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@julieo4

@snoony2 I have a few questions for you.
How long have you had your present hearing aids?
Were they fitted by a doctor of audiology? (AuD after their name.)
Have you gone back to have them reprogrammed as your hearing loss has changed?
How severe is your hearing loss?
What brand of hearing aid do you have?

Hearing aids are very expensive and are rarely covered by insurance. Medicare doesn't cover them at all. Consequently, after years of people lobbying, advocating, etc. the FDA recently set rules to allow hearing aids to be sold 'over the counter' without testing or prescription. Is that a good thing? It depends. A well fitted hearing aid depends on the skill of the provider.

Obviously, an OTC purchase with no testing, that costs much less isn't the same. OTC devices are primarily designed to amplify. Clarity is another issue. Some modern (and expensive) hearing aids are capable of doing more than amplification when they are well fit. BUT that success depends on your hearing loss, the provider's skill and the hearing instrument's capabilities.

There are many hearing healthcare professionals who are not doctorate level audiologists. They are called Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS). That doesn't necessarily mean that they are not capable of fitting hearing aids. Many are excellent. Some of the 'big box' stores like Costco, sell hearing aids that are not of the OTC variety. They are quality devices. The skill of the fitter matters. Most are HIS, but some stores have AuDs. The good news about Costco is that they allow an extended trial period with purchases. You have up to 6 months to try before it's too late to return them. That can be a huge help.

I go back to my original questions. Please share more about your experience.

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Replies to "@snoony2 I have a few questions for you. How long have you had your present hearing..."

I bought my omicron hearing aids in 2018 from Hearing center of Delaware. I was checked by an audiologist periodically and got free batteries, all for 5000.00.
Last exam showed a decrease in hearing and being due for something stronger. I understand Costco has a hearing dept and many are happy with their service and price.