Connect
← Return to Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Discussion
Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Hearing Loss | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (1531)Comment receiving replies
@julieo4 Thanks for your reply, Julie! It sounds like you’ve had quite a journey. I’ve been vigilant about not damaging my hearing since my father blamed much of his hearing loss on working in a loud automotive factory without hearing protection. I do plan to try the hearing aids because I want to preserve my brain’s ability to benefit from them.
I’m scheduled to learn about my HA options on July 16th. Supposedly I’m to select them during that 40 minute appointment and they will arrive two weeks later at which time I’ll have another appointment explaining their use and then I’ll come in another two weeks to discuss how it’s going. They said they couldn’t share any info about the HA options before the first appointment.
The original audiologist (where I got my hearing tested but they don’t take my insurance) gave me some literature but my insurance works with True Hearing (not sure if that’s how it’s spelled) and the original person does not. She mentioned ReSounds works well with Apple devices and True Hearing does work with ReSounds. It doesn’t sound like I’ll have the option to try them in different environments as you suggested.
Replies to "@julieo4 Thanks for your reply, Julie! It sounds like you’ve had quite a journey. I’ve been..."
Connect
I'm curious to know what state you live in, if in the USA? All state regulations require a trial period, most often 30 days. There are a few states that have 60 day trial periods. It takes time to adjust to wearing hearing aids.They should all allow enough time to really serve as a 'trial' period.
There are some options you should insist they include. For example, a telecoil, which adds no cost to a hearing aid, can connect you to assistive tech in performing arts centers, theaters, meeting rooms, etc. BlueTooth is great for connecting with your cell phone, etc, but doesn't replace telecoil. You won't know how much these features can do for you unless you have the opportunity to experiment with them.
Insurance is another issue. I have never had insurance that covered hearing aids. If you do have it, you are fortunate. Medicare does NOT cover them. A pair of good quality hearing aids can range from $1400 at Costco, to $8000 elsewhere. It's important to have a well qualified fitter, which is where the audiologists come in. It's unfortunate that it's so confusing.
ReSound is a good brand. Still, as with all hearing aids, much depends on how well they are adjusted to your particular hearing loss. I look forward to hearing how this goes for you.