Alternative sources?

Assuming no irrefutable information contradicting the apparent monopoly of Phonak’s Audeo Sphere Infinio I90 in noise cancellation chops, and all the other benefits (otherwise) that top-end aids provide today, that will be what I get in an attempt to resolve my ongoing hearing issue(s).

However, the cost is breathtaking, as seen in a couple of my other posts recently, including one, even after insurance contributions of 2300 net and various boilerplate ‘discounts’, which came to 6900.

That led to investigating alternatives. The first will be an appointment with a provider who uses this source: Link to lesser cost ZipHearing: Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio Hearing Aids: Prices & Reviews3 ($4898)

How that works in a business relationship I don’t know, but so far the experience appears the same at the provider level, other than that the gear comes through ZipHearing rather than directly from Phonak.

However, in my searching, I stumbled upon many eBay providers. They appear to have the same charger and gear (I dunno about the receiver; are there more than one level, as is the case with Beltone? I’m in the high power version now, after I maxed out the standard-level RICs after 3+ years) albeit without either mold or programming. But there are many here in the US (and a plethora in Sweden, for some reason) whose prices seem to revolve around the $2500 level, AND have a few with ‘make an offer’ costs.

IF - I’m very reticent, but financially very aware of the potential benefit, even with various things and costs I’d have to endure - I buy from an eBay supplier, I presume I’ll have to use some audiologist with access to Phonak software to take my accumulated audiograms (and perhaps do one themselves, of course) and program them.

AND, if my accumulated various Beltone tips and very well-fitting silicone full molds (with about 3 months left on the 1-year warranty, which my Beltone audio suggested we utilize due to some minor flaws related to in/out of the receiver every week as I clean them) don’t eventually work for me, the need to have an impression made and molds supplied by some Phonak connection, as I presume I’d use Titanium, unless there is sufficient evidence which convinces me that they’re not superior to either silicone, acrylic, Lucite, or anthracite or whatever other intermediate level materials there may be.

And, while there may be other reasons not to use an eBay source, I don’t know how the warranty situation works, nor the follow-on care. But I can buy a LOT of at-cost visits - including a mold impression and fitting - to an audiologist for the apparent $2500 difference in financial pain to me.

So:

Any experience with either Zip or eBay here?
If eBay, how do I get support (tweaking, programming, etc.)? Can I buy (again - returned after finding that I had no access to Solus Max, the Beltone software) the fancy bluetooth receiver and do my own (DIY had been suggested and lauded in prior discussions) tweaking of the programming?

This is somewhat urgent, as my wife’s of the “Lord, give me patience - BUT I WANT IT RIGHT NOW!!!” variety, and will want me, barring intense dislike of the solution, to pull the trigger on the Zip-and-provider solution on Monday morning when we go to yet another provider’s screening.

Hayulp!!!

I looked into ZipHearing as part of My Hearing Aids 2.0 Journey - #11 by bpeckham, and they seem appealing, but with my insurance, they’re out of network, which bumps my co-pay from 10% to 30% becoming more expensive overall. Combine that with only a one-year service plan, and they’re my second or third choice right now. I won’t know, until I hear if my claim is approved for my first choice.

You mentioned urgency, but didn’t mention what your insurance coverage is. I certainly understand the urgency issue. That was me with my Hearing Aids 1.0. Do you know your insurance benefit? It might pay to find out, which requires patience.

Favorite saying of my wife’s: I’m trying to learn patience, it’s just taking to long!