I DON’T REMEMBER when my hearing started deteriorating. I suppose it came on gradually. I definitely remember when I developed tinnitus—ringing in the ears—and it was tinnitus that sent me to an audiologist in 2012.
She confirmed the information I’d already found on the internet: There’s no cure for tinnitus. While I would always miss the complete silence I’d previously enjoyed, at least mine was a tolerable background hum, unlike some horror stories I’d read.
After running the usual battery of tests, the audiologist told me something I didn’t know: I have reverse slope hearing loss. This rare condition means that I don’t hear low frequencies well. My high-frequency hearing, which is what often diminishes as you age, was still pretty good.
This made sense. A little research told me that people with this kind of hearing loss—affecting maybe 3,000 total in the U.S. and Canada—are often tone-deaf, and I have always been hopelessly tone-deaf. It also explained why I used to keep cranking up the bass on stereo speakers.
My research turned up some more facts—annoying ones. Medicare will pay for hearing tests and eye exams once every 12 months. But if the tests say you need hearing aids or glasses, it won’t pay a dime toward the cost. My retiree supplemental insurance would pay $200, but that was a fraction of the likely cost.
Audiologists and the hearing-aid manufacturers turned out to have a cozy relationship that allowed them to keep prices high. If I wanted hearing aids, I had to buy them from an audiologist. I decided to wait a year and get them from a university medical center.
I wound up buying mid-range Phonaks for $4,000, but they were never very satisfactory. If the audiologist programmed them to where I could hear speech well, my voice echoed. Still, they were better than nothing. While I didn’t wear them at home, and instead just turned the TV’s closed captions on and my speakers up, they did help somewhat when I was around other people. Getting my ears periodically de-waxed also helped.
I was thrilled when the law changed in 2017, allowing people to buy hearing aids over-the-counter starting in 2022. Although I really needed new ones, I waited. When COVID-19 hit, I stopped seeing people in person, so it wasn’t until 2022 that I realized I couldn’t wait any longer. Even with my hearing aids, I could only understand people in real life if they were sitting right next to me.
Sadly, I soon realized that over-the-counter hearing aids, which were less innovative than I’d expected, weren’t going to work for me. They’re intended for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and, I believe, work only for those with normal high-frequency loss.
My hearing loss as of 2013 was already moderate to moderately severe in the lower ranges. It wasn’t clear that I would be able to program OTC aids to compensate. I was also surprised that a lot of these new hearing aids weren’t all that cheap—compared to Costco’s, that is.
I had been getting my prescriptions filled at Costco for years, but you don’t have to get a Costco membership to use the pharmacy. Living alone, membership never seemed worthwhile. But in early 2023, I accompanied a friend to sign up. He got a bonus for introducing me.
When I saw the audiologist, she told me that newer research had shown that higher frequencies were required to understand speech clearly, and she could fit me with aids that would be a revelation. I’m happy to report that she was right.
I’d worn my existing hearing aids into the store. On my way to her sound-proof office, it seemed fairly quiet. When I wore a test pair back into the store, I was astonished by the cascade of sound that surrounded me. Voices seemed clearer, too. Costco appears to specialize in in-ear aids. I had found my behind-the-ear Phonaks a bit claustrophobic but I thought in-ear aids would be even worse, so I wound up buying behind-the-ear Philips for $1,600.
It took the audiologist a long time to program the hearing aids to where I could hear other people clearly and my speech didn’t sound like I was at the bottom of a cave. It turned out that the sound level had been set too high, but when I went back for my first checkup, it was clear it would take time to reprogram them to the right overall volume.
Instead, I’ve taken to turning the volume down two notches for normal wear and raise it back up for meetings. I use the “sound in noise” setting for restaurants, which helps eliminate background noise, but also turn the volume down four notches. I make those changes using an app on my phone.
The hearing aids have Bluetooth, and I love it. In-coming calls and text notifications come through my hearing aids, as do radio programs and podcasts from my iPad or phone. If my TV was just a little younger, I’d also be able to connect using Bluetooth. For now, I’m still using closed captions on TV, but I have the sound level set in the 50s or 60s, instead of the 80s, which is where it used to be. Even with aids, my hearing isn’t great. Some noises, like barking dogs and falling water, sound odd. I still struggle a bit in meetings and restaurants, but it’s a whole lot better than it was.
If you notice that your friends and family seem to be speaking too softly, do seek help. Various studies link hearing loss to social isolation, and social isolation to earlier death. I’d recommend starting by getting your ears de-waxed. But if that doesn’t help, see an audiologist. You can probably self-diagnose on the web, but the audiologist will be more thorough, may notice things you don’t, and the consultation is likely free.
Kathy Wilhelm, who comments on HumbleDollar as mytimetotravel, is a former software engineer. She took early retirement so she could travel extensively. Some of Kathy’s trips are chronicled on her blog. Born and educated in England, she has lived in North Carolina since 1975. Check out Kathy’s previous articles.
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As a 30 year plus user, the key is the Audiologist /Dispenser. Most bad experiences are due to improper diagnosis, fit and follow up. I can’t tell you how many people I know that won’t wear their hearing aids because they don’t “work” for them. Purchasing HA’s can be with a high cost(not necessarily best) or low cost(typically harder) provider. You’ll hear sounds you haven’t heard in years and have a device of some sort in your ear. Initially all this doesn’t feel natural. You’ll get acclimated(be patient) and eventually not know you’re wearing HA’s. The Audiologist should work with you providing advice, hand holding, and do necessary tweaking. Be sure to do follow ups after your initial fitting. The Audiologist should be willing to work with you for as long it takes to make you happy. A good place to start if you’re considering HA’s is to google “Dr. Cliff”. There is a wealth of basic information to help you get educated.
It’s very unfortunate HA cost of these is so high. Over the counter route is promising but everyone needs to weigh their cost benefit. I’ve got no axe to grind in regard to traditional HA’s in going the low or high price route. I’ve always gone the high price route with a Dr. of Audiology and have been pleased, I’ll most likely try Costco next time since I’m retired and know what to expect. Their devices seem to offer the most bang for the buck but I have concerns about the dispensing. Worst case I can return for a full refund the first year and go back to my Audiologist.
In regard to the devices, I’d recommend rechargeable (unless you travel a lot) behind the ear devices. These have the most capabilities and easiest to get acclimated with. You’ll love the streaming capability for TV, tablets and your phone. Seriously consider an add on streaming TV connector as you’ll be very pleased with the experience.
I’m in research mode and appreciate the “Dr. Cliff” tip, thanks.
Great article. Maybe with your upcoming move, you can treat yourself to a new TV that’s Bluetooth capable. I will say, though, sometimes i turn on closed captions even though I’m not hard of hearing—some other dialects of English can be hard to always pick up correctly.
That Oppenheimer story makes me mad. You’d think older people, who would be most aware of the history, would be very interested in the film, so deliberately making it harder to hear is thoughtless at best and kind of cruel at worst.
Agree 100% about Oppenheimer
Buying a new TV did occur to me, but the current one is only about five years old and otherwise works fine. For just a couple of hours a day I’m not sure it’s worth it. (Remember, I’m frugal…)
Entirely agree about the Oppenheimer movie. It’s such an inconsiderate (can I say ageist/ableist?) thing to do .
Your articles are so useful and helpfu, like an older sister. I don’t have one so appreciate the benefit of your wisdom and experience. Keep them coming.
Why thanks. Right now I’m concentrating on my upcoming move.
I, too, have CostCo hearing aids.
The audiologist there suggested a pair of Jabra aids. For an additional $150 or so I was able to purchase a device that can transmit to my hearing aids at the same time the TV soundbar is on for my wife.
I can hear almost all of a TV show’s dialogue without having to blast the sound so loud our next door neighbors complain
🙂
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m currently subscribing to YouTube TV, so if I have trouble with the sound I can watch it on my iPad, which will send the sound to my aids. I’m moving to a CCRC in October, I’ll have to check out the new set up.
Thanks for this excellent information, Cathy. Coincidentally I went to a new audiologist today. After the testing, the doctor told me that I’m one of those people you mention with “mild hearing loss and normal high-frequency loss”—with some 24/7 tinnitus static thrown in on top.
Last year what took me to the audiologist was my husband saying I was not hearing him correctly. When I told that to the audiologist, she laughed and said, “If I had a dime for every woman who comes in here saying that…” A factor in going to the audiologist today was the sometimes muffled sound on the Oppenheimer film; I really thought my hearing had taken a turn for the worse. Big thanks to commenter Andrew Forsythe (and People magazine) for explaining Christopher Nolan’s deliberate “artistic choice” with his movie’s sound. I send no thanks to Nolan.
I guess I’m at the beginning of the hard-of-hearing journey; the doctor today told me not to get hearing aids (yet) and “certainly don’t bother with over-the-counter hearing aids.” But after reading this, I’m tempted to try out a Costco OTC test pair—the “sound in noise” setting is just what I’m looking for.
Did the doctor explain why you should wait? If you aren’t hearing people properly the only reason I would see to wait would be cost, and there are a few very cheap (although basic) OTC aids. If you’re on Medicare you only get one free hearing test a year (every twelve months if I remember correctly).
I paid for the hearing consultation since they didn’t take my insurance and I’m two years from Medicare (the doctor nicely gave me a little discount). I guess the doc didn’t believe my hearing situation would be substantially helped by getting expensive hearing aids at this point (and expensive ones are the only ones he recommends). But I hate not being able to clearly hear the people sitting right across from me in group outings, so I’m going to try out a cheap OTC aid, Why not? Maybe a miracle will happen and it’ll make a difference. Also, will see what my iPhone can provide.
Yes, if you’re spending time in groups good hearing is important. I didn’t worry about my hearing while I was home alone during Covid, but now I’m moving to a communal living facility it’s critical to me that I can hear people sitting across from me, never mind at the bottom of a conference table.
Some might find, like me, that group discussions are especially difficult with background noise. My audiologist described that environment as “trying to solve the most difficult problem”. I’m mild-moderate and quit wearing Costco Phonak in group settings b/c they don’t help.
In my conversation with this new ear doctor the other day, he told me that everyone is born with unique hearing abilities, with different strengths and weaknesses (just like eyesight). Some people, like himself, have a lifelong problem with hearing when there is loud background noise or distractions. I said, “Yes, that was me, too.”
He concurs that it’s a hard problem to solve and will get worse with age. He shared that he wears his calibrated hearing aids mainly when he goes out to restaurants and parties and said the aids do help him in those situations. I didn’t ask him how much these carefully calibrated aids cost, but am imagining $$$. Before I go that route, I’ll keep reading all the comments and internet advice (thanks to Joe Smith for the “Dr. Cliff” tip) and will note people’s reviews of helpful hearing aids or other solutions to this “most difficult problem.”
My Costco hearing aids are very carefully calibrated, and I bet they cost a whole lot less than the aids your audiologist is selling. ($1,600 – don’t know what in-ear aids would have cost.) As I wrote, the audiologists and the companies making hearing aids have had a cozy monopoly for many years, OTC aids should break that monopoly, although they have a ways to go. Meanwhile I saved much more than the cost of a membership by going to Costco.
Another vote for Costco hearing aids. A while back I wrote about my experience: Hear, Hear – HumbleDollar
By the way, if any other HA users were surprised at how hard it was to understand the dialogue in Oppenheimer, here’s why: Christopher Nolan Explains Why ‘Oppenheimer’ Dialogue Is Hard to Hear at Times (people.com)
Thanks for the link. I can’t believe that he’s complaining about people wanting to actually hear the dialog! It’s not like it was a plot point, just his “artistic” decision not to make it clearer.
Kathy, thanks for an interesting and important article. I have a good friend who recently go HAs from Costco. He recently retired after a career as a machinist, and waited until he quit to get them. He demonstrated them to me and I was amazed at the high tech nature. He’s still adjusting but the difference is startling.
That’s good to hear. Apparently, since I got my first aids in 2013, audiologists realized the importance of high frequencies in distinguishing speech and made changes accordingly.
Thank you Kathy. I have had severe high frequency hearing loss for almost a decade. Got my hearing aids about 7 years ago. They retailed for about $6000 thru an audiologist, but cost me nothing because they were covered under my wife’s medical plan at work, ( very unusual btw).
To be honest, I hate them. They are very uncomfortable and the sound quality is very tinny with marginal improvement in hearing conversations. So consequently I don’t wear them as much as I should. The feeling of isolation and not feeling a part of conversations is very real.I haven’t been back to an audiologist but I will make that Costco appt now. Hopefully the technology has improved in the last 7 years. Your article is very timely, thanks.
and let us know! Thanks.
Great that you are going to take action! The technology really is better, there’s no comparison between my old aids and the new ones. The audiologist at Costco said she has had people in tears because the new aids are so much better.
Thanks for sharing your hearing challenges Kathy. Glad to hear you have a good solution now.
I just started my 2nd set of Costco HAs, Phillips 9040s. I am very pleased so far. They are a big improvement over my 2015 HAs.
I am a big proponent of Costco HAs. They provide high quality HAs at a fraction of the cost charged by other HCPs, audiologists, etc.
I believe OTC HAs are more suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, and perhaps those who are willing to tinker to optimize them.
Prior to using Costco, I was fitted with my first HA by a Dr of audiology at a large practice. I saw no discernible difference with service and expertise between her and Costco. In fact, Costco provided better service.
I agree. If anything, the Costco audiologist was more conscientious about getting a good result.
My grandfather was always deaf and my grandmother was always yelling at him.
One day, after not seeing them for years, we visited. Grandpa sat in his favorite chair and I sat on the couch as we watched a movie. Grandma came up behind grandpa and started talking to him, then started yelling at him. Grandpa never moved a muscle as he shifted his eyes to me and winked. Then he acted completely surprised when grandma came around the front of his chair.
That man faked hearing loss for 40 years and grandma never caught on. Best long con I’ve ever seen.
As someone who is both actually hard of hearing, and female, I find that story at best sad, not funny.
What’d you say, Kathy? My family is encouraging hearing aids for me, but I have all the usual excuses. One of the most annoying things for them is my habitual high speaking volume. In addition to compensation for my on hearing loss, I’m with hard of hearing people all day at work, so I’m practically shouting when I arrive home. When I do decide to jump, I’d already zeroed in on Costco. Thanks for a recommendation with your good experience.
Good luck. I have been really pleased with my new aids, they’ve made a big difference. And do get Bluetooth.