Hearing aids and dementia

Josie, can you elaborate on your post a bit. Are you saying your husbands dementia has improved with the Phonak aids? Or just an improvement in his hearing ability?

I am unaware of any past comment like that. However, we have discussed research that identifies hearing loss relating to cognitive decline, especially when it goes untreated.

Hearing loss can be isolating, frustrating, depressing, and misunderstood. When we respond out of context because we don't hear something but thought we did, we can create a negative impression of our intellect. When we refuse to participate in social settings because we are embarrassed because we can't hear well, we become reclusive. Some of those behaviors can be perceived as dementia.

My thought is that the Phonak hearing aids were likely provided by a more skilled fitter/provider.

There are several brands of hearing aids. There are many sellers of hearing aids, including Costco, Sams Club, etc. There is a whole new group of hearing aids that is being sold called 'Over the Counter' OTC hearing aids. The concept which created the OTC products relates to the reality that many people who start to experience difficulty hearing do not do anything about it. Reasons relate to cost and stigma. It's important to know that OTC products are ONLY for people with mild to very moderate hearing loss.

I only mention the OTC market because the entire industry is confusing. Costco does not sell OTC products at this time. Their hearing aids are prescriptive products. However, they cost considerably less than those sold by independent practitioners. Further complicating the industry is that some people fitting and selling hearing aids have doctorate level degrees. They are audiologists with the initials AuD after their name. Others are called hearing instrument specialists (HIS). They may or may not have any post secondary education. Most have done an internship somewhere along the way. Some have very little knowledge about hearing loss although they may have a good understanding of technology. Confusing, right?

Hearing aids must be fitted properly to a person's individual type of hearing loss as shown on an audiogram which is properly administered

. Best practices include real ear measurement that requires testing how a person hears with and without properly fitted hearing aids on. Standards also say that the 'buyer' must test the product in all possible settings when they are in a trial period that is required by law. However, that trial period, which is explained in the fine print, may be 30 days, 60 days or even longer. If a person doesn't return an ineffective product within the set trial time it's likely they won't get their money back.

So, it is very important to receive a quality fitting. Does that dictate where you go to buy a hearing aid? Again, the success relates as much to the fitter as it does to the product. I have found that talking to other people who use hearing aids when one is considering them, is very helpful. Ask about their experiences with providers and products. I always suggest attending HLAA meetings if there's an HLAA chapter in your area. That is where people talk openly about 'it'. It's amazing what we can learn from one another.

I know people who have had excellent experiences at the 'big box' stores. There are others who have not. I recently tried a different brand of hearing aid from the one I've been using for several years and found it did not help me nearly as much as my older aid did. I returned it. My provider fully understood. I will try again soon.

Sorry so long. I am happy to hear that your husband is doing well with the Phonak hearing aids.

He can hear with the Phonak. Costco hearing aid didn't work for him.