Posted on 04/08/2023 6:03:09 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Are there any risks with OTC hearing aids? Yes, as with any medical device, there are risks. If you do not have a hearing test performed by a doctor prior to buying OTC, you may be unprepared to use them properly. The max output on the devices may cause hearing loss if you do not require a high level (a doctor can tell you your max output level via a test).
Additionally, OTC hearing aids may pose a risk to minors. Creed adds, "I worry about kids getting them. The FDA is not requiring an ID to purchase." She says that these devices won't be locked up in stores and pharmacies, so theoretically, anyone can get their hands on them. The max output on these devices can cause hearing loss in minors.
OTC hearing aids aren't for everyone. You may need to see a physician or get a prescription.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnet.com ...
Bkmk
I was diagnosed with hearing loss last year, and got a pair of hearing aids from the Audiology department at the medical group I use. My health insurance as a retiree of New York State paid the full $2000 for them. I figured I’d better get them while the State was still covering them. Medicare won’t pay for them. I had to pay $200 for the charger. Once a week, overnight, I have to put the hearing aids in a container with a disc that dehumidifies them. One disc lasts 2 months. They gave me the initial pack of discs for free. I have to pay $22 for a new kit of six when I need them. The kit I buy from them is actually cheaper than the same ones offered on Amazon.
Yep. They love the “Uncle Sugar” coffers.
Hearing aids are a huge rip off...They want $7000.00+ for something to simply amplify sound? lol...
And then they engineer them so the old folks easily break them, over and over.
Those people pushing this crap are predators looking for suckers among the elderly.
being hard of hearing has a huge upside.
Naturally the wife gets upset when I say that.
They get lists from the county, state and federal government of who is over 65. That said, regular Medicare typically doesn’t cover the cost. When Medicare Advantage came along one of the added sell benefits was the addition of hearing coverage (to include hearing aides). But I wouldn’t trade my grandfathered Anthem BCBS Plan F additional policy for anything. I haven’t paid for a doctor bill or a medically necessary hospital procedure in the 8 years I’ve been on Medicare and had Plan F supplemental. I’ll buy an OTC hearing aid if my hearing becomes a problem for me.
Sounds to me,
Like somebody is losing business,
And doesn’t like it.
The gravy train is ending for some. If you take the online hearing test you will be just fine with OTC hearing aids coupled to your phone control.
I heard that hearing problems causes aids
May I ask what make and model you have?
Their top end is $22.99 and is rechargeable.
/s
“Hearing aids are a huge rip off...They want $7000.00+ for something to simply amplify sound? “
You have absolutely no clue what they do. Real hearing aids do more than “amplify sound”.
Mine are much more than amplifiers. They are best described as digital sound processors.
They only boost certain sounds and are custom aligned for each ear. Also they are directional and can be “steered” to only hear from one direction, making conversation possible in crowded or noisy environments. They even can sense motion such as when turning my head.
They cost me 5 grand for the pair. Do I think they are probably making the dealer a huge markup? Yes, and probably could be cheaper, but they unfortunately aren’t. But I wouldn’t call them a rip off.
DSP has been around probably 35+ years. Your car audio probably uses DSP.
And they design them so the elderly can very easily break them...$$ It’s happened countless times.
Liberty is the brand. They apparently have the franchise in Sam’s. I don’t know a model number for mine. I know that it’s 4 years old and it’s already been superseded by newer technology. I have the behind the ears kind which pretty much everyone says are better than the ones that only go in the ear. And truthfully you can’t see them if that makes a difference. Occasionally I’ll have to tell my wife not to yell at me because she doesn’t realize I’m wearing them.
While they are not a panacea, I darn sure can’t live without them. And they have improved my quality of life a great deal.
Thanks!
You know what, you are right. They are nothing but amplifiers designed to break. What the hell do I know? A complete rip off to be sure. They should just be outlawed. (sarcasm all of it)
...land we all need multi thousand dollar eye exams and prescription reading glasses rather than a $5 set from wallgreens. We just aren’t qualified to make our own decisions. We need “experts.”
Costo provides best hearing aids for $1,600.00.
I am a 78 y.o. retired EE. Had $5k+ H.A.s from top PhD audiologists since 2011. Costco has top technicians (no PhD to pay for) & better testing technology than any PhD I ever saw, and are easier to work with. Had 2 brands with Costco and could not be more pleased. Had Rexton’s top line, now have Philip’s that are so much better.
Everyone’s loss is different and only top testing can determine where (frequencies) your loss is. OTC H.A.s cannot do this and only amplify sound. Yes, for a very few, this may work. But not the majority.
No harm to try them except loss of $$$ if they don’t work.
Be sure your problem isn’t earwax. See your doc first.
Agree 100%. I have an Osia Baha that affixes to my skull via a magnet. I have a tether that clips onto my shirt collar. If it storms, I just rollover and sleep on my good ear and sleep like a baby. I hear things in music that most people with two good ears would miss.
“My wife says I never listen to her, at least I think that’s what she says.”
Yeh, the risk is that they won’t get to collect $4,000 from you for a hearing test. My 97 year old mom got pretty deaf to the point it was a chore talking to her. I ordered a pair of Auiden hearing aids for $80, charged them up and tuned them in to her comfort level and she could hear fine. They work great with 3 volume levels to choose from.
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