1. < Hearing Loss
Mentor

New Year's Resolutions for Hard of Hearing People

Posted by Julie, Volunteer Mentor @julieo4, Jan 1, 2022

Sharing this article by Gael Hannan. It says a lot. We all look forward to the time when masks go away, but those of us with hearing loss look forward to it more.
https://hearinghealthmatters.org/betterhearingconsumer/2022/listen-up-year-2022/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

dudelee1933 | @dudelee1933 | Jan 20, 2022
In reply to @edleson "I just recently got hearing aids and I agree...they are a pain when wearing a mask,..." + (show)
@edleson

I just recently got hearing aids and I agree...they are a pain when wearing a mask, too and sunglasses! I worry, like you, that I will lose a hearing aid (and they are not cheap!) and just too much behind the ears. I will wear all three when running errands but I find it much more comfortable staying home.

Jump to this post

Looking for something more comfortable and cheaper.

REPLY
1 reply
Karen | @edleson | Jan 20, 2022
In reply to @dudelee1933 "Looking for something more comfortable and cheaper." + (show)
@dudelee1933

Looking for something more comfortable and cheaper.

Jump to this post

My COSTCO ones didn't work out and they were cheap compared to the ones I have now. Glad there is a grace period because I am not sold on these yet either.

REPLY
Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Jan 21, 2022

Yes, A lot of options and a lot of price points. The best advice I can give you is to get a copy of the audiogram after being tested by a qualified AuD audiologist. You are entitled to that document. If you are fit by that audiologist know what the trial period is. It can vary greatly between hearing aid providers. Get a pair of hearing aids and use that trial period in ever possible situation. If it isn't satisfactory take it back within that trial time. If that provider wants you to try another aid, that's OK, but be sure to get a written document that states the trial period. Make sure it has been extended from the first aid.

Ask questions. Does this hearing aid have a telecoil? Does it have BlueTooth. Can I adjust it myself? Don't be satisfied with yes and no answers. Insist that these things be demonstrated so you can decide whether they work for you or not. Back to that trial period...if you are not satisfied, return the hearing aids and know it's OK to take that audiogram and go elsewhere with it. Also know that if you return the hearing aid late, it is unlikely that you will be able to get your money back.

Some big box stores like Sam's Club and Costco sell hearing aids for much less. They often offer longer trial periods. They sell quality products. However, the fitters in those stores are rarely audiologists. They are hearing instrument specialists who have been trained. That doesn't mean you cannot get a good pair of well fit hearing aids there, but be careful. It's your job to become a student of your hearing loss.

It's so easy to get upset about bad experiences. Try to talk to other people you know who use hearing aids where they got then. Much has to do with the skills of the hearing aid fitter.

Do you have that audiogram?

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.