Hearing Aid Brands 2024: Basic Information about 6 Major Brands/Models

All:
I am considering the Costco Lexie B2 hearing aid (OTC) - anyone with experience with this item?
Thanks,
Mark

You should be fine with BTE hearing aids.

I was in sales my entire career and because I was constantly forgetting to bring in my reading glasses I had glasses that were readers on the bottom and clear on the top. Problem solved.
As I got older I required a slight correction on my distance vision and the top half are prescription. This is great with sunglasses as well. You will pay more money but you will never need readers again which worked well for me.
I hope this helps.

I would prefer the in the canal style hearing aid as well but if your hearing loss is profound or severe I think you might be stuck with behind the ear hearing aids. My audiologist said they just have more power for those with severe hearing loss. Hopefully future technology will improve on the in the canal hearing aids.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss they might work just fine. They just didn’t work for me unfortunately.
Best of luck.

Dave Shaw
Yes I ask each time I get new hearing aids if my hearing loss is compatible with the in the ear. If it were Not, I would have no choice and would choose the bte versions. We must do what we can to improve our lives.

It's important to understand that the hearing aid industry focuses a great deal on making hearing aids smaller. This is because of the stupid stigmas that have hung on to our invisible disability ever since hearing aids were available. Is smaller better? Well, if you watch some of the TV advertisements that share biased information like "I couldn't accept needing hearing aids because my hair is short until _______ came out with a style that doesn't show! No one knows I'm wearing it, etc." Really? It doesn't show?

BTE hearing aids today are about half the size of those I was first fitted with in the late 1970s. That's a good thing. They are more comfortable. Yes. Comfort can be an issue, but in many cases that is due to poor fit in the ear canal, not by being worn over the ear.

It's important to understand that 'smaller' hearing aids can contain fewer options. By miniaturizing hearing instruments some components are left out. If you don't know about those components, you don't know what you are missing. We are pushed to think automatic controls are terrific. Most who have worn hearing aids for any length of time will tell you that having the ability to control volume and programs manually is a plus. Sure, you may be able to control those things with your cell phone now, but...do you always have it with you? Is it always fully charged?

Another component that has been eliminated in the smaller hearing aids is the 'telecoil' feature. That feature can connect you wirelessly to the sound systems in many venues like performing arts centers, meeting rooms, worship centers, theaters, basically wherever you need to hear to participate. Now people are being told that 'newer' technology is coming. WHEN? And, will those venues that have already installed the systems at great cost to comply with the communication access piece of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) simply buy the new sound transmitters that will be required for the 'new' technology?

Advocacy and education by hard of hearing people has succeeded in getting the technology we need to hear into the places mentioned. Will those advocates be willing and able to tell those venues to buy new equipment when the old equipment works perfectly well for them? In time, perhaps, but until that time comes, buying a hearing instrument without a telecoil component is like buying a car without air conditioning. You don't need it all the time, but it's sure worth having when you do,

The tough piece in all this is that YOU, the patient, are the one who is expected to ask questions and request what you need. Is that realistic? Doesn't it seem that the people selling the products should be explaining, demonstrating, and providing complete information on all the options so people know what they are missing when they choose a device without them?

You can find locations where hearing loop systems are installed. States/locations that active chapters of The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) are most accessible due to the advocacy done by 'the people in the hard of hearing population.

Learn where communication access is provided at: http://www.loopamerica.com HLAA's website is: http://www.hearingloss.org

Costco hearing aids are real hearing aids. However, few Costco stores have audiologists on staff. Those working in the hearing aid department are hearing instrument specialists, but many are well trained. The do not sell on commission so the products are less expensive.

Fitting a hearing aid well takes skill by the fitter. If a hearing aid is selled Over the Counter (OTC), you simply pay for it, take it home and put it on. All adjustments are made by you.

One very special feature of buying hearing aids at Costco is the 180 day trial period they allow. That is far longer than most other providers allow. (30-60 days) You, the consumer, must make the effort to try new hearing aids in every possible way and environment during the allowed trial period. If you choose to return them, they must be returned within the time allowed in the fine print. Be sure you know when that is.

Costco also has 'walk in' hearing aid departments. You may have to wait in line, but in most cases you can have your hearing aid cleaned while you shop. I'm sure the stores vary.

Thanks to all for comments concerning Costco and other comments relating to hearing aids.
Mark

That is the brand my insurance covers so I did some investigating. They seem to be up there with the top 5 brands so when I need to get "real" hearing aids, I feel confident that these will be a good purchase. Right now, I have the fairly inexpensive "stick in the ear" aids which I haven't tried yet!

It helps to be an informed 'consumer' as these products are sold differently than most other medical devices.

If you have insurance for hearing aids, you are fortunate. Most people don't have that and some who do have no choice but to purchase a specific brand. That may work fine, but not always.

Be aware that all brands have different models. Ask questions when buying hearing aids.