Help for Hearing Impairment

marrowgirl

Here's my opinion. It is kindly meant.

A. You can ask your audiologist to turn the warning tone/tune off for you, but most would not recommend it, as it provides confirmation to the user that the system is functioning at start up. Oh, and some audios may not know how to, as it is not standard practice.

The Audiologist really should know how to turn the tune off! If they don't find one that does as they obviously don't know the aid well enough to be fitting it! Some experienced users put the aid in a want it working straight away, and the tune from the Oticon aids for example can last a while. I find it is patient preference as long as they have other means of knowing the aid is on.

A. Nearly all digital hearing aids can be configured by your audiologist so that when you push the programme button in for 2/3 seconds,
True, but not all "power" aids on the NHS contract have this function. If they do it is often that this takes another programme or function away from the aid often "T". Also for many aids this is not "standby" but "mute" as the aid is still drawing power and will drain the battery.In all cases I think it is best to discuss your lifestyle (do you use T) or needs with the Audiologist and they can advise a set of programmes or possibly a different aid with the patient.
A. Much depends on your definition of "ugly", but have you seen modern designs like the Siemens Vibe or the Resound Be or Phonak's Audeo ? Worth googling the above I would suggest.
Yes, I have seen them, I worked for one of the companies and helped develop one! I was just suggesting that any advice from actual users can be helpful. The aids mentioned above are not currently available on contract from our NHS trust.

rosieben

lozzer90 wrote: »

rosieben, i learnt the basic sign language from a book called "Let's Sign" by Cath Smith.

There aren't any sign language courses anywhere handy for me so I think this will be my best bet lozzer; I'll check out the book you mentioned, thanks

I've also searched for lip reading classes and they aren't anywhere near a bus route for me so SS are looking into options, not sure what though would they be likely to help with cost of taxi?? I'll post an update when I hear more .....

On Tuesday I emailed the Social worker with my choice of alarm clock (from RNID catalogue) and it was delivered today - great service :T

rosieben

Update on help for costs of lip reading and/or sign language courses/transport ...

SW has contacted me and suggested I might try the local dial-a ride scheme; I hadn't thought of them so I'm going to find about about using them for transport to and from the lip reading classes. Hope the classes are still running!

She also sent me a leaflet this morning about Direct Payments which I've never heard of so I'll need to talk to someone next week for more info. Seems they might help toward transport costs?

The dial-a-ride scheme run a lot of mini buses for shopping trips in the area which might be useful.

sunnyone

I am getting new digital aids soon, I am profoundly deaf and have tinitus 24/7, will the digital aids help me?

I tried a vibrating alarm clock but it was no good for me, it set off muscle spasms, is there any other alarm clock available?

sunnyone

rosieben

sunnyone wrote: »

I am getting new digital aids soon, I am profoundly deaf and have tinitus 24/7, will the digital aids help me?

I tried a vibrating alarm clock but it was no good for me, it set off muscle spasms, is there any other alarm clock available?

sunnyone

I chose my alarm clock from the RNID catalogue. Its a flashing one - the vibrating ones don't wake me up! This is the one I have now.

I hope the new aids are a help to you.

sunnyone

I have spinal injuries and I can only lie flat on my back so lights dont always work to awaken me anymore than any sound can.

I have looked at the RNID site before but many of there aids still require some hearing and my nephew is a Total and without aids I cant hear at all either so we still havint found the right clock yet.

Thanks for your reply.

sunnyone

Errata

sunnyone wrote: »

I have spinal injuries and I can only lie flat on my back so lights dont always work to awaken me anymore than any sound can.

I have looked at the RNID site before but many of there aids still require some hearing and my nephew is a Total and without aids I cant hear at all either so we still havint found the right clock yet.

Thanks for your reply.

sunnyone

Have you asked your local social services team for deaf and hard of hearing people if they can source something for you ? I'm pretty sure there is an alarm clock with has a large vibrating pad which goes under the mattress.

black_paw

i am totally deaf and have a alarm clock with has a large vibrating pad which goes under the mattress.which can wake the dead, and flashing lights , like police car just lights up the room also connected to door bell and fire alarm as i live alone. also for holidays has a "shake awake " small alarm clock which clips in side pillow , shakes you awake . these where free from the social security for deaf, there is cato you can get aswell to choose, you can pay but i got grant

marrowgirl

sunnyone wrote: »

I have spinal injuries and I can only lie flat on my back so lights dont always work to awaken me anymore than any sound can.

I have looked at the RNID site before but many of there aids still require some hearing and my nephew is a Total and without aids I cant hear at all either so we still havint found the right clock yet.

Thanks for your reply.

sunnyone

You could try looking at www.connevans.co.uk . Useful website that I used to buy equipment from. I would try Social Services for funding but this website may show you what equipment is out there. The company are really friendly and informative too.

GotNoRhythm

The comments about hearing aids that play a tune made me smile!
I have in-the-ear aids which play a tune when switched on, and have a delay of a few seconds before they play a little tune (Phonak, 'dooby-de-doo' tune). I sometimes have a race to see if I can get them in my ears before the tune plays. Sad, I know...

BTW - a very nice fireman came round on Friday to fit our flashing alarms. Unfortunately for me I was at work, so mum had the hunky guy all to herself!! Apparently the alarms are so loud that even if we don't hear them, the rest of the street will!