ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: Catflower on May 12, 2007, 05:45:01 pm
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Is there a website with information about Trans Ear that I could print out and take to my ENT appointment. The folks here have just begun using the BAHA so they're real excited about that, but I would like to present them with more information.
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http://transear.com It is all there
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Well folks, around two month and my TransEar decided to stop working. :( I called my Audiologist and he thinks it's the wire. I have taken very good care of the TransEar since I purchased it. I hope that the wires last longer than 1 month each. It started to intermitently work a couple of days ago. It seems to be the connection to the ear piece. If you wiggled it there it would buzz then stop. Now it's just dead.
I hope he can fix it soon. I'm back to closed caption TV and asking everyone to repeat themselves constantly.
Anyone else have any problems?
Dan
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My audiologist said if I ever needed a repair she could probably put in new wires (if TransEar sends them). She also, said, wires are a problem with BTE parts. We handle them so much upon insertion where the ITE mold requires a firm push. I am sorry this happened to you. I wouldn't like it. Please let me know how this works out for you.
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I was just wondering why folks have picked Trans Ear over BAHA.
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Essentially, BAHA requires having the post put into the skull bone so that it can become a permanent port for the BAHA processor. This is a surgical procedure and many people just don't want more surgery. BAHA is very expensive due to the surgery. Some insurance companies will cover it and some will not.
However, I have no doubts that BAHA would have worked for me. I tried the test band.
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Dan - I had a similar issue with my Transear and it was the wire. When my audiologist ordered my TransEar she put in an order for an extra wire. She has found that there are frequent malfunctions.
My TransEar update:
After 9 months and 7 remakes, both TransEar and I have decided that I am in the small percentage of people that it does not work for. Could be poor bone conduction or some other anatomical issue. I was of course disappointed, as was Transear.
Catflower - I chose TransEar because I still have extreme head sensitivity after 9 years and my surgeons feel that BAHA surgery might be a problem. I did however use the BAHA test band for a week and was able to hear.
Cheryl
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Catflower,
I chose the TransEar over BAHA because it is much easier for me to put the earpiece in my ear than it would have been to have the surgery to implant the BAHA post. When I take it out, I have nothing left on my head. I didn't want anything permanent. I'm hoping that there will be something even better to come along in the future.
Jean
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I chose the transear because I didn't need a extra hole in my head. Not everyone is pleased with the BAHA. If not then a very expensive and time consuming process and then what do you do the a screw in your head?
Transear is not working for me either. I have excellent bone conducted hearing. I am going to keep trying and see if the next one is the one that will work. I must say I am getting a little frustrated. I hear a couple of companies are working on a bone conduction aid. Just wait, with all of the baby boomers having hearing problems it won't be long until a better product appears.
I was looking at a fully implantable hearing aid with no outside processor on the intenet last week. I can't have that because of the magnet and the fact that I had CK.
Think I will just hang a big sign on my neck and say if you want to talk to me speak up.
Sandy
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I am going the phonak route and a bi cross. It was determined that with my head sensitivity I would not handle the transear well. When they did the bone conduction test to see if I could hear that route it was painfu. Taking my impressions on my an ear was very uncomfortable as well. So I don't think I could handle sticking something in my ear on a regular basis.
I was not a candidate for Baha, no explanation given by the audiologist. The thought of screwing something into my head gave me the ibbie jeebies.
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Ok, Dan I know I told you in a personal email that I didn't have a problem with the Transear wire. Next day it fell out from behind my ear with the wire broken. Now the whole unit is back with the Audiologist.
Still no word on when I will get the new mold or the transear fixed. As I said no sound what so ever out of the last unit. I did go to my neurotologist and his audiologist said the unit is not close enough to my bone to conduct sound to any degree. She just looked at it and used the scope to show me where it should fit for best effect. She said she does not fit them. Doesn't want involved in any way. She ask if I had considered wireless cross. Guess that could be the next step. I do have my fingers crossed that number what ever it is now will work when I get it. The problem seems to be the very tip of the part that goes in the ear canal (closest to the ear drum). That little tip goes crazy buzzing and vibrating. On the previous one I could hear if I pushed the little pointy thing down on the out side of the ear. It would put enough pressure on the inside to hear something.
We are going to Las Vegas for my Grandaughters 21 first Birthday. Suite at Belligo (sp) Airline tickets and meals all paid for by my son-in-law. All I can do is dread it because there are 10 of us and I can't hear. I hope I get the new one back and it works. It is a little hard to place your seating so you can hear 9 other people talking. Does frustration show? I am not often down. However, this is really depressing for me. I only have a certain number of years that I will be able to hear at all because the AIED will more than likely take all of my hearing sooner or later. So much for my whining. I promise not to keep it up.
Sandy
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Hello All,
I'm new to your group, but have been following for a few months now. You've been a big help and I decided to get a TransEar. I've had it a few weeks now. I had to go back to my Dr. after two weeks to work on the fit because it was making my ear sore. Seems alittle better, but I'm not sure if we're done fine tuning the fit.
But the thing works great! Better than I expected really.
Anyway my question is:
How long does it take to get use to the ITE unit? How many hours a day do you wear it? I still have a little pain putting it in? Think that will go away or should I reschedule with my Dr.?
Thanks,
Dan
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I'm going with the Phonak Savia Art.... with the remote control... it should help lol and i will be trying out the bi cross too for input from the other side (the dead one)....
anybody else in that storm front today? that pressure change hurt but at least we didn't get a tornado where I am thank goodness ( i was out in it) and much as i find storms exhilarating this sky and wind and rain was scary....
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Dan, If you have real pain as it slides in with plenty of Auragel then you'd need a slight adjustment. Sometimes mine is a a little more difficult to get in if I've just finished a warm shower, but not painful. It might require more pressure to go in but I can close my jaw and it goes in better. But as I said, I wouldn't say I have "pain". It is tricky to get the right amount sanded off while not taking too much away from the contact surfaces.
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Thanks Boppie,
I think I'll call my Dr. for an adjustment.
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Sandy,
My Audiologist mailed my new wire to me last week. That was the problem. My TransEar is working again.
The fit is very important. When I had the ear mold made, it actually hurt and I flinched because the wire was pushed in so deep.
But other than some irritation for a couple of weeks...no adjustments of the ear piece. Most discomfort subsided after 10 to 14 days. Liberal use of Auragel helped a lot. I didn't need any adjustments.
Dan
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Dan, I trust that you meant the mold material was pushed in deeply? I doubt you meant the wire was pushed in somewhere deep. Could you explain?
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Boppie,
Sure, there was a wire with foam on the end that was pushed into my ear. Very, very deep. I said ouch when my Audiologist inserted it and then he shoved it in deeper. The mold material was then "caulked" in my ear. The wire was pulled out with my mold attached. He repeated this for the second mold.
I have not had the earpiece buffed or adjusted at all. If I very lightly touch the earpiece while it's in my ear I can feel the end pressing against bone.
Dan
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Oh yes, I remember the mold making kit had a "puller" to bring the caulk out. Now its clearer to me. You have been as lucky as me. I haven't had troubles since the adjustments were finished. Right now I need to get a longer wire, but no big deal.
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Let me toss a few Questions out for you all:
How many hours a day would you say that you use your TransEar?
What program do you use? #1 or #2 ?
Do you use your TransEar in a noisy environment?
Do you get any directionality from using it?
Thanks,
Dan (Seems to be a few Dans here)
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How many hours a day would you say that you use your TransEar? About 14 hours. From when I get up until I go to bed basically.
What program do you use? #1 or #2 ? I use program 1.
Do you use your TransEar in a noisy environment? I wear it in whatever environment I'm in except water.
Do you get any directionality from using it? No, not so far.
Jean
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I use my TransEar for social occasions at home and outside my home. I use program #1 most of the time. I have two progam settings and could have more if I wanted them set up. Yes, I often use my TransEar in noisy environments; also, I sing in a choir with it. I am not sure of directions with my aid but I feel more relaxed about sound on my shadow side.
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I wear my TransEar about 14 hrs a day. I wear it everywhere except wet enviroments. I have 4 programs and use them all for the appropriate atmosphere. It doesn't help me much in noisy enviroments.
It does give me some directionality. That took a little time but I see that I am looking right once in a while when I hear something instead of always left.
Dan
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Dantheman - I didn't know that TransEar came with 4 programs, mine came with 2 and I was told that was it. Can you tell me what the other two programs do?
Cheryl
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Mine only has two. I was wearing mine from about 5:30 am to aournd 10:00 p.m. Mine had to be on 3 1/2 to gain anything. The last one had abosolutly no gain at any level. At 3 1/2 it bibrated so bad you couldnt stand it. As for bushing on into touch the bone. I don't know that mine was even close. If I pusehed on the bottom it was better sound. However, never felt it touch bone.
Still waiting for number what ever. The unit was only sent off for the broken wire on Monday.
Sandy
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Matti and Dan, I am sorry, I took my literature out today and read that my TransEar has 2 programs, no others as I previously stated.
I wanted to make is clear that I only wear my aid part of the day. I am retired from full time work. My aid keeps working for as long as I need to wear it. I take it off at home just to save batteries.
I do not wear it outdoors in the Texas heat; too much sweat. I can hear the birds just fine with my good ear. Thanks for that!
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My audiologist programmed two programs into my TransEar. She said she can add two more if I need them. I think that's where the four programs come from. I really don't understand what the four programs would be able to do. Maybe Dan can explain the four programs to us. I have one program for quiet environments and one for noisy places. I use the one that makes sounds the loudest. If I could have it be a little louder without squealing that would be good.
Jean
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Howdy,
The first program are for normal conversation, 90% of your everyday stuff. The second program is for noisy enviroments. Restaurants, parties...etc. The third program is for music. This one seems to be the most sensetive. I use this one for Church because our whole liturgy is sung by the choir and the priest. It works great...but I have to turn the volume down or it vibrates too much. The fourth program is for the TV.
I believe that there are many more programs that can be utilized. I imagine this gives the audiologist a lot of flexability for folks that find some programs too sensetive for them.
My TransEar has room for four.
I use them all. I did find that since I took a week off from wearing my TransEar while I waited for the wire to be replaced, that I can turn the volume up to 3 and sometimes 4 without too much vibration.
This allows me to hear much better. I watched the movie "DeJaVu" tonight and they played "Don't Worry Baby" by the Beach Boys on the soundtrack...it was like total stereo, pre deafness. I had the volume up to 4 on the TV program.
I could have listened to that song all night....
Dan
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Wow,
I didn't expect so much response! Four programs? I had no idea. But honestly I'm happy with "plane oh" program #1. My problem is that my ITE unit hurts my ear. I went in for one adjustment ( which helped alittle ), but was told that I'm wearing it too much. Honestly, I haven't worn it anywhere near 14 hours, so I think that's not the problem.
I have a appointment with my audi for tomorrow afternoon, and thanks to you all I'll go in there a much more informed patient.
Thanks again.
Dan
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I've been following various posts about this trans ear and wondered from the first post i saw that mentioned it, why would anyone be sticking with trying it if you have pain in the ear that has that trans ear device once you insert it? just curious....shouldn't a hearing aid of any kind be comfortable as: how can you determine how great your hearing is if the thing hurts?
I don't mean to upset any one at all who is using this but i do wonder .... but really, shouldn't that thing in your ear be comfortable so you can concentrate on the actual hearing improvement and not checking on whether or not this device feels good ?....
I'd say that anyone who has one that hurts their ear that you should go see about having that taken of. And once it feels fine in there (whether it's sanding it down or something else) perhaps the true "hearing help" that it gives you will be more clear.......I can't imagine wearing anything that is uncomfortable like some of you have mentioned when there are alternatives of all sorts.....or at least get it fixed so it feels fine first.....
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What alternatives? I am not a BAHA candadate and nothing else seems to work. Do you know something we don't? Share if you do.
Sandy
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I'd like to address Windsongs Question,
First of all, you are right. The thing shouldn't hurt. You might have some discomfort putting it in, but after that it shouldn't hurt. And if it does (like mine did) then you have to go back to your Audi and correct it. But this is a slow process. For it to work well you need a tight fit. The corrections have to be slight to prevent the loss of bone conduction.
I went back twice and am happy to report that we got it right this time.
I wore my TransEar all day (and am still wearing it).
I just wanted to add that the discomfort I had was mild soreness. I'm sure it doesn't even compare to the pain one feels recovering from the BAHA surgery.
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Question:
Anyone out there with the new TransEar Model having trouble with the wire?
I've had mine about a month, and with my fit issues I really haven't been wearing it that much.
Yet my wire broke. It might have been damaged when my Dr. was grinding on it to correct the fit, but I'm still concerned.
Seems to me that it shouldn't be that fragile.
Anyone having similar problems?
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan, I sure hope you get your wire issues settled. Congratulations on your fitting graduation. ;D
My audiologist said the parts that cause the most trouble for all hearing aid customers are the wire connection, on/off switches, and the battery door; on/off switch usually goes first. Just like any other mechanical thing. Is the wire connection in your grip when you insert or take it out? I was cautioned about finding an approach to avoid this.
So far, I haven't yet had a broken wire problem. My wire is the hard older one on my TransEAr 1. I am considering going for an upgrade to a 207 in future. The hard wire torques in my ear due to an oddity of anatomy for me. So the wire works well but it wants to flop off my ear lobe. As I said my ear canal turns oddly and I can't use a longer wire, I just need a soft wire.
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Thanks Boppie,
I try to never handle my TransEar by the wire. I was warned by my Dr. not to. That's why I'm surprised to be having trouble with it this soon. I'm wondering if they have a problem with this new flexible wire.
My wire broke at the connection for the BTE unit. My Dr. had me bring it in so he could look at it, and while he was handleing it the connection for the ITE unit broke. What do you make of that?
Thanks
Dan
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I have the TransEar II, but I've not had any troubles with the wire. I turn it off by opening the battery door most of the time. As far as I understand the on off switch is the same as the volume dial. Dan, hope you get your wire problems fixed soon.
Jean
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Dan,
I had wire troubles after a month an a half. I notified my audiologist and discussed it in this forum. My audiologist contacted TranEar and TransEar read my posting about the problem. My wire didn't break off but just stopped everything from working.
TransEar stood behind the product and I was sent a new wire. It is working fine now.
Dan
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Just got my new wire on Friday. :D
Glad to be able to use my TransEar. I really missed it. There was a problem with the shipping and apparently it got lost, but Ear Technology Fed Exed me another.
My Dr. asked for a shorter wire. My first one was too long and the BTE unit was riding back too far so the microphone wasn't picking up from the forward direction. The new one is much better.
I asked if they knew of a problem with the wire and was told "yes there was a problem with the connections, but they have corrected it". So be aware of that if you have the new flexible wire.
Dan
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Transear back for repairs again. Wire again. It just falls out of its connection and then never works again. I was told by Rick that there was not a problem with the wire.
Sandy
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I just wanted to get back to Jeanlea about something. You mentioned that you turn yours on/off by opening the battery compartment. I have a TransEar user friend from another forum who just contacted me. His unit broke where the battery fits. That little piece of plastic is delecate, so be careful especially when closing it up.
Dan
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Thanks for the advice, Dan. Today for the first time I turned it off by dialing it off. I was touring a paper mill and a then a sawmill. Only had to put an earplug in one though. :-)
Jean
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Just a quick check in (been following in the background). I'm the person Dan (DWSSD) referred to with the broken battery door. I just got back my old TransEar today - along with a brand new ITE part! They replaced the battery door on the BTE piece so I got the old BTE portion back and didn't have to go through reprogramming the processor again. They - on their own - made a new one because they noticed that my audiologist had used a grinder on mine when it initially wore a significant ulcer in my ear canal in the beginning. They said that only fine sandpaper should be used, as a grinder will take off too much and the unit won't be able to conduct as much vibration to the bone (thereby cutting down on perceived volume in the good ear).
IT'S GREAT! I suspect I'm going to have to have this one slightly sanded down, since I believe they used the original mold meaning it will have that same "high spot" on it. But this time we can get it sanded down a little at a time to ONLY as much as needed. Larren (sp?) at Ear Technology said that only about the thickness of a thin layer of skin normally needs to be taken off to establish comfort. I want to note that while in, even now, IT DOES NOT HURT - and it shouldn't, for those who're putting up with pain. I just know it's tight because I can feel the tightness and there's a bit of a burning sensation in about the same spot as where the ulcer was back around February.
Yes, there are some new small company problems, but one thing this company has is a true "get it right" attitude. And I can honestly say, I was much happier today with my TransEar back in after more than 2 weeks. Hopefully we've got the kinks worked out now (other than a little bit of light sanding to keep me from getting another nasty ulcer (or worse - down to the bone) again. But that's workable.
(Dan - they replaced it with the full shell. I elected not to pay the extra to "upgrade" to the half-shell like you have. I'm perfectly happy with the full shell, i.e. it doesn't bother me to have it rather than the half-shell. And they told me they believe they've got the problems with the flexible wires resolved. I asked if they're more prone to breaking because of the frequent flexing and flopping when we put it in and take it out and put it in and out of the Dry&Store. She said the flexible wires are actually designed to be able to flex, and they should last longer than the older, standard stiff wire.)
ChrisB
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TransEar refused to give up one me and I am not sure many hearing aid companies would have gone the distance like Transear. I ended up having 7 remakes and I know they would have continued to try and make if work. I turned out to be in the small percentage that it does not work for :(
Cheryl
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I agree that the Ear Technology folks are "can do", and really "take care" of their users. I've had some problems and when I called them to address them I never felt like I was geting passed off to the "Complaint Department". For a small company doing business nation-wide their care is impressive. As they grow I hope they don't lose that.
Hey Chris
Great to hear your back on track and didn't have to go through all the programming hassles again. Was wondering how you've been.
Thanks to you and your posts (elsewhere) I'm a happy TransEar User today.
Dan
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I'd like to address Windsongs Question,
First of all, you are right. The thing shouldn't hurt. You might have some discomfort putting it in, but after that it shouldn't hurt. And if it does (like mine did) then you have to go back to your Audi and correct it. But this is a slow process. For it to work well you need a tight fit. The corrections have to be slight to prevent the loss of bone conduction.
I went back twice and am happy to report that we got it right this time.
I wore my TransEar all day (and am still wearing it).
I just wanted to add that the discomfort I had was mild soreness. I'm sure it doesn't even compare to the pain one feels recovering from the BAHA surgery.
I've had my transear for over two months and never wear it. Painful and irritating. Itchy. Swelled my inner ear up red.
Have to have the "volume" up HIGH-meaning high vibration to get bone conduction-which in turn irritated the thin layer of skin on the bone. Extrememly uncomfortable and not worth the trade off to get a "little" surround sound.
May consider taking it to audiologist again to fine tune it to get comfort fit.
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I have had my Transear for one week today. I had to have it sanded a little yesterday, and the audiologist re-programmed it, but I am having pretty good success with the device. It takes a little getting used to in the ear canal, but it is basically comfortable, esp. after my visit yesterday. I was able to have a telephone conversation in a quiet room with my DEAF ear. I am definitely getting more and more out of it every day, and I have been breaking it in gradually. Yesterday I was up to 4.5 hours, and am adding .5 hours every day.
Ixta, yours definitely needs an adjustment. Mine was vibrating like you describe, and I took it in yesterday for reprogramming, and now I can hear and don't feel the vibrating in the ear canal. Anyway, so far, so good for me. I am encouraged by my experience so far, but you might have to work at it a little bit. It is not instant and automatic.
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Thought I was done with the fit, but developed another sore in my ear and had to go back. Cynaburst and I go to the same Audiologist. He fitted her and another patient after me, and neither has had the fit problems I have. This was my fourth adjustment. My Dr. says that's as far as he can sand down. If this doesn't take care of it we'll have to make another impression and send the unit back for a remake. Can't wear it until my ear heals. Hope this takes care of it once and for all, and I don't lose any performance.
Dan
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I just received my Transear and have worn it a couple of days. I have not seen any of the hearing improvement that has been written about here and need to get a feel for what I can expect. My audiologist has only fitted one other Transear, and that person returned it. I am committed to get this thing to work, but I need to have an idea of what kind of improvement to aim for. With that in mind, I can return to her for some reprogramming. Any suggestions? Also, is there anything that can make inserting the unit any easier and less painful? Once it's in my ear it feels OK.
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Travel - When I responded to your e-mail, I forgot to mention that when putting the Transear in, make sure to use some sort of lubricant. The stuff my doc gave me is called Oto-Slik, and I have read that others used Aura Gel in the past. I find that makes the fit feel better.
I have read where Boppie and others say that they can hear about 1/3 as much with the Transear as they do in their good ear. I would say that is true for me.
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Travel, I found that with the proper amount of lubricant I can make the unit slide in easily. In the beginning I was pushing too hard on the tight spot. When you put the unit in, it reaches that tight spot and it needs to slide slowly past there. Once you feel the slide in, make sure to stop pushing. There is a tender place against the back wall that is quite sensitive to pressure.
One other point, the ear piece was built with the wire coming out the top pointing toward 11 o'clock. Then the wire arches up and back over the ear. Using a mirror you want to hold and tilt the piece forward (toward your cheek) with that wire mount pointing toward 11:00 as you begin pushing the unit in. If your get the habit of this grasp position you will find it not painful on insert. Take a look at Andy's posts in the hearing issues folder. He has posted a photo showing how the unit looks in his ear. I can send my photo of the unit in my ear to your personal address if you request it.
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Hello Travel: Do you notice any benefit at all? If you plug your good ear can you tell if it's on? If you can't than there might be a problem with your unit, the wire, or the programming. If you hear something then maybe you just need the gain boosted, and a that can be done with an adjustment to the program.
The fit is another issue. I've got some experience here. There's a technique to putting it in that takes some getting used to. Every ear is diifferent, but most people figure it out for themselves in days rather than weeks. You can try giving it a twist back when it gets to the tight spot the Boopie talked about, but not too much. The Ear-Tech folks can help. Give them a call.
I just know that it shouldn't hurt your ear. If it does then you need to address that before you develope a nasty sore in your ear.
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Hello..
I supposed to get a trans ear hearing aid. I have a concern. I'd like to ask anyone on this forum who currently uses one, if they can hear on the telephone out of their bad ear using this hearing aid? I told the audiologist that I had lost an improperly fitted hearing aid but with it I could hear with my bad ear on the phone. I just want to make sure I can do the same thing with this "trans ear".
Thanks..
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My TransEar hears low and soft on the the phone. In a room where other talking is going on I would't rely on the TransEar side for phone. I use my good ear.
The problem is background noise in the good ear interferes with low sound for SSD. So I find it best to use my good ear for the phone.
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Thanks Bobbie, I was afraid of that. I specifically mentioned that I used to have a hearing aid that allowed me to hear on the phone, the only problem was the switch kept switching off with the holes in the ear piece of the phone...if this one doesn't...I don't want it. I've adapted to adjusting where noise comes from. I just am tired of using one hear and the stress it creates at the end of the day, and employers calling me a stupid blonde that can't hear.
Thanks..
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TransEar do not use the phone listening switch technology that a few other in the ear aids use. If I turn my aid up high I can hear the phone fine but the mic squeals from the headset touching and coming close to it. Albeit, in a pinch I could do a conversation with my TransEar side but I wouldn't want this as a habit.
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It's frustrating that the audiologist just assumes that this is the best hearing aid and not even discussing what problems are the worst for me. I have a severe sudden hearing loss in one ear and it's quite stressful.
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So I had a long appt. with my audiologist today. He reprogrammed the device to make it louder, and then he put me in the booth. My word discrimination score without the Transear was about 20% or so in the bad ear. When I put the newly re-programmed Transear in my score was up to 72%.
It definitely helps me hear people talking on my bad side, and I can have a telephone conversation with the bad ear or hear someone whispering in my ear. It is not always perfect, but its definitely better than what I had before. I also think that today's adjustment will help. I have had the Transear for 3 weeks now, and am wearing it for about 12 hours a day. It is comfortable now although it did take a little sanding.
I would encourage those on the fence to try it out. It is definitely worth it, although it may take some work.