@hrn88

Hello,
I have a profound hearing loss...both ears. You will notice that 3 out of the 4 choices you were given are Phonaks which are one of the most powerful aids around. I have been wearing Phonaks for years (currently Phonak Naida B90 UP...which is ultra power. My audiogram is almost at the bottom of the graph and, like you, speech comprehension is difficult and quiet environments will always be the best. The audiologists choices lead me to believe that they think you need the power with the Phonaks. The only thing you can do is to try each brand for the trial period...which is typically 30 days...but you can negotiate for a longer trial period. I have trialed other brands and always come back to Phonaks. I don't need all the bells and whistles that a lot of the hearing aids have and only benefit from a few select programs. Do make sure that the aid is equipped with a Tcoil....that is a must.

I am happy to read that you have gone to an audiologist . I don't think you will benefit by going to another one so I would pick the person you are most comfortable with. Ask to try other brands if you research a brand and think that particular brand might be more beneficial. Some audiologists are biased towards certain brands but, you are in the drivers seat....and if you get pushback from one...take your business elsewhere. The audi should be flexible and patient enough to let you trial other brands that they didn't think would benefit you. Have them explain why they don't recommend a particular brand....could be that the practice (if they are associated with an ENT pracitce for example) has an agreement of some sort with a particular brand.

My particular Audi who is now leaving the ENT practice I go to was exceptional. I tried so many brands...without an upfront charge....so many times and she never lost patience. She also said...anything new on the market for me right now would not be beneficial so wait until next year to see what's available. She was an exceptional programmer. See if you can get reviews on each of them.

Two people with the same audiogram will want and need two completely different types of aids. They are programmed from the supplier according to your audiogram and then they have to be adjusted and tweaked....numerous times sometimes.

We can't tell you which one to choose...only you can do that. If you have a good Audi who is patient and you have confidence in....chose that one...go with their suggestion but don't settle for what they suggest. Try and try...they are too expensive an item to be unhappy with

I don't like rechargeable aids...prefer battery operated ones. That's my preference and Bluetooth for my loss doesn't matter. I rely a lot on speech to text apps and Innocaption for my cell phone.

Good luck and we would be interested in your journey. You will get a good deal of feedback on this forum and from people who have opted for cochlear implants....I debated but that is not for me.

Asl anything and I hope this is not too wordy.

Yes Life is Beautiful

FL Mary

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