Learn me about hearing aids.

[smwhorn 482]

It's time.  Long overdue.

Thought there was a thread on these but searched and can't find one.

My 88 year old father got his from Costco and seems to regularly have problems with them.  I don't know if it's a product issue with him or an 88 candles issue.

Thoughts/experiences/suggestions ??  Costs ??  Any help or direction is greatly appreciated.

[Gil Bang 25922]

That industry is about to get turned upside down.  Hearing aids are expected to be available over-the-counter in the next few months.

 

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/biden-order-takes-aim-at-high-cost-of-hearing-aids-calls-for-otc-sales/603114/

 

 

[HornOnTheBayou 8919]

7 minutes ago, Gil Bang said:

That industry is about to get turned upside down.  Hearing aids are expected to be available over-the-counter in the next few months.

 

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/biden-order-takes-aim-at-high-cost-of-hearing-aids-calls-for-otc-sales/603114/

 

 

True, but you need to be real careful with OTC hearing aids. Everyone's hearing loss is different and you really need to see a professional about it.

Go find a good audiologist and have them do a hearing test to see exactly what sounds you're not hearing (if you're in the Austin area, I've got a great rec). Then they can figure out exactly which aid works for you and you can take a couple of models for a test drive before buying them. Do you have tinnitus too? There are some brands that will help mask that as well.

My long story short: I thought my hearing was fine, until everyone started to wear masks around town. I realized that I was subconsciously reading lips more than hearing. Finding the right model of hearing aid and dialing it in to the correct levels was tough and frustrating, but in the end, definitely worth it.

 

[smwhorn 482]

28 minutes ago, HornOnTheBayou said:

True, but you need to be real careful with OTC hearing aids. Everyone's hearing loss is different and you really need to see a professional about it.

Go find a good audiologist and have them do a hearing test to see exactly what sounds you're not hearing (if you're in the Austin area, I've got a great rec). Then they can figure out exactly which aid works for you and you can take a couple of models for a test drive before buying them. Do you have tinnitus too? There are some brands that will help mask that as well.

My long story short: I thought my hearing was fine, until everyone started to wear masks around town. I realized that I was subconsciously reading lips more than hearing. Finding the right model of hearing aid and dialing it in to the correct levels was tough and frustrating, but in the end, definitely worth it.

 

I have offices in Houston and Austin so I am in Austin regularly.  If you have someone you trust here, I can go here when I'm in town.  You can either post it here or shoot me a private message.  Whichever you prefer.

Yes, also have tinnitus.

Thanks.

Edited February 6, 2022 by smwhorn

[HornOnTheBayou 8919]

I just dm'ed you.

One suggestion for anyone looking for a new pair of hearing aids. When you go to the doctor, everything will sound great in their office. It's fairly quiet and the doctors always enunciate clearly. When you try on a pair, leave the office and go walk around the hallways. Talk to some of the nurses with masks on, listen to all the ambient noise. That will help you test out the aids in a real-world environment.

[smwhorn 482]

15 hours ago, HornOnTheBayou said:

I just dm'ed you.

One suggestion for anyone looking for a new pair of hearing aids. When you go to the doctor, everything will sound great in their office. It's fairly quiet and the doctors always enunciate clearly. When you try on a pair, leave the office and go walk around the hallways. Talk to some of the nurses with masks on, listen to all the ambient noise. That will help you test out the aids in a real-world environment.

Got it. Thanks. So the hearing test and then selection at Costco is an “avoid.”  

[HornOnTheBayou 8919]

I don't know if Costco is OK or not, but just make sure whoever you go to takes their time with your set. They need to do a thorough hearing test and spend a lot of time getting all the settings dialed in for you. 

[WhatTheBuck 28775]

What?

[idigTexas 2284]

1 hour ago, WhatTheBuck said:

What?

Can't believe it took 7 replies.  

[BearSchlong 8083]

It's time.  Long overdue.
Thought there was a thread on these but searched and can't find one.
My 88 year old father got his from Costco and seems to regularly have problems with them.  I don't know if it's a product issue with him or an 88 candles issue.
Thoughts/experiences/suggestions ??  Costs ??  Any help or direction is greatly appreciated.

I got mine from Costco this week. Philips brand.

Went to the Costco on Richmond, Chaz the audiologist did a great job with the hearing test, telling me about the pros and cons of each brand, style, color, etc.

The minute I walked out of the soundproof room I felt like Superman. I’ve needed them for about 30 years, but hitting 50 finally eliminated my vanity and ego enough to where I was willing to pull the trigger.

Just played golf and could hear the guys in the other cart from across the fairway, in the wind.

Integrates with iPhone reallly well, the tech has come a long way. Best $1,500 I ever spent.

[BearSchlong 8083]

Got it. Thanks. So the hearing test and then selection at Costco is an “avoid.”  

Nope.

I’ve had hearing tests at several pretty high end audiology places and was more impressed with Costco than any of them.

Had multiple people recommend them as well, software engineers at work.

High end places wanted $6K, and consumer reports even said that the Kirkland brand is just an OEM of the exact same model for about $5K less.

The test and the fitting session were an hour each. And I have an hour scheduled for 3 weeks out for fine tuning and to address any fit issues that may arise.

Plus I figured it was a low risk event, if I eventually need a specialist or better tech then so be it.

[Hpara759 1778]

On 10/22/2022 at 3:53 PM, BearSchlong said:

Nope.

I’ve had hearing tests at several pretty high end audiology places and was more impressed with Costco than any of them.

Had multiple people recommend them as well, software engineers at work.

High end places wanted $6K, and consumer reports even said that the Kirkland brand is just an OEM of the exact same model for about $5K less.

The test and the fitting session were an hour each. And I have an hour scheduled for 3 weeks out for fine tuning and to address any fit issues that may arise.

Plus I figured it was a low risk event, if I eventually need a specialist or better tech then so be it.

just be aware (unless things have changed in the last 2 years) Costco hearing aids are "locked" and only they can adjust them. 

[BearSchlong 8083]

My life is changed. Just went through my first full week of large client meetings, happy hours, dinners. . . Heard every single word without difficulty. Had conversations with people on airplanes and didn’t have to read lips. The best $1500 I have ever spent, period. Btw listening to music on flights with hearing aids and Bose over the ear noise cancelling headphones works well.

I had no idea how deaf I was until I could finally hear.

The kicker though is listening to music at a low level through the hearing aids and still being able to have a conversation with my wife who is in the next room.

[Anwar Namtut 344]

Bump.

Anyone tried the OTC yet? I definitely need some now.

[semitired 82]

On 8/3/2023 at 1:18 PM, Anwar Namtut said:

Bump.

Anyone tried the OTC yet? I definitely need some now.

I did and was highly disappointed. Broke down and went to Costco for a free test and ordered their brand (in canal) and very satisfied. I have severe tinnitus and these seem to off-set the ringing.