The New Huntmastersbbs!: took the big step

This is topic took the big step in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000399

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 29, 2004, 08:10 PM:

If there is anybody with worse hearing than me, I feel real sorry for them.

I have been wearing my new CIC digital hearing aids for a few days now.

Rather than a boring report, anyone interested can ask and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

First teaser: my wife thinks they are wonderful!

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on August 29, 2004, 09:02 PM:

Do your ears get sore by the end of the day, mine do when I wear in the ear plugs?

Can you turn em up like a game ear, and do they have a volume limit for loud noise?

Krusty

Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on August 29, 2004, 09:03 PM:

Leonard, Im afraid Im right behind you, but clawing and fighting it the whole way.....and not sure why, vainity maybe, who knows?
My wife is on me constantly to go get the shrimp behind the ear thing. I tell her Im holding out for some kind of microscopic implant, wher the whip antenna will merely blen in with the hair coming out of my ears now:)
I think you owe us a full report, most of us have been pulling the trigger a long time, and we all suffer some hearing loss to one degree or another.
Give us the pros, cons, any surprises you had, misconceptions? Pics if you have any, does it look like a tiger prawn hanging behind your ear, or is it a tiny little pink bean you cram down the ear canal?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Posted by Bryan J (Member # 106) on August 29, 2004, 09:21 PM:

I curious about background noise being amplified and making a bad situation worse. Been to a crowded restaurant yet?

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 29, 2004, 10:28 PM:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do your ears get sore by the end of the day, mine do when I wear in the ear plugs?

Can you turn em up like a game ear, and do they have a volume limit for loud noise?

Krusty

I got these at Costco. They test you for an hour, and tell you what you need. Of course, I needed the max, both ears.

They take a soft, two part silicone mold that sets up in about two minutes. So, they fit my ear canal exactly, and although it takes a little getting used to, no they have not made my ears sore, after all day.

As far as volume, this model has a push button system that changes the program for different situations. I saw the one with a volume control, but that's not what I got.

quote:
I curious about background noise being amplified and making a bad situation worse. Been to a crowded restaurant yet?

No, doesn't happen with this technology. Also, the different modes come into play, but so far I have not had the need to change anything, the first beep seems to work for everything but holding a phone up to my ear...feedback, if I'm not careful.

AZ, you bet I understand about the vanity part. That's why I got the one that goes completely in the ear canal (CIC) It has a little piece of nylon to pull them out, and you can't hardly see them unless you try to look directly into my ear.

That was one of my favorite expressions: shrimp behind the ear, or mushroom growing out of my ear. They program a set for you to wear while you are doing your shopping; and guess what? It's the dredded SHRIMP BEHIND THE EAR model! However, the way it's positioned, even IT is difficult to detect. I didn't want to take any chances, it costs about $400 more to get the miniatures, so I decided I needed the best concealment possible. Maybe implants are on the horizon, but for now, this is state of the art.

What makes this digital technology so neat for those of us with nerve damage is that they can use a computer to amplify only those frequencies that you need. Everybody is different. If my hearing changes, they can change the aid. My chart looks like an Olympic ski jump, I needed the model with sixteen channels. Yeah it looks kinda like a bean with a little nylon antenna that acts as the handle.

Only surprise, so far is that they said it wouldn't decrease the constant ringing, but it does. I watch TV and hear everything from twenty feet away and it's about four notches lower than I used to use, as far as volume.

Another surprise is I'm talking lower. Now it's my wife that says : "Huh?" all the time.

Running water and krinkly plastic bags, like chips, etc. make enormous noise. Driving with the windows down is noisy, eating drowns out some sounds too, instead, I hear my jaws moving up and down.

There is no sales tax on hearing aids, another surprise.

I have to clean them with a brush and a pick, but I have been very careful about keeping my ears clear of wax, and water, etc. So I just brush them lightly before I insert them. It's a little tricky, kind of like putting in contacts for the first few times.

The batteries are about 35 cents apiece, and last about a week. I bought twenty for around six bucks, whatever that figures out to be? They give you a little tester, and a bag with desecant in it, to keep the moisture from getting at the electronics.

It is a Federal law that they have to refund your money, within thirty days, but Costco gives you 60 days. They also come with a two year warranty, and will replace free, one time, even if you loose it. I think, after that, I can buy a warranty, but not sure?

So far, no negatives except the price. They cost $1995 each, which is about five hundred dollars cheaper than anywhere else I looked.

Anything else I can tell you guys, just ask away!

Oh yeah, it takes ten to fourteen days to get them back from the factory after you take the impressions.

And, I know a lot of us shooters need these things, but are afraid of the stigma. I'm one of them, but these aren't half bad, and so far nobody has noticed them and asked. Don't worry. They really are difficult to spot.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on August 30, 2004, 04:47 AM:

Thanks for the information, Leonard. Same boat here. but, it's not the vanity thing. With my hairline, vanity went out the door a long time ago. LOL For me, it's the cost. Mortgage on this house, looking for a bigger house, two kids, blah, blah, blah... Far too many things between where I am right now and where I'll be standing with $5K that I have nothing better to do with. For now, I just keep telling myself that the ringing is "normal". [Smile]

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on August 30, 2004, 06:20 AM:

I'm sorry, Leonard, can you repeat that? I missed half of it.

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 30, 2004, 08:52 AM:

Lance, I fully understand. Actually, it was my wife that made the decision for me. She was going bonkers, repeating everything two and three times.

....the one I like is where they repeat everything BUT the one, single word I didn't understand, and then, don't remember what it was! The attitude that I'm somehow causing trouble by not listening to what is being said.

I also understand about the house and the kids. Guess what? After that, there's the, so called, "rebounds" and after that you have grandkids that need braces, etc. It never ends. Buy a new, bigger house, and a few years later, add on to it. Now, I have a big house, and don't need it, they're all gone.

This step is not for everybody. On the other hand, there is a lot of need, and people don't know what to expect, so if I can satisfy the curiosity, that's what I'm here for.

No hope for Rich, he's the kind of guy that even tries to save money on razor blades.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Bill Martz (Member # 378) on August 30, 2004, 01:15 PM:

Hello all
Now I know why you guys use toy quality wildlife callers. You're all DEAF.

Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on August 30, 2004, 01:25 PM:

OUCH!!!!

Posted by Greenside (Member # 10) on August 30, 2004, 01:32 PM:

Leonard

quote:
Another surprise is I'm talking lower. Now it's my wife that says : "Huh?" all the time.

Something tells me the pay back is going to be hell! [Smile]

Dennis

Posted by brad h (Member # 57) on August 30, 2004, 02:26 PM:

Hey Bill,

I noticed your WT price was reduced considerably. What's up?

Brad

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 30, 2004, 02:38 PM:

Yeah, that really was a good zinger, Bill! Didn't know he had a sense of humor?

And, Dennis. Absolutely, it's a two edged sword, and that's all I'm going to say about that! Just this morning, she demanded that I install my aids before she would continue a discussion.

Krusty asked a question that I glossed over. These aids are supposed to limit harmful noise, gunfire, jet engines, etc. Theoretically, you can use them instead of ear plugs, and shoot and hear commands without further damaging your hearing. Have not done that yet.

Another thing, may have explained this adequately, not sure? There is a small push button inside. I can push it, and it beeps back and tells me which, of four programs I have selected. They say to select the same program for both sides. In other words, do not run number 1 in the left ear and number three in the right ear. I may be arrested, if I'm caught doing that? [Smile]

Good hunting. LB

Posted by onecoyote (Member # 129) on August 30, 2004, 03:42 PM:

Toy quality callers lol dang? [Frown]

I have two hearing aids, one for each ear. Lost 60% of my hearing so the doctor said. I never use the things, I can't stand what they look like but my hearing is so bad now I may start using one of them. [Wink]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 30, 2004, 03:57 PM:

Cowboy up, Danny. Everybody will laugh at you, but who cares.

Good hunting. LB

PS thanks for the real email....I posted it on a bunch of triple XXX sites.

edit: BTW that's another thing they advised me to use both, it really confuses your brain to just wear one aid.

[ August 30, 2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on August 30, 2004, 08:06 PM:

Hell, Danny, ppl already laugh at me anyway. At least with hearing aids, I'd be able to hear what they're saying about me and laugh along, too. God knows I screw up enough to give 'em all the ammo they need. [Wink]

Posted by sbarbour (Member # 392) on August 30, 2004, 09:45 PM:

Leonard, it sounds like you're having a much better experience with your hearing aids than I have. I bought my first one about 18 years ago (the shrimp behind the ear) and have tried 3 different sets since. I have yet to find hearing aids (that I could afford) that don't drive me nuts in a crowded room. My advice for those thinking about buying them would be to do as you have done and buy the latest technology.

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 30, 2004, 10:59 PM:

Welcome to the New Huntmasters, sbarbour. Glad to have you on board.

I agree with you on the older type aids that only offer across the board amplification. Been there, done that. It all depends on if you have nerve damage, and a constant ringing. These digital aids are the only way to go, if this is your problem.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by onecoyote (Member # 129) on August 31, 2004, 08:51 AM:

Leonard, did you say cowboy up? how did you know I lived in a one horse town....Huhhh....did you say triple xxx hearing aids? I only do one hearing aid, that way I'll always have an extra [Wink]

People well laugh at me? Good, That's what this worlds needs, someone to laugh at or with [Wink]

[ August 31, 2004, 08:53 AM: Message edited by: onecoyote ]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 31, 2004, 09:29 AM:

Danny, what do those blue pills run, per dose?

Posted by keekee (Member # 367) on August 31, 2004, 02:29 PM:

I dont know being a young buck and all but I must be loosing my hearing!

I cant hear a word you all are saying!!!!

I Know, I know that was mean and Im sorry! Just couldnt stand it! [Big Grin]

Danny.....Blue pills???? Whats those for? Do they help ya hear?

Kee

Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on August 31, 2004, 03:35 PM:

Quote, "Now I know why you guys use toy quality wildlife callers. You're all DEAF."
Yeah, but the coyotes aren't. I'm only interested in the ones within hearing range of a hand call anyway. I don't have time to wait on a response from a coyote 3 miles away who heard a PA system broadcast. I could have made 3 more stands by the time he finally comes in. [Big Grin]

Seriously, callers would rather make three 20 min. stands with the potential of getting (at least) 3 responses, instead of one 60 min. stand just to bring in one coyote.

[ August 31, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: NASA ]

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on August 31, 2004, 03:59 PM:

Uh-oh. Here we go. "Ding, ding!" Round two. [Wink]

Posted by Jay Nistetter (Member # 140) on August 31, 2004, 04:11 PM:

Geeze NASA! I thought it was real funny.

Leonard. Will they pick up Rush?

Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on August 31, 2004, 04:28 PM:

Well..... so did I. Didn't you see the smiley face? (snicker)

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on August 31, 2004, 05:50 PM:

Leonard,

Thanks for re-addressing my question, I didn't think the designers would allow them to amplify already dangerous sound levels. [Eek!]

But your answer, about how much they cost, pretty much crushed any interest I might have. lol

Mr Bill,

JEFF! yeah, I am Jeff... eh? wassat, oh... DEAF! [Razz]

Yeah I don't hear none too good. [Wink]

Danny,

I'd rather be able to hear them laugh at me... then I can do something about it, like have a good laugh at myself.

NASA,

I am an advocate of the hour long stand, I just can't see the need to carry the extra weight of an e-caller (regardless of sound quality). Sometimes (like yesterday) I might walk as many as 20 miles, in a day of hunting or scouting.
If I could still carry heavy loads I'd be climbing, not hunting small game.

I can play a hand call for an hour stand, and can do that about three or four times in a day (I start out dizzy, playing calls don't make me any worse lol).
The amount I would be "winded" by carrying the caller (for more of my day, than I am calling), would be harder on me than just hand calling

I am not really expecting coyotes as much as I expect a cat (bob or lion), in many of the places I call. So for me longer stands make good sense.

*Although, all of the cats we have seen come to the call (only about a half dozen), have all showed up pretty much immediately (15 mins was about the longest)

Krusty

[ August 31, 2004, 05:51 PM: Message edited by: Krustyklimber ]

Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on August 31, 2004, 06:24 PM:

Yep, area and terrain have a lot to do with it. I was thinking in terms of the flatter grounds. Now if you would decide to come down off the hill for a hunt in the sagebrush, I could show you exactly what I was talking about. [Wink]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 02, 2004, 09:02 PM:

All it takes is to put your next purchase on a new rifle/scope and whatever you boys have to add to your collection off for a while. Give your wife the gift she deserves, communication with out frustration! I even talk softer now, we just may make another 20 years. Rich, you are a riot! Mrs. AZ, don't give up, nag, hammer, badger and he may make that move for a more improved life, for both of you. I am so pleased with the results, $10,000 wouldn't have been out of the question. Len (who is spying on me) just suggested that you sell the wives jewels, but fat chance of that happening!

No pillow talk at night, you shouldn't wear them to bed nor in the shower.

He can hear me now!!!!!!!

Nancy or MRS LB

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.0