Getting a pair of hearing aids

[deafness88]

Beltone One! hearing aid:
Audiology Online: Beltone Introduces The 'One!'

I'm considering on getting a pair of hearing aids. This will be my first time. I went to to a Beltone clinic and told the hearing instrument specialist that I wanted a pair of hearing aids with the most natural sound and with the state of the art technology and she recommenced me Beltone One!

The total price for the pair of Beltone One! CIC (high-end) hearing aids is $4742 USD . Wow!!

Beltone Linq CIC (mid range): $4231 USD
Beltone Access CIC (Basic): $2480 USD

I'm a young fellow, 21 years old, so CIC is definitely for me. I went to see an audiologist a while ago and he recommended me bi-directional microphones which are only available in other hearing aids except for CIC? Is that right? He said the bi-directional microphones will allow me to hear better in noisy environments but not available in CICs??

Any suggestions and information on getting a pair of hearing aids would be great.

Do I need to worry about the impressions? I don't want the silicone to puncture my eardrum and go to surgery to get the silicone removed.

I know research and development on hearing aids is a lot of money but still the price is insane.

Who should I really deal with when getting a pair of hearing aids?? Should I deal with an audiologist or a so called Hearing Instrument Specialist (salesman??).

About the CICs, how long can they be in your ears before they start irritating??

And can you upgrade your hearing aids for free or for a small fee?? Let's say I bought a pair of hearing aids and 5 years later their is this new and improved technology. Am I eligible for upgrade??

Thank you for your time.

 

[deafmedicalpoet]

depending on HA type you might be able to update for free like I was when I had to get mine fixed. I dunno on CIs but I do know about hearing aids I would state my HA the oticon digifocus II is the best and you only need 1 of them mostly.

 

[deafness88]

I really need a pair of hearing aids ASAP. Should I talk to a Hearing Aid Consultant or an Audiologist?

 

[deafdyke]

UGH........Beltone/Miricle Ear etc SUCK. Go to an independant audi, and get their opinon on what type of hearing aid is good for you. I'm not an audi, BUT generally CICs aren't good for more then mild losses. I love how the marketers make it sound like BTEs are akin to earhorns. I've been wearing hearing aids since I was three, and very fw people notice them. They also don't make you look old.....if they made you look old I wouldn't always be getting carded. My best advice... take advantage of the thirty day try out period, and try out a whole variety of different aids. Don't automaticly assume that the digitals are the best........there are some quite good analog aids. Also try seeing if you could meet up with younger folks with hearing loss. There are teens and young adults who are hoh out there!

 

[shel90]

i NEEEEEEDDDDD another HA for my left ear but my insurance will only pay for a HA once every 3 years so have about 2 years to go...I went 5 years without HA and I gotta say it was liberaling..was nice cuz I was at Gallly so no need to "hear" but now I am back to being in both worlds.;...I am sooo dependent on my HAs to communicate with hearing people using spoken language...it is tough. I am always constantly checking to see if I have adequate supply of batteries before going to my in laws.

 

[Hear Again]

I would highly recommend that you see an audiologist. Some (not all) hearing instrument specialists tend to sell overpriced hearing aids and do so without giving you a thorough hearing test.

No offense against Belltone, but there are other excellent hearing aid brands such as Oticon, Phonak and Widex. I've always worn Oticon aids and had excellent luck with them. In fact, my analog Oticon 380Ps are 16 years old and have never required a single repair.

In regards to the type of hearing aid you choose, I would strongly recommend BTEs (behind the ear).

Some advantages to BTEs include:

*The ability to increase amplification in the future should your hearing get progressively worse

*Less repair required compared to CICs and ITEs (in the ear).

*The ability to use direct audio input (DAI) to plug into devices such as FM systems, MP3/CD player, iPod, etc.

*Larger controls

If you are concerned about people seeing your aids, CICs are more visible than BTEs because of the way they sit in the ear canal. I've worn BTEs for over 20 years and had very few people notice my aids because of their beige color and the way my hair covered them.

 

[Hear Again]

i NEEEEEEDDDDD another HA for my left ear but my insurance will only pay for a HA once every 3 years so have about 2 years to go...I went 5 years without HA and I gotta say it was liberaling..was nice cuz I was at Gallly so no need to "hear" but now I am back to being in both worlds.;...I am sooo dependent on my HAs to communicate with hearing people using spoken language...it is tough. I am always constantly checking to see if I have adequate supply of batteries before going to my in laws.

Shel,

Have you thought about contacting the Lions Club for a hearing aid? They have a program (whose name I can't remember at the moment) that provides hearing aids free to people who need them.

 

[deafness88]

I'm very new to this stuff. Why is Beltone not a good brand? They have over 75 years of experience in this stuff.

If it is not Beltone, what brand should I opt for? I want a very reputable brand. A brand known for quality and well crafted.

Beltone One HAs has over 17 digital channels. Isn't that a very good thing?

I want the top of the line HA, what do you guys suggest?

 

[pek1]

I really need a pair of hearing aids ASAP. Should I talk to a Hearing Aid Consultant or an Audiologist?

Give me a few minutes and I will give you a very detailed answer, okay?

 

[Hear Again]

No one here can recommend a particular HA -- they can only share their experiences. I've had excellent success in the past with Oticon, but I know others who haven't.

Keep in mind that top of the line aids are not always better than low or mid priced HAs. When comparing HAs, you might discover that you hear better with average priced HAs compared to very expensive aids. This is why it's important to try several different brands to see which one works best for YOU.

Good luck!

 

[shel90]

Shel,

Have you thought about contacting the Lions Club for a hearing aid? They have a program (whose name I can't remember at the moment) that provides hearing aids free to people who need them.

Ummmm..my husband and I are currently making sooo much money...we are getting turned down by program similar to this ...like with special loan programs for first time home buyers with limited incomes...we got turned down cuz of our combined incomes. My mom is even shocked that we dont own a home yet. She doesnt understand how expensive MD is !!!!!!

I will try and see what happens but I wouldnt be surprised if they laughed at our faces when they see our paystubs. LOL! I dont work Tues and Wed so I will check it out..thanks!!!! :iLY:

 

[shel90]

I'm very new to this stuff. Why is Beltone not a good brand? They have over 75 years of experience in this stuff.

If it is not Beltone, what brand should I opt for? I want a very reputable brand. A brand known for quality and well crafted.

Beltone One HAs has over 17 digital channels. Isn't that a very good thing?

I want the top of the line HA, what do you guys suggest?

I wore HAs since I was 7 months old and I gotta admit that I dont know much about them. All I know is that they work when I put them on...I need to educate myself on HAs now...wow..I didnt realize how many different brands there were...currently I am using a otican...I dont think I really benifit from it but then again, I soooo stone deaf it is not even funny. Maybe u would benefit from them better than I do...I notice that with CI users, they are asking each other what brands of CIs are good....like Freeedom and gosh..I dont remember..I guess it is the same thing with HAs too. I need to revaluate my HAs and how they benefit me...I have been having an ear infection for the past month so it is making hearing hard for me...Oh well.

 

[shel90]

No one here can recommend a particular HA -- they can only share their experiences. I've had excellent success in the past with Oticon, but I know others who haven't.

Keep in mind that top of the line aids are not always better than low or mid priced HAs. When comparing HAs, you might discover that you hear better with average priced HAs compared to very expensive aids. This is why it's important to try several different brands to see which one works best for YOU.

Good luck!

True..I never ever paid attention to the brands of HAs I have used until I joined this forum...thanks to everyone for opening my eyes...

 

[lovezebras]

lol so true...MD is expensive! I used to live in gaithersburg and its close to everything so It was pretty expensive then we moved to potomac, which was even worse....I live in canada now tho and its MUCH more expensive in places here than is some parts of MD...

I don't think you need to buy the most expensive and best ha, especially if your loss is progressive and it gets worse...BTE's are the best to go with if your going to need more amplification and programs in the future, and as for people seeing your ha's i agree with, Hear Again, in the ear aids are more visible because of the way they sit, and why be ashamed of your ha's im an 18 year old girl, so trust me looks was something i had to consider but id rather ppl know im hoh and then ppl think im weird for asking ppl to repeat etc, and if ppl are ignorant..then tell them to screw off! no one is perfect

 

[pek1]

I'm considering on getting a pair of hearing aids. This will be my first time. I went to to a Beltone clinic and told the hearing instrument specialist that I wanted a pair of hearing aids with the most natural sound and with the state of the art technology and she recommended me Beltone One!

First of all, let me get a little matter of housekeeping out of the way before I respond (I told you I'd be thorough ). I noticed that you registered in June 2004 and only have 21 posts, as of this thread. Where have you been during that time? You obviously knew your hearing was hurting and you should have gotten here sooner so you wouldn't have to endure a sales pitch from a person who doesn't know anything except how to make a payment on their Mercedes or BMW. No, I am not being facetious. Enough said. We have work to do now, so keep reading. I promise to be nice.

Second, you need to see an audiologist. Preferably an Au.D, which stands for Doctor of Audiology and is certified through the Speech-Language-Hearing Association Welcome to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . You showed us a copy of that audiogram, which is good. I was a pre-audiology major at Minnesota State University-Moorhead before changing my major a couple of times and now planning on attended law school.

Third, I have a severe bilateral (this means both ears) hearing loss and my audiogram slopes way further south than yours. You wouldn't know I have a loss due to my speech. shel90 is the same, except she's deaf. I've had hearing aids since age 11.

The total price for the pair of Beltone One! CIC (high-end) hearing aids is $4742 USD. Wow!!

Beltone Linq CIC (mid range): $4231 USD
Beltone Access CIC (Basic): $2480 USD

I'm a young fellow, 21 years old, so CIC is definitely for me. I went to see an audiologist a while ago and he recommended me bi-directional microphones which are only available in other hearing aids except for CIC? Is that right? He said the bi-directional microphones will allow me to hear better in noisy environments but not available in CICs?

Your audiologist knows what he or she is talking about. Take their advice, not some bimbo's that doesn't know beans from buckshot. Have you looked at Beltone's website? The one thing that stood out to me is that they are tailored to people over age 50. That should sound loud alarms to you, as (my opinion) I think they are fleecing the older generation.

Another thing, hold onto your wallet and checkbook and don't take it out just yet. You need to shop around and get to know the different manufacturers' of hearing aids. Beltone isn't the only one. I wear Starkey Starkey Laboratories, Inc. , although the first time I had them, years ago, they were really crappy, always in for repair (and that's the first month!). Other people here could tell you more about the different brands or you could go here and get started yourself hearing aids - Google Search

Do I need to worry about the impressions? I don't want the silicone to puncture my eardrum and go to surgery to get the silicone removed.

When impressions are made, the audiologist puts a small piece of cotton that hangs on a thread all the way into your ear to protect the eardrum from getting putty on it or damaged. It is a funny feeling, so you may want to close your eyes. If your audiologist has the technology, ask him or her to use the scope to look inside your ear canal. It will be hooked to a small television screen and you will be able to see what it looks like inside your ear and what your eardrum actually looks like (yes, it looks just like the pictures you've seen!). When the putty for the impressions goes in, be mindful to what your audiologist is doing and follow their directions in order to get a good impression.

I know research and development on hearing aids is a lot of money but still the price is insane.

Who should I really deal with when getting a pair of hearing aids? Should I deal with an audiologist or a so called Hearing Instrument Specialist (salesman?).

Prices are prices, no matter where you go. You should only deal with board certified audiologists that have credentials through the above-mentioned website. You can find one there if you need to, too.

About the CICs, how long can they be in your ears before they start irritating?

Every ear is different. You should have to go in at least two times a few weeks or months apart to tweek the hearing aid or each hearing aid, depending what the problem is/are you're having.

And can you upgrade your hearing aids for free or for a small fee? Let's say I bought a pair of hearing aids and five years later there is this new and improved technology. Am I eligible for upgrade?

Oh, we can sure dream, can't we?! If you need an upgrade, it's your audiologists recommendation, or the recommendation of your ent doctor (Ear, Nose and Throat).

Thank you for your time.

You're welcome! Keep asking! Also, you will need some instructions from your audiologist on how to live with your new hearing aids, especially in noisy environments, quiet environments, lecture halls, private conversations, et cetera. Best wishes and don't be a stranger, okay?

 

[deafness88]

I noticed that you registered in June 2004 and only have 21 posts, as of this thread. Where have you been during that time?

I have been busy with school and I thought I would never get hearing aids because it would make me look so old and awkward and people would look at me like wtf? Is that a hearing aid or a bluetooth device? Work made me realize how important it is to do your part of the job properly and not make any mistakes and communication is key to success. I just graduated this month and landed a job at this IT company. So I have some $$$ to get a pair of hearing aids. I don't even have a motorcycle anymore. I sold it. Life's not fair. Oh well..life goes on.

 

[deafness88]

What key features should I look at when purchasing a HA?

Is channels very important? Beltone One has 17 channels????

 

[pek1]

What key features should I look at when purchasing a HA?

Is channels very important? Beltone One has 17 channels????

17 channels is a bit much. Ah, pardon me, I can't hear you so let me change the channel . . . hello, no this one doesn't work . . . hello, no this one doesn't work . . . hello, no this one doesn't workat this point in your job interview, the interviewer just said, "thanks for coming in, we'll be in touch." Nice way of saying you don't get the job.

Remember KISS? Keep It Simple, Stupid!

I am not implying you are stupid and I presume you know what I mean.

 

[lovezebras]

thats wat i was trying to figure out!! 17 channels..how would the ha know wat to do and wat kind of battery wud that take?! LOL too much power if u ask me...

 

[pek1]

I have been busy with school and I thought I would never get hearing aids because it would make me look so old and awkward and people would look at me like wtf?

I wore my hair no shorter than the middle of the ear on both sides, which is how conscientious I was. I was told by some guys at school one time that they knew. I asked if my hearing aids showed and they didn't think it was a big deal (so what? is what they said). They were cool with it.

In 1990, I got slight whiplash in class one time. I was the only guy in the class and throwing my hair to the side got my neck out of place, so I thought, "there's got to be more to life than this long hair!" I had it cut above the ear . . . first time in history!!!

This year, I tried to grow my hair as long as Dog the Bounty Hunter Dog The Bounty Hunter Official Site and the length, just below my collar, was getting to me. I had it cut again. I now prefer shorter hair.

As for what other people say? In the past, I used to wonder. In fact, I went into a job interview one time without my aids in and halfway through, the interviewer stopped and said to me, "You're reading my lips, aren't you?" I confessed I was and said I didn't have my aids in (on purpose . . . but I didn't tell him that). Consequently, I did not get the job.

As for "looking old" I think that not being able to hear without them is old. I don't know who this particular rock star is, but he had purportedly said that he doesn't dare wear hearing aids, as it would kill his career. That's sad.

Now that I'm older, and I hope, wiser, I don't exactly care what people think of me wearing hearing aids or when they see me with my hearing dog (us in the picture at right).