I got Phonak Hearing aides...

@jacklin hi....id go with a licensed audiologist...there's not a one size fits all when it comes to hearing loss....its an individual need, quite complicated, nothing simple. Im living it.

@gvg I have installed the free Live Transcribe app on my Android and it works well. I understand Apple phones, not sure starting with what model, have a speech to text built in.

The key here is to find a good audiologist and not just a “ hearing specialist “ who has not gone for an additional four after college. I asked my audiologist if her pay is commensurate with her advanced education. Her answer surprised me. Apparently some “hearing specialists” make almost as much money through bonuses from hearing aid manufacturers for pushing their product. She referred to herself as a healthcare provider and not someone tied to a certain brand of hearing aid.
Some companies like Hear USA are actually financially tied to Tru Hearing and therefore push Signia hearing aids almost exclusively.
Finding a good audiologist is like finding a good doctor. It is not easy but they are out there.

It is far more important to find the right audiologist than "the right hearing aid" (which does not exist.) I don't know where you are located, but I hope watching an educational presentation helps you. See https://www.youtube.com/watch for the accompanying handouts for this class; see http://www.chaShedd.org/Winchester

You may also get solid information from an informational article on the NCOA (National Council on Aging) website https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss/

@h2h I use the Live Caption built in app on my Apple phone which is 3 years old. It works well (not perfect!) in small meetings like with my doctor as well as when I have a phone call. Even though the call goes directly to my ear with Bluetooth, some people's voices (women, foreign) aren't always perfectly clear on the phone so the captions help fill in the gaps.

Technology keeps giving us more options.
Mike

@jacklin, Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids are limited to those who have, what are described as, "mild to moderate" hearing loss. A highly regarded OTC is Elehear Pro Hearing Aids. They are around $400 I believe.

Even if your hearing falls into the mild to moderate range, I would doubt that a $100 hearing aid would help much.

A more expensive alternative to OTC, are hearing aids sold at Costco Hearing Centers. All are top brand prescription hearing aids fitted in their store. They are around $1,800 a pair.

The price of the hearing aids shouldn't be your 'only' decision point. You need someone who has the skills and can work with you in the coming years.

It's my understanding that hearing aid manufacturers' price lists for big box stores are lower than for independently owned local clinics. How is that fair?

hedgerow, Your question is one I was unaware of until earlier this year. I had not realized that Costco Hearing Centers fitted and sold top of the line hearing aids from the "Big Five" global manufacturers. Costco sells more hearing aids in the U.S. than anyone, only the Veterans Administration buys more from the Big Five. Costco is able to apply their purchasing power to obtain the lowest prices from the manufacturers and pass on the savings to their own customers. Unfair? Costco customers pay about one third what private clinics charge for products that are nearly equivalent. Unfair to private clinics? Yes, free markets have winners and losers.

Good luck. My hearing loss began a year ago and the loss is substantial. I got Signia hearing aids because that is what was supported by my insurance and being a newbie I had no idea what to buy. Having since done some research I've found that Phonak, Oticon, Resound, Widex and Starkey seem to get the highest marks, I will need to get new ones as the Signia ones leave a lot to be desired. I'm still pretty ignorant but becoming deaf at 77 is a challenge so I'm looking for any help I/we can get regarding what brand to buy.
I did also hear that Costco has much better pricing and I think they carry Phonak among others. Also, I read that Costco is not tied to any particular brand so you get the best product for your individual case. Anybody else hear that?

@doug48 ...i have severe hearing loss...i was told to consider cochlear implants....that said, my audiologist highly recommended Phonak, top of the line. Ill say, they're a tremendous help considering how bad I am.
Everyone's needs are to be fine tuned according to your individual needs. What helps me, may not help you....so thats where a good licensed audiologist comes in. They can adjust your aides to suit only you.
I also did an AI search on some models you've mentioned, and Phonak scores best, imo.
Do your homework and have an audiologist guide you.
My aides were $6800... my secondary insurance picked up $1500 per each aide...huge help.
Again, it was my audiologist that looked into it and filed the claim for me.
My Phonak aides are no where near 100 percent for my needs, but I do pretty ok while out in public, restaurants, stores, and there's a Phonak app that goes straight to my phone helping me hear so much better, and the ringing goes straight to my aides as well...i never miss a call.
For T.V, and music...not so good...i need clarity, not volume. There are things you can add for that if you choose.
Hopefully this sheds a little light for you...and please dont settle for just anything or any price. My very best to you!!