smeltjr
03-04-2007, 08:17 PM
First Post, sorry for the length and I will be having one more
I have at least severe loss and currently wear a Siemens Prisma cic. Knew it was getting up there, but was going through some records and bought these in 1999. Audio said that they would be borderline powerful enough for me then, and they were kinda cutting edge for their time (I guess). When I compared them to what I had, which was a 10 year old Argosy analog, they kinda blew them away, so I never had any questions. Bottom line is that they still work, but aren't really doing the full job. I notice this across all walks of life-especially work, and it is just time to get something new. Some primary issues I have:
1. Worst scenario at work is the meeting room/large conference room. Difficulty hearing across small or large room at conversational level, and oftentimes find myself cupping my ear.
2. The cell phone is impossible, and I have to use it quite often. I know there are hearing aid friendly cells, and will be getting one. But the ringing kills me.
3. The large event, such as at a sports arena. The settings on these block out lots. This is probably more how they are set than anything? I can actually hear more with them out-and thats pretty bad considering my loss. Same with "highs" on the radio-better fidelity with the aids out. Same in a noisy restaurant-hard to have conversation. Don't know if there are any golfers out there, but the clank of a metal-headed driver comes off as a thud.
4. Just plain day-to-day conversation.
Anyway, there probably amongst other things, just is not enough juice in these for my needs. Not concerned about self-image anymore and will need something powerful. Loss is 80+ across some of the mid/high frequencies. Assuming that $$ is not necessarily an issue, are these likely one of the best ways to go? I know a cic is likely not big enough. Any ITE's that would serve purpose better?
BTW, I work in Warrenville, IL which is also Phonak's U.S. Home Office. Any potential benefit to walking right in their door? Any thoughts appreciated.
I have at least severe loss and currently wear a Siemens Prisma cic. Knew it was getting up there, but was going through some records and bought these in 1999. Audio said that they would be borderline powerful enough for me then, and they were kinda cutting edge for their time (I guess). When I compared them to what I had, which was a 10 year old Argosy analog, they kinda blew them away, so I never had any questions. Bottom line is that they still work, but aren't really doing the full job. I notice this across all walks of life-especially work, and it is just time to get something new. Some primary issues I have:
1. Worst scenario at work is the meeting room/large conference room. Difficulty hearing across small or large room at conversational level, and oftentimes find myself cupping my ear.
2. The cell phone is impossible, and I have to use it quite often. I know there are hearing aid friendly cells, and will be getting one. But the ringing kills me.
3. The large event, such as at a sports arena. The settings on these block out lots. This is probably more how they are set than anything? I can actually hear more with them out-and thats pretty bad considering my loss. Same with "highs" on the radio-better fidelity with the aids out. Same in a noisy restaurant-hard to have conversation. Don't know if there are any golfers out there, but the clank of a metal-headed driver comes off as a thud.
4. Just plain day-to-day conversation.
Anyway, there probably amongst other things, just is not enough juice in these for my needs. Not concerned about self-image anymore and will need something powerful. Loss is 80+ across some of the mid/high frequencies. Assuming that $$ is not necessarily an issue, are these likely one of the best ways to go? I know a cic is likely not big enough. Any ITE's that would serve purpose better?
BTW, I work in Warrenville, IL which is also Phonak's U.S. Home Office. Any potential benefit to walking right in their door? Any thoughts appreciated.