Hearing aids.

[Daisy]

I asked our practice nurse to refer me for a hearing check today. Then when I went to collect new glasses I did a 3 minute test in Specsavers - it's just a rough guide to indicate whether or not you need a proper test - and I definitely did! I was quite shocked at how little I could hear!!!

Now, here's the dilemma - do I want a young man whispering in my ear that my batteries are low, or do I want to be serenaded by sweet music! I think OH's just make a sound to indicate low batteries.

I read an article the other day about how you can have hearing aids Bluetooth enabled! Amazing! However, I'm sure they are incredibly expensive.

[Nana]

You've got me there Daisy...Bluetooth?😕

[Daisy]

Nana - it's a way of sending data/information from one clever device to another.

"A Bluetooth® deviceworks by using radio waves instead of wires or cables to connect with your cell phone, smartphone or computer.Bluetoothis a wireless short-range communications technology standard found in millions of products we use every day – including headsets, smartphones, laptops and portable speakers."

There a much more detailed gobbledegook explanation on Wikipedia, if you're really bored with the football!! Or it might make good bedtime reading - I would be asleep before I'd read the first paragraph though

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

[Nana]

How would that work in hearing aids tho Daisy?

[Daisy]

It would mean you could do things like play music on your smartphone without having to use earphones/buds - the hearing aids would transmit the music wirelessly. You could watch films online and you could hear it but nobody else could. I suppose it would be a way of using your phone handsfree anywhere.

I don't honestly think my life is busy or complicated enough to need such clever things, but I'm sure it would be of interest to lots of people who are always on the go.

[Nana]

Yes of course. Thanks for explaining. Like you I think I can manage without, although the audiologist said once I get used to them there are various 'extras' he could introduce. I turned down the offer of the loop system as I didn't think I'd benefit from it. Technology eh?

[Daisy]

As I mentioned on Chat, I went for my hearing check up today. I'm not quite as deaf as a post, but there is hearing loss in both ears, mild in the right, mild-moderate in the left. So an hour later I'm walking out with my bionic ears in place, looking forward to hearing sounds I couldn't pick out when I went in there.

I don't know what I expected, but it doesn't seem a lot different. Everything sounds a bit 'sharper' in the musical sense, and I suppose I will find I can hear things I couldn't before. The audiologist said to wear them 4-6 hours today and build up from that, but you can all stop shouting at me now!!!

[Oma]

oooo so you will hear when we whisper behind your back now

[Plantaholic]

My first aids were a bit too loud at first, could hear my clothes rustle as I moved. The present ones are not so sharp but it is new technology, they are more comfy to wear.

[Daisy]

oooo so you will hear when we whisper behind your back now

Yes, Oma - only whisper nice things!!!!!

[Nanto2girls]

Daisy,hope the bionic ears are comfy.

[Daisy]

Nanto - thank you. Yes, so far. I completely forgot about them until I tried to tuck my hair behind my ears and there was no room!

[Qwerty]

Well could be worse Daisy do you know the song Whispering Grass , well if it starts talking you, be afraid !!!!

[Gemini]

I'm sure you will soon get used to them Daisy 😊

[Daisy]

So far, so good! No problems except being a bit fiddly to clean.