Folks, I am just back from Dublin and have had the "fitment" and had two x 30minite sessions.
My thoughts, I'll give you all the details as some like it that way. I got the early flight to Dublin and got the Airhopper to the Claydon Hotel stop. There are two airporthoppers run by the same company. I suggest that you take the 777 signed to Tallaugh and ask to get dropped off at the hotel. The 777 picks you up from outside the hotel reception so handy place to sit if you have time to kill.
The bus is 11 Euros each way but I bought my ticket in advance online and it was 15 euros.
10 -15 minute walk to the hospital (use Google maps- Dead easy)
I got a very warm welcome from the staff. I had to fill in more questionnaires about my T and sleep. They checked that I had read and signed the contract. (I'll get to the money later). I then saw the audiologist again who did another check. I found her very engaging and reassuring. She attempted to measure my level of T but agreed that it is bit meaningless as it is very subjective. She then took more time to answer more of my questions. The important thing for me was that she seemed to genuinely want me to be better. We talked about successes and failures. I told her that I heard reports that for some people it makes it worse. She give me a two way answer. 1, For some people it was louder short term but them settled down. 2. Someone declined to start the course as they were frightened of it getting and staying louder. The choice to continue was mine.
All in all, I went to the fitting stage in a positive state of mind.
I met a lady who said "You are the chap doing the long cycle on Sunday. I saw you on the BTA webb site and recognised your name". What a small world we live in. She produced two smart and expensive looking boxes. One contained very posh blue tooth head phones and the other the Neuromod device with tongue sensor. She was very patient and told her that I have just changed to a smart phone and said goodbye to my Nokia 3210. IT not my strongest point. The device was preprogrammed for my hearing and was set up. It really is easy to use and very portable. Switch on device. Light goes green. Switch on head phones.. Light goes from blue to green. Put tongue sensor in mouth. Light goes green. Put on headphones . Read, relax, sit in garden etc. A session is 30 mins. suggested use 30 to 60 mins a day. I'll probably do one morning and one evening.
What do you hear? A mixture of white noise, waves, pulses. musical notes etc,. It is quite relaxing and not at all threatening or disturbing.
What do you feel? A very slight tingling on the tongue. No more and certainly not painful.
Is it easy to use? Yes.
When we were both satisfied that I could use it then I was allowed to leave with it. They have patience in abundance and want you to leave happy.
Money. There are three payment options. I paid a total of 2150 Euros up front. this includes a 15% discount. for the upfront payment. This suited me and will take it from my kids university fund/ inheritance pot. They do two other payment plans but I believe that she have to be resident in Ireland for the 10 payment plan.
They took payment by Credit Card. my bank charges 2.75% for foreign transaction and that is nearly another £70. I got myself a Halifax Clarity card who don't charge a thing and no yearly fees.
I left with my new toys and went to the restaurant. I had over an hour until by bus so found a quiet corner to have ago. I wanted them to be close at hand in case I got things wrong or was confused.
Put it together, put on my headphones and read my book. No side effects and the 30mins went very quickly. It gets quieter after 28mins then silent. Put every thing back in the box and made my way back to Dublin airport.
I was very early so got some lunch and then did the second 30 min session. I saw the person next to me give me a funny look with this plastic lolly sticking out of my mouth with a cable attached to it. Again, sat quietly and read my book. After 5mins I was totally unaware of the sound. Did notice until it stopped playing.
Again, no side effects and a pleasant way to spend 30mins.
They will ring me in three/four weeks for a telephone consultation. I have to go back and see the audiologist in another six weeks. Progress report and see if any adjustments are needed.
I will post some pictures but wanted to share my thoughts and experience whilst fresh in my head. Please feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer as honestly as possible.
I would describe my mood as cautiously optimistic. Hope that this will help you decide if it is worth trying.
Wishing you all peace and quiet.
Ade
