I have been using my Soundbite for 14 months. I am completely deaf in my left ear, so for me, being able to hear sounds on my left side again is "magic." I work with young children, teaching them to read, and this is where I find it is particularly useful to me. When I'm at home, with just my husband, I can wear it or not as I have little difficulty hearing him in our quiet home environment.
Because it is worn in the mouth, at times when eating out, I will choose not to take it with me. Many times, I've worn it into a restaurant and decided to take it out while eating. I still find that positioning myself so others are seated toward my hearing side helps me most.
At a loud event such as a college basketball game, I've tried several things, alone and in combinations: the Soundbite, noise-canceling earphones, and an earplug in my hearing ear. This is for me the most challenging of situations, along with noisy restaurants. Usually, i don't use the Soundbite. I will just use an ear plug in my good ear, and if I really need to chat with someone, I remove it and turn that ear to that person.
Sonitus took on my insurance and tried to get them to pay, but despite their efforts, my insurance declined. I have paid for it entirely out of pocket. That said, Sonitus has been wonderful to work with. When I had problems with one of the mouthpieces, they quickly replaced it, hassle-free.
For me, the Soundbite has been the best choice. I did not want more surgery and the possibility of complications.
Overall, I feel the Soundbite has been worthwhile. The decision to have one would be easier if the cost were shared by insurance, but even so, I have been very glad I have it. In my work setting, in particular, it has made a world of difference.
Please feel free to email me with any specific questions I may not have answered, and I would love to hear what you decide.
Tammy