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I have a family member who has worn several different manufacturers hearing aids over the last 20 years. It is difficult to make comparisons due to the different causes of the hearing "loss".

An important parameter of hearing is COMPREHENSION level. That is, if a sound is detected, can it be understood? In our case, the COMPREHENSION level is 90% in one ear, but only 10% in the other. Thus having an Aid in each ear was self defeating.

Presently the hearing aids are wireless for the following resons:
1. Due to the low comprehension level in one ear, we decided to focus our efforts on the better ear.
2. The amount of hearing loss (detection level at different frequencies)was similar, but significantly different comprehension levels.
3. The initial pair of hearing aids were a waste of money, although they were a very popular brand.
4. When we decided to concentrate on assisting the better ear, the microphone was placed in the weaker ear and wired through the eye glass frame to the hearing aid in the other ear. This physical separation also eliminated oscillations due to feedback.
5. The eyeglass frame also contained a coil for telephone reception (old rotary phone which we still use). When this coil was "switched" in, it disconnected the microphone and only the coupled sound from the phone was input to the hearing aid.
6. When we switched to contact lenses, a wireless pair of aids were selected. This pair has the microphone with a transmitter in the worse ear and a receiver with the hearing aide in the other.
7. We also looked at the hearing loss, which two different audiologists diagnosed as "irreperable nerve damage". We pursued for about a year, the use of holistic medicine. We felt this was quackery, but a very good friend had achieved significant improvement with this effort. Based on our respect for and knowledge of this friend, we dicided to try it.
8. The holistic approach believes that the hearing nerves are not dead, but something was stopping them from functioning properly. The cause was linked to the lead in the fillings in the teeth. EVERYONE IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION THAT WE DISCUSSED THIS WITH, TOTALLY REJECTED THE LINKAGE OUT OF HAND. The holistic approach leaches the lead out of the system throught the use of various supplements.
9. The results were mixed. Every friend and family member (after about six months) told my family member of the improvement of the hearing. For example, the repeated use of the word "WHAT" diminished significantly, including with use of the phone. However, the person with the hearing loss never felt the improvement. Due to other problems, the remedy was discontinued and the hearing problem has degenerated to the initial levels.
10. We also have a family member who suffered from severe migraine headaches for a long time. He eventually had all his fillings removed and refilled with a non-metallic material. He has not had a headache since (7 years now).
11. Starkey has been the choice for the past 12 years.

The bottom line is each person has to fully understand the nature of the hearing impairment and realize that there is no "magic" aid that will solve all problems. Good luck!

I've had dentures for about 18 years. Too many things common to hearing loss did it including High Blood Pressure but the sinus issues and work environments were the main ones. Comprehension for me is complicated by damaged processing and it has been there since birth. It what I see and hear. I did do one thing that helped. I went to Radio Shack and purchased a FM amplifier. This has two microphones and using FM or better yet Digital is very important. The hearing amplifiers sold at Walmart won't work for example because they are not FM. But any of those boost everything which isn't good either. It's OK out somewhere like walking a trail to hear birds etc but is not for general hearing.

I pretty well understand whats wrong & why even more than my doctor does. The Audiologist that tested me was one of the few professionals I've ran across who even heard of what I have. I trust Vestibular research far more than mental health because the trials and test aren't skewed by Big Pharm. That and Mental Health is still in the 1960's on this meaning still clueless. You tell them Vestibular dysfunction causes anxiety etc and you'll either get laughed at or a blank stare.