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What questions to ask when selecting a new hearing aid

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I am going to Costco this week for a hearing test and then a little later in a few weeks going to buy a hearing aids. I want to know all the relevant questions to ask when deciding what to buy. I’m leaning toward the 9050 Phillips but not stuck on it.

Some I have thought of,

Do they use ? Do I need or can I get a custom molded earpiece? How many different programs can I have available on my I phone to adjust them? Open vs ? I will use the bluetooth function a lot paired with my iphone and would like to pair with my tv.

What else should I be asking?

My hearing loss is not too bad at low frequencies but is bad at high ones based on a recent test at Sam Club.

Unless you have a single sided hearing loss or are totally deaf in one ear you should always get a set of aids. And even if you are deaf in on ear then a cros set of aids can be very important.

I’m getting a set. Sorry, I had a typo in my message, changed it to plural.

Edited

You have a lot of questions in this post! :slight_smile: Let me just say…your hearing aid choice is a huge decision - cost and goal. The high frequency issue is loaded - because it impacts your hearing of certain external sounds and words.

If your hearing loss is straightforward - the Costco options are fine. If you struggle with hearing words - that’s a different story. Don’t settle on a particular brand (via online research) without discussing with your “licensed” audiologist. I made this very mistake on my first hearing aid in 2012.

MY TWO CENTS

  • Open domes are ideal for most hear loss. Discrete…but can slip out often.
  • Start with open/vented domes..but ask your provider for samples.
  • Close domes are for moderate/severe. Based on my experience, It feels like putting cotton in your ear (blocks all ambient sound). Not ideal.
  • I now have a clear custom molded earpiece for function, but it’s visible.
  • When selecting a device and earpiece, focus on the technology impacting your hearing solution vs the ‘latest bluetooth features’. For me, the connected phone/tv is available on my device…but I never use it (another story).

Wish you the best!

Please don’t forget about asking about the t-coil. For me it’s just simply 100% in places that are “coiled” like churches, theaters, front desks, etc. I even have a portable one which I take with me to doctor appointments, etc. and it’s the greatest! Many mfrs don’t offer to include it, but when they do offer it, be sure to take it. It’s usually at no cost! Don’t let anyone tell you that Bluetooth or is better. There’s a place for all of these. Get it if you can!

1)Yes Costco uses

  1. With good low frequency hearing you likely don’t “need” a custom earpiece (and one probably wouldn’t be recommended) However if you really want them Costco can make them for you. Price was $80 for a pair last time I checked

  2. Number of programs vary depending on hearing aid. However I would encourage you not to focus on this. See how the general program goes and then let the fitter know what problems you’re having. The idea is for the hearing aids to do the work automatically.

  3. Open vs –likely open as you describe your hearing loss with good lows, but one can experiment with this.

5)All their aids will pair with a modern cellphone. Pairing directly with a TV is less of a sure thing. However all makers sell a TV connector. Until gets a lot more solid I think the TV connector is the way to go.

Ask what the hearing aid fitter recommends. Relax and be prepared for things to sound a lot different (not necessarily better, but you can get used to it.)

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