Hearing problem solutions needed

[DeaconBlues]

I've lost hearing completely in the the high ranges and some of the mid ranges are starting to get a little garbled and unfortunately I don't see it getting better. The two big issues for me are warning alarms in the high range and VHF in the cockpit. I have a good working VHF at the nav station and I can easily hear it in when down below but the remote mic at the helm only works as a mic and not a speaker. I would like to be able to put VHF through speakers above the helm on the arch of my Hunter 41AC. Has anyone rigged one this way or are there better solutions. Also, if you have any suggestions on the alarms, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks

[JPA Cate]

Deacon Blues,

For the alarms, you can buy shrieker alarms that penetrate my hearing loss, anyway, it has turned the feeble beep beep to a high volume irritating noise. Icom make a VHF with a remote mic/speaker, and I can hear that when turned most of the way up (engine sounds tend to over ride it, at lower volume.)

I would also recommend you figure out hand signals for communicating with crew at the bow.

Good luck with it, it sure is frustrating.

Ann

[weavis]

Originally Posted by DeaconBlues

I've lost hearing completely in the the high ranges and some of the mid ranges are starting to get a little garbled and unfortunately I don't see it getting better. The two big issues for me are warning alarms in the high range and VHF in the cockpit. I have a good working VHF at the nav station and I can easily hear it in when down below but the remote mic at the helm only works as a mic and not a speaker. I would like to be able to put VHF through speakers above the helm on the arch of my Hunter 41AC. Has anyone rigged one this way or are there better solutions. Also, if you have any suggestions on the alarms, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks

One other method is to rig the audio signal to a series of high powered lights to notifiy you of incoming calls.

[DeaconBlues]

Thanks Ann. I've got an Icon mic/speaker but the speaker part doesn't work. I looked at replacing it ($200) but think the speaker part is so small that it wouldn't be loud or clear enough. I'm thinking of trying to rig the VHF from below to drive the speakers on the arch above the help which is just inches over my head. Good point on the signals too. Experienced that this weekend and will rehearse prior to the next trip. The shriek alarms sound irritating to me.

[model 10]

Back up alarms from construction equipment. Water proof, loud etc. I had bury the outlet in dense foam to lower the decibels.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by DeaconBlues

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...
The shriek alarms sound irritating to me.

That, of course, is the point of an alarm!

And FWIW, many (most?) VHF sets have external speaker output terminals for doing just what you want re speakers in the arch. RTFM, and it will likely point out this feature if present.

Cheers,

Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by DeaconBlues

Thanks Ann. I've got an Icon mic/speaker but the speaker part doesn't work. I looked at replacing it ($200) but think the speaker part is so small that it wouldn't be loud or clear enough. I'm thinking of trying to rig the VHF from below to drive the speakers on the arch above the help which is just inches over my head. Good point on the signals too. Experienced that this weekend and will rehearse prior to the next trip. The shriek alarms sound irritating to me.

If you nav station VHF works for you, consider buying a handheld. Standard Horizon has the loudest speakers I've heard (and I, too, have hearing issues). If you're far enough away from something to require the masthead antenna, put her on autopilot and go below. If you're close enough, the HH will work just fine.

Louder alarms that require foam covers, are better than ones you can't hear. Lights are better anyway for alarms.

[Nicholson58]

not being able to hear women's and children's voices is God's reward

[Snore]

I am not being sarcastic as my wife has a hearing loss and my daughter is an audiologist (AuD).

Consider using your older or a cheapo set of hearing aids while on deck. It will also facilitate communication with the crew--- trust me on that one!!!!

[DeaconBlues]

I've been getting similar council from my family.

[Suijin]

FYI the speaker in my remote Standard Horizon mic is loud as hell, in case a new set is in your future. I usually keep the volume at around 1/4, and even that is too loud at times.