Hearing AIDS

[Norman Parry]

Hi everyone, I've been reading TB forums for a while, but this is my first post.
Like a lot of members, I'm not getting any younger I've been told recently that I have some hearing loss. I'm considering hearing aids. I'd be interested to hear if anyone out there are using them and if you find any advantages or disadvantages regarding how you perceive tone and volume. (and has it affected your singing?)

 

[DaveParker39]

Hi Norman,
You might get more responses posting over in the Live Sound subforum.
Live Sound [BG]

 

[AGCurry]

Norman, welcome.

My wife and I, both singers, wear hearing aids all the time. Wife says she can't function without them (and she's right).

When I first got them, everything sounded unpleasantly "crispy." I just had to keep telling myself "it's the way things are supposed to sound!" Now, if I happen to forget to put them in, I notice that my double bass sounds very dull when I practice. For singing, it's not a great difference, but I think I intonate harmonies a little better with the aids ... I can hear those overtones.

Does your public health service pay for hearing aids? Costco (you have a few, I think) is the best deal.

 

[Norman Parry]

Thanks for the insight, it sounds like it's not disadvantage.

 

[999Brent]

Hi Norman,
I am the Sales Manager for Widex in NZ and have been in the Hearing Aid industry for over 30 years, feel free to send me a PM if you would like any information regarding hearing aids.
I would recommend to do a little research into aids for musicians.
You will generally get to try before you buy as trials are common place.
Cheers
Brent.

 

[Norman Parry]

Hi Brent,
That's a very kind offer, thanks. I'll be asking my audiologist about the specialist aids you mentioned, and the "try before you buy" option. Great advice, thanks again,
Norman