Hearing Aids

D

don novicki

Active member
I hate to put this out there, but is there a decent hearing aid out there that doesn't cost thousands? I've tried some of the amplifiers, but the static they make drives me nuts. I did have a Beltone a few years ago but the dam thing worked for about 1.5 years and then crapped out when it was out of warranty and it wasn't a cheap date. I know that being able to hear is what you really want but come on 5000. for a set is ridiculous, and frankly I can't afford that. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks fellas.
 
don novicki said:
I hate to put this out there, but is there a decent hearing aid out there that doesn't cost thousands? I've tried some of the amplifiers, but the static they make drives me nuts. I did have a Beltone a few years ago but the dam thing worked for about 1.5 years and then crapped out when it was out of warranty and it wasn't a cheap date. I know that being able to hear is what you really want but come on 5000. for a set is ridiculous, and frankly I can't afford that. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks fellas.
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I heard that tetra hearing is a hearing aid that's not "approved as a medical device" I know they offer a hearing test and 30 days money back. They cost $600 if I remember right and take hearing aid batteries.
 
I've worn hearing aids now for over half my 72 years on earth. While I have never tried one of the "cheap amplifiers" now touted as an aid to hearing, I can say with confidence, you get what you pay for.
Over the years, the quality of the devices I have worn has grown exponentially. Yes there are still certain situations in which I don't hear as well as I would like to hear. Yet there are other situations where I could not function without the features and the quality built into a more expensive hearing aid.

Perhaps you should check into the supplemental Medicare insurances which claim to cover hearing expenses. (if you are of the age to be covered under Medicare and Medicaid)
 
don novicki said:
I hate to put this out there, but is there a decent hearing aid out there that doesn't cost thousands? I've tried some of the amplifiers, but the static they make drives me nuts. I did have a Beltone a few years ago but the dam thing worked for about 1.5 years and then crapped out when it was out of warranty and it wasn't a cheap date. I know that being able to hear is what you really want but come on 5000. for a set is ridiculous, and frankly I can't afford that. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks fellas.
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Don,
Costco is the largest supplier of hearing aids in the nation. They sell their Costco brand or name brand manufacturers. They are excellent high quality devices. I am on my second pair and the features and warranty are top notch. Cost is around 1,200 to 1,500 with a 3 year replacement warranty and free service cleaning and repairs. And , no I am not a costco employee or stock holder, that I know of.

RVZ
 
We don't have a Costco locally but I might have to find the closest one and check it out. Yes Dave I am on Medicare so I will look into that also. Thanks everyone.
 
I agree with Dave. You get what you pay for. Hearing aids improved the quality of my life greatly. Studies have shown that good hearing also improves longevity. When it comes to hearing aids and eye glasses I pay the price and enjoy the rewards. Why cheat yerself?


my 2 cents
 
don novicki said:
I hate to put this out there, but is there a decent hearing aid out there that doesn't cost thousands? I've tried some of the amplifiers, but the static they make drives me nuts. I did have a Beltone a few years ago but the dam thing worked for about 1.5 years and then crapped out when it was out of warranty and it wasn't a cheap date. I know that being able to hear is what you really want but come on 5000. for a set is ridiculous, and frankly I can't afford that. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks fellas.
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Don, I have hearing aids from Jabara Its all done on line. Reasonable cost ($1200 I think) VERY good customer service.
 
Hearing Specialist here, and the short answer is yes and no. There are many factors that play into fitting hearing aids which include but not limited to, the size of your ear canal, your over all hearing loss, allergies or irritations, power (battery or rechargeable), vanity and cost. I personally only fit and sell Starkey hearing aids which is the only American made hearing aid. The reason for this is because of their product and customer service.

There is a huge difference between amplifiers ($20-$3000), and hearing aids ($2000-10,000). Amplifiers will just make things louder and not clearer sound. Hearing aids Are frequency specific and require a hearing test to program for your specific loss.

Don, I agree with huntindave in the fact that you do get what you pay for. More people don’t need top of the line hearing aids with all the bells and whistles but I do not recommend getting a cheap set somewhere. Our average price for hearing aids is $3500-3750+tax, msrp around 5k. ENTs usually charge the most for hearing aids and the will carry the exact same hearing aids as your local hearing aid providers. You can bargain with most hearing providers and some will even take trades. I have traded for guns, tractors and even guided hunts. We have a lot of patients that have gone to Costco for a cheaper hearing aid and then and up coming back to use to buy another set because the costco aids didn’t compare in sound quality for their loss. For best practice, buy nice or buy twice.

Service is also very important. Online hearing aids, do not have the same service as hearing aids that are bought locally. If someone walks in my office saying that their HAs aren’t working, the majority of time, it’s wax. It takes me 3 seconds to fix and show them how to change the filters to save them a trip down. If you buy a HA online, you don’t have anyone local to work on your HA and have to send off any time there is an issue and are out a minimum of a week each time you need any sort of service. Service is extremely important for our older patients and a lot of that is due to dexterity, sight and memory issues.

We also carry refinished or used hearing aids that are much cheaper so also ask if your provider has any of those. Hope this helps.
 
Long time hearing aid user here. I would add to Mike's comments that personalized fitting and tuning of the aides is critical. With my most recent pair I returned to the audiologist three or four times for fitting and tuning adjustments after purchase. I can return at any time for more adjustment.

Also, my new aides are paired with a gizmo that plugs into the TV. The sound plays directly into my ears. Now my wife can listen at a reasonable volume while I can adjust the volume (Iphone app) that only I hear. A fantastic side benefit.
 
I agree with Mr. Ryan. The service and care from the hearing specialist that I go to close by is first rate. In fact I have a new hearing test in about a week and after that the hearing aids will be tweaked to meet my needs. We have hunting and fishing gear that costs thousands of dollars. How much is good hearing worth? If we get the Cicada "hatch" that is forecast I may not wear my hearing aids while fly fishing like I do.
 
The audiologist I use has access to several hearing aid brands. Apparently they all differ in their ability to accentuate different frequencies. I have severe loss at high frequencies. Because of that, the audiologist suggested the ReSound brand. Another advantage to using an audiologist I believe.
 
This is such a valuable discussion. While I don't currently use hearing aids, I am acutely aware of how long term hearing loss affects cognitive ability, after watching this happen to my dad over many years. I do have some hearing loss, as virtually everyone does over time (I am 65). I am going to discuss audio testing with my Dr. as part of my annual physical this summer. If it is time, I am going to move forward and not put it off. I want to get ahead of a problem if I have one and I should know that after all of this. I also appreciate Mike Ryan's (and others with experience) input on this. Think hard about what you are buying and if it really addresses your problem.
 
Matt Mahoney said:
The audiologist I use has access to several hearing aid brands. Apparently they all differ in their ability to accentuate different frequencies. I have severe loss at high frequencies. Because of that, the audiologist suggested the ReSound brand. Another advantage to using an audiologist I believe.
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Matt Mahoney said:
Ironic that you mention ReSound brand. That is what I have from Costco.
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Again, if you have a Costco nearby it would be worth it to at least comparison shop their products. There is a lot of markup in the hearing aid world.

RVZ
 
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