School Me On Hearing Aids

[live bait]

I’m 73 with tinnitus & moderate hearing loss. Went for the free hearing test at Costco where they gave a hearing “specialist” not an audiologist. The test showed moderate loss which was the same on both ears, then he did his job & recommended Kirkland hearing aids, gave me a pair to walk around the store with for a while, I wasn’t impressed. Next I guess is to find an Audiologist, what am I looking for, & watching out for..........John

 

[wader]

I would suggest you talk to an actual audiologist. I had to go for hearing aids about 3 years or so ago. Family got tired of me going "What??" That & no matter how loud I made the TV I had to resort to Closed Captioning.

Music sounded terrible. Go to the movies? Forget it.

Doctor recommended a local ENT service that included an audiologist on staff. Best move I could have made.

They cost me $1800 but any supplies I need are free (replacement batteries if the rechargeable ones die - which they have, filters, all the garb you end up needing). Yearly check ups are also free.

Now I can hear & understand the TV at normal volumes & music sounds great again. Unless I point them out no one knows I'm wearing them.

Only problem - the world became a very noisy place again. Stepped outside the first night I had them & was startled to hear the wind.

 

[wader]

Also - what kind of warranty do you get? My was fully replaceable in the event I damaged it or lost it (I did both) in the first 18 months after purchase. Taking a mask off I managed to pull off my right aid without realizing it & didn't notice until later that night when I went to make an adjustment while watching TV. My right ear just needed a little boost from the aid which is why I didn't realize it was gone sooner. My left ear was/is more of the problem. Probably came out on my way back to my car as I usually remove the mask after exiting the store on my way to my car.

As far as damage goes - Max (my springer spaniel) decided it looked like a great snack or toy. I dropped it - he went for it. Took it back to the ENT saying it stopped working & she goes "this looks like teeth marks on it."

Did the guy at Costco adjust the aid based on whatever test he performed on your ears, or did he just grab a pair & say try these for awhile?

An audiologist will adjust the aids via computer to match/compensate for your hearing loss. They also do some work at the manufacturer's shop based on your hearing test before the audiologist adjusts or gives them to you. There are some very specific anti-wax covers that go over the speakers based on the testing as well.

 

[jpd]

If you're a veteran check with the VA - my cousin got a pair of rechargeable aids for free.

 

[live bait]

Thanks for all of the above, no I'm not a veteran, & no coverage for hearing aids, so it's out of pocket. Rather that pick an Audiologist at random, going to my GP Doctor Wednesday & have her recommend someone.
John

 

[Chinacat]

John-
My Dad had issues several years back and finally got convinced to see an audioligist. He's had hearing aids for I'm thinking 10 years now. Pretty sure he uses someone in the greater Riverhead area. I'll check with him and let you know...

 

[BennyV]

What?

 

[live bait]

Speak up!