I'm completely new to the world of hearing aids. Advice please.

I agree, go to a licensed audiologist. At a hearing aid store, you just get an amplifier as opposed to a programed hearing aid. the extra you spend is well worth it. Get an exam from an Ear, Nose, Throat doctor first to eliminate a medical condition that is causing your hearing loss.

While everyone should avoid a "hearing aid store" because they don't sell actual aids, don't overlook Costco. They sell aids with their own brand, but the aids are major brands you'd pay more than twice as much for by seeing a licensed audiologist. Costco's terms are generous: if the aid doesn't work for you, you can return it for a full refund (no "fit up" charge or any other charge). My experience at Costco is that a licensed person there (not a credentialed audiologist) may know MORE than some audis: it depends upon the person and their desire to do the best job possible. The woman at the Salem, OR Costco who has worked with me is far, far more knowlegeable than any audi I've seen: she knows lots about Meniere's because she's studied it, knows about the latest speech-to-text apps and how to get the most out of my aids. Audis often work where only one brand of aid is sold, and they sell that, sometimes overlooking advantages offered by other brands or forms of assistance, like speech-to-text apps. Costco offers aids made by several manufacturers, even though all have a Costco brand name. I drive 60 miles to the nearest Costco; if I weren't totally satisfied with the people there, I could drive 10 or 20 miles further in various directions to reach other Costcos.

You get what you pay for. I have purchased hearing aids from Ph.D audiologists and from private stores and Costco for over 58 years. Each and every one fined tunes those aids, the latest with computer modifications. The much less expensive may be analog and can't be fine tuned except [possibly by adjusting the gain control.

Exactly my sentiments. I have found Costco to em-ploy experienced and well qualified licensed personnel with several years of experience. The Costco stores I have used are in Greensboro, NC, Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida

Hello, Sal,

You're welcome. Well deserved.

Thank you for providing information on tinnitus to Mayo Clinic Connect and for what you do to support others with tinnitus.

It's wonderful that you will be shadowing an audiologist. I hope you will ask lots of questions as you are certainly in a great position to promote hearing health.

Best wishes,

Helen

I have worn hearing aids for at least 50 years and presently have behind the ear Phonak from Costco. They work ok and the key, I believe, for Costco hearing aids is to somehow find the right technician who knows how to program, who knows the software.
Today, most of my hearing understanding of speech is gone but as far as telephone communications and understanding t.v., by far the best is using an iPod Air Pro from Apple. It puts my hearing aids to shame. I run close to 95% understanding the speech including the high frequencies. Doug

@mattie1014 . You have given good advice. How do I go about asking questions about the audiologist? Whom would I ask about him? Is there a website that rates them?

This conversation is a bit spaced out over time, but I'm going to jump in to see if I might be helpful. The field of audiology is complicated because of the variety of 'professionals' who fit and sell hearing aids. Depending on your state's regulations, people with basic training as an apprentice in this area can take a state exam for a license to sell hearing aids. They take the same exam that audiologists with a doctorate level degree (AuD) take. Once passed, they can establish their practice and sell hearing aids.

As you might imagine, the difference in educational background is magnanimous. However, those who become 'hearing instrument specialists' (HIS), can do an excellent job of fitting hearing aids. The problems crop up when there are other medical issues related to an individuals needs. Tinnitus and Menieres Disease are two of those other issues that make proper fitting difficult. There are other medical issues that can cause hearing loss that should be ruled out. Starting with an ENT MD is wise. Sudden hearing loss is different from hearing loss that occurs gradually over time You want to know what caused it.

Unfortunately, I have not found any rating system of hearing healthcare professionals. The best way to get that kind of information is to talk to other people with hearing loss that have had successful treatment and fitting of hearing instruments.

The Hearing Loss Assn. of America is a consumer based organizaton that has chapters in most states. Those who seek support through HLAA will meet other people who are dealing with hearing loss. Talking openly to them can lead you to learning where to go and even where not to go for help. HLAA does not endorse products or providers, but its members are encouraged to share their personal experiences on a personal level. http://www.hearingloss.org

Unfortunately, due to COVID, most HLAA Chapters are not meeting in person at this time. But, many are holding Zoom meetings where people can discuss their concerns and ask questions. These meetings are captioned, and in most cases, are open to people from outside the region where the meeting is held. You may be interested in checking the HLAA website to see if there is a chapter in your area, and/or what meetings are available via Zoom where you might be able to connect.

I tried to Google 'Best rated audiologists in my area', and got nothing but advertising material. Google then asked me if I meant 'urologists' or 'cardiologists'. So...back to the people who use hearing aids.

@julieo4. Thanks for the summary of info. This was very helpful. I have not known where to start and the more I read, the more confused I became. I do have tinnitus as well as age related hearing loss. I have seen an ENT MD at Mayo when I had a bad and long lasting sinus problem. I have to wonder if she would be as good with hearing as she was with sinus. Oh, well — decisions, decisions.

How about asking that ENT to reccommend an audiologist?