any body had good or bad experience choosing it; buying it, dealing with hearing aid suppliers??? or getting insurance coverage for it???
2007-02-04 08:37:52 · 3 answers · asked by frank L L 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Hearing aids are not cheap. In fact I've yet to see a decent system for much less than $2,000 for a pair. You can easily spend around $8,000 for a top of the line premium pair.
There are literally hundreds of different kinds out there. Analogue, basic digital, digital programmable all with varying capabilities. Then you have the basic shapes, in the ear, in the canal, completely in the canal, behind the ear, on the ear, and others.
Insurance rarely covers the purchase of hearing aids, or the protection against loss, damage or theft.
The best I can suggest is that you find a good hearing professional in your area and talk to them. They should offer a free hearing test, and demonstrate a hearing aid system for you. If they don't offer a demonstration, walk away.
By law in most states you should have a 30 day trial on your new hearing aids. Make sure that you do and there is no outrageous re-stock fee if they are no use.
As far as companies go, I am a big fan of Starkey. I have experience fitting hearing aids since the early 90s and I've fitted most of the major brands. Starkey make a great selection of products.
Good luck.
2007-02-07 18:37:23 · answer #1 · answered by ZCT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most insurance companies do NOT pay for hearing aids. Why, I don't know. Just what I've heard.
There are many different companies and brands (digital, analog, programmable) of hearing aids, different styles (behind the ear, in the ear, completely in the canal). And of course, each company/brand/style will all have their own costs. Go to an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser, and they'll help you out.
2007-02-05 14:01:47 · answer #2 · answered by cdeafiem 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋