got my Transear today!

[Brewers7]

I have had it in for a few hours now and I am loving it so far.  The first thing I noticed on the ride home was that I could hear Christmas music playing on the radio even though the phone was against my good ear.  Ho ho ho.  It is comfortable.  I was worried that there would be a problem because my ear canal is very small, but it seems to be working fine.  After 2 years of ssd, a very good day.  My son said, "It's a Christmas miracle!"  Susan

[Tod]

Very cool, Susan! I am happy for you and hope you have a great experience with it.

-Tod

[Jim Scott]

Congratulations, Susan!  I'm so glad to learn that you're enjoying the sounds of Christmas (and everything else).  

Jim  

[Brewers7]

I am going to my 5 year old grandson's school Christmas program tonight - the REAL test.

[Mark241]

Great news!

[6pick]

Fabulous!  Keep us posted.

[kenneth_k]

Hi Susan.

What wonderfull news. I take it you can have lot of positive moments during the hollidays.

Kenneth

[sunfish]

Let us know how that Christmas program went.  Great news!  I know it feels wonderful when the audiologist makes an improvement in my hearing aid programming.  It not only improves hearing, but also my mood and attitude.

[Brewers7]

Well, I learned that I need to make the programming change BEFORE going into a crowded area.  I waited until I was inside the crowd and I could not hear the beeping tone which lets you know that the program has changed.  My bad.  I had a little trouble getting the Transear on this morning, but I think that I will adjust. It is working great now.

[GramaSuby]

Please explain the transear.
Sue

[Brewers7]

Sue,
The Transear is a device that fits inside your deaf ear canal.  A very small  processor is connected to the devise by a tiny wire and goes behind your deaf ear.  (The processor is smaller than an average hearing aid.)  The device picks up sounds from the deaf side and transfers the sound to the good ear through bone conduction.  You don't feel it.  My hair is short and the devise cannot be seen.  The processor has an optional setting for background noise situations.  The volume can also be adjusted.  So far, I am very happy with it.  The best part - no surgery required.  The down side - my insurance did not cover it and mine cost $3300.00.  Does this answer your questions?

[6pick]

Sue,

Try this link:

http://www.transear.com/

Mark

[GramaSuby]

Thanks for the link Mark and thanks for the explaination of the transear Susan. My next question is did you consider the BAHA and what is the difference?

[Brewers7]

I considered a BAHA.  The BAHA requires that an "abutment" be surgically implanted on your AN side, just behind the ear.  The BAHA operates on the same "bone conduction" principle as the Transear, transferring sound to your good ear through the bone. You snap in the tiny processor each morning.  The processor is hidden by your hair.  Some insurance companies are covering BAHAs.  I understand that the surgery is minor.  Many on this site seem very happy with the BAHA.

I had so many weird complications from my AN surgery that my surgeon suggested  I choose a nonsurgical option (such as the Transear) for now.  Also, my insurance would not cover the BAHA or the Transear, and the Transear was much more affordable.  I have had the Transear for just a few days and I am happy.

There are other options.  CROS has a wireless (radio transmission) aid.  It requires that you wear two devices, one behind each ear.  I understand that they are the most affordable.  My audiologist said that she has 3 patients with these and they are satisfied.

Also, the Sonnitis is very new on the market.  It is worn on your back teeth to transmit through bone conduction.  I assume that it must be removed to eat but I am not positive.

[GramaSuby]

What I miss the most is the stereo sound of music, movies and well, everyday "surround sound."  Do you get that back w/ your transear?