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← Return to Hearing Aid brands: anyone tried Horizon IX hearing aids?
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Hearing Aid brands: anyone tried Horizon IX hearing aids?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Sep 13 11:50am | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
I'm a brand new member looking for my first pair of hearing aids. Very difficult to navigate this new health issue. Tinnitus is my biggest problem. So many brands and conflicting statements. I'm trying to find reliable information for my issue.
Replies to "I'm a brand new member looking for my first pair of hearing aids. Very difficult to..."
It's very helpful to talk to other people who use hearing aids about their experiences with providers AND products.
If there is a chapter of HLAA anywhere in your area, consider attending a meeting to get to know other people with the issues you share. http://www.hearingloss.org
Unfortunately, stigma prevents a lot of people from talking about it or even asking questions of others who are visibly using hearing aids. People who participate in HLAA share information and have their feelings and concerns validated. It helps a lot to learn you're not alone and that it's OK to talk about it. So many have had other people minimize their feelings about hearing loss that they don't feel comfortable talking about it. A typical example is someone saying "Aren't you glad it's not something worse?" when you mention the barriers that poor hearing creates.
Hearing aids are 'products' that vary greatly in cost, quality and capability. Being a wise consumer means asking questions.
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Have you been tested by a real audiologist? It's a confusing field because people who fit and sell hearing aids vary in educational backgrounds. An audiologist with AuD behind their name has a doctorate level degree in the field. Others have different initials and may only have served an apprenticeship somewhere. They are 'hearing instrument specialists' HIS. They don't have to have a degree to become licensed if they can pass the state's licensure exam in most states.
Please be sure to get tested by a provider who is an AuD. Once you learn your level of hearing loss and get a copy of your audiogram, you can 'shop' for a hearing aid elsewhere if that is your choice.
Also be sure when you test a hearing aid, regardless of where you buy it or what brand it is, that you have a trial period of at least 30 days to try it in as many situations as possible. Return it if you are not satisfied. Do understand, though, that that trial period may vary and it will be enforced. If you return it after the date agreed upon they do not have to take it back.
Hearing is complex. Proper fitting of a hearing aid is very important. But you are the judge of how much it is helping you in the real world. Good luck!