Hearing Aids

[Tumbleweed]

We are at the age and point of needing hearing aids.
I've come to the best and most helpful source of
information I know - The DIS Boards!

Has anyone had any experience with some of the
hearing aid companies? Any insight, good and bad,
is very appreciated.

Thanks in advance! The Disney community is the best!

 

[mrudman]

My first suggestion to you would be to see an ENT doc (be referred if need be)...

I have worn hearing aids since I was 14 yo, and have had several different types. My ENT doctor referred me to an audiologist, and that's where I've been ordering all mine through.

Have had a few different company's hearing aids, and can't really say one was better over the other.. but my last one I got was finally a digital one, and it really does seem much nicer in how it brings in the sounds, etc.

Depending on your hearing loss, some people can make do with just an "amplifier-type" (the ones you normally see advertised on TV), but remember that those types will just make any and all sounds you hear that much louder.

The good hearing aids will be able to filter out some of the everyday sounds that you really don't need to be hearing (furnaces, wind, etc).

Good luck to you in finding a good one that fits your needs!

 

[Earstou]

I agree with mrudmand. Also, check your health insurance, it probably won't pay any of it, but might offer a discount for some brands.
Be prepared for sticker shock. I just got a new digital one in December for $2000!

 

[MoniqueU]

We just had to get some for our son who is almost 16. He has a 50 percent hearing loss. We were insistent on the inner ear canal ones due to social reasons. Our insurance paid nothing even though he was a child and it was an unplanned expense. Our Dr worked hard for us and worked with the hearing aid company. Costco has some good prices but he was able to heat those prices by 600 dollars an aid for a total of 1200. See if you can work with your audiologist, you might be pleasantly surprised. The cost of the ones that are inner ear canal are 2000 each at costco, which is still an ok price compared to what some are charging. Good luck, hearing loss is a serious thing.

 

[NotUrsula]

It's a shame that you didn't discover this need in December. Insurance doesn't pay for hearing aids 90% of the time, but they ARE an eligible expense for health care FSA accounts. Look closely at your circumstances and see if there is any way that you can get the money for the aids into an FSA; including talking to your Dr. about waiting to make the acctual purchase until the first of the year.

 

[here757]

HUH? what you say??
sorry i could resist.. i need them too but refuse to wear them LOL


ahhh sorry not much help..
but make sure you insure them with the doctor..cuz most homeowners and valuealbe property policies do not cover them!!

 

[kleubanks]

I don't want to slam any national chains but let's just say there are no miracles......

Those kinds of places are out to SELL hearing aids, not necessary FIT hearing aids.

Most insurance companies will pay for you to see an ENT. Go to one with their own audiologist and they can request a hearing evaluation as part of your workup. An audiologist has at LEAST a master's degree and many now have doctorates (new changes in licensure). They often deal with multiple brands of hearing aids and many have a trial periods that allow you to see what works best for you. Ask for those things when you schedule.

A hearing aid dealer is just that. Studies coursework, takes the state exam and then deals. Don't get me wrong. There are reputible hearing aid dealers out there but I'd be careful.

I worked as an audiologist in a large ENT practice. Trust me, most doctors want their patients well taken care of and satisfied.

Also be aware that there is nothing like your own set of ears. There are many positives to hearing aids but some negatives as well. If you do a little reading and have realistic expectations, you will know what hearing aids can and cannot do for you.

Sorry this was a long post!

 

[Reagan&Co.]

I second the post about where to buy them....only go to an audiologist- not a "hearing aid specialist". I would recommend a university program, if there is one within an hours' drive of your home.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

All is great advice, and very welcome!

Tumbleweed

 

[Inigo]

DH has miracle ear hearing aids, and he likes them. (He still can't hear me most of the time, but I think that just because he doesn't listen.) He says he doesn't get all the background noise that he had when he tried Bel-tone.

I think we paid $6,000 for the two hearing aids, but he thinks it was worth the price.

 

[CTdiznymom]

My mom has double hearing aids that she purchased thru her ENT's audiologist. Recently she has been going to our local hospital where they test her and adjust her aids. (She's in a wheelchair and they have a testing booth without a step) She can also purchase directly from them if she needs a replacement. We have found that the testing environment and the equipement for adjustment is far superior to having them shipped out thru the doctor.

 

[Val]

My DD11 is hearing impaired and has worn aids in both ears since age 5. I really second the pleas to have an audi fit you....you will get the RIGHT kind of aide, and you will be much happier. To save costs, if you are near a university, call up their speech and hearing clinic. Since I am faculty, DD11 gets all her audi services FREE, but I know they are much cheaper than the regular audi associated with the hospitals, etc. Also- they sell the hearing aids at cost + 10%- much cheaper than retail, and the 10% goes back into student training and scholarships, so I don't really mind paying it! They also can do repairs or send them for service, and they seem to work magic when it comes to speedy repair (our golden ATE one hearing aid, but it came back up- the dog was fine, but the aid was not. It was sent off for repair and was back within 1 week and only cost os $250...the aid itself would have cost $2500 to replace.)

Good luck- hearing is SO important, more important than you realize until you get your aids and realize how much you really WERE missing!

 

[patsal]

DH has miracle ear hearing aids, and he likes them. (He still can't hear me most of the time, but I think that just because he doesn't listen.) He says he doesn't get all the background noise that he had when he tried Bel-tone.

I think we paid $6,000 for the two hearing aids, but he thinks it was worth the price.

That price is exactly what I paid for DH's as well. He feels they were worth it.

 

[heartbeeps]

DH's on probably his 4th pair by now (over the years). Oticon, resound, Phonak, Argosy. All fitted by an audiologist! He started with ITE (in the ear) aids and has since moved to BTE (behind the ear) due to his severe hearing loss. Would not consider going to a "dealer" for his type of hearing loss. Strictly dealing with an audiologist associated with an ENT! The latest pair (a few years old) cost $6K for both.

 

[daughtersrus]

To save costs, if you are near a university, call up their speech and hearing clinic. Since I am faculty, DD11 gets all her audi services FREE, but I know they are much cheaper than the regular audi associated with the hospitals, etc. Also- they sell the hearing aids at cost + 10%- much cheaper than retail, and the 10% goes back into student training and scholarships, so I don't really mind paying it! They also can do repairs or send them for service, and they seem to work magic when it comes to speedy repair (our golden ATE one hearing aid, but it came back up- the dog was fine, but the aid was not. It was sent off for repair and was back within 1 week and only cost os $250...the aid itself would have cost $2500 to replace.)

If you don't mind me asking, do you go to ISU? My youngest DD (almost 15yo)has a rare genetic disease. Part of the disease includes sensory-neural hearing loss. She's been wearing aids since she was 1yo. Our insurance only covers $600 every 3 years but when she was first diagnosed, I did file an appeal and they agreed to pay 80% for that one time. She's now on her third set. This last set is digital and ran right about $4,000 from the audiology dept at Children's Memorial. With this pair, we were able to get some help paying for them but I don't think that we will be so lucky next time. Can you give me an idea as to how much they cost?

We're in the Chicago suburbs right off of I55 but I wouldn't mind driving down to Bloomington. Honestly, although it's much further distance wise, it would probably take us just as long as when we have to drive into the city or to Shriners for her other appointments.

My oldest DD attends ISU (she's home now doing her practicum and soon to start student teaching here in the suburbs) and my middle DD will transfer there in '10 (also a special ed major)so I'm pretty familiar with the area.

Thanks!

 

[Pluto.AuD]

I don't want to slam any national chains but let's just say there are no miracles......

Those kinds of places are out to SELL hearing aids, not necessary FIT hearing aids.

Most insurance companies will pay for you to see an ENT. Go to one with their own audiologist and they can request a hearing evaluation as part of your workup. An audiologist has at LEAST a master's degree and many now have doctorates (new changes in licensure). They often deal with multiple brands of hearing aids and many have a trial periods that allow you to see what works best for you. Ask for those things when you schedule.

A hearing aid dealer is just that. Studies coursework, takes the state exam and then deals. Don't get me wrong. There are reputible hearing aid dealers out there but I'd be careful.

I worked as an audiologist in a large ENT practice. Trust me, most doctors want their patients well taken care of and satisfied.

Also be aware that there is nothing like your own set of ears. There are many positives to hearing aids but some negatives as well. If you do a little reading and have realistic expectations, you will know what hearing aids can and cannot do for you.

Sorry this was a long post!

I must say, this reply is spot on. As an audiologist I agree with all your points 100%. There is no specific age for hearing aids. When you have hearing loss and have difficulty communicating (especially in noise), that's when you should get a hearing test and look into hearing aids. A good audiologist will work with different brands, discuss your needs, and you'll come to a decision together about what is best for you.

Yes, hearing aids are expensive. There is months of clinical research that goes into them so they can actually benefit you. If you get an appropriate set (fit appropriately by a licensed hearing professional) to begin with (not just the cheapest pair), it can change your life.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Thanks to everyone for your good advice! I really appreciate it; it definitely helps!

 

[Earstou]

I must say, as of yesterday, I am disgusted with Beltone.
I have two Beltone hearing aides I got thru my audiologist. Beltone has decided only someone with a franchise can sell or service their products, so my audiologist can no longer even touch my hearing aides.
So, yesterday I went to the Beltone office to have my aides serviced. I was given a hearing test, not in a soundproof room, but there in the office, with the machine right in front of me where I could see and hear him pushing the buttons. I could also hear (with the earphones on during the test) the front door dinging when people walked in and out, and the construction workers pounding in the next room. Not much of a hearing test!!!
Also, I'm fairly certain the fellow was not an audiologist.

I need to replace one of my aides and definitely will NOT be buying Beltone.

 

[Pluto.AuD]

I must say, as of yesterday, I am disgusted with Beltone.
I have two Beltone hearing aides I got thru my audiologist. Beltone has decided only someone with a franchise can sell or service their products, so my audiologist can no longer even touch my hearing aides.
So, yesterday I went to the Beltone office to have my aides serviced. I was given a hearing test, not in a soundproof room, but there in the office, with the machine right in front of me where I could see and hear him pushing the buttons. I could also hear (with the earphones on during the test) the front door dinging when people walked in and out, and the construction workers pounding in the next room. Not much of a hearing test!!!
Also, I'm fairly certain the fellow was not an audiologist.

I need to replace one of my aides and definitely will NOT be buying Beltone.

This happens with many boutique style hearing centers (Miracle ear does the same thing). A hearing test outside of a sound booth is not a true hearing test. Trust your instincts and see a licensed audiologist!

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Go to an audiologist.

When I got my first pair..in the canal kind I tried quite a few brands before I settled on one that seemed best for me. Later, I had to go to behind the ear. These are a smaller behind the ear ones than some are though. Again, I tried numerous brands before I settled on one of them.

After you purchase your hearing aids you will see the audiologist a many a time for free adjustments over the years. They work with you & make sure you get the best hearing possible from the aids. You want to like your audiologist and feel they care.

The aids are expensive...like $5 to $6 thousand a pair for digital.

You will never hear perfect again once you have hearing loss. It isn't like eye sight which is corrected to 20-20. Once you lose hearing they work with what you have left. Filtering out unneeded sounds like road sounds, a/c sounds & things like that help alot.

I've been wearing hearing aids 10+ years & enjoy the benefits...but still struggle to hear in different places as my hearing loss is severe.