I Can Relate -- Hearing Loss Issues

[br1111]

Ok, as long as we are on the subject, I have some questions for you guys who have been down this road. I had a hearing test and had fittings and consults and follow ups scheduled, but due to insurance changes I canceled the rest of the appointments. My responsibility for the $600 hearing test was $585 (glad the insurance company kicked in $15!) my question is this: is there anything o er the counter that you guys have had luck with? This just seems like such a waste of time amd money and I would sure think could probably be served by something over the counter. Anyone gone this route?

I bought a set of hugh hearing aids. well under 200.00 and they work great. The only thing is they dont cut out loud noise like a gunshot or whatever. when i am in a really noisy sisuation like chaisaw or gunfire i wear my electronic muffs.

 

[Kittitas George]

Ok, as long as we are on the subject, I have some questions for you guys who have been down this road. I had a hearing test and had fittings and consults and follow ups scheduled, but due to insurance changes I canceled the rest of the appointments. My responsibility for the $600 hearing test was $585 (glad the insurance company kicked in $15!) my question is this: is there anything o er the counter that you guys have had luck with? This just seems like such a waste of time amd money and I would sure think could probably be served by something over the counter. Anyone gone this route?

Try Costco, I can't give them enough praise. They have licensed people, hearing test, evaluation, and adjustments are free. I've had my hearing aids for quite a few years, excellent service. My hearing aids were $1600, I'd been quoted $5,000 fore a 'matched set'. Mine 'blue tooth' to my phone, hands free for talking and driving. Vert simple, very easy for a 'geezer'.

 

[biggun2869]

The VA will give them to you if you've ever served, witch a lot of you have. Gary

 

[muleystalker]

Ok, as long as we are on the subject, I have some questions for you guys who have been down this road. I had a hearing test and had fittings and consults and follow ups scheduled, but due to insurance changes I canceled the rest of the appointments. My responsibility for the $600 hearing test was $585 (glad the insurance company kicked in $15!) my question is this: is there anything o er the counter that you guys have had luck with? This just seems like such a waste of time amd money and I would sure think could probably be served by something over the counter. Anyone gone this route?

Try going to Costco and see what they charge there, I heard they have a good deal on hearing aids and have Audiologist on hand several days a week. Tell them your paying for them outright not your insurance. A lot of place have different prices for insurance and people paying out of their pocket, even prescriptions at the pharmacy I have checked with the pharmacist for the price difference on certain items and it was cheaper for me to pay out of my pocket than to run it through the insurance.

 

[CJ6]

Ok, as long as we are on the subject, I have some questions for you guys who have been down this road. I had a hearing test and had fittings and consults and follow ups scheduled, but due to insurance changes I canceled the rest of the appointments. My responsibility for the $600 hearing test was $585 (glad the insurance company kicked in $15!) my question is this: is there anything o er the counter that you guys have had luck with? This just seems like such a waste of time amd money and I would sure think could probably be served by something over the counter. Anyone gone this route?

I got the Starkey brand through the VA. These are the last American made hearing aids made. They're bluetooth and the VA also included a "streamer" for the TV. I've had them in for 2 days now and all I can say is WOW I can hear everything now....Too much in my opinion, but I go in for a tune-up and re-program in 2 weeks...Cost $50 for the office visit.........

 

[M-61]

The aides I had were also bluetooth compatible with my cell phone. Of course I had to get a new phone as the other while still working would not connect to the hearing aides. It was nice to turn volume up or down in restaurants ,or watching TV , but in a group of people it was just mast confusion. Noise from everywhere. The audiologist said he could adjust for that but never got it there.. Can hear fine on a speaker phone, womens voices are the worst especially when they are leaving a return call number, and have to rattle it off at 100 mph.

First I should have stated a few things and I usually remember but failed in this instance.
I am an expert in absolutely nothing.
I am not an audiologist.
Every single thing I post is MY experience.
Now in MY experience with my aids the noise in a group or a restaurant is definitely adjustable. To the point I will only hear what I am looking at.
A high pitch screech from a woman or very young kids comes through as a non understandable almost painful noise.
The brand I named I am in no way affiliated with including I did not choose nor purchase their product. The VA did.
This was my review of my hearing aids in my ears.

 

[M-61]

The VA will give them to you if you've ever served, witch a lot of you have. Gary

They ‘give’ them to you if your hearing loss is service connected. Additionally you would be entitled to 10% monthly disability check. VA hearing loss pays a max of 10% regardless of the extent of loss. Serving in the service doesn’t get you anything unless it is a disability caused by them.

 

[CJ6]

They ‘give’ them to you if your hearing loss is service connected. Additionally you would be entitled to 10% monthly disability check. VA hearing loss pays a max of 10% regardless of the extent of loss. Serving in the service doesn’t get you anything unless it is a disability caused by them.

Not so....My hearing loss was not service related and I never claimed it to be service related.

 

[M-61]

Not so....My hearing loss was not service related and I never claimed it to be service related.

Interesting. The $50 you will pay is to the VA for the office visit?

Glad they ‘gave’ them to you and you like them.

 

[kthomas]

Which is why I shoot almost 100% suppressed.

 

[CJ6]

Interesting. The $50 you will pay is to the VA for the office visit?

Glad they ‘gave’ them to you and you like them.

Yes, office visit.

 

[M-61]

Yes, office visit.

Well, as I said, interesting.
Actually I choose not to argue or discuss the VA in public forum but as a disabled vet I thank you for your service and invite you to PM anytime you may wish.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Here’s one guy with a different experience. That’s me.
How, where, and when my hearing became bad is irrelevant.
My current hearing aids are my third set. Each has been better than the previous ones. The current set are superb. Last person I thought would want this is me but this pair is paired to my cell phone. Before this a phone conversation was impossible. Keep in mind my hearing is just above stone deaf so in a situation I need them.
Covid ( yeah figures into everything somehow) and the mask requirement eliminated my ability to read lips. These hearing aids aside from working with my cell phone also are adjustable (through the phone) adjustment) for all surroundings such as restaurants, music, etc. my phone rings thru the aids. The conversation is broadcast thru my aids with a total block out of any noise.
In normal (?) conversations the quality of hearing is superb. As an aside my ability to pick up the sound of say a bearing going bad, engine noise from something faulty is second to none.
The brand is PHONAC and they are either German or Swiss. I’m sure they are a fortune but they were supplied and paid for by the VA

You’re 100% Right .
My Aids work with my Phone great advantage.
They keep making them better.
If aI remove them things get very quiet.

 

[M-61]

You’re 100% Right .
My Aids work with my Phone great advantage.
They keep making them better.
If aI remove them things get very quiet.

My first mistake with them: turned the shower on to a thunderous roar and promptly stepped in! No harm as I got out right away. I guess one can assume I’m not an idiot but rather the aids are so comfortable. That’s a Maybe on the idiot part.

 

[Outwest]

Costco hearing aids here also. Best thing I ever did.

 

[thejamesd]

I asked my wife if my leg was broken would you walk slower with me ? When she said of course I asked "then why won't you speak up when we talk."
And that's how the fight started!
She said you aren't listening to me, I said. "that's a strange way to start. a conversation!"

 

[M-61]

Believe it or not sticking her head in the refrigerator and stating a full conversation I can hear her with aids. However why that door has to be open an unreal time makes me think she purchased stock in the electric company.
One day I’ll remove the door permanently that way I won’t have the attitude. It’s open all the time. Screw it.

 

[Retired shooter]

Good timing
Enjoy and have a great day.

 

[redrockranger]

The aides I had were also bluetooth compatible with my cell phone. Of course I had to get a new phone as the other while still working would not connect to the hearing aides. It was nice to turn volume up or down in restaurants ,or watching TV , but in a group of people it was just mast confusion. Noise from everywhere. The audiologist said he could adjust for that but never got it there.. Can hear fine on a speaker phone, womens voices are the worst especially when they are leaving a return call number, and have to rattle it off at 100 mph.

Background noise is the worst. I put mine on mute in crowds and deal with it. Sometimes i take my case and use ear plugs.

 

[Kittitas George]

Background noise is the worst. I put mine on mute in crowds and deal with it. Sometimes i take my case and use ear plugs.

It helps if possible in noisy situations to sit with your back to a wall. It helps eliminate the noise from behind.