Case for Hearing Aid

[NotUrsula]

Yes but isn't it going to look like an old-lady's case and not be suitable for a 10 year-old?

Can you maybe get something to put the case in so she can feel more girly?

How about a Disney Dooney wristlet of some sort?

The Sensei is made specifically for kids; I doubt that the case is the "little old lady" style. The issue with using a retainer case, as I see it, is that it would be awfully large, and the aid would be rattling around inside it. A hearing aid like this one is about the same size as a Quarter coin. (Although I guess it would be possible to do something like cut a piece of foam to hold it in place.)

I checked, and my new aids are actually Phonaks, but the style is very similar. These are mine, sitting in the case they come with. The case is a plain silver oval. (Being middle-aged and vain, I went with a color that is camouflaged by my hair. However, I could have gone for a statement. These even come in prints, like neon polka-dots and leopard.) As long as I don't put my hair behind my ears, these are totally invisible unless you look very closely. It is very hard to see the clear wire running to the ear bud.

There is no mold for this style; the only fitting necessary is the little silicone earbud that attaches to the end of the speaker wire. Kids seldom get in-the-canal aids, because the mold fit is affected by growth, so the fit is much more difficult long-term. They are MUCH easier to adjust to than in-the-ear models, in my experience; it's just like wearing earbuds. The tricky part is getting used to hearing sounds that you never heard before, like the crinkling of your clothing (taffeta is a NIGHTMARE), or the whooshing of air from an overhead A/C vent.

PS: I just thought of another possibility for a case that would be good for a kid with only one aid this size: a pill fob. You can get them at drugstores near the pharmacy; they look like a small film canister and usually have a ring attachment so that they can be clipped to keys or a belt hook, so you could clip it to her backpack or gym bag. The advantage to using one of these is that they normally have a screw lid with a waterproof seal, so if your DD didn't think and tossed a wet swimsuit on top of the case, water still wouldn't get to the aid. They come in bright colors, too. These very bling-y ones were on Amazon:

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

I was going to say that I bet a retainer case from an Orthodontist would be a decent case for a hearing aid, if necessary. Hard shell, protective. If it is good enough for something that goes in the mouth, it would be a good backup for something that goes in the ear!

I was thinking the same thing! In a pinch, these would work as a place to put the aids, and they come in tons of colors.

 

[lilaurora]

The Sensei is made specifically for kids; I doubt that the case is the "little old lady" style. The issue with using a retainer case, as I see it, is that it would be awfully large, and the aid would be rattling around inside it. A hearing aid like this one is about the same size as a Quarter coin. (Although I guess it would be possible to do something like cut a piece of foam to hold it in place.) I checked, and my new aids are actually Phonaks, but the style is very similar. These are mine, sitting in the case they come with. The case is a plain silver oval. (Being middle-aged and vain, I went with a color that is camouflaged by my hair. However, I could have gone for a statement. These even come in prints, like neon polka-dots and leopard.) As long as I don't put my hair behind my ears, these are totally invisible unless you look very closely. It is very hard to see the clear wire running to the ear bud. There is no mold for this style; the only fitting necessary is the little silicone earbud that attaches to the end of the speaker wire. Kids seldom get in-the-canal aids, because the mold fit is affected by growth, so the fit is much more difficult long-term. They are MUCH easier to adjust to than in-the-ear models, in my experience; it's just like wearing earbuds. The tricky part is getting used to hearing sounds that you never heard before, like the crinkling of your clothing (taffeta is a NIGHTMARE), or the whooshing of air from an overhead A/C vent. PS: I just thought of another possibility for a case that would be good for a kid with only one aid this size: a pill fob. You can get them at drugstores near the pharmacy; they look like a small film canister and usually have a ring attachment so that they can be clipped to keys or a belt hook, so you could clip it to her backpack or gym bag. The advantage to using one of these is that they normally have a screw lid with a waterproof seal, so if your DD didn't think and tossed a wet swimsuit on top of the case, water still wouldn't get to the aid. They come in bright colors, too. These very bling-y ones were on Amazon:

I don't think DD is prepared for the change - like you said above - not realizing all that she's been missing. But, she is really looking forward to it since she's really now becoming aware that she actually IS missing out sometimes.

Her aid should (fingers crossed) last her 3 years. With only the length of the tube changing due to growth. Nice to know I didn't miss something about a mold

Such a good suggestion on the pill fob - especially if it is waterproof! I probably would still want to put in some cushioning though.

Tomorrow is the big day. This whole process got moved up last minute so I'm not as on the ball as I feel I should be.

So much to think about! You guys are great!!

 

[mnrose]

My son's aid came with a case, AND a small (lunch box size) bag into which the case and all the accessories fit. He keeps his in the desicant container that we were also given (helps keep the aid dry). All of this came with the hearing aid.

He is very good at putting it in the case, and we've never had a lost/misplaced aid...he's had his for almost a decade.

 

[lilaurora]

My son's aid came with a case, AND a small (lunch box size) bag into which the case and all the accessories fit. He keeps his in the desicant container that we were also given (helps keep the aid dry). All of this came with the hearing aid. He is very good at putting it in the case, and we've never had a lost/misplaced aid...he's had his for almost a decade.

That's really interesting to hear. Maybe the extra things as it's for a child? At the very least we will have something from the audiologist tomorrow and depending on what we come home with, I can take advantage of all the great ideas/advice given here to fill in where needed.

And thanks for the hope that it's not a given that she'll lose it.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I wear in the canal hearing aids (for 20 years) so mine are a little smaller. As others have said you will get a case. I was also given a small change purse type case to keep in my purse. Another idea might be to look in the sporting goods section of a store like Target and buy the small plastic case that is designed for mouthpieces used in sports. You could line it with some foam or fabric. It may be larger than you need but a child so young you might want a case that is a little larger so it doesn't get accidentally dropped or disappear in a backpack, etc. You could also keep a packet of batteries in the case so you have them if needed.

I buy my batteries at Amazon for fairly decent prices. I don't have Costco membership so I've never checked there. My audiologist recommends that Rayovac actually last the longest and I've found this to be true over the years in comparison with other brands I've tried.

As others have said please warn your DD about pets and batteries. They are deadly if swallowed!

It is a good idea to discuss with your DD's school. It is mind boggling how the general public does not understand hearing loss. So many people (educated, nice people) will see the aids and start yelling when they talk to you. Hearing aids also make people treat you like you are less than competent in brain function as well. I've had the worst experiences of this type with medical professionals, doctors, nurses, etc. You'd think they'd know better, but no!

Getting used to hearing aids takes at least a month for your brain to be re-trained on how it processes the sounds. Wearing hearing aids is not at all like wearing glasses where you put them on and your vision is back to 20/20. Hearing aids help, but they won't restore perfect hearing. Give your DD space and time to adjust and be prepared for her to be extra irritated or crabby during the process. It can be very overwhelming don't take it personally!

Good luck to your DD!

 

[Happy Snowman]

I don't think DD is prepared for the change - like you said above - not realizing all that she's been missing. But, she is really looking forward to it since she's really now becoming aware that she actually IS missing out sometimes.

Her aid should (fingers crossed) last her 3 years. With only the length of the tube changing due to growth. Nice to know I didn't miss something about a mold

Such a good suggestion on the pill fob - especially if it is waterproof! I probably would still want to put in some cushioning though.

Tomorrow is the big day. This whole process got moved up last minute so I'm not as on the ball as I feel I should be.

So much to think about! You guys are great!!

It can be a bit overwhelming to get used to the HA's at first. Just make sure she gives it enough time. Plan on at least 3 weeks. I will ditto what others have said about the ear mold fitting just right. She really shouldn't "notice" it in her ear all that much after the initial adjustment period. The over the ear style she is getting is actually very comfortable so if she has any issues, she needs to get back in and have them checked for proper fit.

They should come with some insurance for a few years. Adding to your homeowners insurance may or may not be a good idea. Depending on what comes with the HA's themselves, I found that after that insurance ended, it wasn't cost effective to carry insurance through our homeowners policy. The break even period was longer than the HA's would last. My most recent pair were $6600 so it is a concern! I usually get about 6-7 years out of a pair of HA's but for a growing child, it's hard to know how long they will last. At least with the style you are getting, chances are only the molds will need to be replaced.

I have a couple smaller, neoprene type cases that are padded that I keep in my purse similar to this http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0318.html . I also have a small, hard side case that came with my HA's that were handy as well. I did a google search under small, padded zipper bags for that. A bunch of Etsy stuff showed up so that might be a good place to look. Camping/hiking places, REI type stores, are also good for finding small, weatherproof cases for various things.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Since I had mentioned 'Frozen'... this is the Disney DIS boards after all!!

I wonder if this might work, if you could add some carefully cut foam in the bottom, and foam or just felt, in the top.

http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Frozen...8923873&sr=1-180&keywords=disneys+frozen+case

 

[lilaurora]

Hi, All!

So today was the day! My DD was nervous to say the least. The audiologist was super. Cleaning and battery changes are easy. It came with a small bag to hold ALL the supplies (like a lunch bag as mentioned upthread) plus a rectangular plastic case. I asked about extra cases and she came back with a small oval plastic case with a place especially for a spare battery. She also had a slim "pleather" case. I took both She said if we wanted more, let her know any time!

No molding in the hearing aid, just a little plug thing that goes in her ear canal, so no worries with that.

It's both warrantied and insured for three years. Warranty is on defects and insurance is for damage with a $350 deductible. One time claim only for both. After three years, our health insurance will pay for another one (unless they change it the benefit between now and then....). We are so fortunate to have that benefit.

DD was cheered up when she saw the reusable stickers she could use to decorate the aid. And she can get more whenever she needs!

Thank you again to everyone who generously took time with your advice and suggestions!!