Hello Tweeters:

To Derek Sutton's request for a high-frequency boost to be able to hear bird
sounds, Jerry wrote:

"Thought I would reply to the list in case anyone else was interested.
Check this out. They have one that can be adjusted to different frequencies.
http://www.walkersgameear.com/natureea.htm"

While the "Nature Ear" at that site purports to be able to adjust frequency
boost that one gets, I would be hesitant to spend $230 on that device. I
have a hearing loss in the high frequencies and have worn (professional)
hearing aids for more than 10 years. I started out with the "in the ear"
devices but what I discovered was that in the high frequencies they produce
a feed back that gives them the squeal you get when a microphone and speaker
are too close together. They were so sensitive that I couldn't turn up the
volume to hear anything. I was told that that is a common problem with
hearing loss in the higher ranges. I tried 2 or 3 different brands, but
eventually went to the behind the ear variety, and still have to be careful
of feedback. The high frequency is a difficult one to compensate for. A
second problem I have with all of them is that walking or hiking I often
work up a sweat, and they short out very easily. I even paid extra to have
the circuitry of my current hearing aids specially wrapped during the
manufacturing process, and they still short out easily. I don't even bother
to wear them outdoors when it is raining.

$230 is approaching the price of a professional hearing aid, and most health
insurance provides not only for a clinical hearing exam which will identify
precisely where the loss is at and the specific correction needed, but they
generally cover the cost of hearing aids up to about $500 each. I don't
trust the mass advertising hearing aid shops, but have had good results
through my health care provider. In spite of all of the horror stories
about health care, I found Group Health to offer excellent hearing aid
support. They sell a wide variety of brands, even the highly advertised
Miracle Ear, but at a much cheaper price. They also try to fit you with one
that they feel is best for your needs.

None of the hearing aids provide respectable hearing restoration, and all of
them (I've had 5 different kinds, from analog to digital control) crank up
the background noise which interferes with the sound you really want to
hear.

If you have good hearing to begin with, then "Nature Ear" might be
beneficial. But if you are trying to compensate for a hearing loss I would
suggest professional help.

Jim Brewster
Kent Washington
BrewinKent at msn.com