Hearing Aids

[SCHUNTER73]

I am 53 and on the cusp of needing these. At the suggestion of my wife (funny, I know), I went to an audiologist about 18 months ago to confirm that I did indeed have some loss. Like many, I have difficulty in groups of people hearing conversations and also in restaurants, etc with a lot of background noise. Tinnitus is also an issue. My audiologist let me try on a few pairs yesterday, but I had no idea they could easily cost over $5k through them. They did provide an obvious difference to me in her office. My question to you guys that have recently gotten them, was it worth the difference in cost to go through the audiologist or get a comparable brand from somewhere like a Costco. Thousands of dollars difference based on my quick research. I’m looking at the RIC type, not the small that are contained in the ear canal. Seems that several brands share parent companies where one is available through the audiologist and the other is private labelled for Costco or similar. I would appreciate any insight into this.

 

[Rumrunner]

Following

 

[Russ16]

Following as I'm going through a similar process as we speak. I do know that Costco offers both generic OTC hearing aids as well as models programmed to your loss which are more expensive.

 

[samson7x]

It may vary by location, but many times costco offers the lower end version of the manufacturer e.g. Resound's Jabra series vs. Vivia. Generally costco does not run any objective test like real ear measurement which an audiologist would do to ensure the hearing aid is properly fit. Additionally those hearing aids are "locked" meaning you would have to go to a costco for any programming issues in the future. If you purchased a name brand device, any audiologist should have access to the software. This may be beneficial if you're moving in the future, on vacation and something comes up, unhappy with your provider, or whatever else. Is the price difference worth it? Too many variables to say. Degree of loss, duration of loss, lifestyle, expectations, motivation, etc. will all have an impact on your success.

 

[Hififile324]

I am 53 and on the cusp of needing these. At the suggestion of my wife (funny, I know), I went to an audiologist about 18 months ago to confirm that I did indeed have some loss. Like many, I have difficulty in groups of people hearing conversations and also in restaurants, etc with a lot of background noise. Tinnitus is also an issue. My audiologist let me try on a few pairs yesterday, but I had no idea they could easily cost over $5k through them. They did provide an obvious difference to me in her office. My question to you guys that have recently gotten them, was it worth the difference in cost to go through the audiologist or get a comparable brand from somewhere like a Costco. Thousands of dollars difference based on my quick research. I’m looking at the RIC type, not the small that are contained in the ear canal. Seems that several brands share parent companies where one is available through the audiologist and the other is private labelled for Costco or similar. I would appreciate any insight into this.

Hello SCHUNTER73,
I was in the exact same boat. I had VA benefits and was sent to a local VA provider. I was tested and fitted with his name brand hearing aids. The cost was $1800 for Vets and $3500 for regular customers. They were just OK and his service was awful. That was my first set of hearing aids, and I developed a few issues with them.

On my second go around I went to Costco. I received a much better hearing evaluation and was fitted for the "Phillips" brand. The cost was $1499 with a 2 year warranty that covers loss and accidental damage too. My ability to hear fine detail has improved, and the user adjustability is superior to my first set. I also get free hearing aid inspections and cleanings at my local Costco when ever I need them, no appointment necessary.

I'm sold on the Costco hearing aid department!

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I am 53 and on the cusp of needing these. At the suggestion of my wife (funny, I know), I went to an audiologist about 18 months ago to confirm that I did indeed have some loss. Like many, I have difficulty in groups of people hearing conversations and also in restaurants, etc with a lot of background noise. Tinnitus is also an issue. My audiologist let me try on a few pairs yesterday, but I had no idea they could easily cost over $5k through them. They did provide an obvious difference to me in her office. My question to you guys that have recently gotten them, was it worth the difference in cost to go through the audiologist or get a comparable brand from somewhere like a Costco. Thousands of dollars difference based on my quick research. I’m looking at the RIC type, not the small that are contained in the ear canal. Seems that several brands share parent companies where one is available through the audiologist and the other is private labelled for Costco or similar. I would appreciate any insight into this.

What?...Huh?

Okay, that was a.joke. Seriously though. I got hearing aids last year. I was having trouble understanding people when there was background noise. The hearing was worse in my left.ear The problem seems to be common in people that shoot a lot. I guess we know why. I got mine from Costco. A lot less expensive than buying from a "stand alone" audiologist. They help a lot but there does seem to be a learning curve in using and maintaining them. The technicians at Costco have been very helpful, even to finding out one of the "receivers" was.bad and replacing it while I waited. They also replace the "tubes and ear cups" and will give you the materials and instructions to do it yourself. After buying the hearing aids they have never charged me anything.

I also figured out that using an ear wax removal product occasionally and using a Q Tip to clean your ears each.morning before putting n in the hearing aids each morning makes them work better.

 

[godwincp]

I have the same issues as you and I bought Phonak hearing aids thru my audiologist. My insurance paid for a considerable portion of the cost. They definitely help especially in crowded restaurants etc. I can get a new pair every third year and I’m considering getting noise canceling hearing aids next so no need for protection when shooting.

 

[Cranhill]

I had poor hearing for over 20yrs then in September 24, I woke up a 40% loss (confirmed by audiologist) in left good ear and it ain't coming back!

 

[Andrew NOLA]

Make sure you check with your medical insurance company - there is a very real chance they cover them and that they have a preferred supplier that will be much cheaper. It took me 3 sets to get ones that don't cause me more annoyance than help.

 

[DLSJR]

I’ve got the small ‘over the ear’ type, which I bought at Costco. The audiologist did a pretty extensive hearing test and recommended the ones I bought. They were around $1,400-1,500 IIRC. They fit well, are comfortable and have definitely improved my ability to hear better than before.

 

[MontanaPat]

I had the same type of hearing issue with background noise in restaurants etc drowning out conversation. I've apparently had a 50% hearing loss in my left ear since having scarlet fever as a child, right ear is still 90-95% good hearing. My wife and kids have been telling me for years I needed hearing aids. I tried some for a couple of weeks 20 years ago and couldn't tell they did anything. Tinnitus sent me to the audiologist a couple of years ago and they recommended hearing aids since the technology had greatly advanced but they wanted over 6K so I was skeptical and didn't get them.
Last summer I decided to check out Costco's hearing aids on a friends recommendation. They did a new hearing test and then recommended their Sennheiser brand hearing aids based upon my hearing loss and things I like to do outside. Cost was $1500 for a pair even though they said I could get by with wearing just one in my left ear only if I wanted. I've been very happy with them and family says they can tell a difference. Doesn't totally take away the background noise filtering issue but much better than before. Again as others have said they have great service for cleaning and any issues. They told me that with the two year warranty I should just come back right before the 2 year deadline and tell them I was having an issue with one of them and they could get me a new pair regardless of any issues or not and restart the 2 year clock again. The over the ear type I got are color matched to your skin tone and when I wear them no one else ever notices I have them on unless I mention it to them.

 

[Velo Dog]

I have hearing aids that cost my insurance company 4 thousand bucks but they’re no better than some of the ear bud type things available through sporting goods dealers for a tiny fraction of that cost.
Well ok, these super expensive ones are smaller and lighter weight.
Still overpriced by quite a lot IMO.

 

[wyosteve]

I get mine at a local Costco. Their technicians are State certified and they conduct a very thorough test. I’ve been very satisfied with them. The folks who say Costco doesn’t sell ‘top of the line’ product, how do you know that? Are you watching them being assembled or just hearsay? Pun intended!

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Thanks gents, just the type of feedback I was looking for. I’m having a hard time resolving the several thousand dollar difference between my independent audiologist and what Costco charges. Particularly when the Costco is significantly closer to my house than the audiologist is. It doesn’t look like my insurance will cover these, but I do intend to make a phone call to doublecheck.

 

[steve white]

Didn't someone mention a while back a type of hearing aide that linked in to their phone or some such. My wife and I both need to explore the most cost effective options.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Didn't someone mention a while back a type of hearing aide that linked in to their phone or some such. My wife and I both need to explore the most cost effective options.

The hearing aids that I got at Costco are Blue Tooth capable. My phone is connected and it may.be the best part of having hearing aids.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Any specific feedback on brands/models you can share?

 

[Red Leg]

I have been using them most of the time since around 2000. I personally think the best are Oticon which I am wearing as I type. My issue was more complicated then simple hearing loss. My hearing in one ear was far worse than the other. That made directional hearing impossible and frustrating while hunting. Oticon, coupled with a competent audiologist, tailored the ones I have been wearing for eight years to resolve that issue. I have been through all types. Cheap hearing aids are like a cheap scope, except you use the hearing aids every day. Invest once in quality and real audiologist support.

 

[jcs271]

I have several dozen friends that all wear hearing aids. It's been my observation that whether over the years they originally got them through work or the VA or paid for them themselves, 90% of them ultimately ended up with models from Costco.

I went to a local audiologist who literally had me sit in a small booth and press a button when I heard a tone. Before I committed, I went and had a test at Costco. It was way beyond anything I had imagined and it took about 75 minutes to complete. I was incredibly impressed and long story short I was fitted with a pair of $1500 Phillips hearing aids. They were programed to address the specific hearing issues in each of my ears. I went in at the one month mark and they made a few adjustments based on my experiences. It has been 18 months now and I am extremely happy with them.

They Bluetooth automatically to my phone which is an incredibly useful feature for talking or listening to music or podcasts.

There are also many adjustments that I can do manually with my cell phone depending on the environment I'm in. And by pressing one button on my phone, it automatically resets my hearing aids back to the factory programed presription settings.

And remember, they have a full 3-year warranty. And through Costco you have a 180 day no fault, no reason, full refund return option.

There is a reason they're the largest seller of hearing aids in the country.

Good luck, whatever you get will be better than missing half of the conversations going on around you!

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Glad Doug did the joke, saved me from being the one
Anyway, I’m fairly deaf in my left ear from an incompetent dr, and have trouble in crowds, I use it as an excuse for not having to associate with anyone as I’m a bit antisocial.
And another thing with the Bluetooth ones, if you are like my friend (who is much like me) and put your phone down somewhere safe whilst you’re doing something, and then walk away from it, they can disconnect while you are talking to someone which can be a good thing or really annoying
Gumpy