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Help me decide which one is the best option. Oticon, Starkey or Resound?

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My insurance only covers a handful of hearing aids for free, and Costco is off the table—apparently those bulk bargains are just too much fun to subsidize. So now I’m wading through the realm of audiologists, where wallets are deep and patience runs thin. After reaching out to a couple, I found my “free” choices boil down to the Oticon More 2, Starkey Evolve 1200, or Resound Key. Now it’s just a matter of figuring out which one is the hidden gem in the bargain bin. Also, does anyone get better hearing aid models with Medicaid than what’s on this list? Would love to hear your experiences.

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Those models that you listed are old. For example, the Mores were released 5 yrs ago.

I was able to get my aunt the Phonak Infinios I30 (latest Phonak platform) with Medicaid -California with $0 payment .

Every state is different so what works in California may not work in other states ‘s Medicaid plans

I’m reading more and more stories here in hearing tracker about audiologists selling platforms that manufacturers have said they are obsolete. If others can offer more information on this, I would like to learn more about it

hands down more 2, while its a old instrument it works very well fitted tons of people

In reply to @OcramSagev

Question: does your insurance provide “free” hearing aids of specific models and only from vendors they endorse? Or, do they cover up to X dollars (what the specific models cost at specified (approved) vendors) and leave the rest of any cost to you if you chose something farther up the technology curve?

If they provide you an allowance and you’re on the hook for anything above that, I would suggest the best that Costco has to offer, with you filing for reimbursement and absorbing anything the insurer doesn’t cover. My guess is you’ll find newer models at better prices at Costco.

If I’m wrong on this, someone on this list will flog me so no harm raising the question.

At Kaiser , She was allowed to choose either the Infinios or the Intents. There was never a conversation about $$$ ( instead , they showed her the options Medicaid allowed). Kaiser was her only in-network provider .

I’d suggest letting the trusted audiologist choose. (“Trusted” is the key word.) You may have to keep trying audiologists.

My insurance covered many brands and models. The audiologist selected based on the specifics of my hearing loss- not only the but the fact that most of my loss is due to the brain and not the ears. He didn’t make as much profit on the ones he felt were appropriate, but did gain trust and word-of-mouth referrals from me.

Failing that, perhaps a visit with a neurotologist or otologist would be beneficial. That physician can send a report to the audiologist with recommendations of necessary channels, frequencies and more.

Paul

It’s a tough choice between those three since they all have strong features. One thing that might help you decide is looking at “future-proofing” regarding Bluetooth connectivity and support, as the implementation varies between the brands.

We maintain a compatibility checker that is updated specifically for this. You can check which of those specific Oticon, Starkey, or ReSound models are fully compatible with Auracast here: https://avantree.com/pages/compatibility-bluetooth-headphones-speakers-checker?category=Bluetooth+Transmitter&model=Oasis+Aura14

Also, if you are struggling to choose, you could ask your audiologist to test the connectivity live. We actually have an Program where clinics can get a demo kit to test these features. It might be worth mentioning to them so you can try the devices with a real broadcast source before committing: https://avantree.com/collections/hcp-program2

In reply to @PJB12

OP will be using Medicaid, a public health plan for low income people. This means that some of the options you mentioned don’t apply.

(1) You have to use an in-network provided and, with Medicaid , the number of providers is very limited . In my aunts case, only one provider is in network in her city . You can’t just go and see a specialist () unless your sends you to one (so it is not up to the OP).

(2) the amount that Medicaid pays is small and the provider is not allowed you to charge you for the difference (it’s illegal ). In my aunts case , only two models were available and they were the cheapest lowest tech level available at that doctors office . The audiologist said she did not recommend those models but those were the only models available for the $$$ Medicaid was willing to pay.

I’d skip the general . As mentioned in my post to which you replied, I suggested an otologist or neurotologist. The patient can explain the situation to the Primary Care Provider and ask for the referral.

From your reply, it sounds like your aunt lives in a small area. Hopefully FlyingTy has more options available.

A neighbor just got Oticon Intent 3 and she is on our state’s Medicaid program. Initially, her choice was limited to a couple of basic models by other manufacturers, but the audiologist sent a request to Medicaid for those more expensive Oticon Intent devices based on her needs. Medicaid allowed it at no cost to her.
Paul
PS: The post has a link to someplace selling the devices. I did not put that link. I’ve no idea how to get rid of it.

In reply to @PJB12

I have to say, HearUSA feels a little shady—they told me my plan only covers the battery-powered Starkey, but if I want the rechargeable version, it’s an extra $1200, even though they get them for the same price. Sounds like those batteries aren’t the only thing getting charged!

In reply to @PJB12

@PJB12 said:

PS: The post has a link to someplace selling the devices. I did not put that link. I’ve no idea how to get rid of it.

That link is to the main hearing tracker page. It’s a PITA, too, because if you highlight a sentence with that link to copy a response, the entire link gets posted in the response.

Hey Mods @AbramBaileyAuD can we delete the links?

I plan to do some work on the forum, but won’t be for at least a few weeks. I’m going to kill the sidebar as well, and introduce the ability to display which hearing aids you’re currently wearing next to the button. Sorry about the inconvenience.

@AbramBaileyAuD said:

I’m going to kill the sidebar as well, and introduce the ability to display which hearing aids you’re currently wearing next to the audiogram button.

Good ideas! I propose adding percentage also (left, right, ) .

My insurance at work also doesn’t cover hearing aids from Costco. My insurance, (Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Texas), would only cover the hearing aids after satisfying my out of pocket deductibles, and getting a hearing test from an , ($65), then buying the hearing aids from a list of their providers. By the time I paid the deductibles and out of pocket expenses, Costco was a better alternative.

One of my colleagues at work went through our insurance company. He had to pay the audiologist, $1,500 USD out of pocket for the midrange quality and cost of his hearing aids. I never asked what brand he purchased. The insurance will only pay up to $3,000 for any hearing aids. At Costco, I paid $1,699 for the top of the line Jabra E/P 20s, and I returned them after five months and exchanged them for the newer Jabra E/P 30s. The Jabra E/P 30s are the same as the ReSound Viva, which is their top of the line hearing devices which are rebranded Jabra for Costco. Our company health insurance paid his private audiologist $4,500 USD, including his $1,500, for the medium quality hearing aids, while I paid $1,699 for the top of the line ReSound Viva hearing aids rebranded for Costco. My advice, pay out of pocket and go to Costco you pay about the same out of pocket and get a better quality device. That’s what I did.

More 2, hands down the best.

Here in New York Medicaid allows only 1 hearing aid (not a pair, you will have to buy the other one yourself) every 5 years!. A lot of states will give you a pair. You need to find out what they allow you.

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