inexpensive bte for a newbie

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tonedef

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hi-

i've been hoh since i was a kid but now that i'm approaching 50 it's getting worse. i have an appointment with an audiologist next week and i'm guessing they'll want me to buy the most expensive ha that they offer. as a first time wearer i want to try an inexpensive one that i can use for awhile but not outgrow too quickly. can anyone offer me some advice? also, costco near me sells hearing aids- does anyone have any experience- good or bad- with them?

thanks!

ps. i don't need a lot of options- i just want one that will help me hear speech better.
 
the phonak eXxtra isn't to bad it's a midlevel ha and not too too expensive...there is also the Una SP if you want something with a bit more range that is an entry level one by phonak as well..i would definitelyyyy stay away from costco, they prolly cant provide you with as good of a warranty and trial and such that an audi can.
 
thanks for the reply, alicia.

costco offers free hearing test, 1 year loss or damage replacement, 60 day money back guarantee for any reason, and 2 year warranty. i think the audi is set up as a vendor that just rents space there. they offer rexton, interton, and bernafon, and they only sell what they call a mid-line for $900 and a hi-line for $1600.

of these 3 brands is one better than the other? i've been doing a lot of reading on this forum but haven't found anything that says one is better than the other.

thanks again!

tonedef
 
tonedef said:
thanks for the reply, alicia.

costco offers free hearing test, 1 year loss or damage replacement, 60 day money back guarantee for any reason, and 2 year warranty. i think the audi is set up as a vendor that just rents space there. they offer rexton, interton, and bernafon, and they only sell what they call a mid-line for $900 and a hi-line for $1600.

of these 3 brands is one better than the other? i've been doing a lot of reading on this forum but haven't found anything that says one is better than the other.

thanks again!

tonedef
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Could be wrong, but I am pretty sure Rexton is an old American company and pretty respectable, and Bernafon is Swiss. The prices are good and it seems like a reasonable guarantee. If you can buy an extended warranty that would be good.
 
I don't think those brands are really popular from what I've searched..they are mostly used by places like Listen UP! and cheapie hearing centres. They offer similar warranties cuz they know their customers have to come SOOO often to fix their ha's. And you shouldn't have to pay for the HA until the trial is up, not before. Just be veryyy careful. Why don't you try your local Vocatinal rehab in your state and see if u can get ha's thru them.. and don't try to get suckered in to "dinky" aids i.e. in the ear, fully in the ear or, completely in the canal. Go for Behind the ear cuz they have the most power and need fixing a bit less.
 
lilitalia89 said:
I don't think those brands are really popular from what I've searched..they are mostly used by places like Listen UP! and cheapie hearing centres. They offer similar warranties cuz they know their customers have to come SOOO often to fix their ha's. And you shouldn't have to pay for the HA until the trial is up, not before. Just be veryyy careful. Why don't you try your local Vocatinal rehab in your state and see if u can get ha's thru them.. and don't try to get suckered in to "dinky" aids i.e. in the ear, fully in the ear or, completely in the canal. Go for Behind the ear cuz they have the most power and need fixing a bit less.
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I think the poster may have been telling us this is all they can afford, so we should not discourage. Something is better than nothing.
 
I figured my audi would try and sell me really expensive ones too..but i find places like costco will jack prices up on u so just be careful...also try to look at the most popular brands sites and loop up some ha's that sound like they are for u first..that's what i did and the ha that i wanted was the one he actually recommended for me outright so it was good..here are the most popular..Phonak, starkey, siemens,oticon and widex. Those are what my audi offers.
 
which is why i said try local vr in his state..i am not trying to discourage the poster in any way! Do you think i could afford an expensive ha..but just in case that those brands are not as good wouldn't you think that it mite be in the posters best interest to look around as to avoid possibly spending more money in the long run on repairs!
 
AliciaM said:
which is why i said try local vr in his state..i am not trying to discourage the poster in any way! Do you think i could afford an expensive ha..but just in case that those brands are not as good wouldn't you think that it mite be in the posters best interest to look around as to avoid possibly spending more money in the long run on repairs!
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thanks, aliciaM for the advice. i contacted my local vocational rehab yesterday and i have an appt in a couple of weeks.

tonedef
 
That's awesome! Hope you get aids and hopefully they will cover all the costs!
 
I bought one off ebay a couple years ago when I was really desperate. It actually wasn't too bad for $150. I did have to take it to my audi and have her adjust it for me though... lotsa feedback, but she fixed that. She was shocked and told me I got a really good deal.


I still have it and keep it for back up...

Oh and one more thing, if you decide to check it out, try to find one that will program it for you (a lot of them offer to). All you do is fax them a copy of your audiogram. Then you might not need to take it to your audi for adjustment. Although you would probably need to have an ear mold made anyway, that should only cost you around $50-$75.


If you really need one now but have to wait a few weeks til your VR appt., then it will be another month or 2 after that before you actually receive your HA. It's an inexpensive alternative for 'now' and it's always nice to have a back up.


Also, I usually get my HA batteries thru my insurance but if that's not an option for you, you might consider buying those off ebay as well - way cheaper.
 
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