OT: Hearing Aids

[KarenK]

Starkeys are on my list to try. A former neighbor [35 years ago] has an office nearby and they offer demos, so I will probably try them too, after Phonaks, Oticons and ReSounds. My first pair I tried and kept, but I know more and there are more options now, too.

[ladyjanern]

ladyjanern, can you use the ReSound remote without wearing it around your neck??

no it doesn't go around your neck. It's a small gizmo you carry in you purse or pocket. You can change volume of one or both aids, change programs, turn one down or just turn them off. Now there is an app on your phone that will do all that depending on the aids you have. Very cool technology.

[KarenK]

I am a bit puzzled - if I am trialing these aids, should I not be able to use zoom features, etc? The Alta Pro has a button on each aid, but I wonder if they were activated or not. I would like to try a remote. I go back on Wednesday, and I may re-try the Phonak. I liked the feel on my ear - the Oticon does not feel as good. [I know, that is not the important thing, but nevertheless...]

[NateS]

I bought top of the line Phonaks for $6,000 pair five years ago and spent all five years going back and forth to the audiologist trying to get them set so that I could hear my soft-spoken Karen without making her shout and/or repeat everything. Never satisfied.

I spent $1899 on a pair of hearing aids made by Resound and re-labeled for CostCo. last October, and they have been a delight! I can hear her sweet voice plainly!

I highly recommend the Hearing Aid Forums for unbiased advice by real users of every brand of hearing aids:

http://www.hearingaidforums.com/

I felt I learned a lot on that forum, from users of every brand of hearing aids under the sun.

Regards, Nate

[KarenK]

Thanks, Nate. I read HearingAidForums pretty regularly. I know Costco is a pretty popular choice, BUT the closest one in the US is in Erie, Pa [I am in Buffalo, NY] and the next choice is in Hamilton, Ontario, so it is not a choice for me at all.I cannot see such a long drive for adjustments to justify the price differential.

I am going to a different audiologist next week to ask about ReSounds. The office seemed a bit strange at first glance, but I will give it a try.

[meagain]

Currently I use a cheap ($25.) RECHARGEABLE hearing amplifier that looks like a regular behind-the-ear aid. It's okay. Before I spend big money I'm waiting for regular hearing aids to become rechargeable. Had a hearing aid years ago, and dealt with batteries...no thanks.

[KarenK]

if you do a bit of checking online, you will find that there are hearing aids that are rechargeable. I just did a quick, not thorough check, and there are Siemens and Rexton models that recharge.

[NateS]

Thanks, Nate. I read HearingAidForums pretty regularly. I know Costco is a pretty popular choice, BUT the closest one in the US is in Erie, Pa [I am in Buffalo, NY] and the next choice is in Hamilton, Ontario, so it is not a choice for me at all.I cannot see such a long drive for adjustments to justify the price differential.

I am going to a different audiologist next week to ask about ReSounds. The office seemed a bit strange at first glance, but I will give it a try.

Karen,

If you are considering ReSounds, be sure to check out their latest and greatest model - I think they are the first ones to come out with built-in bluetooth, which eliminates the need for bridging devices between the hearing aids and auxiliary devices like cell phones, TV amplifiers, neckloops, etc. I knew ReSound was coming out with this new advance this year, but in my case I decided it wasn't going to be worth the difference because with my Costcos (last year's ReSound versions) I found I didn't need any of the accessories, so I was willing to pass up the bluetooth feature and the wait.

But if you think you might need the accessories, and are willing to pay the price for the latest and greatest, I would definitely check out their ReSound LiNX:

http://www2.resoundlinx.com/en/us/welcome

Best wishes, Nate

[NateS]

Currently I use a cheap ($25.) RECHARGEABLE hearing amplifier that looks like a regular behind-the-ear aid. It's okay. Before I spend big money I'm waiting for regular hearing aids to become rechargeable. Had a hearing aid years ago, and dealt with batteries...no thanks.

meagain,

If that works for you, then you ought to take a look at the Sound World website and their pretty sophisticated OTE amplifiers. They are rechargeable, built-in bluetooth and have been getting raves, including a very favorable writeup in last year's New York Times:

http://www.soundworldsolutions.com/

Amazon carries them for about $300 an ear.

Best wishes, Nate

[Tino2You]

I wear Phonac Nadia's and I like almost everything about them except the bluetooth device. Starkey just launched it's Halo which uses an iPhone for bluetooth streaming of email, texts and phone calls. Wish this was available when I got mine. Oh well!

-tino

[KarenK]

Tino, I really wish there was something that worked with an Android.

[chunkyfrog]

I have to wait a couple of years for a new one, but Android would be awesome; and especially built-in Bluetooth.
All these expensive add-ons are a super pain in the pocket!

[KarenK]

I went back to the Audi and traded the Oticon Alta Pros for the Audeo Q90s to test again, as the first time they were not programmed properly. She said I should wear each demo for two weeks to be sure, so I am between the Oticons and Phonaks.
Phonak is now going to sell at Costco, which has many independents furious, and my audi will no longer be promoting Phonaks. Between the 2, I like the size and fit of the Phonaks, but I think I prefer the Oticon sound. The Oticons are thicker, I guess. The Phonaks I could sleep with.
In 10 days I am going to try the ReSounds. BTW, Costco is NOT an option for me, as there is not one anywhere near here in the US, and the one in Canada is a 1.5 hour drive. Otherwise, I would be at Costco right now!!

[deerslayer]

i just wish i had an answer for the constant high pitch screaming like someone slapped my ears.(tinitis) when allergies kick up, it's very hard to ignore in a quiet room...i guess from all the years from Black powder tournament shooting
tim

[KarenK]

Yesterday I went to the ReSound audiologist, and spent 2 hours there, talking. He set me up with a LiNX system, but did not give me a trial. I have a 45 day window at full price, with full refund. OMG, the things they can do!!Now all I have to do is buy an iPhone!!