Hearing Aids and steel player????

Clay Vandenburg · Post by **Clay Vandenburg** » 29 Jan 2004 6:11 pm

OK, Iam getting older (54, on 01/31) I suffer from Tinnitus (ring of the ears) which no doubt a lot of you folks are suffering from as well, but to different degrees. Mine is bad, and I have lost a large amount of my hearing, especialy the high notes. Thats why I seldom don't go past the 15th fret on my steel, cause I loose intination and can't hear where I'm at. Anyway, I am going to get hearing Aids. My question is to anyone that has to wear them. Will it change the sound of my steel to me?? Can you recommend any certain brand or type that would give a natural sound? I certainly would appreciate any help here folks, even from the Pro's what do you recommend, if you have this same problem. I play with a great country band here in Pueblo, CO. and we are booked clear through the summer, so I have to get ready, and that means get'n my hearing fixed, so I can make my fellow steel players and band members,smile when I play. Thank ya much folks.

Clay

Carter
Zum
Mullen
Peavey
and a cheap Harmony (but it sounds good)

Tracy Sheehan · Post by **Tracy Sheehan** » 29 Jan 2004 11:56 pm

Clay.Check your e mail.Tracy

Fred Glave · Post by **Fred Glave** » 30 Jan 2004 7:26 am

Ask your family doctor for a good audiologist. Explain your situation. Not only will he/she hook you up with the best hearing aid for your purposes, but advise you on how to further protect your remaining hearing.

Bob I. Williams · Post by **Bob I. Williams** » 30 Jan 2004 8:20 am

Clay, I wear hearing aids.I got them at costco. they are 1/2 analog--1/2 didital. they set the highs and lows anywhere you need or want them.they reset mine last week.sometimes I use them when I'M playing but mostly not.I asked the lead man to help me set the tone without the h.aids. he stood on the dance floor and we set the tone that way. I welded that tone into my brain.now we just have to tweek it,for different venues.if I wear aids while pickin,I wear one. that will let you hear the highs and give the natural sounds too. they also work great as ear-plugs when things get too loud. BOB

Clay Vandenburg · Post by **Clay Vandenburg** » 30 Jan 2004 4:54 pm

Thanks to Tracy, Fred & Bob.
I appreciate the info, I do have a Doctors appointment come Monday morning, and I going to insist that she lines me up with an ear specialist first, then go from there. I might give you fella's a shout latter on, if you don't mind.
Thanks again guys

Clay

Carter
zum
Mullen
Peavey
Old beat-up Harmony

JERRY THURMOND · Post by **JERRY THURMOND** » 30 Jan 2004 4:57 pm

I got a hearing aid two years ago 100% digital has no volumn control fully adjusted by computer while it is in your ear, even got the Dr to adjust it while I was playing steel. It is the best thing I ever done no clutter or back ground noise, I really can't tell that it is in my ear, an it is so small no one can see it. I talked my brother in to getting one he plays fiddle an he just loves his.My hearing aid is called Senco + made by Widex. I am sure there are other brands that are just as good, but make sure it is 100% digital. They also make one that has 3 setting buttons one for talking one for music an one for loud places such as baseball games. hope this helps Jerry

Clay Vandenburg · Post by **Clay Vandenburg** » 30 Jan 2004 5:04 pm

Thanks, Jerry
I'll be taking a look at that type, sound like good'ens.

Clay