfering with my hearing more and more! I go through my daily functions with housework and work so it doesn't stop me from doing things, but it is very irritating. They can send a man to the moon but don't have a solution for ringing ears :( Stuff happens, life goes on!
Karen
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I know exactly what you mean about hearing in the car. My right side is deaf and when I pick up my grandsons and strap them in the back seat I have the most trouble getting them to tell me about their day since I can't always respond or participate. It is a bit better with my aid in my ear but the aid picks up the sounds most close and that would be the road sounds. Six year olds are so sweet. They know I have a hearing problem so they won't yell around me. ;D If I could get them to speak very loudly in the back seat, I know my aid could pick it up.ÂÂ
When my husband and I ride together, he often asks me to drive so I can practice listening with the TransEar. He and I enjoy the hearing aid the most when we are in a restaurant. I can hear the waiters too! Also, my aid helps a great deal in my sewing group and at club meetings when people are speaking from their seats. I have worn my aid to church many times and find it very helpful with choir singing. I like to go shopping with the aid in too. It is like having my old bad 35% hearing back in my ear. I was functioning on 'summation benefit' then, too!
I didn't know how much that "useless" hearing was worth. That's why the expense for my aid is justifiable.ÂÂ
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For those looking for trans ear audiologists, I would go right to the source, (the webpage) call them and have them give you the name of a known transear audiologist in your state, That way, you don't have to bug other audiologists about new technology they never heard about.
Ok NORTHWESTENERS, LISTEN UP.
They referred me to Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle-a Kristina Quiket-206 223 8802
and I talked to her about it.
She just found out about transear a couple months ago from a magazine article and has one patient only.
She also told me that in a few months transear will be designing the back of the ear part, a little smaller.
I told her that I would wait a couple of months after full recovery from my AN surgery and will look into it in the spring.
Will keep you posted.
KRIsTINA QUIKET-COOL AUDIOLOGIST!
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You can actually pull up local vendors on their site..my closest one was 3 hours away..that was why I was bugging my audiologist to get with the program LOL
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Static - I do have tinnitus 24/7, but do not notice it as much when wearing the TransEar. I agree with Boppie that our brains are so busy processing new info that the tinnitus sort of takes a back seat.
I also get frustrated with trying to carrry on conversations in the car. My SSD is on the left, so while driving I am OK, but as a passenger it sucks >:(  But now my TransEar does seem to help (but radio can't be on)
Lorenzo - In some noisy environments I have found that I acutally need to turn off my TransEar as there is too much sound coming through one ear for me to process, too overwhelming, but perhaps that will change as I use it more. As far as the California Ear Institute, they do have other audiologists, but currently mine seems to be the "go to" for aTransEar. I see her this monday and I am NOT leaving her office until we get this right. I have been extremely patient, but am anxious as heck to move forward.
Cheryl
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Cheryl let me know if I need to fly out and give you some back up! I'll bring my pirate gear! :-*
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Hello:
How frustraiting! I will be thinking of you on Monday. Yes, stay until they get it right for you.
Molokai dog is going in for another evaluation on Monday; two lumps on his arm at the joint area. Talking monies, Molucca's surgery to remove a few lumps cost a few thousand dollars. (one of her surgeries.....as, she has had some before that) I would imagine this might be about two thousand for the littermate. GR's get tumors or fatty tissue to be removed. (not uncommon)
We spent about one hundred thousand dollars on our first Golden Retriever on everything in her lifetime. (meaning her pills, toys, food, surgeries, heated dog-house, when I was working very long hours, etc.) People don't realize how much having a pet can cost. (especially if they are treated well over the years) This dog (a relative to the pair we have now) lived to be almost 15 years old. We got her at, 15 months old. We can't afford more animals after this pair is gone. It just cost way too much for an average person. If you keep track of what it cost (well treated, I'm referring to) it is amazing. (and hopefully, they live a long and healthy life) We are getting broke now. Oh, I haven't gotten my bill for my CK, yet. (still don't know where I stand on that)
My thoughts are with you and yes, you have been patient.
Sincerely,
Palace
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Michelle - Can you be here on Monday at 9:30 in full pirate gear...PLEASE!!! ;) and we'll take your car because you are the "pirate princess".
Palace - Cosmo has several lumps, some of which are fatty tumors, but he has recently developed a large mass in the shoulder area. My vet want us to bring him to the Iams center in redwood city for an MRI. That should be interesting! Some days cosmo can't turn his head to the left and now has a constant limp. Everytime I bathe him I feel more little tumors pop up. Boy can I relate to spending a fortune on pets. I can't begin to count what we spent on our first lab, as had he so many sugeries on his paws and the last year of his life, we were doing at home IV's, 5x per week, plus several different medications. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.
hugs,
Cheryl
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Hi Cheryl and everyone.
My name is Ada and I am new to this site. My surgery was 2 years ago in Manhattan and I was left with one sided deafness. My intention was to get some feedback regarding the BAHA and Cocklear implants. But minor surgery is involved. I am not thrilled with anymore surgery. Was I happy to hear about this Transear earing devise. I have not been to an audiologist as yet, but I am so excited to hear about this. Is the Baha a thing of the pas?. I will certainly go on the web and look up Transear. I don't want to get to excited but I can't help it when I hear how it is working for you. I am going through all the same situations with not hearing and it is very frustrating..
A funny story. When someone is sitting on my right, which is the ear affected I tend to turn my neck and head quickly so that I can hear out of my left ear. I was sitting with a group and the women to my right was talking to me. I kept swinging my head over and over to hear her. I finally said to her, please excuse me I know it might seem odd that I keep flipping my head but I have one sided deafness. Ok she said, I thought you had a bad nervous tick. We both laughed, but actually it wasn't funny.
I will continue to read your progress and if I get any other information I will let you know.
Thanks so very much for giving me hope.
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To be fair to everyone...BAHA is a great product! It is a fine bone conduction aid for those who want the convenience of not having to wear a unit in the ear. It is worn on an abutment attached to the head several inches back from the ear.
TransEar uses bone conduction via one unit inserted in the deaf ear canal.
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Pal,
I can remember all the things we went through over the years with my first golden and I wonder how we made it through all the expense but I, like Cheryl, would do it all over again. Hopefully Zoey will be more healthy for her own good, but I will find a way for whatever she may need. She brings so much joy to all of us! Hang in there Cheryl, I'll be thinking of you!
~~Karen
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Hi Ada and welcome!!! - BAHA is a wonderful device, but I have extreme head sensitivity on my AN side, so I was told that I was not a candidate. Both BAHA and TransEar work on the same principal of bone conduction, but with a different application process.
I ended up going to physical therapy about a 6 months after my surgery because the neck and shoulder muscles on my right were so painful. Turns out it was because of having to constantly turn/flip my head to hear. The other patients in the physical therapy room thought it was humorous (I didn't >:()ÂÂ
If you are interested in TransEar, call the number off the website and they will refer you to an audiologist or hearing aid expert in your area. They are fairly new on the market, so not many centers know about them yet. As you have read in some of my posts, I am having some issues with my TransEar, but it is not with the company, as they (Rick Gilbert V.P. and general manager ;D) have been a pleasure to work with. My issue is with my audiologist >:(
Boppie and I will continue to keep you updated and Jeanlea will be the next new recipient of a TransEar, so looking forward to her updates as well.
Again, welcome to the forum, this site has been a lifesaver for me and I know you will feel the same, as we are one big happy and supportive family.
hugs,
Cheryl
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Ada,
According to the pros at House Ear, a cochlear implant is contraindicated for people with SSD and only used for those with total hearing loss in both ears. The sound is quite distorted and would cause a conflict with the remaining good hearing.
Capt Deb
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I am going to add my two cents to this conversation. My neurotologist (Dr. Ego) would never listen to my plea for a hearing aid for my single sided deafness. He said I was doing fine with out one. Like he would know. I only see him in a small quiet room. I have had to leave places because of the backgournd noise. I have had to remind everyone that I have to have creative seating when we go out to eat.
When I read about the Transear I approached the subject with Dr. Ego and he said he didn't see why I needed one and why didn't I get a BAHA? Dang, does this guy ever listen? I have AIED in my only hearing ear and will in all probability be deaf sooner or later. Now why in the world would I want a useless screw in my head with a CI on the other side? I really pushed for the transear. He said they did not fit them.
I called the Transear people for a name of a doctor in my area or the nearest place to me where I could get one. I called both of the doctors and neither had ever fitted one and neither had ever heard of them. I just about had to beg to have the doctor check into it. Now that he has, he is as anxious as I am to see what this can do. I told him my doctor said wait a couple of years before being fitted with a hearing aid. He said that is not a good idea. He gave me some pamplets that say if you lose hearing in one ear your good or better ear will lose some of its ability to understand speech. We are made to hear out of both ears. Duh! now why do the doctors think we should wait for a hearing aid?
I will go Friday to pickup my Transear and have adjustments. He says in his opinion this is a far better option than having something in both ears such as a Cross. He does BAHA's, Cross and CI. I told him I can hear on one of our phones out of my deaf ear. He did not laugh at me like the neurotologist. He did tell me that you could install a bone conducted aid on a tooth or any place on your head and you would be able to hear or at least have the sensation of hearing. His opinion is that if it improves your quality of life in anyway it is for the good. Now, if I could just get Dr. Ego to feel this way, I would feel a lot better.
I don't know about the rest of you but, I have never felt so confused and mistreated as I have during my AN journey. For something that is supposed to be so rare, I am sure running into a lot of people that have An's and boy do I hear a lot of horror stories. How long do you think it should take doctors to get on the same page? Even in the same book? We only have 6 neurotologist in my city and 4 work for one clinic and 2 at the other. They all tell the biggest most scary stories about CK and GK and make surgery look like a walk in the park. All think you should just adjust your life and deal with the after effects. As for me I intend to be as close to my former normal as possible and what ever it takes is what I will do. I want a danged transear and now I will have one. I am finished with just taking the doctor's word for anything. Just my opinion here folks. Do what you think is best for you. These people are not God!
Sandy
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Sandy I am so sorry and can totally relate. This whole AN journey is frustrating and scary enough without having conflicting opinions and thoughts from doctors, audiologists, therapist, etc... Half way into this journey I learned to become my own advocate, fight for what I want and move on if I didn't get the respect, time and understanding from someone in the medical community. My sister-in-law's mom just passed away unexpectedly from a misdiagnosis. She was a breast cancer survivor for 8 years and began having symptoms a year ago which her doctor wrote off, she never questioned him or pursued any other opinions and died within three weeks of diagnosis.
I am glad to hear that you are getting a TransEar, I know you will be happy with it!! Please post when you get it, I would love to hear your experiences.
TRANSEAR UPDATE for Monday Jan. 8th
Saw the audiologist today and we are now remaking theTransEar, this will be #3, so keeping my fingers crossed that 3rd time is a charm and the TransEar people don't wish me away ;)
With #2, the outer visable area on the transfer unit extends too far out, the first one sat flush and was more comfortable, but not tight enough deep into the canal to transfer adequate sound. I am now wearing the second one after my audiologist filed down(turns out I can also do this at home) two areas on the unit that were uncomfortable while talking and eating. So taking #2 for a test drive until #3 arrives in a couple of weeks. Boy this is confusing ???
I am extremely positive will we get this right. I really like the product and have experienced some great benefits so far.
Cheryl
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;)
I'm happy for you.
Molokai dog his his arm aspirated, toes trimmed and I will get back to you privately what they think his lumps are. I might know by tonight.
Good for you and I hope your TransEar Journey turns out well.
Palace
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Cheryl,
Sorry you have to have yet another Transear. As my doctor said, it is in the fitting. This is a new product and I assume like everything else there will be kinks to work out. My doctor assured me the transear people will work with you as long as needed to get a good fit. Don't give up, it will work out.
Sandy
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Sandy - TransEar and especially Rick Gilbert (VP and general manager) have been absolutely wonderful to work with throughout this whole process and that is why I am very confident that thiings will work out well.
Palace - Keeping my fingers crossed for Molokai, I know he will OK, after all, he's got a great mommy :-*
Cheryl
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Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!
My doctor just called. I had molds made 12/22/06. Was expecting a transaid Friday. Nope! Not to be. Molds did not work with equiptment and now have to be done again. I had hoped to have this by Christmas. I just didn't specify which Christmas. I juess I am a little short in the patience department now. I go for 1 year MRI Wed. Which by the way was canceled and rescheduled at the last minute. I don't know why I spazz so much before these MRI's. I am very calm until about 3 days before and then just worry and think all sorts of things. I really think I would like it if "Ivan the Terrible" would just fall out of my ear some night while I am sleeping.
Sandy
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Sandy,
How very frustrating for you. Guess this whole process is about learning patience. It will work out for you eventually, along with Matti. Good luck with your MRI on Wednesday. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you.
Jean
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I am going to ask Nate if he had more than 30 days to adjust to his Cros.ÂÂ
I would be frustrated if I were having trouble getting my TransEar fitted right. But we can see that getting a common fit for each patient is part of the stumbling block for developing such a unique ear mold. The first time I saw my ear unit, I was astounded at its shape. The ear canal actually has the S shape I have read about. At least mine is a big S! :o
Good luck Jean, Sandy and Cheryl.
Jean I like your picture. Your smile is updated, right?
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Sandy - Well that sucks!!!! >:( ÂÂ
Once the new molds are taken, ask the to audiologist to overnight them to TransEar. I wonder what was different about the molding material that did not work for TransEar?  If you ordered a standard tan processor then the wait time is much shorter as those are a stock item. Different colors (mine is brown to match my hair) have to be ordered out.  Also ask your audiologist to order you an extra lead wire, which connects the processor to the Transfer unit. I had to replace mine early on and luckily I had an extra on hand.
I think it's normal to be nervous before an MRI, I know I become a wreck about 1 week before and stay that way until I see the doctor. Since I have had so many MRI's and if my doctor can't see me within a day, I have asked him to please call me, so that I can finally relax. I know you will hear good news ;D
Boppie - when I first saw my TransEar unit, I was surprised to see how my ear canal was shaped....not a very attractive looking thing LOL
Cheryl
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Boppie, Matti and Sandy
Thank you so much for being the "Transear Guinea Pigs" for the rest of us. I am already growing my hair out for mine. I really hope that I can get one next year--this social isolation thing is really bugging me. Also it is really hard for me to be around my grandkids in their new house--smooth, vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors really add to the noise level on my poor over-sensitive good ear. Thanks for keeping us posted on your "transear Journeys."
Capt Deb (http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20060823/e/3/c/e3cbd418b12b0f8b3604118b82b3a58f0_medium.jpg)
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Who took that picture of me on the way to the audiologist today LOL that is exactly how I felt walking into her office. I was ready to chain myself to her desk until she fixed my problems.
Having my TransEar has definitely given me more confidence in certain social situations that I would have normally shy'd away from. I am just so thrilled that there are more options becoming available for SSD ;D
Funny thing happened the other day, I was telling someone I had SSD and they thought it was some type of sexually transmitted disease, so from now on I will not abbreviate :o
cheryl
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Who took that picture of me on the way to the audiologist today LOL that is exactly how I felt walking into her office. I was ready to chain myself to her desk until she fixed my problems.
Having my TransEar has definitely given me more confidence in certain social situations that I would have normally shy'd away from. I am just so thrilled that there are more options becoming available for SSD ;D
Funny thing happened the other day, I was telling someone I had SSD and they thought it was some type of sexually transmitted disease, so from now on I will not abbreviate :o
cheryl
GO CHERYL........... :o ;) :)
Palace
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Yes and the first time that ear thing slides in! Weeeiiirrrrd!  :-[ My 30 yo daughter would laugh at me! or maybe with me!
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:D
Boppie:
I can't believe you said that! :D
Palace
Yes and the first time that ear thing slides in! Weeeiiirrrrd! :-[ My 30 yo daughter would laugh at me! or maybe with me!
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That pic from the Captain looks like me the first 3 months after my hysterectomy.ÂÂ
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Actually I think the picture is of me. This is me when they postpone my MRI appointments after stressing for a week. When the ear mold doesn't work. And a number of other things.
NO one ask me what color I wanted. When I go back to have ear molds made again I will say tan, TAN that what I want. I am blonde I need tan. I really don't care if it is covered with fur. I just want to hear on the left side again.
Sandy
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Covered with fur? Never thought of that oen as an option for new designs! Now THAT would look great!!!
Lorenzo
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Lorenzo - But it would have to be fake fur, as we would not want to offend PETA :)
Sandy - Did the audiologist put a color swatch chart up to your skin to try and get a good match for the exposed area of the transfer unit?ÂÂ
Cheryl
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My hair is really thick and wavy and pretty unmanagle without stying goo and gizmos. Dr Love really likes my hair short as he has a thing for the back of my neck. Bad enough I have bifocals, but a heaaring aid that shows? No way if I can cover it up. Maybe I'll go for the laser eye surgery and teeth veneers, too! However, I refuse to dye my hair!
Capt Deb 8)
Not getting older, just better!
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I thought older WAS better, no?
fake fur it is, no real stuff, no no no...
Lorenzo
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Greetings All,
News just off the phone. Transear people are coming out with a half shell in 5 weeks. No longer will we have to think about covering the thing with fur, jewels or what ever. I have opted to wait the five weeks because I have a very small ear canal and mine would stick out a lot. (not that I really care what it looks like at this point). Comfort may be a factor with me. I am still going for the mold fitting and will ask about color. Just like my doctor said this thing is going to improve fast.
For the record aging would be great if it didn't come with some of the down sides. I feel about 25 most of the time and wonder who the old lady in the mirror is. Up side is I sure know more now than I did at 25.
Sandy
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Sandy - Interesting news!! Since I am going for remake #3, I think I will get in touch with my audiologist ASAP and ask that we wait the 5 weeks. The shell is the reason for the remake anyway, as it sits too far out of the canal.
I've been a very patient girl, and will gladly continue my wait if it will improve the fit.
Thanks Sandy :-*
Cheryl
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Wow, you guys are way better than me in the patience department! After so long I get so annoyed I just usually give up but I can see that this is comething worth waiting to get right. I agree with what Sandy said about trying to be back to your old self no matter what it took but unfortunately funding is an issue for me. I hope you both can get things worked out to get your transear fitted properly and am so happy for you that you are able to do it! Good luck in all your future endeavors with the transear and please continue to keep us posted. Pal, give that dog a great big hug and kiss from me and Zoey. Hope everything is ok!
~Karen
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Sandy, I read somewhere that the behind the ear part (processor) is the part to be redesigned for TransEar. Do you mean TransEar said they are redesigning the transfer unit that sits at the entrance of the canal?
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Sure, just as I am now about to get my TransEar they will be coming out with a smaller version!  Mine is already ordered though so I will take it.  Next time around I'll get something even better I'm sure.  I want to have it before I go to my meeting the last two days of January.  The fact that technology is always changing is the biggest reason that I'm opting for the TransEar over the BAHA.  It's easier for me to change hearing aids than to have something permanently in my head. ÂÂ
I'm just so excited about the possibilty of hearing on my left side again.
Jean
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I called my audiologist and she said that TransEar notifed her via -email late yesterday that a unit she ordered for another patient would be delayed as TransEar is now making a 1/2 shell for the device. She was confused as to what this meant and did not have time to get back with them, but will do so first thing in the morning. She is also putting my re-make on hold until we find out the details.
Jean, I am very excited for you ;D Regardless of what is happeing with the updated version, you will be VERY pleased with your TransEar.
Cheryl
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Sorry Boopie
I haven't been on here and didn't see your post asking about the transfer unit. Actuall it is the part that sits outside the ear. Not the part behind the ear. I am not tech savey on the terms. It is to solve problems like Matti is having. It will be somewhat smaller. Should help with the people who have small ear canals and children. I am going to have new ear molds made tomorrow and will ask more questions. All I know is that it is supposed to be less obvious in the ear and a better fit. I am sure they will keep improving as time goes by.
Sandy
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Yahoo--I can't wait for mine! I've already got me a spiffy new hairdo that will cover the thing, but it's still short. I went to the mall to a high class salon and told the cute little African American stylist that I didn't want to look like a little old lady or a boy. She gave me the cutest darn haircut I've ever had!!! Remember the Kiera Knightly haircut that is real short in the back and has cool long bangs and slightly covers the ears? Well that's what it looks like and I can do it in 5 minutes (my hair, you dirty-minded blaggarts)
Any-hoo---I'm ready to get my spiffy Transear since it seems to be working alright for a few of you. Thanks again for being the guinea piggies!!
Capt Deb 8)
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okie dokie..maybe my vr delay is going to be a good thing eh? I just found out today that my file is suppose to be approved by the middle of next week they had to rewrite the request so hopefully shortly there after I'll be on my much needed way to school, hearing aids, eye aids, drug aids...not not full blown aids tee hee :P
matti you had to have another one done? :o
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With all the problems I was having with my TransEar, (nothing to do with the product, all to do with my ear >:() I was asked by TransEar to try out a prototype of the new TransEar II. It is a new vibration transducer that is much smaller and is placed in a half shell, whcih means it will sit closer in the ear canal. It's new design will help minimize feedback. I was only getting benefit when on the highest volume setting (4) and with that came to much whistling feedback (Talk about being able to clear a room quickly lol)
I get the new model in a couple of weeks and it should be available in about a month. I was getting frustrated and thought nothing would work for me, but I have high hopes that this will. I went to a meeting yesterday and couldn't hear a thing, feelings of isolation are overwhelming :( I will keep everyone posted.
cheryl