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Need decision help how to proceed with hearing aids, your experience

Hearing Loss | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (22)
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@h2h

Ive had friends go with cosco, not sure who makes their HAs. I tell anyone looking for hearing aids to insist on having a telecoil installed when you order them, and of course bluetooth which I believe they all come with now. Telecoils don't cost extra. However, there seems to be a nationwide bias among AuD in not automatically including telecoils in hearing aids or taking time to explain what they are and how great they work where there are hearing loops installed. Don't let them talk you out of it or say there's new technology coming (we should wait to hear better???), or say there aren't many places with hearing loops. If you don't know about them check, http://www.hearingloop.org and http://www.hearingloss.org.

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Replies to "Ive had friends go with cosco, not sure who makes their HAs. I tell anyone looking..."
charlotte12 | @charlotte12 | 5 days ago

@h2h: thanks for the information, I realize I have to familiarize myself with
this topic- never heard about telecoils-

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Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | 5 days ago

It is a crying shame that all people who sell hearing aids don't share information about the telecoil option. Reality: It has been removed from many hearing instruments because it takes a teeny tiny piece of space in the product. It doesn't add cost to the product. BlueTooth does and Auracast will. Telecoils and loops have been around since telecoils were designed to connect to the old landline phones; thus the name 'tele' coil. Loops installed in venues added value to telecoils long ago too. I am 100% in favor of advancements in technology so look forward to Auracast. However, I want to hear NOW, not years from now. Over the years I, and others have successfully advocated to have loops installed in venues. Worship centers picked it up first, then performing arts centers, then meeting rooms. etc. You can install a loop in your home that will allow you to hear the TV loud and clear.

Again, a travesty that the very people who should want to help us hear, and say they do, should be sure that everyone of their clients/patients is aware of what is available. "Old technology' can still be the easiest answer to a dilemma. It's a bit like saying air conditioning in your car is 'old technology' because now you can buy a car with cooled seats and steering wheel. That old AC is pretty nice to have when you need it!

Insist on telecoils in your hearing instruments and cochlear processors. The industry needs to know that we really do want to hear as well as possible.

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