I looked around a bit and didn't see much here about hearing aids. I am in the process of trying out a set. Oticon Delta 800s that are on a clearance sale at my audiologist. They're going to want $1000 in a week if I decide to keep them. I will admit, they do help. So, here are a few questions: Are the new, expensive hearing aids worth the price? Is there a good place to go for used/inexpensive hearing aids? What are the basics I need to know to properly care for hearing aids? Do I really NEED a cleaning kit? Or can I get by with tissues or something else? Is there one brand or style that works better for Meniere's than others? Or are they pretty much equal? Or is it purely individual preference? Would damage to hearing aids be covered by my homeowner's insurance? Or should I have a separate policy if I decide to get fancy/expensive hearing aids? What else should a hearing aid newbie know?
Each person's hearing is different so I do not believe that there is "one" best hearing aid. (Although I was told for my type of hearing loss - perfect hearing in one ear and profound lower loss hearing in the other that a CROS aid is the best; I didn't go with that though) In my experience the most critical part is having a really good audiologist. They should have you come in and adjust and tweek them numerous times. My first hearing aid had more "bells & whistles" but the audiologist was not really great and i was not happy with the hearing during the trial period. I ended up getting a more "entry level" Oticon aid but with a really great audiologist. I believe that as our hearing can fluctuate daily and/or even hourly I personally don't believe that any hearing aid can be 100% because of the fluctuation. I have the basic wax rings, etc but nothing special in terms of a cleaning kit. I would try out several different units - which your audiologist should agree to - and wear them for at least 1-2 weeks each to figure out which works best for you. Try out ones with more options and more basic. Figure out if YOU use all of the other options or if you don't use them that often or feel like you could do without because of a lower cost. Some credit cards extend the manufacturer warranty on different items for a year or so - that might give you some peace of mind. I have no idea if home owners insurance covers them, would assume so if they are in the house but honestly no idea.
i highly recommend costco;i got the resound that are bluetoothed to my phone;it has saved me as far as talking on the phone;the people at the costco i go to in san antonio(selma)are very thorough and caring
I've been wearing hearing aids for a little over a year now. I got mine off of craigslist, and got really lucky. One of mine has crapped out, but I got 3 (1 replacement) fairly new Phonaks for $800, which is awesome. I would check around on craigslist, just inspect them well and do lots of research. There is no one hearing aid that works better for menieres than another. One thing to look for though, is if you have really ban tinnitus, there are hearing aids that help with that so that might be something to look into. I would also look into getting hearing aids that have the option for multiple settings (since hearing fluctuates). Set it so you have a normal setting, and louder setting, and a quieter setting. A lot of companies allow you to send hearing aids in for repairs, and its not terribly expensive, depending on what part has gone wrong. All you really need to clean is a cloth, and a soft baby tooth brush. (brush it along the speakers so ear wax doesn't build up). If you want to deep clean them, take them in. Most hearing aid centers have free hearing aid cleanings. I wouldn't worry about getting a kit. You really only need to deep clean them every couple months. The toothbrush trick keeps them very clean. From what I have heard from my doctors, is Phonak is not a very good company anymore, and all the hearing aid centers I've been to have said the same thing. There isn't a place in my area that works with Phonak anymore because they said the quality is waaayy down. So I would avoid getting Phonak as well. Do research, and also think about the style. If you wear glasses I would get the over the ear ones because they tend to mess up the way your glasses sit. If you have a lot of hair, keep in mind where the speakers will be (as they will make weird noises when your hair hits them) things like that should be kept in mind. Good luck!
Good advice above. I have Starkey soundlens for my really bad ear and an open fit for the better ear. I have top of the line but I don't know if it makes that much difference as the technology with all of them are pretty good nowadays. I have several programs but basically I just use the ones that I can turn them up in certain situations,groups etc. I have found that usually I don't want to mess with them as if you are in the middle of doing something you don't want to have to stop and fiddle around with them. If I am in a meeting with a lot of people I will turn the volume up befoer I go in but that's about the extent of me using the programs. A lot of people have gotten good aids at Costco. As NC said a good audiologist is key.If you find them on craigs list don't know how you would program them. Definitely try out several.Starkey was really good to me and I got to trial them for 2 months but I am in Europe so different rules here. Good luck,it made all the difference in my life being able to hear better and not to mention the neck strain you are under craning your head to hear better.