those of you who want to try out using stereos with hearings aids or linking into amps might want to talk to Connevans or Phonic Ear. They used to do radio systems that linked up to stereos etc. The new MLX radio systems that work with analogue hearing aids can be connected to TV's and walkman so I guess they will have an adapter for stereos and amps. There is also a system called a portable sound field for those of you who are 'listeners' you can postition the mic which is directional at the front ot the room and then you have the speaker which is about the size of a pencil case next to you - helps if you want to go to concerts and you are not sure if they have a loop etc.

I teach deaf children music and one of the best pionists I ever met was deaf - she could feel the music. I think with people who go deaf suddenly or over time the experience is very different. You have lost a main sense and cant compensate with the feel of the vibrations as easily - low tone instruments are the best - violas/ cellos if you have the space/ double bass/ bass guitars dare I say bodhrans or buffalo drums or any instrument that has really good vibrations through its case etc. Its then a question of practicing to get the feel of the instrument. Sining takes a lot of practice using a tuner - guitar tuner - that lights of when you get the right pitch can help you practice getting the right starting note.

Asking people to be honest with you is another great help. Sometimes you are worse than you think sometimes you are better but if people dont tell you you cant improve.

As for cochlear implants - beware - unlike digital aids they change sound to an electronic noise ( Dalek like) rather than condensing sounds into your hearing range. They are very effective but you have to learn to interpret the new sounds and it is not a quick fix.

For those of you in the UK Rock chicks advice about checking out access to work is great - a friend had her new digital aids paid for by access to work and she is thrilled.