Hearing Aid question

[bsmcneil]

I'll start with the caveat that I'd prefer the normal route for this - but funds are tight and I don' have insurance right now.

Have you (or anyone you know) had success with having (bluetooth) earbuds help act as a hearing aid? This seems like it could work (to me - but I realize I know very little about the subject, lol

 

[mamabunny]

Apple iPhones have a feature called "Live Listen" that you can use with either MFi (Made For iPhone) hearing devices, or AirPods.

Learn more here:

Use iPhone as a remote microphone with Live Listen

 

[DisSurfer878]

I mean my grandma uses them for her TV at home but.. that's it

 

[AprilsZoo]

I think it could work in limited circumstances but Bluetooth earbuds often go thru their available battery power very quickly under continual (not standby) use— a few hours at most, typically. So for something like at a dr’s appointment, or in a meeting you might be ok.

The other problem is that most modern hearing aids are programmed to amplify the frequencies that you are unable to hear and not the ones you can hear. The trouble with amplifying everything is it makes it harder to pick out what you actually *want* to hear.

I thought I’d never be able to afford hearing aids, but when I went for a screening at Costco, I learned that they have some extremely affordable options there... affordable enough that it would be worth getting a membership for that alone if you know you need them. I think in some states they have to offer the screenings to everyone regardless of whether you are a member.

For me, I’m not quite to the point I’ll benefit from hearing aids yet. I kinda wish I was, because it can be really frustrating trying to hear if there’s any competing sound.

 

[SueM in MN]

Apple iPhones have a feature called "Live Listen" that you can use with either MFi (Made For iPhone) hearing devices, or AirPods.

Learn more here:

Use iPhone as a remote microphone with Live Listen

I‘ve got Apple Airpods.
They do have a long battery life, but won’t stay on any better than a hearing aid.

 

[Kimly]

I have no advice, but There are grants out there for hearing aids. I hope you find a solution!

 

[kanerf]

First make sure you see a EENT specialist to determine if the hearing loss is not caused by excess wax in your ears. They can carefully clean them if that is the case. The EENT should be able to recommend subsidized ways to obtain hearing aids if they are needed.

 

[bsmcneil]

First make sure you see a EENT specialist to determine if the hearing loss is not caused by excess wax in your ears. They can carefully clean them if that is the case. The EENT should be able to recommend subsidized ways to obtain hearing aids if they are needed.

Thanks. Sadly, the hearing loss is quite common due to a hereditary disease under the muscular dystrophy umbrella. But I definitely would make use of this (the EENT idea, I mean). I think a couple of things are at play here - my ego/vanity and my cheapness ... frugality. Since I might use airpods otherwise and they would seem quite common on someone my age, it "hits" less hard than the issue does otherwise. Also there was a good Black Friday sale

 

[bsmcneil]

I‘ve got Apple Airpods.
They do have a long battery life, but won’t stay on any better than a hearing aid.

Yeah, them staying in is one of my concerns (I haven't tried them). Hmmm.

 

[bsmcneil]

I mean my grandma uses them for her TV at home but.. that's it

See! I feel like there are multiple uses for these and I'm trying to squeeze eeeeeverything I can out of it, lol

 

[LynJ]

A properly fitted hearing aid should stay on without a problem. Please don't let vanity stop you from hearing well. The first ENT we went to with my daughter thought aids would help her, but wouldn't prescribe them, due to "social stigma." She was 6 and unable to hear a vacuum cleaner. If we had listened to him, she would have missed out on SO much! And, BTW, her pink, glitter, glow-in-the-dark earmold made her the coolest kid in first grade.

TV ads for cheapie pseudo aids that talk about unsightly hearing aids that make you look old perpetuate a stupid stereotype. A hearing aid is a tool, just like glasses, to help improve your life. Please don't let vanity stop you from being able to enjoy conversation, music, etc.

Sorry. Off my soapbox now.

 

[mamabunny]

Yeah, them staying in is one of my concerns (I haven't tried them). Hmmm.

Be warned, you can fall down an Amazon Hole rather quickly and easily, but...

They *do* sell "ear hooks" and other accessories that will help keep your AirPods in place better. Will it hold up to Space Mountain? that I don't know...!

 

[SueM in MN]

Be warned, you can fall down an Amazon Hole rather quickly and easily, but...

They *do* sell "ear hooks" and other accessories that will help keep your AirPods in place better. Will it hold up to Space Mountain? that I don't know...!

I got ear hooks along with my AirPods. Still haven’t quite figured them out - LOL

 

[SirDuff]

Thanks. Sadly, the hearing loss is quite common due to a hereditary disease under the muscular dystrophy umbrella. But I definitely would make use of this (the EENT idea, I mean). I think a couple of things are at play here - my ego/vanity and my cheapness ... frugality. Since I might use airpods otherwise and they would seem quite common on someone my age, it "hits" less hard than the issue does otherwise. Also there was a good Black Friday sale

If you are worried about ego/vanity, airpods are much more obvious than hearing aids. Honestly, many people I've worked with for years are surprised when I point out that I wear them.

And, yes, airpods are common but not when you are talking with someone - that just looks like you are being rude (I would expect someone to remove airpods if they want to talk to me and would definitely notice if they didn't. And that is the time (talking to people) that the aids are most needed.

Plus, I figure repeatedly saying "'I'm sorry, can you please repeat that?" is far more noticeable and annoying than wearing hearing aids.

 

[bsmcneil]

I thought I'd do a quick update in case it comes up for anyone else. I did end up getting the most recent airpods via a Black Friday sale and they're amazingly helpful to boost hearing. Wow. Wow, wow, wow! Maybe not the perfect idea for anyone but I got them for about 150 and it just has made a ton of difference.

 

[Kameron Milne]

I thought I'd do a quick update in case it comes up for anyone else. I did end up getting the most recent airpods via a Black Friday sale and they're amazingly helpful to boost hearing. Wow. Wow, wow, wow! Maybe not the perfect idea for anyone but I got them for about 150 and it just has made a ton of difference.

Thanks for the update OP. So you haven't tried EarPods as a hearing aid as a result, have you?

 

[SteveMouse]

In October, hearing assistive devices may be sold “otc,” as it were, so Best Buy and other retailers may be entering the market space

 

[bsmcneil]

Thanks for the update OP. So you haven't tried EarPods as a hearing aid as a result, have you?

I have - Apple airpods. Unfortunately, my kid used them and - I kid you not - dropped one into the toilet. But - for others: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/09/23/earbuds-otc-hearing-aids/

 

[mamabunny]

I have - Apple airpods. Unfortunately, my kid used them and - I kid you not - dropped one into the toilet. But - for others: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/09/23/earbuds-otc-hearing-aids/

If you still have the other non-toilet-dropped AirPod, remember that you can replace just 1. Reach out to AppleCare, or ask at your local Apple Store.