Hearing aids?

[drobertson]

I was able to go south and visit dad for the last week, while watching a bowl game with the extended family the ole timers were comparing hearing aids.  I had no idea that the cost was so high, but anyway after the bragging was over ;D  and we got home I asked dad if I could try his.  Let it be known I've never in recent history had a hearing test, but knew that there is some loss in hearing.
After dealing with dad and my wife jerking my chain and enjoying it, I stepped outside, and now I'm a believer, I heard the night bugs of S.C. for the first time in years.  Just wondering if there are many folks that have hearing aids and if the price has to be so high for good results?    david

[beenthere]

Just wondering if there are many folks that have hearing aids and if the price has to be so high for good results?

"so high" as what? 

[Onthesauk]

If you are a veteran, glasses and hearing aids are one of the things the VA will provide at no cost.  Bit of a chore to go through the paper work but at least in the cases of hearing aids it's quite a savings.

Had a friend two days ago who had an exam and estimate at Costco.  Just over $1,800 a pair.

[Dan_Shade]

what?

I think I have some hearing loss, but I'm not old enough for hearing aids....  :)

[Southside]

My dad got a pair last year, some new style. $8,000.

[LeeB]

There is a pretty wide range of prices depending on the type and style of aid you get. Service package also makes a big difference. The providers also have a lot of wiggle room on the price. My last pair lists for $8k and change. Negotiated down to $6k. This is for a pretty fancy in the ear model. Behind the ear models can be had for much less, again dependent on style and options. Please don't think you are too young to need them. You are only cheating yourself out of contact with the world around you and the people you know.

[goose63]

I got mine from the V A I did not know a news paper made so much noise  :new_year:

[drobertson]

Dads were around 3400 a pair, Harold's were right at 5K,  I just never knew they were this expensive, and I agree with LeeB, if they can be bought there's no reason to think we are too young,  I knew I was missing the sounds of the woods, just didn't know how much I was missing. 

[sawguy21]

After getting flak at work and from my wife over my loud voice, I went for a hearing test. Turns out I had some loss largely in one ear due to a previous sinus infection. The first pair I had were merely amplifiers, they turned up the volume but didn't filter the noise. They were uncomfortable and sounded tinny. They also were not covered by WorkSafe which I didn't find out until after I bought them for $1500. I wasn't happy with the hearing center, they should have known this.
I got a pair of hearing aids, there is a difference, which were covered. That's a good thing at 3500 bucks. Huge improvement, I can now hear lower frequency sounds that I was missing. I can also adjust them to filter out background noise in loud environments. High frequency sounds like our one dog's yip hurt, I make sure they come out before entering the house after work.

[cinnabar]

When I lost my hearing 3 years ago I tried 4 different types of aids.  It took almost a year to get it right.  The audiologist worked hard to find the right fit for my type of loss.   Cost was around 5K.  Next ones I get will not have half the features I have now.  The loss I have is not "old age" so just pumping up the volume is no answer. 
I have sudden loss in both ears (SSNL).  Can't hear music or most mid range sounds well, lots of distortion, tinnitius and hypercaucus.  Lost my hearing in 45 min. and was wearing ear protection at the time.(rifle range) I was back for a recheck with the Doc last week and have lost 10 points in voice recognition since my last test.  There is no fix for me, so I protect what I still have.  I don't run the paper shredder or stand mixer without my muffs on!
"When you lose your sight, you lose touch with things, when you lose your hearing you lose touch with people." Helen Keller

[Magicman]

 

 
Here are mine that I got last year.  They are computer tuned to amplify the frequencies that I do not hear well.  Many of these frequencies were preventing me from understanding speech.  It has a Bluetooth option where I could answer my cell phone but I did not want to have to carry the the little remote thingy.  I have three different hearing/sound environments that I can select.  They were $4K+.

[Bru]

Mine look similar to the ones above, but are older and do not have the Bluetooth. They are "tuned" to my specific hearing loss ("artillery ears" from crewing a 105 howitzer, plus small arms). Mine were only about $2500 for the pair. And no, the VA didn't pay a dime. Your mileage may vary, depending on your military postings.

[luvmexfood]

My father was totally without hearing unless he had his in. When he was in the hospital last time before his death they lost his. Took him in an ambulance to the ENT place to get a new one. He was in such bad shape he could not even stay concious for a test.

The older staff remembered him well from many years of being a patient. Just had them order the strongest beltone they could get which pretty much went along with what the audiologist said to get based on 20 plus years of seeing him. He passed the morning it came in. Does anyone know of a place that purchases used hearing aids? Tried donating them to a free clinic but no takers.

[valley ranch]

Wifey says I'm as deaf as a post she bought those Lee Majors hearing aids, they were only about $50. They work well but I forget to put it in most of the time.

[21incher]

I have been wearing them since 1995. I was told that I have a calcium build up on the three little bones in my ears and they do not conduct the sound properly. The last set I purchased in 1999 is a in the ear analog type that was custom made by Starkey with a couple of extra DB added to make them last longer. The total cost back then was $1600.00 for the pair. I can't believe they have lasted 16 years, but now they are starting to act up and need to be replaced. It sounds like a new pair will cost at least twice what my last pair cost because no one offers the analog type anymore so I must switch to digital which seem to be less reliable from what I am reading. I wish Obamacare had done something to help with the cost of hearing aids as my insurance company will not pay a penny where they would pay for 50k of operations to replace the bones which may solve the problems with my hearing if sucessfull. Once you get them you will find out How much you are missing.

[valley ranch]

Just came back by this thread, and was reminded, so I put in the aid.

This one as I mentioned was $50 ~ are the very expensive ones so much better that they are necessary?

[Hilltop366]

I have a uncle in Arizona that has hearing aids, I'm pretty sure he took a little vacation to Mexico to get his a a much reduced cost.

[LeeB]

I paid $6k for my last pair. Was not happy with them after several attempts to make them right. They scrapped them and made me a new pair. I walk in any time I want with no appointment and get good service for the life of the hearing aids. My old pair is 7 years plus and I still get the same service for them. Not all of the cost is for the aids themselves. For $50 you get amplifiers across all wavelengths of sound. You may be doing more damage than good.

[21incher]

Last week they opened up a new Costco near me. My old hearing aids have been acting up lately so I got a appointment for today. They gave me the best hearing test I have ever had, then loaded up a demo set of aids with my test results and let me walk around the store with then for a hour to test them in real world conditions. They spent 2 hours with me testing and setting up the demos and ran out of time due to other appointments. They then set up another 4 hour appointment for me in 2 weeks to demo two more different brands of aids so I can see which ones work best for me before buying them. What a difference going from 16 year old 1 channel analog aids to the latest 4 core processor 42 channel digital aids that talk to each other. They do all this for free with no commitment and their aids are at least 50% lower cost then anyone else in my area with a longer warranty including loss and damage. So far I am impressed with their service and would recommend them as a good place to start if you have problems hearing your loved ones and want to see if hearing aids would help you with no cost or commitment required.

[WV Sawmiller]

Got several hearing aid related jokes a while back. See below:

Man was having trouble with his hearing aids so went to see his doctor. Replaced with new model and man could hear perfectly. Dr. saw him several weeks later and asked patient what his family thought about his corrected hearing. Man told him "I haven't told them. I have changed my will 3 times in last 2 weeks though."

Dr. saw elderly patient and he had a hot young lady friend and they were having a blast. Dr. told the man he looked like he was having a good time. Patient said "I'm just following your advice." Dr. asked what he meant. Man said "Remember at the last visit you told me to have a hot mama and be cheerful?" Dr. Said " Come by next week and we'll check your hearing again. What I said was 'You have a heart murmur and be careful'."

[21incher]

Well I was way overdue for new hearing  aids and got tested again at Costco.  60% loss in the left ear and 90% in the right. Really was losing word recognition and having a hard time understanding women with soft voices and the tv.  Before Thanksgiving I got tested and ordered a new set of the Jabra enhance pro 200 with custom earmolds plus a remote  microphone for my wife to wear in noisy conditions.  Well technology has really advanced in the last couple years and they have the latest Bluetooth le audio and auracast connectivity that will soon replace the telecoil in public places like airports to clearly stream broadcasting directly  into  the aids for clear sounds. They also remap the lost  frequencies to areas you can hear in giving unbelievable results in speech recognition.  All for under 2k. Rechargeable and sealed so they are water resistant along with a fantastic app for the phone. I have an android phone and have to answer the phone manually but with an I phone you just tap the aid with a finger  to answer your phone. I recommend anyone that has hearing problems see an ENT specialist or at minimum get a test and demo at Costco or dispenser of your choice to see what you're missing.

[Dan_Shade]

I have a set of widex resounds, I've had them for almost 7 years, I recently replaced the receiver wires on them.  I'm hoping for an additional 7 years...

The costs seem to be coming down and the bluetooth would be nice to have.

[21incher]

I have a set of widex resounds, I've had them for almost 7 years, I recently replaced the receiver wires on them.  I'm hoping for an additional 7 years...

The costs seem to be coming down and the bluetooth would be nice to have.

My Rextons were almost 8 years old but didn't have the ability to improve speech recognition and couldn't  be pumped up anymore. Plus manufacturers support had ended.  The new Jabras are the first models available with the Le audio Bluetooth that uses very little  power and compresses the sound better without degrading it for the best sounding Bluetooth yet.   The Auracast is awesome  technology that will make things like earbuds sound better and allow broadcasting a shared stream of high quality  sound in public places and from things like TVs that aren't affected by background noise. This will eventually force all audio Bluetooth away from proprietary versions and reduce power consumption of devices.  Android devices  are lagging behind implementing le audio so I probably will have to upgrade to an IPhone to gain all the benefits.   

[Dan_Shade]

@21incher

You'll have to check back in with us to report on the status of your "selective hearing" with your wife having a dedicated microphone.

:D

[Magicman]

I ain't fallin' for dat trap.   

[21incher]

@21incher

You'll have to check back in with us to report on the status of your "selective hearing" with your wife having a dedicated microphone.

:D

I have a button that can turn it off instantly  . If I ever wonder off and get lost she can actually  find me on Google maps now within a couple feet with the find his hearing aide feature  ;D 1984 has arrived in our home  8)

[sawguy21]

 :D If I'm lost I can find myself lol. I have the Oticon Exceed which although a pita at times really do help. They are programmed to enhance the weak range unlike the relatively inexpensive box store brands that amplify the whole spectrum which is not what I need. They are not a perfect solution, they don't separate conversation from background noise and I can't determine the direction of the source. And a kids scream really hurts!

[21incher]

It was a pretty  cool fitting.  She put the REM tubes in and then had recordings play at each frequency range against  my audiogram. Took a couple passes in each range and the software was able to remap the lost ranges into frequencies that I could hear within 5db across the entire audiogram.  Could watch it on the computer screen and really hear the difference. Then the results went in the aids. The app let's me fine tune things for my environment and then she can update me remotely if I find I need changes made.  Also auto firmware updates through the app.  For $1600 at Costco they are the same Resound aids that cost 6k at an audiologist minus the tinnitus feature which I don't need anyway. Costco  gives a full 3 year warranty and will replace each one once if it it lost or damaged that I really like. Beautiful custom earmolds for $39 bucks each were required  for my loss and the extra powerful receivers.  The technology packed in these tiny (smallest rechargeable in the world ) aids is amazing. 

[Magicman]

If I ever wonder off and get lost she can actually  find me on Google maps now within a couple feet

Will that work if I'm not actually lost but I've only lost my mind??   ???

My insurance (Advantage Plan) through AT&T changed from Humana to UHC on January 1st.  My Resounds are approaching 10 years old and are not "replacement parts" supported anymore so it will be interesting to see what is offered when one of them croaks.   

[21incher]

I don't have insurance so pretty much limited to Costco aids but luckily they offer premium technology now.  There  was a promise Medicare would cover them by 2024 but it turned out being a big nothing. If you wait another year the AI aides may even be able to translate languages from speech  .

[TroyC]

I use Costco also and just replaced my old Rextons with the new Phillips. Pretty much the Jabra description on setting up and mapping what I can't hear into something I can hear. My old ones were 4 yrs old and the new technology is awesome. The Phillips App isn't great but the aids themselves appear to be very close in performance to the Jabras. The app does have the aid locator and it works pretty good. Upgraded my Android phone and everything from the phone goes to the aids now. Even running the mill with protectors on you get phone messages and I can almost understand phone calls.

If your aids are more than 4 yrs old and you have a Costco nearby, definitely check them out. $1500 at Costco and 8K otherwise.

[21incher]

The Phillips have a slightly smarter AI implementation then the Jabras.  I went with the Jabras for the low energy  usage with my severe hearing loss. I went 18 hours  yesterday and still had 60% power left even with  being connected  to my tablet with a lot of streaming the entire time.  Tehe battery life is just amazing being half the size of the Rextons.  Another  thing is being sealed units they are water resistant and sweat in the summer shouldn't shut them down like my Rextons would do. The phone calls are extremely clear on them but I need to hold the phone  up and use the microphone in it because I don't use an IPhone that uses the aid microphones.  All the Costco aids are top tiered now but Costco does not enable the higher features  like tinnitus that require a licensed audiologist to enable. Costco only uses fitters and will not sell you aids if you show a need for other features during the initial test.

[TroyC]

I'll check battery % tonight when I drop them in the charger. The new standard for hearing aid power consumption is very low and the aids stay connected to the phone or tablet all the time. I've worn aids since 2007 and this new one is the best I've ever had. I don't need ear molds yet but use double lip closed domes. My loss is 100% above 4k and converting the upper frequency loss to something useful is awesome. Doesn't fix everything but a remarkable improvement.

I went with the Phillips on the Costco Dr recommendation. He fit me with several and without knowing which I had on I chose the Phillips. I asked about differences in these and the Jabras and he explained about the App being not as good but the aids themselves being excellent. I dont mess with the App much so it is fine with me.

I like the Costco business model. They are non-commission and don't try to push things on you. Several times previously they tuned my old aids instead of selling me new ones. The warranty is great and they replaced a couple of speakers for me free on my old ones. The only downside is you might have to wait for an appointment for your initial test. The new aids can be adjusted over the Internet so it can save you a trip to Costco for minor adjustments to programming.

Edit- aids have been on over 13 hours and are at 48% battery.

[firefighter ontheside]

Even if your insurance won't cover hearing aids, it will cover a hearing test.  For those who have hearing loss, especially only on one side, please go to an actual Audiologist.  They know much more about what is going on with your hearing than a tech at costco.  My wife is an audiologist with a  masters degree and doctorate degree in hearing.  She occasionally has people who come to her with a sudden loss on one side and some of them have a tumor causing this loss.  These people get referred to a surgeon for further care.  At least ask when you get a hearing test if the person doing the test is an actual audiologist.  One of the new things for her in the last several years is cochlear implants.  Folks come to her for evaluation to see if they are a candidate.  If they are a candidate, she refers them to the surgeons who do the surgery.  Then after a while they come back to her for the rest of their care and to have the implant turned on for the first time.

[21incher]

Actually the fitters at Costco will not sell you aids when there are certain flags in the paperwork or testing I was told. They will instruct you to see a ENT doctor first for a diagnosis and prescription. Their techs are all fully certified and licensed by the state of NY now and seem very knowledgeable. My first fit is almost perfect this time. If you have a sudden change of anything best to see your  primary  care physician and have them direct you to the proper care. For me with a 30 year diagnosed loss and no insurance Costco is a smart choice to keep 4 to 5 grand in my pocket with a 6 month trial period and full replacement 3 year warranty including loss and lifetime cleanings, adjustments,  and wax guards included in the purchase price. The biggest issue is they are booked almost 4 months out for new customer testing due to a shortage of licensed fitters. Since Costco started offering top tier aids the lines have gotten very long.
 
Same with the new glasses I just had to get after cataract surgery.  My eye doctor / surgeons office wanted $350.00 for the cheapest glasses plus $160.00 additional for the 32 mm bifocals I like after the Medicare allowance. I got the prescription from him and got the exact same glasses plus no glare coating for $152.00 without any insurance and the second pair of prescription sunglasses for $122.00.  The cheapest frames in the doctors office were $250 alone and I got the same frames for $59.00 at Costco.  For routine replacement parts without  insurance Costco can't  be beat I am finding.  Plus I get 4% of the purchase price back at the end of the year. 

best to get diagnosed properly by insurance covered doctors for any health issue  and then shop around for the best pricing on the equipment if not covered by insurance once you have the prescription I find. 

[firefighter ontheside]

Yes, they have to have a dispenser license.  A license involves a few weeks of training and passing an exam.  A dispenser may not have the knowledge to catch every red flag.  An audiologist will usually have at least 8 years of college under their belt.  I'm not saying you shouldn't go to Costco.  I'm just saying be cautious, and maybe get an exam from an audiologist first.  The same way you got your prescription for eye glasses from the eye doc and then got the glasses from costco.

[Texas Ranger]

I got my first hearing aids, Oticons, through VA, good.  Later when VA guy left went to an audiologist with doctorial in hearing.  Spent two or three as much time as the VA doc did, and VA paid for it.  either VA did a poor job or my hearing had deteriorated in 4 years.  Got new Oticon battery powered, travelling with a charger is a pain, particularly when you already have chargers for all the other "important" electric devices we, "wife", decides we need on a trip.

On aids you "pays yo money and takes yo changes", particularly with a store front that may or may not have a trained audiologist on staff.

[21incher]

Actually  the license  in NY requires a long apprenticeship also for Costco fitters. My ENT doctor gave me a prescription for the aids and I shopped around.   You wouldn't  believe what 2 of the first places I checked wanted for lower level devices.  Guess someone has to pay for those big fancy office buildings they were in and the constant mailers I get from them. Everyone has different  requirements and should never accept devices they have doubts about. Its the law that there is a trial period in NY.  With  OTC devices available  now and online AI doing the fitting I feel much safer having a person I can call. There is no guessing with the advancement of the fitting software Costco now uses and with auto firmware updates there is no reason for constant follow ups for the latest features. You also have access directly to GN for support through the app. There are several good sites for research and  a good Ear Nose, and Throat doctor will answer alot of your questions about hearing loss to start with and what direction to head in to live with it. Medicare will not cover visits to audiologists without them being prescribed by a doctor and only covers the initial testing if the answer is hearing aids.

[Ed_K]

 I noticed that wearing my aids that the ringing in my ears goes away. Anyone else noticed that?

[Texas Ranger]

My ringing does not go away but is less noticeable.  I think the better hearing may mask it some.

[petefrom bearswamp]

I use Costco for my aids.
Have Phillips now for 2 years and they are OK but not great.
Our insurance pays up to $3,000 per pair every three years, I have one to go.
Probably a big advance will be made in the 3 yr period since I got my current pair.
I have lost a couple over the last 10 years but Costco only replaces 1 within 3 yrs.

[firefighter ontheside]

Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is most noticeable when things are most quiet.  For those with hearing loss, things are most quiet when not wearing their aids.  Wearing the aids and hearing more of the ambient sound causes you to notice the ringing less. 

[TroyC]

I agree that wearing the aids tends to mask a lot of the ringing. I've dealt with tinnitus for many years and with the aids in I don't notice it nearly as much.

[Ed_K]

 Y'all are right, it just mask the noise. I hear what sounds like a water falls. I thought it was gone but on Saturday the batteries wore out, so I put new ones in. The water falls was there but real low, I was hoping it was gone no such luck.