After having purchased a less expensive hearing aid about 8 mos. ago, and still having serious hearing issues--I am going to see my Ent's audiologist in his office. They have about 3 aids they offer--much more expensive but alot more updated ( at least I'm hoping). So, we'll see if there is any difference in the quality of hearing with a better quality aid. I'll let you know. Paying up front is required and since I got a new aid already this past year--no insurance will be involved. I do get 30 days (I think) to evaluate it--hoping so. I have about 30% hearing in my affected ear and now the other ear (where I now have the newer aid ) has about 70% hearing and sometimes lower hearing in it. I do have 'high hopes' but time will tell.
Yes, good luck, Yanksgirl. Please let us know how it goes. I'm sure like me many people consider hearing aids but I'm not sure how the tinnutis plays into it.
Thanks for the encouraging words. First--hearing aids help 'mask' tinnitus because you are hearing outside sounds. When you take them out--of course, the tinnitus is there. Sometimes it can even override the aids--I've had it happen both ways over the last 8 years. So, I spent over and hour with the Audiologist in my Ent's office. I tried two aids--Phonak and Widex. The Widex was just 'way too loud' in my bad ear. Her voice and mine sounded like we were using a megaphone. She adjusted it and it still was that way. She got the Widex and we got a much better sound. However, I had already decided if I wasn't totally sold on an aid that costs so much--I'd go see the person whom I'd gotten my hearin aid for the better ear--last year. So, I came home and emailed him--he represent the company my insurer is with--and we can only get aids (with insurance) thru them. I can't even get another one since I have the newer one from last year for one ear. But---the cost of one from this company is about 1/3 of what the Widex costs. My plan is to see about getting another one that 'talks' to the one I have--and if I don't like it or it doesn't improve my hearing---I have 3 mos. to decide (amazing), I get a full refund. So, that makes sense. To try matching up with this company--and if it works--wonderful. If not, I know I can get a good one thru my Ent. You only have 30 days to try at my doctor's office--and you get a refund minus $175 for 'restocking' cleaning, etc. of the aid if you return it in that time. So, I'm waiting to hear from the other place and hoping to by days end. Will let you know how things turn out.