EAR'OLES

[SHAKEY]

How many of you guys suffer with a hearing problem. I have to use 2 hearing aids now, my hearing is so bad. When I play with headphones I'm O.K until I get to the 13 fret, then some of the notes sound the same. This of course without the hearing aids. This is one of the reasons I haven't been to Roy's or John's meetings.
Also the reason why I haven't done any You-tube for a while. I would love to go to both meetings again, and hopefully I will. Do any of you suffer with this problem and does it bother you, or do you say "I play it like this, like it or lump it".
Cheers Dave.

[Bent Romnes]

Dave, I have hearing loss as well. Besides, I have tinnitus which is ringing in the ears. I have a very high-pitched ringing sound (higher than crickets) 24/7. Of course it bothers me but I have held off on getting hearing aids as the conventional ones are so-so with music as I understand. The new ones are good, but out of reach for my budget.
I cannot and will not let this stop me from playing the steel. I suggest that you keep playing and posting like before. So far I haven't heard a bum note from you. Anyways, who cares? There are always more sweet notes than sour ones!

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Hi Guys
I too have severe hearing loss.
I was weaned in the Shipyards of the Clyde where the hammers rang at all times,I later spent several Years at sea in the engine room seven days a week.
I first noticed My tinnitus in the early seventies and only was aware of the ringing when I was in bed and all was quiet around.I now hear the tinnitus above everything.I have had regular hearing checks before retiring and My "High frequencies " are well down.
I get all sorts of pelters at home and have been told to GET a hearing aid.
I can hearthe noise people make when they talk but I sometimes cannot hear the words clearly.I also have great difficulty in a busy room when a few people are talking at the same time.
There was a thread on the U.S. Forum last week and Bob Blair spoke of the Hi Tech aids He had fitted some time ago,I had the pleasure of meeting Bob at Dallas earlier this year and He told Me a bit about His hearing devices,He says they are programmed to suit the individual frequencies which require enhancing.We did'nt get round to cost though.
I am seriously considering purchasing an aid and would be grateful for any advice or knowledge that anyone has to offer.
I think with the High tech ones,You are advised to take out a maintenance contract,so it would appear that You are always paying.
Best regards
Billy
P.S. Shakey,there aint nothing wrong with Your playing.Keep them clips coming

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

This is a sad topic for any of us that remember what we used to hear from a steel and what we can hear now!!! As I have said many times my right ear is an ornament now ..... I went for the hearing test and they said it was beyond a hearing aid and sent me to the quack.... but when its gone its GONE>>>> I have limited hearing in the other ear and very careful to avoid loud bands now (and lead players useing Peavey Bandits where the sound comes out like the choke barrel on a 12 bore!!) Take warning you newbies if you think it won`t happen to you!!!
So sad to see talents like Bas Gas and Shaky (spelt my way) fading from the scene on account of it...... BUT, I am not giving up.... I will keep on churning out bum notes for as long as I am able Let it all hang out Dave people want to hear you play!!!>>>

[SHAKEY]

Thank you all for your comments, I have no intention of giving up just yet but it is so frustrating, never being quite sure whether you've hit the note right and equally as bad is never being sure what sort of a tone you are producing. I like Billy have lost all the highs so every thing tends to sound muffled, so to compensate I probably overdo the treble, I really don't know.
Any way I'll plod on and hopefully get to a meeting or two.
Cheers for now, Dave.

[Basil Henriques]

Dave, I know of a player from Texas who's has had digital STEREO hearing aids. They're tailored specifically to each individual.. Not cheap but Definitely work investigating.
Check out, (Believe it or not) Specsavers..

[SHAKEY]

Thanks Basil, I will certainly look into it I think I may need to buy the right ticket though, as things stand I never seem to get any more than two numbers.
Cheers Dave.

[Bent Romnes]

Billy, I was in touch with Bob Blair on email. The brand he uses is Oticon http://www.oticon.ca/
They are top of the line aids since they are programmable to your frequencies. The price is horrendous though... CAN$ 7500 for 2

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Thanks Bent,
That really woke Me up.
I was wondering about second hand(ear ?) aids.Apparantly You can have an audioligist set them for You but I am a bit wary,I think they may be rather difficult to deal with since they are in the business of selling the hight priced ones.
Best regards
Billy