Bruce Warner
Woodbridge, VA
“Don’t give up. It can take several adjustments to home in on the best setting for you. At first, normal feels unnatural.”
How and when did you first realize you were experiencing hearing loss?
I first felt a need for hearing assistance about 20 years ago. I tried behind-the-ear hearing aids with more aggravation than relief, so I abandoned them for about 8 years. My insurance company added hearing aids, so I tried again. This time receiver-in-ear (RIE) technology. While not perfect, they were better.
When I switched audiologists, she recommended I see if I was eligible for them from the VA. That was when I moved to ReSound LiNX2, and a couple of years later they realized I needed a backup, so the ReSound LiNX 3D was my new norm. It was mind blowing.
The VA audiologist insisted that my wife join me for one session, whoexplained that my wife’s voice was right at my worst hearing level and that even with hearing aids I might need a visual clue to get my attention.
Today I received my ReSound LiNX Quattro’s, and I was shocked. They are like nothing I have ever experienced with hearing assistance.
Based on your experience, do you have suggestions for others on how and where to start? Any other important things for them to consider?
Don’t give up. It can take several adjustments to home in on the best setting for you. At first, normal feels unnatural.
Be patient and they will settle in 100% over time. Today will be about a decade since I first received the first set, and it is the first time the test settings felt right immediately.
What was your biggest concern about hearing aids? Did that turn out to be true?
At first, I was concerned about appearance and perception. Both negative to me. But with improvement to hearing and life, it has made my day much less stressful.
What would you tell someone who is considering hearing aids?
As I said, it’s been a long journey. I have worn ReSound hearing aids for 3 iterations now, and each version has been an improvement. Digital Feedback Suppression is now amazing, and streaming is instantaneous. Take your time and let yourself adjust to normal. You’re just not used to it.