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Hearing loss and the correct hearing aid

Posted by cakes @cakes, 2 days ago

I am myself and tired of saying what I’m looking for a hearing aid that is in my price range, but I really don’t know what my price range is because this is my hearing hopefully someone out there will have an answer, but I am looking for a hearing aid That I will be able to wear and understand the words not just amplify words

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Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | 2 days ago

Everyone's hearing loss is different, so there isn't a single answer to your question. What level of hearing loss does your audiogram show? Have you been tested by a hearing healthcare professional? If so, did they clearly explain where you lie on the hearing loss spectrum?

Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids were approved by the FDA just a few years ago. The purpose of OTC products is to provide low cost hearing aids to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC devices can be purchased online or at retailers like Best Buy where sound related products are sold. It is a buyer beware thing though as the sellers know little about hearing loss. They know mostly about amplification and also sell headsets, etc. These devices were available prior to the regulations that allowed them to be called OTC hearing aids. They were then called PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products). Originally, they were developed for hunters to use in the woods to hear game approaching, or for birdwatchers to hear the sounds of birds. Because they amplified sound, much like the hearing aids of days gone by, people started using them as hearing aids. FYI: The first hearing aids I was fitted with back in the 1970s was an amplifier. A single hearing aid then cost $500. Today the best hearing aids cost $2500+.

Over decades, thanks to greater focus on the growing hard of hearing population, research has led to more sophisticated products. Of course we have seen extreme technology advances in every tech area; computers, TVs, automobiles, home appliances, and just about everything else. All of those things have become more expensive, as have hearing aids. They all do more than they did years ago.

The best advice I can share is to make sure you have had appropriate and thorough audiology testing so you know your degree of hearing loss. If you are mild to moderate you may want to try those OTC devices. If it's more severe those devices probably won't do enough to help you. Hearing loss creates difficulty hearing in background noise that exists in social settings, at meetings, etc. The greater the loss the greater this issue.

Whether you purchase OTC products or sophisticated hearing aids it is your responsibility to test them in all settings where you want to hear. If they don't help you, you want to return them. Make sure that is an option.

People who sell true hearing aids must give you a trial period of at least 30 days. You can return them during that period for a refund with the exception of the cost of testing which should be in the contract you sign. Read it. There are some providers that allow longer trial periods. ASK about this so you know. They will not accept returns after that trial period.

The reality is that the more costly hearing aids in today's world, do more than amplify. Most have options such as bluetooth, telecoils, and in some Auracast is included. They connect with cell phones and assisted listening systems in venues. You best ask the provider to show you how to use those options and explain what they do. If you want to hear in theaters, social settings, etc. they can make a very positive difference. Auracast is a new technology that is coming. It is not useful yet. It adds cost to the product, but the products last 5-8 years. so it's fine to be ahead of the game. It's confusing, isn't it?

I know from personal experience with my severe/profound hearing loss that I need and am willing to pay for the best technology available. It's worth it even though it has meant budgeting for it over the years.

There is no simple answer to your question. Your audiology tests will help indicate what should work for you. Your willingness to test available technology will be important to your success with it.

Please share your plan forward with us.

REPLY
1 reply
cakes | @cakes | 2 days ago

I’ll be making some phone calls to area audiologist and Drs. And learn which type of hearing aid I will need to bad they cost so much. it seems as if I didn’t work all my life. I could probably get a free one, but unfortunately for me I worked all my life and has Insurance and have insurance.

REPLY
cakes | @cakes | 1 day ago
In reply to @julieo4 "Everyone's hearing loss is different, so there isn't a single answer to your question. What level..." + (show)
@julieo4

Everyone's hearing loss is different, so there isn't a single answer to your question. What level of hearing loss does your audiogram show? Have you been tested by a hearing healthcare professional? If so, did they clearly explain where you lie on the hearing loss spectrum?

Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids were approved by the FDA just a few years ago. The purpose of OTC products is to provide low cost hearing aids to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC devices can be purchased online or at retailers like Best Buy where sound related products are sold. It is a buyer beware thing though as the sellers know little about hearing loss. They know mostly about amplification and also sell headsets, etc. These devices were available prior to the regulations that allowed them to be called OTC hearing aids. They were then called PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products). Originally, they were developed for hunters to use in the woods to hear game approaching, or for birdwatchers to hear the sounds of birds. Because they amplified sound, much like the hearing aids of days gone by, people started using them as hearing aids. FYI: The first hearing aids I was fitted with back in the 1970s was an amplifier. A single hearing aid then cost $500. Today the best hearing aids cost $2500+.

Over decades, thanks to greater focus on the growing hard of hearing population, research has led to more sophisticated products. Of course we have seen extreme technology advances in every tech area; computers, TVs, automobiles, home appliances, and just about everything else. All of those things have become more expensive, as have hearing aids. They all do more than they did years ago.

The best advice I can share is to make sure you have had appropriate and thorough audiology testing so you know your degree of hearing loss. If you are mild to moderate you may want to try those OTC devices. If it's more severe those devices probably won't do enough to help you. Hearing loss creates difficulty hearing in background noise that exists in social settings, at meetings, etc. The greater the loss the greater this issue.

Whether you purchase OTC products or sophisticated hearing aids it is your responsibility to test them in all settings where you want to hear. If they don't help you, you want to return them. Make sure that is an option.

People who sell true hearing aids must give you a trial period of at least 30 days. You can return them during that period for a refund with the exception of the cost of testing which should be in the contract you sign. Read it. There are some providers that allow longer trial periods. ASK about this so you know. They will not accept returns after that trial period.

The reality is that the more costly hearing aids in today's world, do more than amplify. Most have options such as bluetooth, telecoils, and in some Auracast is included. They connect with cell phones and assisted listening systems in venues. You best ask the provider to show you how to use those options and explain what they do. If you want to hear in theaters, social settings, etc. they can make a very positive difference. Auracast is a new technology that is coming. It is not useful yet. It adds cost to the product, but the products last 5-8 years. so it's fine to be ahead of the game. It's confusing, isn't it?

I know from personal experience with my severe/profound hearing loss that I need and am willing to pay for the best technology available. It's worth it even though it has meant budgeting for it over the years.

There is no simple answer to your question. Your audiology tests will help indicate what should work for you. Your willingness to test available technology will be important to your success with it.

Please share your plan forward with us.

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Thanks Julie

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