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.
Comments
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.
Post: Getting an Earful
Link to comment from August 12, 2023