Need help with buying a hearing aid, please

[jessiesue]

I was told years ago that I needed a hearing aid but I didn't do anything about. Now it's time. Are the individual hearing aid stores with certified auidiologist good to go to? Should I go to an ENT and see their audiologist? I really don't know where to start. I know I have to take the test first. Any advice on what type of devise is best? I think I would like the kind the goes over the ear.

 

[windycitymom]

Check out Sam's Club. The Sam's Club near us just got an audiologist (hearing aid) department. The hearing test is done right at Sam's in a sound proof booth by an actual audiologist. They carry all different styles of hearing aids. Once you order them, it takes 10-14 days to get them back. The hearing aids are made by Walker's.

My hubby just ordered TWO completely-in-the-canal hearing aids for $2600 total w/tax. The hearing aids include: omni-directional microphone, automatic volume control, program selector wand, adaptive feedback manager, multiple channel noise suppression, data logging, 32 channels, 4 programs.

Other places want between $4000-5000 for the same kind of hearing aid! Sam's Club gives you a 90-day return policy so if you don't like them, you can get your money back.

 

[patsal]

Dh just got new ones. They were 5500 for both. Over the ear and with an adaptive package that allows him to listen to the tv, telephone, his ipod and cell phone through the earpieces. We did not like the service we got through sears and "miracle ear" last set so he went to a local speech and hearing specialist where they also dispense hearing aids. This was cheaper as well, the last pair did far less and cost far more.

OT a bit but it irks me to no end that insurance does not cover hearing aids.

 

[poochie]

OT a bit but it irks me to no end that insurance does not cover hearing aids.

Which is exactly why I have not gone for them yet. My DH has been out of work for over a year. I do not have that kind on money lying around. And of course my washer is now having problems.

 

[jessiesue]

I wish the Sam's by me had a hearing aid center. I think this is going to be pretty costly. According to the test I had a few years back, I am going to need 2.

 

[a1tinkfans]

military gets discounts of FREE thru VA! Its what my dad does.

 

[bucket o' butter]

If you have a university nearby, you might want to check to see if they have an auditory department. We lived about an hour away from Purdue University and my mother went there to get her hearing aids. She saw a licensed audiologist everytime, but also helped students train to be audiologists. The hearing aids were much less expensive there. It has been awhile so I don't know how much she paid, but I remember her saying it was about half the price. My father was a medical doctor and he recommended going there. She was always very happy with them . This might be an option.

 

[windycitymom]

I wish the Sam's by me had a hearing aid center. I think this is going to be pretty costly. According to the test I had a few years back, I am going to need 2.

I'm not sure where you are located, but call your local Sam's Club and ask where the nearest Sam's with a hearing aid center is. It's worth the extra drive for the money you save (plus, you have 90 days to return them for a full refund if you don't like them). I wonder if any Costco's having hearing aid centers?

If you deduct your health care costs on your taxes, then you can deduct the cost of your hearing aids. Actually, the Senate was going to vote on "Sentate Bill 2156" which would not have an age restriction regarding health insurance paying for it (or something like that).

 

[patsal]

For most, even with eliminating an age restriction there is still no coverage for hearing aids. As a pp stated vetereans have a fully paid benefit through the VA, which is great and how it should be. For those that are not veterans or on premium helath care plans--and not many of them have this benefit--there are not any benefits, however FSA and HSA moneies can be used towards them. Also if your % works out they may or may not be tax deductable.

We pony up because the quality of DH's life is significantlly affected by his inability to hear. In his line of work it is necessary for him to fully hear all that is going on around him. I believe that is the case for most people. For him--or anyone--to go around with out the sense of hearing would be rather like my going around without my vision corrected--very dangerous.

 

[PrincessDreams2]

I just got new hearing aids about 3 weeks ago. I, too, have needed them since childhood but never got around to it. Now that I have them, I wish I had done it sooner.

Anyways, I shopped around for mine. I went to one place first, got an updated exam and a quote, and then shopped around for the same model at other hearing centers. I found a variety of prices/specials for the same model. I ended up with a different, less expensive brand ($2800 for both). They go behind the ear and blend in with my hair. You can hardly see them. The doctor I go to now is wonderful - I got really lucky. They required 1/3 down and I have 3 months to pay in full, no interest. They take credit cards - of course I used my Disney Visa! Personally, I would be leary about getting them someplace like Sams. This is a huge investment and you really need personal service from a reputable hearing center.

Most places (I think it is a state law) have a 45 day trial period, where you can return them for a full refund if you decide you don't like them. If you happen to be in upstate NY - which I doubt - PM me and I will give you the doctors name.

My insurance didn't cover any of it, but some do. However, depending on your income, you can write it off on your taxes as an unreimbursed medical expense. I think the amount has to be over a certain percent of your income. I will be doing that this tax year for sure. And you can use your FSA for batteries, etc.

Good luck!!!

 

[Michelle and crew]

My dad researched and then bought on ebay. It worked great for him.

 

[taychase1015]

You want to check with your insurance company. There was a federal mandate for groups with 50 or more employees that hearing aids now had to be covered. There may be limitations and u may need to go in network but it may help some

 

[pooh17]

I purchased my digital hearing aid from the audiologist in my ENT's office about 6 years ago for ~$1900. I've been back several times to have it adjusted and cleaned, and like that it can be done right in my ENT's office.

It came with a 1 year warranty (including loss). Make sure to check warranty info as you shop around - I did end up losing it and using the warranty.

My audiologist told me at my last visit that hearing aids last about 5 years and after that they begin to degrade. So, budget for replacements!

 

[jessiesue]

Checked with my employers insurance and they said my insurance does not cover hearing aids. Called 2 places and asked a lot of questions. One place was a hearing aid store(I guess that's what you call it) and the other was an audiologist at an ENT office. Decided to go with the ENT office. Going to talk with her on Monday. If I like her, I can get the hearing test done for $90.

 

[Kriii]

Where ever you go, make sure you have a real audiologist not just a hearing aid dealer. Try a university with a speech and hearing program. Graduate students supervised by an audiologist will conduct the hearing aid fittings often at a discount.

 

[herdtoDisney]

I have hearing loss, and I saw my ENT to test and diagnose it. He has an audiologist, and I saw him to recommend a hearing aid (I only need one). They wanted $2700. My insurance does not cover hearing aids.

I did some research and found that my area Costco has a hearing aid center-so I went there. They do a free hearing test (which came out the same as my first one) and she recommended basically the same hearing aid, but the price was $1300! I got it-it's a 'Rexton Cobalt' behind-the-ear open fit.

I've been really happy with Costo's hearing aid center. I would defenitely go to your ENT first to find out exactly what is going on. I did, and I was found to have otosclerosis-it's good to know because it's a progressive condition and I will be living with it for the rest of my life. Knowing this, I can monitor it and keep up with my hearing aid needs. BTW, it took a good month to get used to wearing it-it was strange at first.