Okay. I admit it. I need hearing aids...

[NurseJackie]

... but I'll be G'damned if I'm going to pay those outrageous prices! It's insane! Who has that kind of money.

I'll just continue to rely on closed captioning and turn the volume up a little bit louder.

Nobody is shouting at me yet... but a good bold "stage voice" helps me to understand better.

(And yes... people DO mumble... especially teenage store clerks.)

Maybe I'll try mail order hearing aids.

Ugh! This old-age stuff sucks!

[underpants]

1. My stepfather admitted to my brother that he turns off his hearing aids

When he doesn’t want to hear my mother (married 40 years). He blasts Fox News though.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. Hah?

I hear you. My husband has them and often I tell him to "turn up your Belltones" when he is not wearing his.

He responds, "hah?"

[NurseJackie]

5. The hearing aid industry is a total racket. Even glancing at the Costco prices...

The hearing aid industry is a total racket. Even glancing at the Costco prices... it's more than we can afford.

I hear you.

One on one, I can mostly hear and understand very well. In crowds, not so much. If we're in the kitchen and the dishwasher is running... forget it! Or when someone is talking to me and I'm in another room... even though they know to speak louder because of the distance, it all just fades away into a blurry sound.

[True Blue American]

78. This is why I am on a mission.

It is also why providers are so angry about the bill. It will put dents in their profits. They know their gouging is coming to an end.


After most Medicare Advantage insurance began paying $3000 the Providers started charging $3000 for one, another $3000 out of pocket for those who have serious hearing problems.

[bearfan454]

81. I'm luck to have gotten mine from the VA

$50 copay for exam and $50 copay for the hearing aids. Mrs bearfan has a teacup Yorkie that barks extremely loud. I just about jump out of my skin if I have them all the way up and someone knocks on the door and the Yorkie goes nuts barking.

[tblue37]

3. Before I was able to afford hearing aids, I bought an inexpensive amplifier from Radio Shack and use

it at movies, in meetings and conversations, and when I taught. Back then it cost about $25. It was the size of a transistor radio, and it had earbuds.

[NurseJackie]

6. I'm considering something like that. I wonder if my smartphone can double as a hearing aid...

... with a wireless earpiece serving as the makeshift hearing aid.

[tblue37]

14. Back in the late 1980s there were no cell phones, so I didn't have the option to try that.

However, I doubt I would waste my cell phone battery charge that way when the dedicated amplifier is cheap.

[Desert grandma]

29. You might want to check out Hearing Revolution too

www.hearingrevolution.com My friend got her hearing aids through them. No membership to join, just fantastic prices on excellent brand name hearing aids. The catch?? They work with a network of audiologists to fit and service their products. It includes 1 year of as many service visits as necessary, 3 year warranty, and 2 years worth of batteries. My friend got the top of the line Oticon OPN1 which was quoted to her for $7000 for both ears at another hearing center for $3400. The audiologist was excellent too. They carry every brand of hearing aid. I would urge you to use hearing aids because I read in a recent issue of AARP magazine that there seems to be a strong correlation between hearing loss and dementia. In one study persons diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's disease were surgically fitted with cochlear implants. These patients showed significant improvement in memory and other cognitive tasks compared to those using FDA approved medications. In fact, there is a study currently recruiting applicants to do more testing of this theory.

https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/107934/deafness;-perception-auditory-midbrain-implant-study/?&radius=50

[NurseJackie]

30. Thanks very much for the info!

[SWBTATTReg]

59. Thanks for the info. I will check into. Take care, and thanks again for the info. It's ...

interesting to hear the link re. Alzheimer's, dementia, etc. I'm not surprised, there is so much that we are still learning about the senses of the body and other illnesses and negative conditions that we hear about when one gets up in years.

Fortunately (not the hearing loss), I was caught in time that I was hard of hearing...they didn't catch until I was 9 years old (then I was considered 'mentally challenged', early 60s timeframe). Ever since I gotten the aids, I feel like the whole world has opened up to me.

And still today, I'm still learning stuff regarding the hearing world and all that I missed during the formative years of my youth. I still have a sense of wonder at what I missed. Don't get me wrong, all of my friends all know that I am hard of hearing, so they all take the additional steps to deal with me (and the extra help they give me is wonderful), they turn on the CC on the television, they make sure that I'm looking at them (I read lips), they repeat stuff to me all of the time.

I say this because some people (not many) seem to get frustrated or stressed about repeating themselves to those who are hard of hearing or someone didn't hear them the first time. Hard of hearing is an unseen handicap.

Take advantage of every little trick you can think of, to help your hearing loss, For example, when I was in the hospital, I made them put a sign on the door, that there's a hard of hearing person in the room (people were coming in during the dark hours, saying stuff to me, and all I hear was mumbling (and it was dark, I couldn't read their lips)).

I tell everyone first thing when they meet me that I'm hard of hearing. I do this so they will be aware that if I missed something during a conversation, they won't get a little upset that I didn't respond (because I didn't hear them). My dogs even help me for they let me know that someone has rang the doorbell. Or that the mail has come, etc. Take advantage of all the help you can get from the hearing world.

Of course hearing aids don't do everything but they sure go a long way towards helping. Hopefully your friend is doing good w/ their hearing aids!

[True Blue American]

66. The hearing aids of today

perform miracles compared to what they used to be.

I once wore my hair longer to hide it. Today I cut my hair short.

Millions are in the same boat because they hate to admit the loss. Not me.

I was talking to a young woman in Church. She and her Husband travel all over. He performs Eye surgeries in various countries for people who are afraid to come in. They go out laughing, they can see again.

I was talking to her one day, and suddenly she said,” Oh, wait a minute, my hearing aid battery went out!” I had no idea she wore them. Severe loss in one ear, moderate in the other.

That is how I found out about COSTCO.

[Desert grandma]

75. Those hearing aids have made a HUGE difference in her life!

Many hearing aid brands also offer rechargeable hearing aids too. No more batteries! My husband is due for new ones from the VA soon, and he is asking for the Oticon OPN1 rechargeable ones. They can be controlled with an Apple Iphone too.

[True Blue American]

43. One thing I will tell you

With the new hearing aids you can click out background noise, making the aids better than human hearing in a crowded room. I just did because neighbors have lawnmowers going on both sides of me! Now, I can hear the TV.

And, for new wearers patience is the thing because you have to retrain your brain to listen Will not happen in a day,or. Week!

[SWBTATTReg]

61. It'll take years but you're on the way! I didn't realize that you now can control the particular ..

sound frequencies (clicking out background noise), if I understood you. You have a feature (using a remote) that you can adjust your hearing aid settings on particular frequencies (the background noise) or instead, does the adjustment you made going after the general background noise in general? Thanks!

[True Blue American]

63. No, a button on my hearing aid.

I just hold down the button next to the ear piece. It says 2. At first you think the power has gone down, but then you realize you can hear the person across the table. Normal hearing can not do that.

I am not hooked up to my smart phone. For me it is easier to just press the button. All of my last in the ear have had that feature.

[SWBTATTReg]

65. Thanks!!

[Ponietz]

7. I'll try again...

Me, too, and you are right about the prices. So, instead, I started doing Shunya Mudra during my morning walks. It either helps or I’ve deluded myself into believing it does—it’s some small comfort.

[Croney]

16. I had to look that up.

According to the video I watched, after four or five months of holding my thumb against my bent middle finger for an hour at a time while keeping the others straight, my hearing problems will lessen.

She also said not to do it if you don't have hearing problems, which I don't yet. I guess I just sealed my fate! 😱

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. Too bad Saturday Night Live no longer supports people with hearing problems ...

https://www.funnyordie.com/2010/11/24/17710984/snl-news-top-story

[lillypaddle]

12. LOL nt

[NurseJackie]

15. Ha!

[still_one]

9. Sorry Jackie. Even without hearing issues, I use closed caption

[Shrike47]

19. If you watch British television shows, closed captioning is a savior.

[still_one]

20. Exactly

[still_one]

50. It sure is

[True Blue American]

56. Sure is!:)

And I love their shows.

Am learning streaming now. They have a Brit Box. Acorn has the British market tied up now,sued to stop PBS from showing them.

[True Blue American]

44. Same here, because

The background noises can drown out voices.

But it is still funny to read some of the CC words.

Another thing. The state of Ohio provides free phones with the closed captaining. It looks something like an iPad. You can even save calls so you can check back.

Called CapTel. Check Google to see if your state does the same. Nice to have when you get Dave or Joe in normal English, then end up with accents you can not understand.

[lillypaddle]

10. I hear ya (haha)

Actually, I'm in the same boat. People DO mumble, and when they talk fast, I'm shit out of luck. I especially have a hard time hearing what people are saying on the phone.

Let us know what you find out about mail order hearing aids.

ETA: apparently I'm not the only one who thought of the "I hear ya" joke - so much for being unique!

[Sherman A1]

11. Just got them

$1500 per ear. Yeah, expensive to be sure and it’s taking time to adjust but the streaming from the iPhone is pretty cool.

[GeorgeGist]

24. What brand?

I'm due for new ones soon.

[Sherman A1]

25. Signia

This is my first experience with them so not sure if they are the best or not, but the streaming from the phone is kinda cool.

[DavidDvorkin]

13. The prices are outrageous, but the benefits are enormous

I got my latest pair from Costco. Still very expensive, but better than elsewhere.

[True Blue American]

45. COSTCO

Is much cheaper. Even with Insurance that pays $3000 provider wants $3000 more for WIFI in bad ear.

I intend to check them out before buying new. So much depends on your hearing loss.

[DavidDvorkin]

48. That's where I got my last two pairs

The first was from an independent audiologist. I'm very happy with the ones from Costco.

[True Blue American]

52. Serious hearing loss?

Even with them not taking Insurance I would come out ahead, if they can provide WIFI for one ear.

[DavidDvorkin]

53. My new ones have Bluetooth

Unfortunately, my phone can't run the required app. If it could, I'd be able to take phone calls through my hearing aids. I would love that.

[True Blue American]

54. I just need the WIFI

For the bad ear so I can hear out of both.

[DavidDvorkin]

64. I don't understand what that means

Are some hearing aids wif-fi enabled? How would that help?

[True Blue American]

67. If you have

Severe loss in one ear the dummy WIFI is transferred from the hearing aid so you can hear in both ears. Travels from one to the other giving you bi- lateral hearing.

[DavidDvorkin]

70. Clever!

I have no idea about mine. If these don't have that, and if you're a Costco member, it would be worth asking at a Costco hearing center to see if they offer a kind with that functionality.

[True Blue American]

71. Is COSTCO

Your provider? You need to check with them.

My complaint is many Insurance companies will pay up to $3000. My provider wants another $3000 for the dummy. But he inadvertently told me they do not cost as much. He tried to get the go between to give me one each year. They refused. I contacted my Insurance company,let them know the go between was cheating both the insurance company and the person getting a hearing aid.

It makes no sense that an Insurance company give you $3000 worth of hearing aids each year, but not help those most in need.

I hope I am being clear here. If not, ask me. Or PM me.

[DavidDvorkin]

72. I have Costco hearing aids in both ears

Hearing is bad in both. Mine work very well for me.

The insurance I had at the time only paid if you got hearing aids from a provider approved by them. If I had done that, it would have cost me more than the Costco aids did.

Now I'm with Kaiser. I don't know how good their hearing program is in terms of cost. I'll find out, eventually.

[True Blue American]

73. The same for me. Buying from

COSTCO may be cheaper for me than using the $3000 insurance, then another 3 out of pocket.

I am in the middle of a major project right now, purging and new carpet. As soon as I finish I am heading for COSTCO. It is on the other side of the city. If they can give me WIFI they will get my business.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

17. Well you got me looking...

for info about using the iPhone as a hearing aid.

I have the same problem as you hearing people talk at the same table in a restaurant I’m basically just hearing clatter of dishes and other assorted background sounds that act as white noise blocking conversation.

So I googled “using iPhone as a hearing booster” found this website.

https://snapguide.com/guides/use-your-iphone-as-a-hearing-aid/

I gonna go and look for free apps but .99 sounds good. Don’t know how this would work but what the hay, I’ll try it.

Good luck.

[TruckFump]

21. I am hearing disabled.

Not a little bit, but I cannot hear well at all. I lost my hearing alert dog to cancer a year and a half ago and am in the process of training another pup.

I hate hearing aids. I have had all the way from very expensive to as cheap as I could find. None of them work very well. The background noise problem drives me crazy. Also, with aids, I have problems determining where sounds are coming from. This is not good when one hears an emergency siren, but has NO clue where it is coming from.

I use my iPhone all the time for TV. I use my Dish TV Anywhere app and put the picture on the TV with the volume on my phone at max and closed caption on the TV.

Those of you who do not have hearing problems, you are so very lucky.

Thanks for the info on the app for the iPhone. I just downloaded it and am going to try it out!

[True Blue American]

46. The new ones solve the background noise problem.

Trust me, I understand. Lost my hearing due to an illness.

[Ohiogal]

18. I'm in the same boat, Jackie

Even my husband, who hears better than I do, says teenage store clerks mumble, and he also says the voices on the TV are hard to decipher.

I don't even like to talk on the telephone to businesses or customer service reps because I can't hear well. Last week I goofed up ordering pizza. It's so depressing.

One thing that works well .... I have a set of headphones that are cordless that I can wear when I watch a TV show where I want to hear every word ..... I can turn the volume up or down to suit my needs, and everyone else in the room doesn't have to put up with a blasting TV. We enjoy Law & Order re-runs, and it's a must to hear every word or else you just can't follow the plot.

[TruckFump]

22. Do you have the info on the headphone?

It's as problem to watch TV with friends and I would sure like to be able to do this.

[Ohiogal]

23. Let me look that up.

Check back here later today and I should have some information for you.

[Ohiogal]

28. I messaged you. Hope that's okay.

[SWBTATTReg]

60. Can you msg. me the headphones information too? I'm getting ready to get some. Thank you! nt

[fleabiscuit]

69. Would you kindly forward that information to me also? Thanks.

[NurseJackie]

39. Fortunately, I don't have issues on the phone (not much anyway) but I do...

... keep the volume setting on "high". I've never been much of a phone-gabber anyway. Except for rare occasions (family emergency, friend in crisis) I simply dislike having a receiver (even a wireless one) glued to the side of my head. Maybe it's a leftover indoctrination of having grown up with a "party line" and always having to be quick and brief on the phone (as a courtesy to anyone else who may need to use the line.)

With regard to the mumbling clerks and floor assistants... when I ask them "where can I find a box of staples" they ALWAYS TURN THEIR FACE AWAY FROM ME and talk into the wind (as they point in the direction I need to go) ---- At least I know to head in the direction they aimed their voice, but did he say turn left, turn right, top shelf, near the bottom... who knows??!

So, lately I've given up on trying to pretend that I'm young... I just let them know that I'm hard of hearing, and I ask them directly to please speak up and look at me when they talk. (Most will oblige.)

[SWBTATTReg]

26. I hate to hear people knock hearing aids, what I'm seeing is the price of these aids are ...

outrageous. True. But in my case, they are a godsend. I am profoundly hard of hearing and I wasn't discovered as hard of hearing until I was 9 years old (back in early 60s). Now they test all kids for hearing loss (they didn't back then). My parents could only afford 1 hearing aid at the time and it opened up a whole new world for me. I could hear cars, water running out of a faucet, etc. I had to relearn to speak English all over again (speech therapy for years).

When I finally went to work at a company after college, I brought my 2nd hearing aid and it was wonderful. I could finally get some sense of direction of where the sound was somewhat coming from. Don't get me wrong, the hearing aids aren't 100% effective, feedback, etc. but for some of us, they are literally a gift. There are sometimes I go nuts when I don't hear anything. Literally nothing at all, so I actually crave it when I put the aids in and hear sound!

Insurance is covering my aids finally up to the amount of $4000 each (was only $1000 every 3 years each aid before), so I'll be looking at getting some new aids (have 15 aids now, all still work, but of course are outdated, but I keep as spares).

[NurseJackie]

34. Not knocking hearing aides... Just the expense. Also...

... there's a certain element of coming to terms and accepting reality. I also resisted and denied and delayed getting bifocals. Same with cataract surgery. Delay and denial and just getting used to the idea that I really am the old woman that I see in the mirror.

[SWBTATTReg]

40. Nonsense, you are young and spirited at heart as we all are! I think it's a 'what are...

the benefits vs. tradeoffs' game with our bodies vs. the limited amount of money we have and/or hassle to do.

For example, I used to get a new set of hearing aids or get one set updated every 3-4 years (the guts reconditioned, new molds made, etc.), but since I've retired, I don't feel like I really need to spend the money that badly (e.g., so I miss a few things verbally?, so what?). Everybody I know, knows me enough to yell at me when I didn't hear them, so it's not important for me to spend the money to hear every iota of sound.

I literally have 12 hearing aids that all work. They may not look pretty but they work. I've donated a few of them but I also included the new molding costs (to fit the hearing aids to the new set of ears), and the technology has advanced so rapidly that donating them doesn't have the same kick as it used to, so I end up holding onto them.

I could us a new pair of bifocals too, but I've got 20 pairs of old reading glasses that I've learned to live with, so I don't push it, even though I could have another eye exam (overdue for one) and probably a new set of glasses. I haven't pushed myself to go do.

[True Blue American]

47. That is great news!

You are helping those who need it, too.

Next year the Grassley/ Warren bill takes effect. Providers became angry when they heard about the bill. Really cutting into their profit.

I simply need a WIFI in one ear. A slip of the tongue told me they cost little but many providers are charging full price.

The company go between working for the Insurance Companies are gouging the Insurance companies, too.

[True Blue American]

55. Not knocking hearing aids

Just the Providers that are getting wealthy off people with loss.

Since Insurance started paying $3000, my provider has opened 2 offices, hired 6 or 8 people, is charging $3000 more than Insurance pays.

I am ticked at the gouging.

[democratisphere]

27. Have you seen the ad for Hearing Assist.

Seems like it might be a more reasonable solution.
Good Luck NurseJackie!

Check out this link for phone number and info:

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/d78A/hearing-assist-llc-i-love-you-dad

[NurseJackie]

31. Those look very interesting. Especially that they recharge...

... I'm going to do more research and read some reviews. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

[democratisphere]

35. You're welcome. Hope it provides a solution for you.

[marked50]

32. Yeah-agree

Getting old is getting old.

[Hoyt]

33. At some point, I'm going to try some of the newer OTC amps that have digital programs

to customize it to the frequencies where users are deficient. They all offer a month or two money back guarantee. While I hate to return things, if they don’t help, I’m not going to throw $500 - $1000 in a drawer.

So far, I can still muddle through and don’t mind saying “Yes” — or shaking my head in agreement— when some teenager I can’t understand is probably calling me a “dumb old MFer.”

One thing I never thought about is closed caption for when I can’t understand dialogue on TV (the British ones are brutal). Your thread has helped.

[GP6971]

36. Here is my 2 cents

I'm on my 3rd pair. I started 15 years ago and initially didn't wear them that often...it was all about vanity....didn't want to admit I was getting older. But then my hearing progressively got worse and I started wearing them more often, but I still held off wearing them all the time. I tried a wireless amplifier (brand was Pyle) for watching TV. Place it next to you while watching TV and everything was good, except.....the amplifier had a split second delay which drove me crazy.

I've gotten all my hearing aids from Costco....decent pricing, but still expensive. But not as expensive as the alternatives...my niece paid almost $8,000 which just floored me. I've heard that one of the reasons that Costco is cheaper is that they are one technology generation behind. Which I'm OK with. My old boss and I had numerous discussions concerning rechargeable vs. batteries, iPhone interface, in the ear vs. over the ear. We went opposite ways...me in the ear, battery and limited iPhone interface. I don't want to constantly carry a phone around to control my hearing aids.

I've had in the ear and over the ear hearing aids and overall, I prefer in the ear. The disadvantage to in the ear...you can hear yourself chewing crunchy food. I found the disadvantage of over the ear...wind and telephone. Any windy day would be amplified and telephone calls weren't amplified.

I would go with Costco for a couple of reasons; they stand by their products, they clean them quarterly at no charge and there is no charge for filters which I replace about twice a week.

Overall, hearing aids are a godsend and you'll never regret the expense. It makes a world of difference....all positive with the exception of the expense.

Just my 2 cents.

GP

[NurseJackie]

37. Lots of great and helpful info. Thank you for...

... sharing your experiences, good and bad, and for your advice and recommendations.

❤️👍

[GP6971]

38. Thanks! If I recall correctly

they have a 2 year lost and replacement warranty. And if you purchase with your Costco Citi card, it's extended for another 3 years. Just in time to get another pair!

[True Blue American]

49. Do you have nerve deafness?

I finally went with the behind the ear, but prefer in the ear.

Many Insurance Medicare Advantage plans give you one free,($3000,) each year but will not give the WIFI for ears you can not hear out of. I refuse to pay $3000 for a dummy hearing aid.

I am checking them all right now. And have complained to the Insurance company, Sherrod Brown, anyone who will listen.

[GP6971]

57. As far as I know, I don't.

I didn't see any reference to it in the my most recent evaluation from the VA. I'm due to go back for another test in June and I'll be sure to ask about it.

[True Blue American]

58. Mine was caused by illness.

Killed the nerve in one ear. But the new hearing aids get better every year.
But when you can buy a new 65 inch Smart TV for $599,yet a tiny hearing aid costs $3000.

Experts say $2000 goes to eith the provider or go between of the Insurance company.

I have already had this discussion with Anthem and the go between, they provide for moderate, ignore the serious.

I am waiting until next year to see what happens. The reason I asked is because the behind the ear was for nerve damage. I have always insisted on in the ear. Everyone is different, so are providers.

[GP6971]

74. Mine is military service connected

and not weapons related. Mostly engine noise...aircraft, railroad engines, generators...all that good stuff.

Mine from Costco cost $1,399 each and I'm very happy with them. And in WA state there is no sales tax on hearing aids.

[SWBTATTReg]

62. Thanks for the info! nt

[GP6971]

79. Your welcome!

Glad to give my input.

[seaglass]

41. Elizabeth Warren sponsored legislation to make OTC hearing aids safer and cheaper. It was signed

into law. I heard about this a while back on NPR I think it was. Basically there are devices that will help with hearing problems that are sold OTC but are not allowed to be called hearing aids. My husband has some hearing problems exacerbated because he went to car races for years without any ear protection.

https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-over-the-counter-hearing-aid-legislation-to-become-law

Bipartisan Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Legislation To Become Law
Legislation Included in FDA Reauthorization Act Could Impact Millions of Americans with Hearing Loss

The legislation will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter to Americans with mild to moderate hearing impairment. It also requires the FDA to write regulations ensuring that this new category of OTC hearing aids meets the same high standards for safety, consumer labeling and manufacturing protections as all medical devices, providing consumers the option of an FDA-regulated device at lower cost.

"This law will make a life changing difference for millions of Americans who experience hearing loss but can't access the hearing aid technology they need because of high costs and excessive regulations," said Senator Warren. "By passing this legislation and making some hearing aids available over the counter, we will increase competition, spur innovation, and bring down prices. I'm grateful to my colleagues - Democrats and Republicans - for joining me in this effort."

[NurseJackie]

42. I know! I was reading about that!

[True Blue American]

51. Next year!

Providers are furious over this bill. Wonder why?

[True Blue American]

68. Warren/ Grassley.

After watching Grassley at the Kavenaugh hearing I am pretty sure he has a hearing problem.

[dalton99a]

80. +1

[GreenPartyVoter]

76. I had one as a kid. (Actually need them in both ears.) I don't

use them now because to be honest I didn't feel like I was hearing better, just more. I heard pencils scratching on paper and grit scuffing under boots, but did I hear voices more clearly? Not really. They just made the world too danged loud.

I'm sticking with CC and yelling, "What??"

[True Blue American]

77. You would be surprised how much

Hearing aids have changed. Sounds are clear as a bell with the new ones. They do not just magnify sounds.