A question for those who use hearing aids.

[LouAvul]

Who to consult for preliminary considerations? The guys at Costco? Or a licensed ENT? I seem to recall some specific hi-tech test for best results.

Which type hearing aid is best? In the ear canal? Outside?

Cons? Short battery life? Don't do the job?

My situation is I like the tv louder than my wife; can't always hear her; miss dialogue in Bible class at church; etc.

thanks

[linMcHlp]

My folks used nice, comfortable headsets that they could adjust - TV viewing.

[Nervous Tick]

>> my wife; can’t always hear her

... so you’re looking for a hearing aid. ???

(just kidding)

[NorthernDancer]

I got them from an audiologist and have been very happy with the hearing aids and follow up appointments.

[mad_as_he$$]

Make sure to get rechargeable aids. Batteries are expensive and a pain.

[systemjim]

I got them from Costco (Kirkland brand). They are the top of line made by Phonak but cost half the amount.

Overall I have been very satisfied, but a word to the wise. You will have improved hearing, but it will never be the way God made it (your hearing, that is).

[DugwayDuke]

Costco is an excellent source. Much cheaper than elsewhere.
I prefer the in the canal since I had numerous times when the lettle bulb would detach from the hearing aid and remain in the ear canal. Usually had to go to a specialist to have it removed. batteries are cheap at costco.

[PUGACHEV]

I got mine from an audiologist. I do not know anything about hearing aids at Costco. The doctor first tested me to make a profile of my hearing loss and then programmed that into the hearing aids. In fact, she gave me three profiles for different environments. I can use a program on my cell phone to switch between them or adjust the volume, or I can use tiny buttons on the back of either aid for the same thing. They last about a day and take two hours to recharge. The brand I chose was Otocon, which was,expensive. Truthfully, I hardly use them, except in the symphony hall, or sometimes on business occasions.

A good option for television are Ziljidian an headphones. They have a hearing loss program on their cell phone app which tunes them to your need and they have a very robust Bluetooth function. They are also great headphones.

[Red Badger]

I wear Aids in both ears. Got them from the VA, so they didn’t cost me anything.

They are programmable and over-the ear types.

The batteries last about 10 days.

Resound is the manufacturer.

https://www.resound.com/en-us/

I am totally satisfied with them..............

[bk1000]

Audiologist, not an ENT.

[Red Badger]

PING!......................

[Red Badger]

https://zildjian.com/

?.................

[Ikeon]

I use a wireless headset plugged into the TV audio out signal. Sennhieser. As for hearing my wife better? I miss most of the 15 minute recap of her lunch and shopping trip with her friends. I just nod and smile. She’ll let me know what the important parts are.

[eastforker]

If you have been hard of hearing for most of your adult life like I have, don’t be surprised that after you get them, you will be hesitant on wearing them. They are so annoying because you can now hear everything. If I have them on and I walk out on my front porch here in the country it sounds like I am in the middle of the jungle as I can hear every insect around. And then there is the tickle factor. The buds that fit inside the ear canal really irritates me after a short while, and again, no sound goes unnoticed, it drives me nuts.

[Fai Mao]

Both Sam’s Club and Costco have audiologist that do the testing for FREE.

I got my current hearing aids from Sam’s and could not be more pleased with them. They also cost about 1/3 what other brands cost.

BtW I have severe and profound hearing loss in both ears so I need lots of help with hearing

Highly recommended

[sit-rep]

hearing aids are good only in one on one situations with no background noise... any other time they are absolutely miserable!! in a restaurants, the lady cackling across the room is 10 times louder than the person your trying to listen to across your table. In construction, a staring machinery/tool is blasting loud over a voice you strain to make out.

buy cheapos... doesnt matter how much you spend, theyre all the same sound separation wise...

[knarf]

If you're on Medicare, they're free with MY AETNA insurance.

>Y'take what they give you

Mine are over the ear, but small and invisible .The aid itself goes in the ear AND I get free batteries for the life of my hearing aid, which is switched out every year for the latest model.

Batteries are superior (imo) over rechargeables because you can easily fall asleep and the batteries die, which is two minutes away from full charge replacement whereas a rechargeable takes time.

My two cents' worth

[TNoldman]

I have Britzgo BHA-220. Behind the Ear. I used just one - under a $100. I have used more expensive HA but always come back to Britzgo. Batteries last 21 days.

Easy online order process.

[Harpotoo]

Costco’s and my test at the VA were equivalent.
Costco HAs cost thousands, mine from the VA cost $50 (but also cost thousands).

[mewzilla]

I hate to say this because of the way I feel about the medical profession, but have you seen a doc about your hearing loss?

That would be my first step, FWIW.