About Harriet Jacobster, Au.D. Expertise I can answer questions regarding non-medical treatment of hearing loss such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation. I am also able to answer your questions regarding hearing testing, what types of tests are appropriate, what information a hearing test gives you and what it doesn't give you. As a classically trained musician, I can also answer issues dealing with hearing loss specific to musicians.
Experience I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with over 25 years' of experience working with both children and adults. I have given lectures on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids to several state chapters of national organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing. I also taught Speech Reading and Aural Rehabilitation both privately and for the Florida Deaf Service Center.
Organizations American Academy of Audiology
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Nova Southeastern University 2000
Question Hi, I haven't seen my exact situation here, so ... I have moderate high frequency hearing loss, and "reactive tinnitus" - almost always, it "turns on" with the first loud sound of the day, and then is with me till I wake up the next day. I have been wearing hearing aids for 10 years and find they help somewhat - when I send one for repair, for instance, there's definitely more ringing in the ear without the aid.
I would like to know of the best hearing aids for this condition. My dispenser has recommended the Widex Inteo and the Widex Mind and the Moxi 16. These all run $4000-6000 for the pair. Is that a decent price?
I would also like to know if there are ... custom earplugs, or headphones, that I could wear when I am exposed to loud sounds (such as taking the train to work), or if there is an aid with a mode that would help with this. It seems if I could avoid the loud sounds i would be pretty well off; but I've tried plain-old foam earplugs and they haven't helped.
Also, are there aids that truly "mask" the tinnitus? Or any other treatments that help with "reactive tinnitus"? I've seen a bunch listed in a Wikipedia article but I'm dubious about them.
I would like to be free of tinnitus, or at least suffer less from it, and would appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Thank you,
Charlie
Answer Hi Charlie,
Let's address the hearing aid issue first. All hearing aids will essentially have the same effect on your tinnitus; because they bring more sound to your ears, they will help to alleviate the tinnitus. The three Widex hearing aids are good aids, but they are not the only aids. I really don't think there is a 'best" hearing aid per se for tinnitus, as I said, they all pretty much do the job. The best hearing aids, therefore, would be the one that helps you. I am assuming that because your loss is in the high frequencies, you are getting an Open Fit, one that does not occlude the ear with a big earmold. I would recommend that you try one of the RITE hearing aids, ones that have the receiver in the ear rather than in the hearing aid itself. They deliver a slightly better sound and are extremely small and lightweight.
Now, for your tinnitus. Standard tinnitus training uses sound to enable retraining and adaption. However, in your case of reactive tinnitus, this protocol may not be the best. I am going to refer you to the American Tinnitus Association www.ata.org. You will be able to find more information there as well as a professional who could provide therapy for your particular needs.
And, yes, there are custom earplugs that can be made with varying filter characterics. They are known as Musician Earplugs: http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme-wtb.aspx. Your audiologist should be able to make these for you.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD.
Board Certified in Audiology
