When is it time to get a hearing aid?

[Maxheader]

I'm continually having to ask people to repeat what they say...The volume seems ok, but the words
are unclear...

[DavidDvorkin]

1. Sounds like it's time

At the very least, have a hearing test to see if a hearing aid would help.

If you're a Costco member, they have pretty good deals on hearing aids. The test is free.

[flyingfysh]

2. ask your doctor for a hearing test

They might put you in a soundproof room with headphones, and play a series of tones to your ears. You let them know when you hear something. This will accurately show whatever hearing loss you may have, and how hearing aids would need to be adjusted for you. You might need hearing aids, or you might just need to have wax removed from your ears. The doctor could tell you.
The cost might be surprising, it could be in the range of some major dental work (perhaps a couple of crowns?).
You may save a couple of thousand by getting whatever brand they suggest through a company that sells them at a discount and also adjusts them for you. I saved about $2000 that way.
Most brands have small batteries which you have to change frequently. Mine are rechargeable. the charge lasts about a day.

[empedocles]

3. Sounds like a common high frequency hearing loss.

You don't hear the high pitched syllables well. A test will confirm that. Hearing aids can compensate for that end of the spectrum.

[Ohiogal]

4. I have the same problem.

Had a hearing test. Was told I have a 40% hearing loss. Went straight to the hearing aid place from my doctors’. Filled out the paperwork. Two weeks later I hadn’t heard from them so I called. They said my insurance won’t pay for a hearing aid. (I wonder how long they were planning to wait before informing me). No Costco within 50 miles. It’s beyond frustrating. Hearing aids cost thousands of dollars.

[sprinkleeninow]

5. Time for an audiologist. They got in the canal ones that give amplification if your impairment.

is minimal.

I've been impaired since the 70's. Surgery in one ear for a stapedectomy. Hearing came back some. They won't chance going in again. Other ear shot. I do have very good bone conduction though.

Just got one BTE [ behind the ear] in hot pink! Another black one on the way. I'm gonna rock 'em! 😎 Didn't want beige ones this time. Blech.

Two canal ones gotta be repaired. They were expensive. The BTEs are more of a pain, but more dependable.



On edit»»Yes, you should first see your primary care doc bc it may only be wax as another poster said.

[leftieNanner]

6. Thanks for the info

I was tested a while ago, and my husband is certain that I need hearing aids. I like your idea of getting jazzy colored ones. Now that I have stopped coloring my hair and it's bright white, I think hot pink might do the trick!

We have a Costco in my area and they are great!

[sprinkleeninow]

12. 👍

[Sherman A1]

7. Just had a hearing Test this morning.

It was a little tedious, but told me what I pretty much already knew. I have severe loss in the high pitch range and the doctor has hearing aids ordered for me. Thankfully my insurance helps, but it will still be $2k for the units.

I was having similar problems as you describe, so I suggest a visit to an audiologist.

[demosincebirth]

8. That's the norm - high pitch range.

[Sherman A1]

10. Yes it is

I had done my homework prior to going for the test. Happily the local library hosted an informational meeting with and audiologist doing a presentation and I checked in with my health insurance ahead of time.

[Maxheader]

9. I don't mind going to a doc...Just, no offense...think they look kinda weird..

sticking in your ear..I have no excuses for that attitude...
Receding hair line and wrinkles...I'm no beauty..

Thanks for all the information...I'll think about it..And good luck
with getting insurance company's to meet their obligations...

[demosincebirth]

13. I have a pair no one can tell I have 'em on. I go to church

And am able to understand the sermon, now. Got them at Costco, mid price - 1600 bucks.

[Maxheader]

15. Checked out the costco hearing aid site..

Was wondering if they had a doc involved in the checkup...an ENT?

Do they put an aid (demonstration) in your ear to show you how much your missing?

[demosincebirth]

19. They only have audiologists. The exams are free, but call for

Appointment. I had to get used to them and now I don’t even know I have them on. Also, you have to remember to take them off when you bathe.

[tblue37]

17. In the ear aids are not noticeable. I wear behind the ear aids because they are more

powerful, but I started off with in the ear aids, before my deafness got worse.

[GeorgeGist]

11. Get a hearing test from an accredited audiologist.

[customerserviceguy]

14. My lady

said it was years ago. Or something like that...

[tblue37]

16. You should visit my website, "I'm Listening as Hard as I Can!":

http://deafnotdumb.homestead.com/index.html

This article, "Refusing to Admit to Hearing Loss," will help clarify your situation:

http://deafnotdumb.homestead.com/denial.html

This one, "What Does It Take to Persuade Someone to Get a Hearing Aid?," is relevant, too, but also very funny:

http://deafnotdumb.homestead.com/mac.html

Most of my deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) articles are humorous, but some are quite serious. Many people tell me their friends and coworkers never understood or believed how hard they made things for their HoH friends and family until they read my articles. You might use them to enlighten your friends and family, too.

BTW, it probably is time. If you can't afford aids, consider using the trick I used until I could afford my aids--I bought a little transistor radio sized amplifier from Radio Shack and used it at movies, in conversation, when I taught, and at meetings.

[tblue37]

18. We lose hearing at different frequencies. High frequency loss is the most common age related loss,

and it is the higher frequencies that help us distinguish between sounds in words. Without my aids, what I hear when people speak is a sort of undifferentiated stream of mumbled voices, with most words melting into each other.

[Maxheader]

20. Canada...

Did a google on hearing aids from canada..With the rationale that my symbicort is
about 250$/inhaler, cheaper..from a pharmacy there, so maybe hearing aids....? In the process it seems
that americuns are getting screwed on price...The mfg price is small but the markup
is outrageous..Now I don't know if this particular excerpt is a good example, but
you gotta think...?..

What is the average cost of a hearing aid in Canada?
"It can go all the way down to the tens of dollars. But if you want to take an average cost, it is $150," said Freuler. The manufacturer sells the hearing aid for $400 to $600 to a retailer or audiologist, who then sells the device for about $2,000

[Maxheader]

21. I know you're getting tired of this..but I took the Audicus

hearing test..this is what they suggested...I rated a 2 out of 5..Need hearing aids..

This is what was suggested through their chat line...

https://www.audicus.com/product/clara/

$1436..2 pair..everything basic..no remote..standard battery's...protection plan...