OT: hearing aids, again

[KarenK]

I am doing well with my Resound LiNX aids, which are now almost 2 years old. I do not intend to upgrade them yet, but I have noticed some changes in my comprehension, which I always thought was pretty good even without the aids. I seem to be mis-hearing some sounds, such as fifty / sixty and backroom / bathroom. I see the audiologist next week.

[herefishy]

I have the Starkey Xino, and started having the same experience after about a year. I get a free exam each year, so when I went in I told them I thought I wasn't hearing as well, and they said the test showed no change. They turned up the volume for me, but that didn't help much. Don't know if they do something to these ridiculously expensive instruments so that you have to get new ones, or what. Hearing is a funny thing.

[bryansong]

Good luck to both of you, I hope you get that resolved.

I'm chiming in here because I am SSD and have been wearing a BAHA since 2006. It really helps me in my work environment or if I go
to some family function. I do hear well with one ear so that helps.

Bryan

[chunkyfrog]

I would recommend you go to a university speech and hearing clinic, similar to the Barkley Center, where I went.
They deal with communication matters beyond the scope of your plain Jane audiologist.
Severe and profound hearing loss cannot always be corrected simply with an instrument.
Sometimes education or additional features or accessories may be needed.
You may even need a more advanced aid than your audiologist is able or willing to dispense.
If you go through a university, you will get better treatment at a lower price.
Hearing aid sales is rife with junk, high pressure, and betrayal.

[jnk...]

What the frog said.

If that isn't possible, Costco.

[chunkyfrog]

What the frog said.

If that isn't possible, Costco.

I bought my first from a hearing clinic. It was OK, but I overpaid.
The next two times, I went to Barkley, saved money, and enjoyed new technology.
The most recent is from Costco, paid about half or less, and still got amazing cutting edge tech.
Hearing aids (the good ones) are tiny computers, that can be programmed to accommodate many variations in hearing loss.

[yaconsult]

I had an interesting discussion with a guy working at the Dollar Store last week. It seems that this year's consumer electronics show introduced a bunch of consumer level hearing aids for very attractive prices.

The traditional hearing aid companies are very unhappy to see this development and will tell you about all the money they have spent on research and development to create their unique products. But I'll tell ya, people with low paying jobs, like this guy at the Dollar Store, who can't afford the fancy stuff with all the support and customization that comes with it are really, really happy to be able to buy something that improves their hearing at a price that they can afford.

[KarenK]

I went to the audiologist last week and since my *new* problems are without wearing the hearing aids, he offered no changes. I have been wearing them nearly every day, as I am inclined to believe what he said about keeping your brain stimulated!

[chunkyfrog]

Yep; those cute little things don't do much good if you don't wear them.

[Sheriff Buford]

Maybe your fifty is wrong. It should really be fiddy.

Sheriff

[bwexler]

Do you seriously mean, if I keep them in that slick little case they came with they don't improve my hearing as much as if I stuff them in my ear?

[Chevie]

I seem to be mis-hearing some sounds, backroom / bathroom.

Maybe the governor in North Carolina has this problem.

[QueSera]

I am SSD and have been using a consumer level product (about $299) on one ear since I retired; before that I used CROS or BiCROS ($4000+) for over 20 years.

I've found that subtle hearing changes like this can be the result of earwax, believe it or not. Give your device a really good cleaning, and get your ears checked for wax, too. You never know.

[avi123]

What about ringing in the ears (Tinnitus), have the hearing aids solve it?

[SleepyEyes21]

I am SSD and have been using a consumer level product (about $299) on one ear since I retired; before that I used CROS or BiCROS ($4000+) for over 20 years.

I've found that subtle hearing changes like this can be the result of earwax, believe it or not. Give your device a really good cleaning, and get your ears checked for wax, too. You never know.

Hi QueSera,

My audiologist told me that hearing aids cost between $2,000- $5,000 and that medical insurance will not cover any of this cost. Can you please tell me the name of the product that you found for $299, or is that price only available to those on SSD?

Thank you