The rep from the first company I bought my first set of aids from dutifully asked me what symptoms I was experiencing
that made me think I needed hearing aids. Among the list I mentioned I have trouble understanding what children and
women are saying.

Mr. smartguy says: "Don't worry about that. They never say anything important."

I ended up purchasing ITE (In The Ear) aids from him....and hated them. After finding the audiologist I mentioned
earlier, she fitted me with BTE (Behind The Ear) aids and spent a lot of time with me to program then for my
impairment. It made all the difference in the world.

This forum is a gift, thank you Nigel. The topic we discuss and the information we receive can priceless; how else would I receive and compare.

I do not have a problem with pitch; In fact everything seems normal except for the high notes/sounds.
I stopped using the hearing aid when I play guitar, it accented the high and made them sound harsh. There was even fret noises I never heard before. I wonder if the fret noise was real and if it was how long was it there.

I have a three stage control which allows me to cut some of the highs. There are microscopic hairs in the ear; they transmit sounds to the brain. When these hairs begin to dry up you begin to lose your hearing. I try to use my hearing aids as much as possible because I was told that they are transmitting sounds to the brain keeping the ear hairs active. If I don’t, my hearing loss will increase faster.

I asked my mechanic if there was any way he could eliminate some of the road nose; I could not hear my wife's voice while driving. He looked at me and said, “Why would you want to fix that” – and he smiled.

The good news, for me. When I tune a piano or play my keyboard and guitar I do not wear the hearing aid. My only concern is what are they hearing out front.

John C.

Thanks so much John. It make is so worthwhile to keep it going with such a great online community here.