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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Phonak has a model they refer to as "programable".
Actually, it amounts to having three user selectable settings via a tiny push
button on each one. They also have volume controls that have a three db range.
The technician sets up the the options and also the frequency response. My
hearing peaks at 1 khz and drops off to almost nothing at 3 khz. It is my
understanding that not of the devices address the area above 8 khz. The response
I selected actually goes a little beyond the restoration of the higher
frequencies and enhances them a bit. program 1 is the normal setting, program 3
is about 3 db higher. Program 2 utilizes the the feature of having a forward and
backward facing microphone in each unit. It greatly reduces (technician
programmable) the response to things behind you. It is useful for attenuating
undesirable noise from behind. This feature requires the devices to be
prominately exposed in the ear. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>There are some situations that are just about
hopless though. Noisy restaurants, parties with silverware and dishes rattling
are over whelming. I just turn them off in those conditions and point to them
when some one is unintelligable. The high visability of the hearing aids seems
to help others be a bit more patient. People recognize that you have done your
best with the problem, now they will do what they can to help. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I think most vendors have models that will hide
from view if you have a problem with vanity. My personal feeling is that they
are in the same class as expensive jewelry, for what you pay, you ought to wear
them proudly. That is also what I tell my grand daughter about the braces on her
teeth!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have only had them since April. Some days I wear
them all day, and some days not at all. It depends on how much contact I have
with other people. There is a lengthy learning curve involved with them. It is
best if I have them in for at least 30 minutes before Church Choir.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My family is very grateful. They were putting up
with a loud TV and difficult communications. They cannot replace what I lost,
but it is worth the expense and effort. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=wbakle@charter.net href="mailto:wbakle@charter.net">Wade Akle</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, August 11, 2003 10:24
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: The value of noise</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>John,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Which system did you end up with?
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Wade</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="mailto:wbakle@charter.net">wbakle@charter.net</A></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=johnferrell@earthlink.net
href="mailto:johnferrell@earthlink.net">John Ferrell</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, August 11, 2003 6:39
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: The value of noise</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>These folks just fixed me up only $2000 an ear,
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="http://www.phonak.com/">http://www.phonak.com/</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The local store even threw in a years worth of
batteries.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Now I can hear birds sing again!</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=mups1953@yahoo.com href="mailto:mups1953@yahoo.com">mike
mueller</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, August 11, 2003 4:34
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> The value of noise</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV> I just want to see what others think. I for one love noise
maybe it has to do with growing up listening to hard rock music or
something. What would Nascar be with near silent cars, or how about John
Force running at 300 MPH quietly? Would the Blue Angels be exciting if
they didn't roar? Same goes with my planes, I like loud, it sounds cool
and it adds to the excitement. Why do you think that IMAC type planes
appeal to many? I know we have sound restrictions and all but I can't help
the fact that I get turned on by the roar of an engine. I wonder if the
new more "PC" electric revolution will be as exciting for
spectators and participants alike.But hey it's just my opinion I could be
wrong. Mike</DIV></DIV>
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