Everything you always wanted to know about HoH (hard-of-hearing) items

Below are just random HoH (hard-of-hearing) notes. Whenever I think of something, I toss it in. I have some deaf items, but this file is geared toward HoH items.

I grouped them in various categories.

Doctors and Hearing Aids
Phones and Cellphones
Videophone
Stuffs for the House
Deaf items
Forums
Miscellaneous

DISCLAIMER: I have no business association with any of the below links. If you buy anything, especially what I do not use, buy at YOUR OWN RISK. Let me know if any product is bad/cheap.

1. Doctors and Hearing Aids (HA)

If you are in the Bay area (Oakland/SF/SJ), a good place for ear medical study and audiology is at CA Ear Institute (CEI).

http://www.californiaearinstitute.com/

They are alittle on the expensive side, but their services are comprehensive. Medicare and some insurance companies will cover medical treatments and audiograms but not hearing aids. If you are in "investigative mode" (thinking about buying a HA), go to a medical center (hospital, doctor's clinic) and get an audiogram. Be sure you get a copy of the result. Then you will not have to deal with the pressure from a HA dealer.

I use Better Hearing Center of Palo Alto (center of Bay area)

http://www.betterhearingpaloalto.com/index.php

I have relatives using Pacific Hearing Service (center of Bay area)

http://www.pacifichearingservice.com/

If you live elsewhere and just need hearing aids and/or audiograms, any hearing aid dealer will do - just check reviews.

A couple of decades ago, HAs were only analog. Now HAs are analog or digital. If you have a steep (audiogram) curve (extreme high-frequency loss), then digital HAs allow you to (dB) boost specific frequencies at specific amounts. This allows you to have a more accurate amplification and better discernment. If your hearing loss is minor and/or have a relatively flat (audiogram) curve, then an analog HA will do just fine. In general, analog HAs are cheaper than digital HAs. A good read is at

http://www.hearinghaven.com/articles/digital-hearing-aids-vs-analog-hearing-aids/ (Digital Hearing Aids Vs. Analog Hearing Aids)

If you have at least a moderate hearing loss, you probably want directional microphone and noise cancellation. Directional microphone means the amplification will be louder in front of you and quieter behind you. Noise cancellation will reduce the volume of knocking and other noises - allowing you to better discriminate voices.

Digital HAs do not allow the users to program their HAs unless they have a special instrument such as

http://www.thehearingcompany.com/HI-PRO-USB-Hearing-Aid-Programming-Device-with-cables-and-software-_p_238.html (HI-PRO USB Hearing Aid Programming Device with cables and software)

or programming software at

http://www.hearsource.com/index.html

More information about programming digital HA can be found at

http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/help-hearing-aid/z-program-hearing-aid.html
http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/help-hearing-aid/z-hearing-aid-program-tools.html

There are semi-digital HAs which are digital, but allows the user to easily change the settings whether via smartphone, computer, and/or trimmer. For "trimmer" models, see

http://hear-better.com/blog/?p=87 (Digital hearing Aid Trimmers Adjustment)
http://hearraid.com/2013/07/18/hearing-aid-trimmers/ (HEARING AID TRIMMERS)

If you wish to program digital or semi-digital HA, see

http://www.amperordirect.com/pc/help-hearing-aid/z-buy-hearing-aid-diy.html

Analog HAs allow the users to alter the settings at will.

A good discussion about audiogram is at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiogram

Notations: BTE = behind the ear; ITE = in the ear. BTE HAs are good if you need more power. ITE HAs can be hidden. There are HAs that goes in the ear canal - never need to be taken out.

A glossary of HA terms can be found at

http://informationabouthearingaids.com/

For the most powerful digital HAs (hearing aids), consider using an Oticon or a Phonak HA. Oticon has been around for a long time and has the reputation of providing the most powerful HA during the last century - I used several powerful analog Oticon HAs. In 2003, Digifocus II (which I brought in 2003) was their strongest digital HA. Unfortunately it did not have directional microphone or noise cancellation. As of May 2015, some replacement parts are not available. Oticon probably have a better models now (and with directional microphone and noise cancellation).

Phonak Nadia (which I brought in August 2010) is even stronger than the Digifocus II and has noise cancellation and directional microphone.

Siemens Lotus 23 SP (which I brought online from Hear Better) is a super powerful self-digital HA (I got the trimmer model). It has noise cancellation, but not directional microphone.

http://www.oticonusa.com/ -> Consumers -> Severe Hearing Loss Products

http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/home.html -> products and solutions -> Nadia S

https://www.bestsoundtechnology.com/siemens-hearing-aids/bte/lotus/

The Oticon Digifocus II costed me $2700 (brought 2003), the Phonak Nadia S costed me $1500 (brought August 2010), and the Siemens Lotus 23 SP (brought 2015 online) costs me $325. If you have a light hearing loss, you don't need a fancy HA. Just about any HA will do. Just remember that HA dealers get paid more if the HA costs more. For a low end HA, try to spend under $1000. If you spend over $3000, you are getting ripped off.

Lyric HA fits inside your ear - hassle-free.

http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/hearing_instruments/lyric/overview.html

Some economical HAs (there are others) are at

http://www.mdhearingaid.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ -> search for siemens lotus hearing aid
https://www.hear-better.com/magento/
http://www.ampliear.com/
http://www.audicus.com/
http://www.fourcorners.com/product_details_Microtron_Rechargeable_Sound_Amplifier.aspx
http://eargo.com/
https://www.lifeear.com/ (not classified as a HA)

I have no clue on how good they are, so check the reviews. Do your homework - I will NOT be responsible for any purchase especially online. Let me know if there is any problem - I will pull the offending website off this website.

I noticed a few do not have a setting for high-frequency. So ignore those models if you have a high frequency loss. When checking reviews. I give more weights to reviews outside the company in question (i.e., reviews are not on the company's website). Also, you should be familiar with the various settings - you will not have a help of an audiologist - do not expect to put on the HA and everything magically works.

If you are very poor, you may be able to get a HA via Lions Clubs International. They take donated HA (usually older models), repair them, and sell them at low cost. Also consider donating your old HAs - help an unfortunate plus get a tax break.

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/how-we-serve/health/hearing-programs.php
http://members.lionsclubs.org/EN/serve/hearing/hearing-aid-recycling.php
http://www.olshf.org/
http://www.donateglasses.org/hearingaids.html [dated?]

Good tips on HA maintenance is at

http://www.hearlink.com.au/industry-news/preparing-your-hearing-aids-for-summer-part-II/
http://www.audiologysouth.co.nz/newsletters/hearing-aids-and-humidity/

[Note: I cannot find part 1 in the hearlink link.]

There are HA covers to protect HA from sweat.

http://www.gearforears.com/

I never tried them, so I do not know how good they work.

If you are afraid of losing a HA, look at

http://www.hearear.co.uk/

If you are interested in past history of HA's, see Hearing Aid Museum website

http://www.hearingaidmuseum.com/

Also, there are some books about audiology and HA. Go to

http://www.thieme.com -> audiology

I never read any HA book, so I can not guarantee how good they are.

There is an interesting talk about super directional HAs.

http://www.audiology.org/news/Pages/20130214.aspx

and occlusion effect

http://www.hearingresearch.org/ross/hearing_loss/the_occlusion_effect.php

More good articles are at

Why aren't hearing aids covered by insurance?
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52484-Why-aren-t-hearing-aids-covered-by-insurance

5 symptoms of hearing loss, a problem that affects one in six adults
http://www.betterhearingcenters.org/5-symptoms-hearing-loss-problem/

You can buy HA parts at

http://www.advancedhearing.com/
http://www.hearingaidsupplyshop.com/
http://audiologysupplies.com/

You can fix your HA online instead of thru a HA dealer.

http://hearsource.com/hearing-aid-repair.html
http://lloydhearingaid.com/shopping/repairs.asp
http://directhearingaidservice.com/

expertaidrepair.com also fix HA, but BBB gives them a F so I advice not using them. Again, do your homework before spending $$$ online. Again, I will NOT be responsible for any purchase especially online. Let me know if any website is problematic and I will pull it off this website.

You can buy an earmold online.

http://lloydhearingaid.com/accessories/188/custom_earmold_bte__hard_lucite

Again, I never did, so use their service at your own risk.

There are some researches in making earmold using a 3D printer. See

http://www.hearingsparks.com/2013/01/3d-printing-and-hearing-aids.html
http://www.widex.pro/en/innovations/technological-excellence/camisha/

Many insurances and medicare cover audiograms, but not HA. If you buy online, request from the seller for a chart that shows the signal boost (frequency vs. dB amplification). And then, match it with your audiogram chart.

Again, you shouldn't have to pay several thousands if you have just a minor hearing loss.

2. Phones and Cellphones

If you have trouble with the phone, consider obtaining a CapTel phone.

http://www.captel.com

A captionist will type whatever the opposite person is saying in near realtime. For many states, if you qualify, you can obtain a CapTel phone for free or for a heavily discounted price.

If you have high speed internet, you can use a captioning service from your computer using WebCapTel.

http://www.captel.com/webcaptel
http://www.sprint800.com/
https://www.hamiltonwebcaptel.com/

You will have to enter two numbers, your phone numbers and the recipient phone numbers. They will dial you first, and then, the person you are trying to reach.

Other captioning services also provide similiar services. The captioning service is free and provided by the government. Understand that the poor captionist is typing everything the opposite person is speaking, so if the recipicient is speaking super duper fast, you will probably experience delay time.

Also, I recommend that you do NOT use CapTel/WebCapTel to pass sensitive informations (SSN, credit card #, etc) since everything will be entered into their computers. If you must pass credit card #, I recommend you obtain a credit card that use ShopSafe (e.g., Fia Card via Fidelity). Then you can create one-time credit card # with a specific value. This credit card information can only be used only once so it is okay if this information is in their computers.

If you have a smartphone which can do multiple things at once, at least 3G signal speed, and lot of data or uses wifi, you probably can use WebCapTel while on the road. If you have an Android phone, you could install wireless CapTel (Sprint).

http://www.sprint800.com/wireless-captel-sprint (wireless CapTel (Sprint))

Many cellphones (especially older ones) are not compatible with hearing aids. Cellphones are "hearing aid" rated: M1 or T1 (poor), M2 or T2 (fair), M3 or T3 (good) and M4 or T4 (excellent). Find out the cellphone rating of your cellphone. If your cellphone have a poor rating or you want to use two ears, use a headset (see next section).

http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/hacphones.htm
http://columbiamohearingcenter.com/2011/09/hearing-aid-compatible-cell-phones/

There are special t-coil cellphone headsets like T-link, Hatis, and Noizfree - I'm sure there are others. [As of 1/15, T-link models have been discontinued. I now use a Noizfree headset.] See

http://www.tecear.com/
http://www.hatishearing.com/
http://harriscommunication.com/

Hatis headset was the first headset for hearing aid users. Way back in 2003, a Hatis saleman told me that CDMA network (used by Sprint, Verizon, and those whom piggyback on those networks) were better for their headset - I don't know the situation for today. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM network. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA network.

Also there are bluetooth t-coil cellphone headsets like ClearSound (Geermarc), Beetle, and others. See

http://www.geemarc.com/
http://www.tecear.com/

There are probably cheaper places and sales here and there, so surf around the web. Also, there probably other models I am not aware of - new models keep popping up.

If a HoH person, with low hearing loss, likes to use a cellphone without a hearing aid, consider getting a ClearSounds® ClearDigital AC100 Amplified Cellular Phone or Max-Easy Cell Phone.

http://www.hitec.com/productDetail.asp_Q_catID_E_112_A_subCatID_E_190_A_productID_E_412 http://www.fourcorners.com/product_details_max_easy.aspx

If your phone or cellphone does not ring loud enough, consider getting a Serene Innovations Super Loud Cell/Phone Ringer/Flasher or a LightOn Cell Phone Alerter

http://www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-15283-serene-innovations-super-loud-cellphone-ringerflasher.html
http://www.tecear.com/LightOn_cell_phone_alert.htm

If you are able to change/increase the ringtone, consider using mp3gain.

http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/

On a console

mp3gain -g 30 {ringtone mp3]

will increase the volume by 30dB.

3. Videophone

There are many videophones which use high speed internet. The viewing will be more crisp (and easier to lip-read the other person) if

the internet speed is fast,
the monitor resolution is sharp, and
the computer is powerful.

An incomplete list is

Veribu

http://www.veribu.com/

No program is needed. Just a browser with flash is needed.
Ekiga

http://www.ekiga.org/

Uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and H.323 which are telecommunication standards. Connect with whom use SIP or H.323 even if they do not use Ekiga. Download program for Window and Linux,
LinPhone

http://www.linphone.org/

Uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a telecommunication standards. Connect with whom use SIP even if they do not use LinPhone. Download program for Linux, Windows, MacOSX, and for mobile phones: Android, iPhone, Blackberry.
Skype

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home

Can connect to other Skype users for free. Can connect audio-only connect to landline/cellphone around the world for a fee.
QIK

http://qik.com/

Create video as well as video chat. See their long list of supported cellphones. Note: Skype brought QIK (will they interact in the future???)
Tango

http://www.freepctophonecallsblog.com/2011/02/tango-video-calls-tango-voip-tango.html

Android, iPhone, iPod, PC (window only???)
Jitsi

https://jitsi.org/

Linux, Mac, Window

There are also phone that uses an old-fashioned telephone wire. Here is a FAQ for ACN videophones. As of 1/31/13, Iris X is their latest videophone.

http://www.acnservices.com/video_phones/index.html

I don't use any videophone, so if you use one, you are on your own.

For those whom need ASL interpretation, consider using a Video Relay Service (VRS). A good introduction is on Wikipedia,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_Relay_Service (Video relay service)

I don't use this service, so you are on your own.

4. Stuffs for the House

There are several smoke alarms designed for the HoH folks. Most smoke alarms scream at too high frequencies and will not alert hearing impaired folks.

LoudenLow has alarms at low frequencies. Their original model buzzes loudly at 200 Hz (middle C). Their latest model buzzes at 520Hz (about one octave higher tham middle C).

http://loudenlow.com/

Kidde Wireless has interconnected wireless smoke alarms. I.e., when one goes off the others will too. Of special interest is the wireless sounder box. This box can be placed anywhere (e.g., next to a bed) and will scream at around 1000Hz whenever a smoke alarm goes off.

http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=18622
http://www.kidde.com

For those whom need a strobe smoke alarm, there are various models on the market. Do a search for "deaf strobe smoke alarm". Unfortunately, all these alarms buzz at extremely high frequencies and cannot be heard by many HoH folks.

There are doorbells where the receivers activate - ringtones and/or light - when the doorbell is rung or the door is knocked, These receivers can be placed anywhere in the house - thus you can have the whole house to buzz. Some systems attach to the current doorbell - some are separate systems. Do a search for "doorbell hard or hearing". Some links are

http://home-automation.smarthome.com/search?p=Q&asug=&w=doorbell (surf through list)
http://www.hearworldusa.com/alerting-notification-systems/doorbell-door-knock-signalers/centralalert-ca-dx-notification-system-doorbell-door-knock-sensor/
http://www.hearworldusa.com/alerting-notification-systems/remote-receivers/centralalert-ca-rx-notification-system-remote-receiver/
https://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1215_1398&products_id=19349&hcCsid=kmhgcclkjg9o9dinosbajeot71
http://www.1800doorbell.com/dc-1000-long-range-wireless-doorbell-with-1000-feet-range.htm

I use extend-a-chime from SmartHome which is an old product and work well. I do not know how good the others are, so do your homework before buying.

If you are worried about missing high pitch sounds, a device to detect them and vibrate is in progress as of 8/17. See

http://www.theufirst.com/nuguna/main_EN.do

5. Deaf items

The definition of deaf depends on whether you look at topic medically or culturally. For more, see

http://deafness.about.com/od/deafculture/a/differencedhoh.htm
http://nad.org/issues/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-faq

An online TTY is at

http://ttycall.com/

Below is a list of ASL tutorial links (including dictionaries) - enjoy!

http://lifeprint.com/
http://asl.ms/
http://www.aslpro.com/
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm
http://www.fi.edu/wright/again/wings.avkids.com/wings.avkids.com/Book/Signing/index.html
http://www.handspeak.com/word/index.php

For ASL classes, see

http://lifeprint.com/
http://www.signingonline.com/
http://www.readysetsign.com/index8.html
http://www.handspeak.com/

You can print 5.5"x8.5" and wallet size sign language alphabet charts at

http://shengchieh.50webs.com/alphabet.html

You can get a sign language translator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR4Bs1uBvEY

Right now there is work on ASL motion sensor which can communicate between ASL and non-ASL people. As of 1/15, it is not available yet.

http://www.motionsavvy.com/

If you have high speed internet, you can use the text relay service. Sign up for an account on one of the relay services.

http://www.i711.com/
http://www.purple.us/
http://www.ip-relay.com/
http://www.sprintrelayonline.com
http://www.siprelay.com/
http://relay.att.com/national/relay.html
http://deafnetwork.com/html/relay_service.html (list of relay services)

UPDATE 11/14/14: Sprint is the only IP provider - FCC forced the others to stop. However, others do offer other services (VRS, on-site interpretating, etc).

If you prefer ASL (American Sign Language), many of these relay services have VRS (Video Relay Service). Check the DeafNetwork list.

http://deafnetwork.com/html/relay_service.html (list of relay services)

If you have a smartphone which can do multiple things at once, at least 3G signal speed, and lot of data or uses wifi, you probably can use a text relay service while on the road.

If you have an Android smartphone with a front facing camera and at least 4G signal speed (wifi will also do), you can add a VRS program. See Purple and i711 (other relay services probably have something as well). If you have an iPhone with a front facing camera, there is a VRS program available - forgot the name, sorry. If you have other smartphones with a front facing camera, check around for VRS program - I wouldn't be surprised if there is something for your cellphone. Again, check the DeafNetwork list.

http://deafnetwork.com/html/relay_service.html (list of relay services)

For a list of deaf churches see these lists.

http://www.ohsoez.com/Churches/ChurchTitle.htm -> [Click a state]
http://deafministriesconnection.wordpress.com/ -> deaf churches -> [Click a state]
http://hvbdc.com/directory-of-deaf-churches-ministries/

ASL bible can be found at

http://www.deafmissions.com/ -> online bible

6. Forums A list of HoH forums are

http://www.hearingaidforums.com/
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hearing-Loss/show/177
http://www.myhearingloss.org/
http://hohadvocates.org/wwwboard/index.php?bn=hohadvocates_hohconcerns
http://www.outerchat.com/forums/

7. Miscellaneous

For tips on communicating with hearing impaired folks, see

http://shengchieh.50webs.com/communication.html

If you are interested in a HoH friendly church in the Bay area, consider PBC (Pennisula Bible Church).

http://www.pbc.org

This church has listening devices for 1st and 2nd services. The listening device from

http://www.listentech.com

is LR-400 and can be used with a headset or t-coil neckloop. I don't know which frequency PBC uses, but it looks like

http://www.amazon.com/Listen-LR-400-072-Receiver/dp/B003Y5EVIA

Other listening devices are at

http://iprobesolutions.com/assistive-listening-systems/
http://www.comfortaudio.com/us/

If a HoH folk (with or without hearing aids) have trouble hearing in noisy environments, consider getting a pocketalker.

https://www.williamssound.com/pocketalker
http://www.tecear.com/Pocketalker_Ultra.htm

You can use a pocketalker with 3.5 mm "computer" headset or t-coil neckloop and point the microphone directly at the speaker. There are various accessories such as a microphone extension to clip onto the speaker, a conference microphone, etc.

Pocketalker is sold everywhere so search for "pocketalker" for the best price (although TecEar's prices are relatively low and TecEar has a good reputation).

There are other listening devices. I never tried them. Do your homework and study them before buying at your own risk. I used the pocketalker when I had a non-directional microphone HA.

http://iprobesolutions.com/assistive-listening-systems/
https://www.listentech.com/
https://www.radioshack.com/products/3-band-amped-stereo-listener?variant=5717719109
http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=617128

Other Links:

http://shengchieh.50webs.com/communication.html
http://shengchieh.50webs.com/alphabet.html

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Email is shengchieh [at symbol] linuxmail [period] org . Be warned: I do not see this email often. Please be patient.

Copyright R. S. Cheng 2018 Copyright R. S. Cheng 2018

last modified on 7/17/18.