How do I choose the best hearing aids?

@tonyinmi can you recommend an excellent audiologist in mi who has in-depth fitting experience with the profoundly deaf?

@surubi Sorry that I cannot make a recommendation for an audiologist since there is no way that one person could possibly visit each one. Plus, everyone's hearing is different so satisfaction results will vary. The best I can do is to suggest to find one that follows the audiology best practices. Dr. Cliff Olson, AuD has a website that lists the practices that follow best practices. There are only two listed for Michigan, but there are a lot out there but just don't pay to get their practices listed on Cliff's website. There are many Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS) out there and I've heard of both good and bad experiences. I don't think an HIS will be found on Cliff's site either. Here's the link to Dr Cliff's practices site https://drcliffaud.com/providers
BTW, my audiologist is not listed on Dr. Cliffs site.
Tony in Michigan

Thanks, Tony. Can you share where in MI you are?

@surubi I live in Westland, which is about 20 miles from Detroit
Tony in Michigan

Good morning,
I have nerve damage in my right ear with about an 80% hearing loss. My left ear is starting to deteriorate. Can anyone recommend a good hearing aid for my condition? Thank you.

Hi, @cooper12345
Welcome to Connect. We are not professionals but just patients sharing experiences. My best advice to you is to find the best audiologist you can and to trust in their experience and knowledge to guide you to what hearing aids are best for you.

I have an excellent audiologist. She deals with Oticon, Phonak, and one other top brand, I forget which. I rely on her for advice. There are two other audiologists in the same office and I know they sometimes confer on which hearing aids might work best for a patient.

If you happen to be in or close to NYC I highly recommend the Center for Hearing Loss and Communication - https://www.chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss. It's a non-profit and charges are based on the ability to pay. I live in NH but I did go there once because my daughter worked there in a support capacity. Ellen Lafargue, AuD is excellent.
JK

I question your statement that you have 'nerve damage'. There is no question that sensorineural hearing loss relates to the nerve. However, cochlear implants would not work if the auditory nerve was not working. "Nerve Damage" is a term that was used decades ago to indicate what was likely to be a diagnosis of progressive sensorineural hearing loss.

In reality, the auditory nerve is probably fully functional, but is not being stimulated by the hair cells in the cochlea. In other words, that nerve is not getting the message it is supposed to send to the brain. Hearing aids can help, but they do not stimulate that nerve. Cochlear implants bypass the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve directly so sound gets to the brain.

I realize that you are not asking about cochlear implants, but think it's important for anyone who has been told they have 'nerve damage' to know that is unlikely. Also, that there is help beyond hearing aids.

I paid an Audiologist around 5 G’s for Oticon a few years ago. Later learned Bro-in-law got an exam and the H-aids at Costco for around $1700. I felt like the chump that had been “had.” Don

Hi, my husband has Oticon as well and at year four his last exam they are saying maybe need new ones. My husband is a music lover and feels these are the best but we are hearing so much about Cosco brand we are thinking should we join just to go in for an exam and learn about them. Your thoughts. Thanks, Joanne

A reputable audiology (doctor/s of audiology) office should offer several brands that address the needs of a variety of hearing loss situations. The advantage of buying from an AuD is that by spending the money with them, you get unlimited adjustments and software updates, you work with someone who knows you and your hearing needs and they will usually have a “loaner” you can use in case your aids need repair.
I have worn hearing aids since 1994. I used Resound, Oticon and Phonac over the years. Because my last set of HAs were Resound, when I got a Cochlear Implant I was able to continue using one HA as it syncs with my cochlear processor.
I strongly believe that folks with hearing loss - most often progressive - need to use recommended HAs that respond to their individual changing needs.
Cheap may not get you where you need to be and cheap may cost your more in the long run when you are disappointed with your hearing experience.