Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others

I have the same concern you have, Bob. I have been using Widex Evoke hearing aids for nearly four years. They were recommended by two different audiologists, who both seemed to have some sort of business agreement with Widex. I still see the audiologist from whom I purchased the hearing aids, and she still insists that Widex will be the best choice for me in the future when newer models are released. My hearing has deteriorated in the past four years since I’ve been wearing the hearing aids, and I find myself frustrated in many situations, particularly noisy backgrounds, as I simply cannot function as I used to. I no longer attend concerts and other live performances or go to many large gatherings because of my inability to hear and the fatigue that results from trying to listen. I have almost completely lost the ability to enjoy music, something that was always very important in my life, both as a listener and a singer/player.

Like so many other things in our hypercapitalist era, the dedicated, effective treatment of hearing loss is, I’m afraid, being sacrificed on the altar of greater and greater profits. It is difficult to know how to find providers and practitioners who are genuinely interested in doing the best thing for their patients rather than seeing to their own profitability first. Audiologists, I’m afraid, are no exception.

My understanding is that there are only limited choices in hearing aids at Costco, despite good pricing for what they do carry. I also believe that most of their hearing staff are not audiologists but hearing technicians, and I would like someone who has a real depth of knowledge and experience about hearing loss, tinnitus, and what all the possibilities are for correcting or improving all my hearing issues.

It would be nice if there were no downsides to dealing with Costco for hearing needs. My husband gets his hearing aids there, but my problems are more profound and complicated than his, at least currently.

I have the same concern you have, Bob. I have been using Widex Evoke hearing aids for nearly four years. They were recommended by two different audiologists, who both seemed to have some sort of business agreement with Widex. I still see the audiologist from whom I purchased the hearing aids, and she still insists that Widex will be the best choice for me in the future when newer models are released. My hearing has deteriorated in the past four years since I’ve been wearing the hearing aids, and I find myself frustrated in many situations, particularly noisy backgrounds, as I simply cannot function as I used to. I no longer attend concerts and other live performances or go to many large gatherings because of my inability to hear and the fatigue that results from trying to listen. I have almost completely lost the ability to enjoy music, something that was always very important in my life, both as a listener and a singer/player.

Like so many other things in our hypercapitalist era, the dedicated, effective treatment of hearing loss is, I’m afraid, being sacrificed on the altar of greater and greater profits. It is difficult to know how to find providers and practitioners who are genuinely interested in doing the best thing for their patients rather than seeing to their own profitability first. Audiologists, I’m afraid, are no exception.

@revbobcoulson and @kmseay

The candidacy for cochlear implantation has been changed a great deal in the last year. CIs are no longer available only for profoundly hard of hearing people but can be an option for people with less profound hearing loss. The time to consider a cochlear implant is when hearing aids are no longer providing the help a person needs and expects. I use both a CI and a hearing aid. They work very well together. Without the CI, I hear virtually nothing. The CI has been a miracle for me.

Because of my involvement in HLAA (www.hearingloss.org), I have met many other people who have chosen to have cochlear implants. Lives change dramatically when someone is able to remain in the hearing mainstream comfortably with this remarkable technology. It's important to know that cochlear implants are covered by insurance and by Medicare.

If hearing aids are not working well for you, ask your provider about cochlear implants. If they discourage you, ask why. I hate to say this, but there may be a few out there who don't like the possibility of losing a hearing aid customer.

It may be worth the time and trip to schedule an appointment and testing at a cochlear implant facility to see if this is an option for you.

Aside: My other thought about your hearing aids no longer doing all you expect them to, is wondering if your audiologists have counseled you on the assistive technology that can work with them. Hearing assistive technology is way more than BlueTooth. Telecoils, which are usually in those costly hearing aids, but sometimes are not activated, can connect you to assistive technology in venues like theaters, performing arts centers, worship centers, etc. If you are not using that feature, you are getting 1/2 the value of your hearing instrument in my humble opinion. NOTE: BlueTooth and Tcoils can connect to streamers that can be used in noisy social settings.

Do you use hearing assistive technology that goes beyond your hearing instruments?

I do not promote Costco, but know they have some policies that make that option worth considering for some people. The big one is their lengthy trial period. They allow 6 months trial where most other providers allow 60 days at the most. Many, only 30. Anyone who is fitted with hearing aids no matter who fits them, is responsible for trying them in every possible situation. Make a list of things you like to do, want to do, etc. and do them. If the hearing aids don't help in those situations, it's either a poor fit, or the need for a more sophisticated product. (If hearing instruments have been tried and found to be not helpful, it may be because your hearing loss is too severe. In that instance, it might be wise to look into the cochlear implant option.)

Hearing aids are sold like consumer products. The fact they are rarely insured is huge. It's up to the buyer to decide whether they are helpful. Appropriate testing by an audiologist should provide information about the effectiveness of the product if it's done right.

It's important to understand that different brands and models offer different options. People who sell hearing aids don't always tell their 'customers' about those options. It takes time. Time is $. In that regard, it's very important to use your time to learn as much as you can about hearing loss, hearing instruments, assistive technology that goes beyond them, and other options.

This forum is very helpful. It's also very beneficial to meet other people with hearing loss in person who are open to sharing their experiences with products and providers. HLAA chapters are very helpful in that regard. If there's a chapter in your area, contact them and ask questions. Attend their meetings. These chapters are started and formed by people who have hearing loss. If there isn't a chapter in your area, and you are a person who is willing to get involved, consider starting one. HLAA is consumer based, so what you learn through HLAA Is coming from people who have the same concerns you have. http://www.hearingloss.org

Thank you, Julie, Volunteer Mentor. The Hearing Loss Association of America for people who speak and listen but have hearing loss is the most helpful organization to join and or become a member.
Hermine Willey
cohear@aol.com

I do not promote Costco, but know they have some policies that make that option worth considering for some people. The big one is their lengthy trial period. They allow 6 months trial where most other providers allow 60 days at the most. Many, only 30. Anyone who is fitted with hearing aids no matter who fits them, is responsible for trying them in every possible situation. Make a list of things you like to do, want to do, etc. and do them. If the hearing aids don't help in those situations, it's either a poor fit, or the need for a more sophisticated product. (If hearing instruments have been tried and found to be not helpful, it may be because your hearing loss is too severe. In that instance, it might be wise to look into the cochlear implant option.)

Hearing aids are sold like consumer products. The fact they are rarely insured is huge. It's up to the buyer to decide whether they are helpful. Appropriate testing by an audiologist should provide information about the effectiveness of the product if it's done right.

It's important to understand that different brands and models offer different options. People who sell hearing aids don't always tell their 'customers' about those options. It takes time. Time is $. In that regard, it's very important to use your time to learn as much as you can about hearing loss, hearing instruments, assistive technology that goes beyond them, and other options.

This forum is very helpful. It's also very beneficial to meet other people with hearing loss in person who are open to sharing their experiences with products and providers. HLAA chapters are very helpful in that regard. If there's a chapter in your area, contact them and ask questions. Attend their meetings. These chapters are started and formed by people who have hearing loss. If there isn't a chapter in your area, and you are a person who is willing to get involved, consider starting one. HLAA is consumer based, so what you learn through HLAA Is coming from people who have the same concerns you have. http://www.hearingloss.org