Hi All, My Meniere's specialist has an audiologist and their own hearing aid dept you can call it. I tried the first generic one that cost 1500 and picked up too much background noise so I went for the Mercedes thinking I am going to have this the rest of my life and it is 2500. It is clear and wraps around your ear but said it was the most effective and even pilots use it. Is this in line with the ball park figure for a good hearing aid? I am on a 30 day trial..Thanks, Nicole Orlando, FL
My first one--and I still have it is an Oticon--cost was $1400 (I have insurance and it would have been $2700=was on 'sale' during the month I got it, for $2000, and with my insurance the cost was lowered. I've had it 4 1/2 years in my affected ear. It's helped me at least get sound 'thru' meaning it opens me to bilateral sound and helps me hear more clearly. Just purchased one that was $599 with my insurance (can no longer get it but thru this company with my insurance) for the other ear, and had been wearing one from this company for 2 years already. The older one worked well until lately so I got one (from the same company) and have had it adjusted 3 times. Finally am getting a better quality sound but I think if I had concerns about cost, I'd go for the Oticon again. This one is ok--and I'm hearing pretty well. Considering getting the other one replaced so both can be co-ordinated by the same person (who is very good). Almost sent this one back but after the last adjustment, I'm getting used to it and will give it a try for as long as it works well. Nothing restores hearing 'like we all would like', but definitely there are differences with different aids---so if you can afford to get a really good one--hope you do and it works well for you. Keep us posted please.
I believe that the price is not necessarily out of line - but I hve found what is more important than the "mercedes" of hearing aids is having the best audiologist. They make the most difference in working, adjusting, adjusting again the aid to perfect it for you. My first HA was a much higher model with more bells and whistles but I was not happy with it. Went back once for adjustment without success, returned it during trial period. Then went to the audiologist inside my ENT went with a basic Oticon without alot of major options (cost me $1200) and she had me come in the next two weeks for adjustments, then again a month later. She was able to take my less than optimum comments and turn them into results. My words like "sounds like the radio without bass", or "tinny" or slight echo... Whichever aid you go to just make sure you have a good comfort and working relationship with the audiologist!