Sonitus soundbite

[domforr]

Hi all,

Has anyone had any experience of using the Soundbite device to address hearing loss in one ear after acoustic neuroma surgery? Just looking at options as I'm struggling a bit, so it would be good to hear of others experience. Here's the website: sonitusmedical.com/the-soun...

Many thanks,

Dominic

[Paul469]

I have crossover hearing aids. They do help with hearing, especially when crossing the road. It has taken some getting used to the amplified background noise in pubs and cafes. They haven't helped to reduce the constant tinnitus. All things considered, I would recommend them.Best wishes

Paul

[domforr in reply to Paul469]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info. I'm hoping to try a cross aid at some point. Any experience with the Sound bite? apparently the sound quality is better, so as a musician I am curious. Very little info about them in the UK.

Best wishes,

Dominic

[DVC2021]

I understand your frustration, I have over 50% loss in one ear which is bad enough.

The NHS gave me a normal hearing aid which was not very good.

I tried a more expensive private company- again not very good.

I had the best advice from an audiologist from spec savers. I am yet to try the recommendation.

They suggested a cross over-

on the reason that in my case the ear works, it is the transmission of signal being scrambled between ear and brain by the tumour. You can increase volume but it will still be scrambled.

Looking at the product you suggested it appears it still transmits to the inner ear ,If it can transmit to your good side it could work like a crossover.

Ask for a trial before you pay out big bucks

[FERNBROOK]

No experience of using this new tech but it reads well. I currently use bicros aids post surgery for SSD with moderate success. Sonitus relies on the same principle which via a transmitter feeds perceived sound to the 'good ear' creating a stereo effect. The difference being with Sonitus it appears to be ultilising the mouth and teeth for more accurate transmission. This is a good step forward and certainly preferable to the BAHA alternative which is an invasive bone anchored device. I'm sceptical whether the NHS will ever take it up due to cost but it remains an option for the private route.

[domforr]

Thanks both, that's really helpful to hear your experiences. It's a difficult thing to deal with so I'm just trying to get as much info as possible before trying anything. I did speak to an ENT guy in the UK who seemed to think that Sonitus went bust - which is odd seeing as their website is still operational. He used to supply the soundbite's in the UK but no longer does and suggested trying the crossaid.

[Crowening]

Hi Dominic I have total hearing loss in my left ear after AN surgery, but perfect hearing in my right. I really struggled physically and emotionally with the hearing loss, particularly as I was only 34 at the time and in a busy job. I tried NHS CROS aids and a BAHA but didn't like the sound quality, so went private and bought the latest Oticon CROS aids. They have made a huge difference to me as I now pick up sounds from the deaf side and can cope better in demanding listening environments. They can't localise sounds but I'm not sure anything can with SSD, however they have changed my life for the better as I no longer avoid all social situations with more than one person!

I'd definitely recommend trying hearing aids as most do a trial period (I went to Hidden Hearing, but I know Specsavers also do this).

Good luck.

Naomi

[domforr in reply to Crowening]

Thanks Naomi, I really appreciate your taking the time to respond. Interesting to hear that the NHS cross was inferior to the other version you tried. I guess that will be the fist thing they offer me on the NHS, so I'll give it a go, but have heard some very mixed reviews. Good to know that there are other options though.