ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: Dantheman on March 20, 2007, 09:52:07 am
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I saw my Otologist, Dr. Meiteles and he said my healing and recovery are going extremely well.
So, I'm taking the plunge and joining the Transear club.
I made an appointment with his Audiologist to be fitted with a Transear this Monday. Hopefully I'll get it a week or two after Easter. I think he said it takes 3 weeks or so.
It would be nice to get some sound from my right side again.
Dan
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Congratulations Dan and welcome to the club ;D. Has the audiologist ever worked with a TransEar? Make sure he/she does two impressions, one with a bite block and one without. Some only do one impression, without a bite block, TransEar likes to have both.
Cheryl
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No he hasn't worked with Transear yet. He did already mention the two impressions though. he had never heard of Transear until I told him about it. He sent for the info and spoke to me about it yesterday.
He did all of my hearing testing prior to the surgery and seems like he's on top of his game.
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Me too!! I have an appt. on 3/29 with my audiologist. She knows zero about the Transear but will research before
my appt. I told her I want to be her guniea pig. She is all for it.
The appt. on the 29th will actually be for a fitting for a musicians earplug. After three years of staying away from concerts etc.... I am anxious to get one. Thank you matti/Cheryl!!
Good luck Dan!!
Kathy
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Hi there, I just got back from the audiologist and am wearing my new transear as we speak. I too, am his first patient. It is a little wierd as it vibrates and tickles my ear with certain sounds.
I am trying to get used to the programs. Program 2 sounds very clear when I pluck my daughter's harp strings. Program 1 sounds a little more like a "rough recording".
I just had my older daughter whisper in my aided ear with my good ear plugged. I could hear her but I could not make out the speech. I could make out the speech with a soft tone of voice although it sounds a little distorted.
I have 30 days to decide if the augmented sound is worth the $3300.00 - 1600 which my insurance pays. I am anxious to try it out when I am driving to see if I can hear my daughter in the car without turning my head -- my right side is deaf.
The audioligist had trouble adjusting me into the "gray/good" hearing area for higher pitched tones during testing but the lower ones are fine. It was obvious to me he was tinkering with the software and not super familiar with it so I am wondering if he knows how to set that. Does anybody know if they get a tutorial? I am thinking about asking transear tech support for the technition guide on it so I can watch him at my follow up....
What is super cool is before I had AN surger and became deaf, with my good ear plugged music sounded totally off key an weird. Now it is perfectly in tune from that side. It might be worth it just for that.
Any tips when in crouds? do most of you turn it off when in a noisy place? How often do you change your battery?
Best wishes,
Crystal
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Hi Crystal and welcome to the club!!
The audiologist do a get tutorial and it's very easy to understand. From my experiences, I have found that I needed to have it reprogrammed several times in the beginning. When you push in on the ear piece does the vibration stop or lessen? I would have your audiologist check with Transear about the vibration if it continues.
I get the most benefit while in quieter settings, I generally turn it off in really noisy environments.
have you put the phone up to the microphone or lay on your good ear and watch TV? I have found that I do not have to turn my head or say "what" as often as I used to and that's a good thing ;D
As far as battery life, it depends on how often you wear the device, If I wear mine every day for 6 hours, then I have to change the battery every 4 to 5 days.
Have fun with it! Your good ear will probably be sore from continually plugging it with your finger ;)
Cheryl
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Hi Cheryl,
I just visited another thread on transear and read about how much you and others went through to get a good fit. I will definately call my audiologist if it keeps vibrating.
THe ride home with my daughter was very thrilling. Not only could I hear her but I could hear her friend she was talking loudly to on the cell phone. I turned it down which got rid of most of the vibrations, then I could only hear my daughter and not her friend. Really loud sounds like a lawn mower or vaccume seems to vibrate it. I am wondering if I am turning it up too loud but I like hearing the extra stuff.
Thanks for the info. My good ear is already getting sore from plugging it up to test the new toy! ;)
Best wishes,
Crystal
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I also have vibrations with my TransEar, but they are very soft and only when there is very loud noise. Nothing that is bothersome.
I had two impressions taken for my TransEar, one with a mouth-bite and one without. I went for my initial fitting and had the TransEar set and haven't had to go back yet. It fits perfectly. My audiologist had the other audiologist in her office take the second fitting because she is really good at taking deep impressions. That probably helped.
As for battery life, I am trying the Radio Shack batteries. I put my current battery in last Friday around noon. So it's been 5 1/2 days. I typically wear it from 7:30 am until 9:30 p.m. Maybe take it out for an hour or so for exercising.
The other day I tried listening to the phone with the TransEar. If I blocked my good ear, I could hear it.
Jean
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Since I have been having some problems with my Transear, by the way, I am now on remake #6, it was decided that I should get new impressions taken and did so today. My surgeon did the impressions because the audiologist was not comfortable going in the canal that far. Well, as soon as the first impression was pulled from my ear, we were all quite stunned as this one was twice the length of the original done last October. I've been telling my audiologist since remake #2 that perhaps we need to redo the impression. Very curious to see if this solves the problem, I have a good feeling it will :)
Cheryl
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Matti, How different we are! My ear canal takes a fairly sharp and narrow turn in the second bend. I have seen photos of other TransEar molds and haven't seen one like mine in shape. TransEar must have a lab tech onboard who feels like Columbus in uncharted waters.
Will your new piece sit upright in the Dry N' Store box?
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After looking at the photos of the inner workings of the Transear I find mine may not be deep enough. I am waiting on Cheryl to see if her re-molds work better before I push for that again. Number two is not back from Transear people. Mine vibrated ike crazy. Rick says they are not supposed to. At# 2 I heard nothing and it vibrated. At #3 I could hear a tiny bit and then the vibration was so bad I just wanted it out of my ear.
I figure sooner or later it will be worked out. Think it will be later since I started this quest in November
Congratulations and happy hearing.
Sandy
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Hi Boppie,
Good point, they may have to supersize my dry and store :D I was stunned by the difference between the first set of impressions and then new ones. I would hope the lab cuts the length down some, as the impression material was right against the ear drum. Can't imagine that would be too comfy. All of my other Transear's felt so loose, I always worried they would fall out.
Cheryl
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Hey everybody,
I had the impressions for the TransEar yesterday. YOW...were they deep. When he pushed the foam tipped wire in it was OUCH!!! Then he did it again for another OUCH!!! The second impression with the bite block was more of the same but didn't hurt as much.
I guess I was used to it by then.
The material that he made the impressions out of felt soothing when he squeezed it in.
My Audiologist said he'll probably call me in a couple of weeks when the TransEar comes in. I can't wait...
Dan ;D
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Dan,
Good luck with your TransEar. I think my inner ear is also fairly numb like the rest of that side of my face so the impressions didn't hurt me. The audiologist said they would be uncomfortable.
Yesterday I was thinking that my TransEar was not working very well. I couldn't hear the usual digital sound when I blocked my good ear. I took it out to check the volume. That's when I discovered that I'd left the battery door open!! Guess it really does make a difference. lol
My Radio Shack battery lasted nine days.
Jean
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Jeanlea,
have you found the RadioShack batteries to be superior to others you've tried? This is a whol new world for me...and it's progressing quickly.
Dan
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I got my second transear today. Still vibrates. Not nearly as bad as before. Will wear it until friday then call audiologist and report what is going on. They did not make it any longer it is thicker. I can hear somewhat if I plug my good ear.
Boopie where are you getting the gooey jel stuff? I ask at the audiologist office and he does not carry it.
Sandy
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Hi Sandy - You should have received a small blue tube of auragel when you got your Transear, mine came in the dry and Store box.
That's positive news, less vibration and a little more hearing. Hopefully the vibration will lessen over the next few days. Keeping my fingers crossed for you! I have not heard from my audiologist regarding remake #6. I hope they not only increase the length of my new one, but also make it thicker, the others felt way too loose.
Hugs,
Cheryl
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Dan - So far in my totally unscientific study of hearing aid batteries I find that the radio shack ones are the best. My audiologist recommended Duracel but I've not found them yet. And remember, the hearing aid works much better when the battery case is closed. :D
Sandy - Sure hope your new TransEar works for you. I forgot mine again today, but this time I called my husband right away and had him bring it to me. I really don't like to be withiout it. I miss fewer conversations with it.
Matti- Hope that your new TransEar works for you too.
Jean
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Sandy, Boppie here. The auragel should be available on the internet if you cannot get it from your audiologist. My audio has larger bottles I can buy. I am surprised your office doesn't carry it. The stuff is used by people who wear other brands of hearing aids, too! Maybe the TransEar site can help you locate some.
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Hi there, ............
What is super cool is before I had AN surger and became deaf, with my good ear plugged music sounded totally off key an weird. Now it is perfectly in tune from that side. It might be worth it just for that.
Crystal
Hell YA!, Does it give direction too with eyes closed? Im all up for that if it does!
kid hide a phone in the house and go search for it test or something...
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Hi All,
I'm new to this site, and have to say that I really enjoy reading all of the success stories about TransEar! Because of what I read, I am eager to try it for myself.
I visited my audiologist few days ago and he suggested that I do not go with TransEar because it's still in the testing stages. (This is coming from a guy that has never worked with this product and I knew more about it than he did. Additionally, he wanted me to pay $500 if I was not happy with TransEar and wanted to return it within 30 days. I know that they have to create a custom mold of the ear to try it, but I thought that $500 was too steep. My estimated total cost for TransEar, if I kept it, is $4,200.)
I called another audiologist, who says she has worked with it previously and I have an appt. on May 14. I'm excited to try it! I'm paying for it out of pocket since I was told my the first audiologist that my ins won't pay for any of it. I'd like to see someone post something in regards to how much they were being charged to try TransEar.
Andy
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Hi Andy and welcome to the Transear club!
From what I have read, the cost seems to vary from $2,500 to 3,700. My cost was $2,700 and that included impressions, TransEar device, dry/store kit, and all fitting/programming appointments with the audiologist. I have had some fit and vibration issues with my TransEar and now wearing remake #7. I am still deciding whether the device is really a benefit for me. There is a very small percentage that it does not work for (anatomical or bone conduction issues) and I may be in that group. The TransEar company and their V.P. Rick Gilbert have gone above and beyond the call of duty with me in order to make this work out, when I believe many other hearing device manufacturers would have shown me the door long ago.
I am happy that you are giving it a try and look forward to reading your updates. I hope more audiologists start coming on board.
Cheryl
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Cheryl, thanks for the welcome and the info. (Hope they can get the fittings corrected for you soon and I'm glad to hear that they are working hard to correct the problem.)
After I was quoted the $4200, I called TransEar to see if I could find out how much the unit is. Unfortunately they would not disclose this information, as it is at the audiologist's discretion to decide how much profit margin they want to add to it. Between $2500-$3700 I think is reasonable- hopefully closer to the $2500 : ).
I'm glad I didn't jump into that $4200 deal! I'll keep you guys posted.
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The inventor of Transear, who is an audiologist, has his office about 1 1/2 hours away from me. As soon as things settle down a little here, I'm calling for an appointment! I'll be fitted by the inventor himself, so I don't anticipate any problems. I'm calling my insurance co next week to see if they'll cough up any $$ but I highly doubt it.
Yippee!
Capt Deb 8)
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It really does all depend on where you get your TransEar. I called one office close to me, and once they checked into it told me the cost would be about $2900. I went to another place further from my house and the cost for everything including office calls was $2400. My insurance covers hearing aids so I'm still waiting for my reinmbursement for that. Not the full amount, but the amount that the insurance feels is enough.
Jean
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Ok all you transear people!
I had my eval on monday with a new hearing aid place. They did a bone conduction test which actually was uncomfortable on some settings. He has not worked with transear and is questioning if it would be a valid option due to the discomfort I had. Any input from you guys would be helpful. The device was placed on the mastoid bone behind my left ear and on certain settings the vibration was very uncomfortable.
Thanks,
M
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Michelle, I didn't care for the sensations I got with the test vibrator either. It pinched too hard for one thing. The virbrations were strange feeling on the first insert of my brand new TransEar too. But the vibrations and tingling abated as the ear mold was adjusted to fit the canal properly. I don't think you can judge by today's experience. I remmber also that the ear mold impressions were not FUN either. As others will testify here, new stuff going on inside that ear canal are kind of scarey. But, trust me you'll be okay. TransEar will be the ones to build your custom ear mold. Let them make one for you. The audiologist might be skitish now. He will make it through, too. The audiologist has to be compliant and willing to work with you during the new adjustment stage. Hopefully, he is flexible. Matti can add more about this point.
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Michelle, do you still have your numbness? I found that the ear impressions didn't hurt at all. I think that is because the inside of my ear has numbness also. At least there is some benefit. I can feel the TransEar in my ear, but it feels fine. At most, the vibrations tickle my ear from time to time. Most of the time I don't feel any vibrations, but I do get a bit of extra hearing. It is so comfortable that at night I have gotten into bed and then remembered to take it out.
Good luck.
Jean
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How is the Transear working with everyone's tinnitus issues? Just curious if it makes it better/worse/different/no different?
Sue in Vancouver
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I don't notice tinnitus when I am busy. The tinnitus is always there TransEAr or not. I haven't felt the need to ignore my tinnitus with the aid on. So I guess it isn't bothering me. I know that a hearing aid doesn't change tinnitus or make it worse.
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I was just wondering about that, because my audiologist said that an aid would help mask the tinnitus. She said it had to do with making the nerves work harder to "hear" and so the brain kind of forgets about the tinnitus. At least that's how I interpreted what she was telling me. I was just wondering if anyone thinks that the tinnitus situation with an aid seemed better or not as noticible. Trying to see if my audiologist was right, I guess. ;)
Sue
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Sue,
Now that you mention it, I can't really remember having any really noticable tinnitus since I started with the TransEar. At least while I'm wearing it. Tinnitus never really bothered me terribly, I think I have a mild case of it.
My audiologist had never heard of TransEar till I told him about it and since then (6 weeks ago) he has fitted 2 other people with a TransEar.
Dan
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Sue, What I meant to say is tinnitus is no longer an issue for me, and since I got the TransEar I have a new way of thinking about what I have going on in my ears. If one could say the tinnitus is masked by the hearing aid, then I'd say the tinnitus is not there when I have the aid in.
But in no way has tinnitus left my brain, since hearing aid. I can hear it right now sitting at the keyboard, without hearing aid, tappping the keys, ssttt, sstt, sstt.
I don't want to hold out a false claim. TransEar is a great bone conduction aid. But my brain is making the tinnitus, and I can only hope to mask tinnitus.
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On a recent trip to the US, I went to see an audiologist about TransEar. I had the earmold made and unfortunately the TransEar was not received by my audiologist during my visit. She did the programming according to my hearing test - and to the other hearing aid I'm trying out (Widex) and sent me the TransEar via post, which I received yesterday. However, I'm having real difficulty fitting TransEar. I'm finding it so painful!! Since TransEar is not offered in the UK, I can't just go see any audiologist and get it fitted. Just wondering if those of you who have one did any of your own modifications to make it fit. I really want to give it a go, but only so much I can take with trying to get it to fit properly.
(I posted this message on another TransEar forum on this site as well. Sorry if I'm repeating myself)
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Well, I spoke too soon about not having tinnitus since I started wearing my TransEar. The last two days it's like "The Hunchback" has been ringing the bells in my bell tower overtime.
I hope it subsides a little at some point.
Dan
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However, I'm having real difficulty fitting TransEar. I'm finding it so painful!!
(I posted this message on another TransEar forum on this site as well. Sorry if I'm repeating myself)
I am worried about this too. I have bone growths in my ear (ent explains it as having swum in cold water to protect my inner canal???)
Anyway,it is VERY deep, I got molds done this week and trans should be here soon. will post a report when I get it.
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It really does all depend on where you get your TransEar. I called one office close to me, and once they checked into it told me the cost would be about $2900. I went to another place further from my house and the cost for everything including office calls was $2400. My insurance covers hearing aids so I'm still waiting for my reinmbursement for that. Not the full amount, but the amount that the insurance feels is enough.
Jean
WAAA?
I thought there was only one company?
Are you guys getting them on the underground out of honkong or somethin>?
My insurance said they would pay for it. They classify it as a prosthetic I guess due to amputation of the vest. nerve during surgery.
Will see if they come through.
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The audiologist and their office get to decide how much they will sell it for. I guess you would call that their retail price.
Jean
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mhoyland - I suggest you call TransEar directly and tell them what is going on. They might be able to talk you through doing some minor adjustments yourself, but you have to be very careful as not to file down too much. My last TransEar was painful as heck and it took my audiologist quite a bit of time sanding it for a good fit and it has to be done in just the right areas. Did you get a blue tube of Auragel with your kit? That helps with insertion, but it sounds like your TransEar needs adjustment. Please give them a call and ask for Rick Gilbert.
Cheryl