Widex or Oticon for Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

[Sunny72]

I have low tone hearing loss and tinnitus in my right ear only. I'm considering using either Widex or Oticon hearing aid with sound generators. My first question is: Do you like one better than the other? My second questions is: Do I need to wear two generators even though only one ear has hearing loss and tinnitus? I'm a bit confused because one audiologist said I need both so I don't risk the tinnitus moving into the good ear and the other audiologist I spoke to randomly said that I should only wear the generator in the ear with the tinnitus and hearing loss.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Atlantis]

I'm considering using either Widex or Oticon hearing aid with sound generators. My first question is: Do you like one better than the other?

Widex is a more popular brand.

Do I need to wear two generators even though only one ear has hearing loss and tinnitus?

In TRT, you wear two generators. If your professional suggests you wear one generator, it is not real TRT.

In regular masking, one generator can be used.

When will you start TRT?

 

[Sunny72]

Thank you for the quick response! Have you tried TRT? I was planning on starting soon. My only concern is that my tinnitus fluctuates all day. I hope that's not a problem.

 

[Bertman]

I imagine you'd be able to try both brands no? I've heard the Widex ones have a different kind of masking sound that some like and some don't. It's a big investment so I'd at least see about trying each of them.

 

[Hornet]

Sunny72, I'm curious what you decided? I also have sudden low frequency loss with tinnitus, mine is in my left ear. I sampled the Widex and while it seemed to help the tinnitus, the sound seemed very artificial, amplified, and I could hear myself VERY loudly. I just tried on an Oticon this am and the sound quality was excellent, the best so far. However, they didnt have the tinnitus version for me to try. I'm really leaning towards the Oticon. What did you decide?

 

[Sunny72]

Hello Hornet,

I went with a brand new Widex product that was released in October called The Unique by Widex. When I first sampled the first Widex product and the amplification was too loud, I also heard my own voice. Maybe have them adjust the amplification. Also, from what I understand, the Unique is better for low frequency loss. It is more expensive, though. I also like Widex because I have a little handheld clicker that allows me switch between different sound therapy programs. I liked the Oticon, as well, but like having option to change programs with the clicker.

I see you developed the condition the same time as I did. How are you doing? It's been a rough rode for me! That's for sure! Are you doing Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?

Let me know if I can be of any help or if you want to bounce ideas off of each other of things that have helped!

Take Care,

Erika

 

[Hornet]

I noticed that we developed the condition around the same time as well. I woke up one day with my left ear feeling "full", ringing, and reduced hearing. It's been like that ever since. My tinnitus is around 500Hz, so it's lower frequency, like my hearing loss. I tried on the Widex Unique as well, and was about to pull the trigger on it and then tried the Oticon and it just sounded so much better to me. I'm picking mine up tomorrow. I hope I wont regret it and wish I had gone with the Widex. Just based on some of the information they've published and videos on the subject, Oticon seems to understand low frequency loss and I was very impressed with their initial settings based on my Audiogram. They very much followed some of the latest recommendations for low frequency loss settings and they sounded amazing even with the default settings!

Honestly, I don't know much about Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and will look further into it. For now, I've been gritting my way through the constant siren in my left ear, trying hard not to focus on it. It's been rough. What I found when I tried the Widex and Oticon's on was that with the increase across the range, my tinnitus seemed significantly better. I'm hoping that feeling continues when I wear it full time!

I want to continue to learn more about TRT. I know low frequency loss is pretty rare and unique. I'd be interested in keeping in touch to share what we're learning.

Best,
Brian

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Hi there! I have my first visit with the TRT people next Friday. Today I tried the Starkey's hearing aids with maskers and I was very impressed. I do not have hearing loss, I would just used them for the maskers... the sound it generated was very soft and soothing and it really helped mask T. I will let you know how my visit goes on Friday. I am sure they will also talk about Widex and other options. Hope you are doing well.