OT - Hearing Aids

[prodigyplace]

I realize this is off-topic here but the "lock-in" & lack of transparency is worse for hearing aids than for CPAP, IMHO. I figured there must be several users here hiding pearls of advice on this topic.

I have worn hearing aids for many years and although they are of some help initially, their software is not nearly as smart as advertised.

Programming your own aids from most brands requires software & hardware that are not officially available. There are a few companies tha offer self-programming, but those aids are not as capable as those from the major vendors in my experience.

I currently have Costco hearing aids (Kirkland Signature 6) that are just a rebranded major vendor;s version because they were about half the prce for the capabilities offered. I especially appreciate the iPhone integration & Bluetooth capabilities.

Hearing specialists, even degreed audiologists, seem to struggle both with testing & adjustments. Unlike sleep apnea, the results are almost totally user subjective.

Any help would be appreciated.

[LSAT]

I us the branded hearing aids from Costco. Once a year I go in and have a no cost hearing test and my hearing aids are adjusted if necessary. During the year, I can make any volume adjustments from my phone. I don't see where there is a problem.

[SewTired]

First, I'm envious. I couldn't afford the ones that did all the bells and whistles. Mine hooks up to a bluetooth app making it a little easier for me to adjust the sound than directly on the hearing aid.

I am new to hearing aids so was recently doing a lot of research. There is a great deal of discussion regarding self-programming on various hearing boards. I think hearing aids will continue to improve, but accessibility of the programming by patients will not, at least for the top quality ones.

The main reason for the significant cut in cost for Costco hearing aids are the sheer number that they buy. I don't know anything about their aftercare services. FWIW, my neighbor just upgraded from the hearing aids that you have to the latest 8.0 version. He really likes the new ones. It doesn't help more with conversations, but worked much better in crowded situations than the 6.0 version. My understanding from my neighbor is that you can go into Costco up to 3 times per year for hearing aid sound adjustment. The one he now goes to doesn't charge even for a 4th visit, so it may be up to the individual units whether they charge for aftercare or not. Neighbor goes to a Costco across town because the local one sucks (poor customer service and high turnover).

So, this was really long winded, but maybe you need to go to another Costco if you aren't happy with the current one?

Note: I went to Miracle-Ear.

[prodigyplace]

Costco includes all testing & adjustments for free.
They even gave me loaner aids & sent mine in for "rebuilding" (actually replacement?) just before the 2 year warranty expired. I am no longer satisfied with their adjustments, even after re-testing.

[LSAT]

Costco includes all testing & adjustments for free.
They even gave me loaner aids & sent mine in for "rebuilding" (actually replacement?) just before the 2 year warranty expired. I am no longer satisfied with their adjustments, even after re-testing.

I shopped around...What sold me on Costco was...Cost was about half of competitors for comparable aids....180 day trial period, 3 year unconditional guarantee and 24 month replacement for loss. As noted above.. free cleanings and adjustments as need and free annual hearing tests. NO..I do not work for Costco.

[palerider]

I do not work for Costco.

I don't either, but I've never had a bad experience there... they actually care about their customers, and their employees, and that translates into a better shopping experience.

I was talking to one of the employees recently, and she told me that part of the reason that they want to see your cards at the door is because they keep count of how many people have come in, so they know how many registers to open up. iirc, every 30 people that come in, they radio in the count to someone who's scheduling checkers.

[bombayone]

I live in Illinois. I have had excellent results with a non-profit organization called Sertoma. They offer competitive prices and very professional and caring services. https://sertoma.org

[chunkyfrog]

I love Costco. They still replace my domes after 3 years. No charge.
My aid is a brand name--Rexton; but a model only sold at Costco.
Their batteries are less expensive than the brand name--and last longer.
My PerfectLux conditioner only cost $40, where it is up to double that elsewhere.

[kalatraza]

This bulletin board, [url]https://forum.hearingtracker.com/[url] is much like cpaptalk. The folks there have helped me out a lot.

[prodigyplace]

This bulletin board, [url]https://forum.hearingtracker.com/[url] is much like cpaptalk. The folks there have helped me out a lot.

I see they have changed their name. I was there many years ago when it was hearingaidforums.com before the supplier sponsor (much like cpap.com) sold the forum.

[prodigyplace]

First, I'm envious. I couldn't afford the ones that did all the bells and whistles. Mine hooks up to a bluetooth app making it a little easier for me to adjust the sound than directly on the hearing aid.

I am new to hearing aids so was recently doing a lot of research. There is a great deal of discussion regarding self-programming on various hearing boards. I think hearing aids will continue to improve, but accessibility of the programming by patients will not, at least for the top quality ones.

The main reason for the significant cut in cost for Costco hearing aids are the sheer number that they buy. I don't know anything about their aftercare services. FWIW, my neighbor just upgraded from the hearing aids that you have to the latest 8.0 version. He really likes the new ones. It doesn't help more with conversations, but worked much better in crowded situations than the 6.0 version. My understanding from my neighbor is that you can go into Costco up to 3 times per year for hearing aid sound adjustment. The one he now goes to doesn't charge even for a 4th visit, so it may be up to the individual units whether they charge for aftercare or not. Neighbor goes to a Costco across town because the local one sucks (poor customer service and high turnover).

So, this was really long winded, but maybe you need to go to another Costco if you aren't happy with the current one?

Note: I went to Miracle-Ear.

Actually the Kirkland Signature 8 is made by a completely different manufacturer.

With CPAP you can reuse regular hoses & masks when switching brands. With hearing aids any molds & Bluetooth accessories are not standardized & must be replaced.

We can use & adjust CPAP at home. Hearing aids are set up in an artificial environment much different than everyday life.

[Gasper62]

I'm interested in trying some hearing aids sometime in the near future. I just recently saw this segment on TV... https://youtu.be/LzM-S_xcsC0 I might have to see what my local Costco offers.