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How do I choose the best hearing aids?
I currently have Starkey brand hearing aids which I have had for 4 years. They work well, but I have some issues with them. I am looking for replacements (they are behind the ear type) and would like to know what is available in similar quality and cheaper. I am located near Atlantic City and would like to know if there is someone in the area that offers something similar and carries various brands, not just one
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*the hearing aids only work with iPhone.
Do your hearing aids contain telecoils? Be sure to ask your provider if those Bernefon aids have them, AND if so, are they activated? Telecoils can connect you to your smart phone. You may need to use a neckloop device to do that, but it should work well.
Telecoils are often referred to as 'old technology' because they are not BlueTooth (BT). Telecoils don't add cost to hearing aids, BT does. Telecoils can connect you to the hearing assistive technology that is mandated to be in public venues like performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. It is often available in worship centers because people there have educated about it and the congregation chooses to include it to serve them. In public venues you have to advocate. The disabilities act says it must be available, but only if the people who need it demand it. It's hard to demand something if you don't know it exists.
Those installed systems may be hearing loops, FM systems or Infrared systems. If a receiver is required to connect, which is the case with FM and IR systems, a neckloop connected to that receiver can send sound directly to your personal hearing devices. You can also plug a neckloop into a laptop, an ipad, a portable radio; any audio device that has an input jack.
This probably sounds complicated. It really isn't. Anyone who buys hearing aids deserves to receive this information and instructions on how to use it from the person who is fitting and selling the hearing aids.
Did the person who fit your hearing aids explain this to you?
Thank you so much for this information! Good to know!
I have my follow up appointment with my provider next week, so will discuss this.
Excellent info... many thanks!
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2 ReactionsRegardless of what your particular problem is: Go to an ENT (doctor) first to see exactly what your problem is. Then go to a private, established neighborhood, audiologist, with experience. AVOID the well known, highly promoted and advertised names, Online, discount stores, etc. You may pay a little more, but you will get what you need, and (more importantly) find out what DON'T need because it won't help you. There is no need to waste your money supporting those who are selling hearing aids, on a commission basis, after a "quickie" training course.
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2 Reactions@moldy
I agree with you and am so glad you mentioned what someone may NOT need.
My hearing loss at this point is profound and I don’t benefit from all the bells and whistles that are included in the newer and more expensive aids. I know some Audiologists push Bluetooth and think that a Tcoil is not necessary. In my case….I have tried Bluetooth aids with numerous settings on one particular brand. But I want and need my Tcoil setting which is more helpful to me. There is no reason why todays aids can’t have both…..knowing that the type of aid is a consideration of course.
I also understand the lure that OTC hearing aids have for those new to hearing loss.
FL Mary
And, if you haven't already done so, sign up the the free via Government CapTel (or similar phone). Records your conversations, works as an answering machine, but requires a landline. It is nice to have the written backup for important conversations. Even when you can hear well, it's nice to have refer back to when you can't recall if the doctor said take one two x a day or two one time a day.
@moldy
I had the free Captel for many years from Florida and then purchased a newer ($99 at the time) version because of the answering machine options that were not available on the free one at that time. When that gave out I didn’t replace it because I rely on the Innocaption+ app on my phone, IPad and desktop Mac. It saves conversations for as long as you like. CaptionCall is another phone similiar to Captel that is provided free by the government. I tried that one too and think Captel may have been a tad faster and more accurate. As you said, you need a landline for either. We only keep the landline because of the business fax. ClearCaptions is another phone app option. None of these were available many years ago when I started needing a captioned phone.
People new to hearing loss can contact Deaf Services in their state to see what’s available. There should be deaf and hard of hearing agencies in all states. Luckily mine was only several miles from me in my county. It’s a decent place to start the journey. What I like about the apps is the ease of getting them from the app store and registering (for Innocaption anyway). No need to even leave the house if that is a concern.
FL Mary
I have genetic hearing loss too. I have so much difficulty hearing people sitting across from me in a restaurant. Also in a car when I am sitting in the front and the person talking is in the back seat. Is there any brand of hearing aids that perform better with genetic hearing loss.
Would you please tell me the two previous hearing aids that you tried. I live in the United States and Bernafon is not available here.
Well Hello, to another 'rare' one! The deepest part of my 'cookie bite' is at the sound of human voice, so I understand the restaurant and backseat talkers problem.
The explanation I have been given is restaurants and cars are high in 'distraction noise'. In a restaurant I try to sit in a corner against the walls. I have removed the one hearing aid that was facing away from my party.
In a car, I put my head between the seats, with no radio and no open windows.
I have been told there is no technology that will fix these problems.. yet. In a restaurant, my best bet is lip reading.
I tried (Biocore?) with controls on the phone to focus the 'hearing area" more towards the front centre or the sides... but you could not work the aids independently, other than turning it off. I did not find this useful.. just fancy.
With my now profound loss at human speech, I am to hone my lip reading skills.
It is a sorrow to realize this cookie bite will advance. We can hope that the technologies will continue to advance for us, and without delay.
Please let us know if you discover any new advances.
All the best.