Yes, high quality hearing aids are very expensive. However, there are places where you can purchase a good hearing aid at a more reasonable price. First though, you should have your hearing tested by a professional audiologist. Find out where your hearing falls on the spectrum. Get a copy of your audiogram from that tester so you don't have to get retested. It's OK to shop around for the best prices. Use that document. Ask questions.
Many people who have discussed hearing aids on MCC have purchased them at Costco. Those aids are good quality aids, and cost about 1/3 the price of those sold at other places. Those are not 'over the counter hearing aids that you fit yourself. That is an entire different category.
Do keep in mind that the skill of the person who is fitting your hearing aids is extremely important. Costco employes some audiologists, but most of their fitters are hearing instrument specialists that have apprenticeship training. Audiologists with AuD behind their name have doctorate level education.
One really important piece of the hearing aid journey rests in your ballpark. YOU must be the judge as to whether or not they are working well for you. With most providers you get 30 days to figure that out. With Costco you get 6 months. Regardless, it's up to you to test them in every possible situation where you want to be able to hear and understand conversation.
I have severe/profound hearing loss myself, and would likely never be able to purchase hearing aids from any one who is not a highly skilled fitter. Paying the high price for that is worth it to me. On the other hand, for some people it works well to try the less costly options, especially with the option to return them if they don't help you.
Are you willing to get tested? If so, are you willing to shop around and take the time to try those hearing aids in all possible ways within the trial period?
I recently was fitted and purchased some outstanding ReSound Aids. The PhD Audiologist was fantastic. I go back tomorrow for some quick reporting in to her and tell her any changes I wish to make. My level of loss is moderate/severe. I honestly don't think they could be more effective. I was totally surprised with how much improvement they provide. I think I'll leave everything as is this time around. The most amazing thing for me is the ringing in my left ear (which is very loud and distracting) is almost forgotten while I wear these. The low end distortion and drone is almost gone too (when wearing the aids) and I can hear some things better than I have in years. My mood has changed and my energy is higher again. The technology and skill combination of my Doctor and Audiologist has completely exceeded my expectations. Julie's advice is spot on.
I recently was fitted and purchased some outstanding ReSound Aids. The PhD Audiologist was fantastic. I go back tomorrow for some quick reporting in to her and tell her any changes I wish to make. My level of loss is moderate/severe. I honestly don't think they could be more effective. I was totally surprised with how much improvement they provide. I think I'll leave everything as is this time around. The most amazing thing for me is the ringing in my left ear (which is very loud and distracting) is almost forgotten while I wear these. The low end distortion and drone is almost gone too (when wearing the aids) and I can hear some things better than I have in years. My mood has changed and my energy is higher again. The technology and skill combination of my Doctor and Audiologist has completely exceeded my expectations. Julie's advice is spot on.
My husband has the same experience with his hearing aids from a very qualified audiologist. However he has problems sleeping due to extreme tinnitus. Now he ordered one that just fits in his ear without going behind the ear to try sleeping with it in. We’ll see how that goes.
Does anyone with tinnitus have problems sleeping?,
Yes, high quality hearing aids are very expensive. However, there are places where you can purchase a good hearing aid at a more reasonable price. First though, you should have your hearing tested by a professional audiologist. Find out where your hearing falls on the spectrum. Get a copy of your audiogram from that tester so you don't have to get retested. It's OK to shop around for the best prices. Use that document. Ask questions.
Many people who have discussed hearing aids on MCC have purchased them at Costco. Those aids are good quality aids, and cost about 1/3 the price of those sold at other places. Those are not 'over the counter hearing aids that you fit yourself. That is an entire different category.
Do keep in mind that the skill of the person who is fitting your hearing aids is extremely important. Costco employes some audiologists, but most of their fitters are hearing instrument specialists that have apprenticeship training. Audiologists with AuD behind their name have doctorate level education.
One really important piece of the hearing aid journey rests in your ballpark. YOU must be the judge as to whether or not they are working well for you. With most providers you get 30 days to figure that out. With Costco you get 6 months. Regardless, it's up to you to test them in every possible situation where you want to be able to hear and understand conversation.
I have severe/profound hearing loss myself, and would likely never be able to purchase hearing aids from any one who is not a highly skilled fitter. Paying the high price for that is worth it to me. On the other hand, for some people it works well to try the less costly options, especially with the option to return them if they don't help you.
Are you willing to get tested? If so, are you willing to shop around and take the time to try those hearing aids in all possible ways within the trial period?
Hi Julie, I also am in the severe hearing loss category and looking for good aids. Medicare has set up tru hearing aids program but been frustrating to work with them. They won’t give me details in writing on trial period, warranty, and cleaning details they say is inclusive in package BEFORE I purchase. Seems very much a scam. Really in a qualm as to where to go and get good service. Any one here worked with Tru Hearing?
Hi Julie, I also am in the severe hearing loss category and looking for good aids. Medicare has set up tru hearing aids program but been frustrating to work with them. They won’t give me details in writing on trial period, warranty, and cleaning details they say is inclusive in package BEFORE I purchase. Seems very much a scam. Really in a qualm as to where to go and get good service. Any one here worked with Tru Hearing?
Julie
I have been very pleased with local branch of Connect Hearing (https://www.connecthearing.com/). I got my first Oticon hearing aides about 4 years ago, and this year I upgraded to a new pair of Phonak hearing aides. They are not cheap but they work great, and Connect Hearing staff checks them out and adjusts them for free as required. They come with replacement warranty if lost or damaged.
Hi Julie,
Suggest you contact Your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan for details.
My wife and I have hearing aids through Tru Hearing and they gave us a list of participating Audiologists in our area. Satisfied with the Audiologist, aids and price. We're in a suburb of Chicago. Perhaps there is something better where you are, but we're pleased with our choice.
William A.
I am a member of Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage, with additional coverage for hearing aids and dental. But I did not care for their lack of transparency in revealing what brands of hearing aids they use and how much I could expect to pay. Also unacceptable was their multi-week wait times for appointments, due to a staffing shortage at my local KP facilities. I was not prepared to live with a hearing/communication problem for several weeks just because the audiology department couldn’t get around to seeing me.
That’s why I went out of network to Hear.com when I needed a new pair of hearing aids last year. I found Hear.com much more transparent, and far, far more responsive than Kaiser’s audiology dept. appeared to be, based on my experience. I did pay more than I would have if I’d staying in network, but I think it’s a false economy to buy hearing aids minus the component of attentive, timely follow-up and care.
Julie is right about choosing an audiologist carefully. I have had some not-great ones, and it really matters a lot. Hear.com was a good solution for me.
If you have already seen a good ENT, know the type of loss you have and which type of aid would work best for you, then maybe try checking out Hearing Aid Reviews from Forbes.com. It's true that some aids that are $2K or more, are expensive, but they work best if you have any severe loss (like I do), they have more power and can be more customized for your loss. They usually have a 3yr warranty. I personally have had Opticon and Phonak but I am going to start looking into the newer aids that are lower priced. They are getting better all the time. Did you know that there are smartphone apps that will translate conversations to text? I use "Olelo". There is no charge for the app if you have a qualified loss (FCC).
If you have already seen a good ENT, know the type of loss you have and which type of aid would work best for you, then maybe try checking out Hearing Aid Reviews from Forbes.com. It's true that some aids that are $2K or more, are expensive, but they work best if you have any severe loss (like I do), they have more power and can be more customized for your loss. They usually have a 3yr warranty. I personally have had Opticon and Phonak but I am going to start looking into the newer aids that are lower priced. They are getting better all the time. Did you know that there are smartphone apps that will translate conversations to text? I use "Olelo". There is no charge for the app if you have a qualified loss (FCC).
I have moderate to considerable loss in both ears with right being worst. Over the past 12 years I have had Phonak, Widex and now Oticon which is supposed to have the latest technology and what a lot of audiologists in the area seem to be recommending these days. I don't know if they are the best (very pricey) but they are more effective than the widex which were 6 years old and , as you mention the technology is improving among all the brands. I recommend finding an audiologist (as they have more training than a HAS) you trust and follow their advice. All any aid does is amplify the sounds and some of the more advanced brands are better at filtering sounds, background noise and adding features like TV compatibility, clarity. supressing unwanted noise e.g. sirens, dogs barking, etc. My hearing is not severe enough to qualify for cochlear implants
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Yes, high quality hearing aids are very expensive. However, there are places where you can purchase a good hearing aid at a more reasonable price. First though, you should have your hearing tested by a professional audiologist. Find out where your hearing falls on the spectrum. Get a copy of your audiogram from that tester so you don't have to get retested. It's OK to shop around for the best prices. Use that document. Ask questions.
Many people who have discussed hearing aids on MCC have purchased them at Costco. Those aids are good quality aids, and cost about 1/3 the price of those sold at other places. Those are not 'over the counter hearing aids that you fit yourself. That is an entire different category.
Do keep in mind that the skill of the person who is fitting your hearing aids is extremely important. Costco employes some audiologists, but most of their fitters are hearing instrument specialists that have apprenticeship training. Audiologists with AuD behind their name have doctorate level education.
One really important piece of the hearing aid journey rests in your ballpark. YOU must be the judge as to whether or not they are working well for you. With most providers you get 30 days to figure that out. With Costco you get 6 months. Regardless, it's up to you to test them in every possible situation where you want to be able to hear and understand conversation.
I have severe/profound hearing loss myself, and would likely never be able to purchase hearing aids from any one who is not a highly skilled fitter. Paying the high price for that is worth it to me. On the other hand, for some people it works well to try the less costly options, especially with the option to return them if they don't help you.
Are you willing to get tested? If so, are you willing to shop around and take the time to try those hearing aids in all possible ways within the trial period?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI recently was fitted and purchased some outstanding ReSound Aids. The PhD Audiologist was fantastic. I go back tomorrow for some quick reporting in to her and tell her any changes I wish to make. My level of loss is moderate/severe. I honestly don't think they could be more effective. I was totally surprised with how much improvement they provide. I think I'll leave everything as is this time around. The most amazing thing for me is the ringing in my left ear (which is very loud and distracting) is almost forgotten while I wear these. The low end distortion and drone is almost gone too (when wearing the aids) and I can hear some things better than I have in years. My mood has changed and my energy is higher again. The technology and skill combination of my Doctor and Audiologist has completely exceeded my expectations. Julie's advice is spot on.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsMy husband has the same experience with his hearing aids from a very qualified audiologist. However he has problems sleeping due to extreme tinnitus. Now he ordered one that just fits in his ear without going behind the ear to try sleeping with it in. We’ll see how that goes.
Does anyone with tinnitus have problems sleeping?,
Hi Julie, I also am in the severe hearing loss category and looking for good aids. Medicare has set up tru hearing aids program but been frustrating to work with them. They won’t give me details in writing on trial period, warranty, and cleaning details they say is inclusive in package BEFORE I purchase. Seems very much a scam. Really in a qualm as to where to go and get good service. Any one here worked with Tru Hearing?
Julie
I have been very pleased with local branch of Connect Hearing (https://www.connecthearing.com/). I got my first Oticon hearing aides about 4 years ago, and this year I upgraded to a new pair of Phonak hearing aides. They are not cheap but they work great, and Connect Hearing staff checks them out and adjusts them for free as required. They come with replacement warranty if lost or damaged.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHear: $5000-$6000. Designed in Germany, mfg in
Netherlands.
Hi Julie,
Suggest you contact Your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan for details.
My wife and I have hearing aids through Tru Hearing and they gave us a list of participating Audiologists in our area. Satisfied with the Audiologist, aids and price. We're in a suburb of Chicago. Perhaps there is something better where you are, but we're pleased with our choice.
William A.
I am a member of Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage, with additional coverage for hearing aids and dental. But I did not care for their lack of transparency in revealing what brands of hearing aids they use and how much I could expect to pay. Also unacceptable was their multi-week wait times for appointments, due to a staffing shortage at my local KP facilities. I was not prepared to live with a hearing/communication problem for several weeks just because the audiology department couldn’t get around to seeing me.
That’s why I went out of network to Hear.com when I needed a new pair of hearing aids last year. I found Hear.com much more transparent, and far, far more responsive than Kaiser’s audiology dept. appeared to be, based on my experience. I did pay more than I would have if I’d staying in network, but I think it’s a false economy to buy hearing aids minus the component of attentive, timely follow-up and care.
Julie is right about choosing an audiologist carefully. I have had some not-great ones, and it really matters a lot. Hear.com was a good solution for me.
If you have already seen a good ENT, know the type of loss you have and which type of aid would work best for you, then maybe try checking out Hearing Aid Reviews from Forbes.com. It's true that some aids that are $2K or more, are expensive, but they work best if you have any severe loss (like I do), they have more power and can be more customized for your loss. They usually have a 3yr warranty. I personally have had Opticon and Phonak but I am going to start looking into the newer aids that are lower priced. They are getting better all the time. Did you know that there are smartphone apps that will translate conversations to text? I use "Olelo". There is no charge for the app if you have a qualified loss (FCC).
I have moderate to considerable loss in both ears with right being worst. Over the past 12 years I have had Phonak, Widex and now Oticon which is supposed to have the latest technology and what a lot of audiologists in the area seem to be recommending these days. I don't know if they are the best (very pricey) but they are more effective than the widex which were 6 years old and , as you mention the technology is improving among all the brands. I recommend finding an audiologist (as they have more training than a HAS) you trust and follow their advice. All any aid does is amplify the sounds and some of the more advanced brands are better at filtering sounds, background noise and adding features like TV compatibility, clarity. supressing unwanted noise e.g. sirens, dogs barking, etc. My hearing is not severe enough to qualify for cochlear implants