Severe loss here. Word discrimination is poor.
I have ones that have 96 individually adjustable frequencies. If you have a serious hearing problem it is best to get quality in person hearing testing, not some online test. If you want precision diagnosis and properly adjusted aids.
Be aware that aids which only amplify have the potential to harm your hearing over time by over amplification.
I’ve had the same pair for 4 years and they are low maintenance. Battery life is 10-14 days. Plus I get free hearing tests as needed for updated re-programing as needed.
While no panacea, they make a huge difference in my quality of life. I could not go without them.
While no panacea, they make a huge difference in my quality of life. I could not go without them.
Resound higher end hearing aids, were not inexpensive, but were life changing and worth every penny. Added benefits is iPhone adjustable sound situations, and a very good tinnitus app that puts me in Saint Augustine Beach House sound sleep.
Without, I can’t take enough drugs or bourbon to solve my problems. Well, perhaps, not enough drugs.
I went to a well known hearing aid company and got a thorough test covering frequencies in each ear and also word recognition evaluation for each ear. I was surprised how many I missed particularly with "sh" and "ch" or containing "s" sounds.
My insurance and the VA covered about half of the costs and I shelled out about $3K for two. They run on rechargeable batteries, connect to my phone and some devices with bluetooth. They are programmable using my phone. I can adjust frequency and directional sensitivities.
I realize how valuable they are when I forget to wear them. There really is a big difference for me.
I have profound hearing loss in my left ear and severe loss in my right ear. I have been going to the hearing clinic at a local university for 20+ years where the faculty use me as a training tool for audiology students and in exchange, I get top of the line hearing aids for 50% off.
Hearing aids are just that — aids not replacements, but high end aids with multiple channels and programs, feedback and wind suppression, superfast processing speeds, etc., are truly awesome.
In my opinion, over the counter hearing aids (OTC) have a similar function as over the counter magnifying eyeglasses purchased at the pharmacy: They are a less expensive option with limited function, that are adequate for many people in certain circumstances, but are not a substitute for custom fit, prescription devices.
OTC aids are for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are less effective for moderately severe hearing loss and useless for severe and profound hearing loss. One of the problems with OTC hearing aids for people with severe to profound hearing loss is that the OTC aids can make hearing and understanding speech even more difficult in certain situations, resulting in frustration and stress to the point where the user stops using the hearing aids because they don’t work; when the real problem is that they are not the correct aids for the user’s degree of hearing loss and lifestyle needs.