Hearing Aids? Suggestions?

[22-rimfire]

Got back from the ear doctor visit on a middle ear problem. He of course tested my hearing and my hearing has degraded to the point that he is recommending a hearing aid. This is a big life's decision for me. Put up with saying huh? or bite the bullet with a hearing aid????

I have pretty much decided to get a hearing aid. But I am not sure whether it's worth going through a doctor or doctor's office with an audiologist on staff, and just pay the money or should I look online with my options for essentially the same product at a much reduced price?

The audiologist told me that there would be a $500 charge to fit me and this and other visits are built into their price? I'm sure they are, but just how often do you actually have to visit the audiologist after the initial fitting? Those with experience, please share your thoughts. The doctor pricing appears to be at least double the cost of the actual hearing aid.

 

[Clydetz]

I am completely deaf in one ear (a hearing aid won't help) & wear a hearing aid in the other ear. I paid $1300 for the hearing aid and still do a lot of "HUHing" & "Could you repeat that?"
My advice is try out several brands, types, etc. before buying and have it fitted.

 

[floridaclipper]

Did this last year for a relative. He is happy with the choice and there is a range of features to explore. He wanted one that was invisible. The smaller the more expensive. It was molded for him so it is a perfect comfortable fit. There were several (4-6) follow up visits a week or two apart for adjustments to the power level to ensure the set up was good for him. Then it was spaced out for return visits every few months. All the follow up visits were included in the cost of the hearing aid. Cleanings are included as well. We used Beltone (in network with our insurance). I also found a promotion for free batteries for the first year and a coupon through my insurance company for a discount. We use about 1 battery per week. With the model he purchased he is not having difficulty using it while on the phone, no backfeed, no issues with the tv with or without the surround sound on. In an environment that is more active restaurants, shows, events it can be uncomfortable unless he turns it down. He needed 2 so we'll be getting another in January when our insurance allows us to get a second one. That's not recommended btw. They recommend if you need 2 to get both at the same time.

I would suggest shopping around as you are doing and ask the what's and whys. Just like knives I don't believe there is one best. It's whats best for what your needs and preferences are. Audio quality will vary across the different models. Most of the places that are dedicated to selling them were free to walk in and ask questions so we could determine what would work best for us. I took it with a grain of salt and talked with several providers, cross checked what they told me on the web before making a decision.

 

[Piso Mojado]

Did this last year for a relative. He is happy with the choice and there is a range of features to explore. He wanted one that was invisible. The smaller the more expensive. It was molded for him so it is a perfect comfortable fit. There were several (4-6) follow up visits a week or two apart for adjustments to the power level to ensure the set up was good for him. Then it was spaced out for return visits every few months. All the follow up visits were included in the cost of the hearing aid. Cleanings are included as well. We used Beltone (in network with our insurance). I also found a promotion for free batteries for the first year and a coupon through my insurance company for a discount. We use about 1 battery per week. With the model he purchased he is not having difficulty using it while on the phone, no backfeed, no issues with the tv with or without the surround sound on. In an environment that is more active restaurants, shows, events it can be uncomfortable unless he turns it down. He needed 2 so we'll be getting another in January when our insurance allows us to get a second one. That's not recommended btw. They recommend if you need 2 to get both at the same time.

I would suggest shopping around as you are doing and ask the what's and whys. Just like knives I don't believe there is one best. It's whats best for what your needs and preferences are. Audio quality will vary across the different models. Most of the places that are dedicated to selling them were free to walk in and ask questions so we could determine what would work best for us. I took it with a grain of salt and talked with several providers, cross checked what they told me on the web before making a decision.

+1 :thumbup:

Consider hearing aids with a programmable remote control. At first my wife didn't want to bother, but she learned that special programs really help with language classes, TV, live theater, etc. Tell the audiologist where you're still having trouble, they'll probably have a program for it. Return visits for programming should be included with the purchase price.

 

[22-rimfire]

I am completely deaf in one ear (a hearing aid won't help) & wear a hearing aid in the other ear. I paid $1300 for the hearing aid and still do a lot of "HUHing" & "Could you repeat that?"
My advice is try out several brands, types, etc. before buying and have it fitted.

They tell me that your brain thinks in terms of two ears and it is difficult to only have hearing on one side. There is the directional aspect, but there is also the fact that your brain normally uses impulses from two ears to process sound.

I was amazed at how many different companies make these things. The audiologist already explained the program feature versus a sound/volume control approach. I have no experience or reference point for this stuff. She also mentioned that they have hearing aids set up with blue tooth or similar for cell phones where the sound is fed directly into your ear. This is with newer Apple products.

 

[OldNavy]

I have an Oticon "AGIL", was amazed at the difference, it's programmable which is good since most people don't have a flat loss across all frequency bands.
can't comment on cost I get all my medical through the VA. But the equipment is top quality, and there are several models to choose from depending on how much boost you need.

 

[UffDa]

I am completely deaf in one ear (a hearing aid won't help) & wear a hearing aid in the other ear. I paid $1300 for the hearing aid and still do a lot of "HUHing" & "Could you repeat that?"
My advice is try out several brands, types, etc. before buying and have it fitted.

I am in the same boat. 99.9% deaf in my left ear and 40% loss in my right ear. I can hear with my hearing aid, but I have difficulty with some accents.
Also, a lot of people do not enunciate well and are difficult to understand.

Is there a Costco near you? A lot of them have hearing aids. The hearing test is free and the aids are reasonable. Also, since it's Costco, you can return
it if you don't like it.

My old Costco aid was 5 years old, and was working, but not well. I got a new one in January and it is much better. It cost $1300 and came with a remote control
and a TV streamer. It connects to the audio output of the TV or cable box and transmits to the aid. It works very well.

My last 3 hearing aids were the behind the ear types. They are very small now and almost unnoticeable unless you are looking for it. I also think that
it is more comfortable than the in the ear type.

I would not go to an audiologist unless you absolutely have to. They will do the same hearing test for $$$ that a hearing aid center will do for free.
I went that route for my first hearing aid and got hosed.