Anyone here wear a hearing aid?

[Cudedog]

I am looking into getting a hearing aid. My hearing has been going downhill for years, and I think now is the time.

Except I can't afford one.

Why is it that the cheapest hearing aid costs more than an expensive laptop? They are not covered by insurance. I don't get it. Have been reading about a hearing aid "cartel" that sets prices - not sure it is true, but there you are.

There are now places where one can get one online, but I am not one to put my credit card into into a site that I am unfamiliar with.

Sam's Club has a pair for ultra cheap ($718.00) - but have no idea how good they can be ("normal" pricing on something like this seems to be in the five-thousand dollar range):

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/ghi-simplicity-premier-ote-hearing-aid-pair/186212.ip?navAction=

Thoughts, anyone?

Thank you.

Anne

[IrishIroamed]

Anne - try getting ahold of a local Lions Club to find out when a hearing screening may be in the area. They can also give you information about free or low cost hearing aids.

Here's a link that can help find Lions Clubs.
https://directory.lionsclubs.org/?language=EN

[Acadianmom]

Considering all the advancements in electronic things I don't know why hearing aids are so expensive. My husband just got a pair about a month ago. They quoted two prices $3,500 and over $6,000. You kind of get the feeling that they charge all they can get away with. They said they thought he could get along with the $3,500 ones. We weren't going to spend $6,000. So far all the appointments have been included. He had to have the ear pieces remade because they wouldn't stay in. He has the ones that are all in the ear. I have been surprised that he actually wears them and hasn't lost one yet. I have caught him with them in upside down a couple of times. He doesn't seem to be able to tell when one is falling out. I have had to change the batteries for him but they last about 4 days.

I had tried to read the reviews of some of the hearing aids that are advertised all the time and it looks like the companies are the ones writing the reviews.

My son said we might could have gotten them through the VA but we would have had to travel 200 miles one way. Considering all the trips we have made so far that would have been a pain.

Hope you can find one.

Martha

[gypsyrose1126]

Anne -- my brother bought my Mother a pair on Ebay! Then she went into a hearing center and had them adjusted for her use. I assume they did a hearing test then did some adjustments. Sorry but I did not ask what the cost was - however, I can certainly find out if you would like more info.
Rosemary

[Liz]

I depend on hearing aids for both ears. I have a good audiologist.at..Professional Speech and Hearing in Ocala, FL. Yes they are expensive, but I don't cut costs on my quality of life. The molds are made to fit my ears and the aids are programmed for my hearing needs. For me they are a necessity. I cut costs elsewhere. Good idea to check with Lion's Club, and also check into financing if needed.

[MandysMom]

Could check a nearby University Medical school/ hospital for special programs too.
I find it shameful that companies take such a huge profit on items often needed by seniors. I remember a few years ago when a client of our sharpening sounded sad and I asked if she was ok. She said her years old denture broke and the dental industry wanted $12,000 for new dentures. She a senior on a fixed income could not afford that and was wondering how she would eat or if she was going to have to sell her house to buy teeth. Same with people and hearing aids. In this age when a high power cell phone which is as powerful as a room full of computers was just 30 years ago costs under a thousand, there is no reason hearing aides shoud be $6000, but they are because they know people don't have a lot of choice.
Yes the Va, depending on your disability rating, would fit hearing aides.
Velda

[Rufflesgurl]

My 96 yr. old mother has gone through probably 3 pair of hearing aids. She has lost a couple. Goes to Costco I believe for cleaning and battery changes. I agree that the prices are outrageous but when we need help, we pay the $$. So much better than all the "what did you say?" Seems strange that Medicare doesn't cover any of the hearing loss/equipment expenses. A friend got his at the VA.

Linda

[Bethers]

I've been wearing hearing aids since I was in my 30's (caused by a prescribed antibiotic). Like Liz I don't cut corners with them. I've changed audiologists over the years and walked out of one office. That said, I'll probably continue with my audiologist in Arizona. This last pair cost me less than my previous ones and are the best I've had. That said, my hearing, now because of age, is getting worse.

I can understand trying some of the less expensive versions if your hearing loss is minor. But chances are you won't get the guarantee many audiologists offer.

If you'll be in the Arizona area, I'd be happy to provide info on my audiologist there. And the initial consultation and exam by most audiologists is at no cost or very little cost. I also wasn't charged for follow up visits. Unfortunately, I'm guessing I'll bed knew hearing aids next time around, so saving now.

[grammynmaggie]

Anne...I am in the same boat with hearing...but I just don't have
that kind of money...quality of life or not same goes with dental...

[Cudedog]

Anne...I am in the same boat with hearing...but I just don't have
that kind of money...quality of life or not same goes with dental...

Wow. I feel for you.

I am still working full time (for now) so do have dental coverage (thank God - I have always had dental problems), but no coverage for a hearing aid.

Quality of life means a lot, of course - but if you don't have the $$ you don't have the $$. That's pretty much it.

I am not so bad off that I would qualify for Lion's Club help (or other organizations like them), but I am not so well off that I can plop down a fast $3,000 - $5,000 either. Financing? At the high interest these places offer, an aid would cost me about $200/month for two years or more. And I am reading that they only last about 3 - 5 years.

I would like to retire - I am well past retirement age - and I just can't see taking on major debt, and still being able to retire.

Sorry, just venting.

I think I will call the Sam's Club place tomorrow. Probably the $718 (for both ears) aid is crap, but I can get a 30 day try-out, and if it doesn't help, I'll send it back.

Thanks to everyone who responded, particularly Liz and Beth. Sometimes it seems like a person is the only one with a problem, so it does help to know that others have the problem too.

Thanks.

Anne

[etexlady]

As others have suggested, get a thorough exam by an Ear-Nose-Throat MD (Medicare should pay) to be sure there is not some physical problem causing the hearing loss. If it's determined that your hearing loss can be corrected by hearing aids then the doctor will most likely recommend you see a professional audiologist I don't know if you are Medicare eligible yet. Traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids but some of the Medicare Advantage plans do pay a portion of the costs. You'll have to do a little research to find the Advantage plans that do by googling and reading. You probably will have to wait until open enrollment to change your coverage to a plan that will pay for a hearing aid. The only resource I have found for financial help for adults to get a hearing aid is the Starkey Hearing Foundation's Hear Now program http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org ... s#/hearnow) or call them at 800-328-8602. I've not dealt with them directly so can't say anything about their programs. My nephew wears hearing aids and was telling me about leasing hearing aids. He said it's kind of like leasing a car in that the initial costs are low, low monthly payments and new aids every three years. You also might check AARP's offers for discounts on hearing aids. Good luck.

[SoCalGalcas]

Anne, just found yout post..I wear hearing aids...got mine from CostCo. $2000 for both. Good follow-up service. Have had them for 5 years now..no complaints. Lyn

[TABaker]

I am not on this forum much, but just happened by.... hearing aides aren't only for the elderly. Sad to say, I have worn them since I was 29. My last pair came from Costco, too. They will finance through their card. Their Kirkland line is the same as another name brand...Siemens, I believe. It's a Siemen's aide sold under the name of Kirkland through Costco. Possibly Oticon, but if I remember correctly it's Siemens. I've had Siemens, and my Kirkland is the very same. I have had many pair, and I would only use a professional for my aides. Too many things to go wrong. It's terrible to pay a high cost, only to find they're not fitted properly or adjusted properly. Costco did a good job. I see too many older folks go that route and then don't end up wearing them at all. I'd rather pay 2k-3k for something I wear and benefit from daily as opposed to a pair that goes thrown in a drawer. Comfort is everything, and it takes a while to adjust.

[gingerK]

You're definitely not alone, Anne. My hearing has been getting progressively worse over the past few years and I'm considering that I should look into hearing aids too. Plus, I have tinnitus, always have had it since as far back as I can remember. Somedays I can just ignore it other days it drives me nuts.