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Not sure what to make of comments by new Costco audiologist

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Edited

Hello everyone!

I have been wearing one K10 with custom mold for just over 4 years. Lately I seem to be having much more difficulty thn ever to hear, which being a teacher is a real problem. Also the battery now does not last a full day, even though I am not streaming music or anything. So I went back to Costco (600kms away) and saw a new audi. We did the regular audio test and the word recognition test. He said the results were pretty similar to the last ones (very poor). Anyway he recommended the Phillips (x2), saying it was best for my type of quite severe loss. (very irritated that they don’t have them in stock now to try). He said that there will probable be only a vey slight improvement if any. The curious thing is he said he won’t de a test because the will over-compensate for the loss of high frequencies. And that I will not get a mold as he thinks a dome is better for me. Both of these comments are the contrary of all the audis I saw when I first got the K10. And that Costco no longer the virtual adjustments service because it didnt work well with people’s phones. I successfully used it several times when I got the K10 due to living miles away.

So I have come away feeling rather sceptical, having paid the 1500€, and now will have the expense of going back at least once.

One final question: do they really expect deaf people to wait a month for a battery to be replaced with no substitute??
Any thoughts on his comments?

Many thanks,

Dawn

29 people in this conversation25 min readJump to latest

i would try them out and see , speak to them and insist the remote adjustments or try the rexton reaches that have onboard for self adjustments

Gosh, your hearing loss is definitely challenging! Best of luck to you in getting better service from Costco. They really should do better (for anyone/everyone)–and especially since you live far away. Hopefully, the hearing dept in your store may change personnel and you can get another technician?? Best wishes… (I do use Costco, also, live fairly close by, and have liked the various technicians I have worked with there–it’s the luck of the draw, unfortunately.)

@Doggit said:

The curious thing is he said he won’t de a REM test because the HA will over-compensate for the loss of high frequencies.

That’s not what does, it just verifies what the aid is doing.

In terms of actual programming; aside from a bit of frequency shifting, the aids want to be shut off from about 2KHz up - otherwise you’ll end up getting feedback and potential downward masking from a bunch of frequencies you can’t get anything from anyway.

And not wanting to rain on your parade, but the DeMant product is inherently poor in delivering sound to your sort of loss, due to the gain averaging (smoothing) and the VAC fitting formula.

With your loss I’d be giving the new Enzo a punt.

Looking at your it would appear you have no response 3000 and up hertz. Has anyone mentioned frequency shifting or lowering to help you with those upper frequencies?

The Sennheiser aids might be the better choice if you do enable the .

Does that Costco hearing center have a second or third hearing aid fitter you could ask for?

I think there is another person but I’m not sure. Yes I have zero response in the high frequencies. When I got the K10 we tried frequency shifting but it wasnt successful - I can’t remember why. This audi specifically advised me against the Sennheiser.

In reply to @Um_bongo

Yes, he talked about feedback and shutting off the high frequencies.

I have just looked at the Enzo models, of which there are many. I had not heard of them. Which model would you recommend? i tried to find a comparison without success.

The current model is the Enzo IA, that’s got a lot of clout.

There’s two basic approaches to fitting your loss:

1 Dump in loads of power, try and get enough oomph to your higher frequencies to improve things.

2 Accept that above 2KHz is effectively banjaxed: look for a solution that’s a bit more lightweight, turned off above 2Khz and using frequency shifting to pull in sound from beyond your range. Whilst retaining decent reproduction of medium and lower pitches.

@Um_bongo said:

Accept that above 2KHz is effectively banjaxed: look for a solution that’s a bit more lightweight, turned off above 2Khz and using frequency shifting to pull in sound from beyond your range. Whilst retaining decent reproduction of medium and lower pitches.

This is what I learned after 3 different audiologist missed that I could not hear the upper frequencies. Frequency shifting/lowering was the answer for me. This is why I brought it up to the OP. Many fail at because they don’t give their brain enough time to learn it. I did great with it after acclimated.

Honestly from what you said, this may be beyond that audiologist’s capability, and he may have been trying to tell you that. I’d suggest going to a real audiologist, who might recommend something other than hearing aids. You could be doing yourself harm by not fully addressing your severe hearing loss.

If he performs and other tests to diagnose physical disease, if he can refer patients for cochlear implants and other surgical or medical treatments, if his job is not merely to sell hearing aids, then he is a real audiologist.

Edited

I’m not sure you have the right hearing aid. If your word recognization is low - may need a vs device. I would seek out another professional opinion if you can.

I was about to give up on my hearing (left ear; RIC device) and seeking cochlear. Went to a new audiologist with different testing and we found a solution. I switched to the BTE (Resound Nexia 9) and I can hear words again. Nothing is perfect…but it was a game changer for me. It all depends on your personal needs.

Regarding fitted earpieces - the audiologist may have an opinion, but it’s your call. It should be around $100-$125 if your insurance doesn’t cover. Just make sure you get the right custom mold you want. I think mine is called a ‘canal lock’ - helps hold it in place.

Haven’t read the whole thread but what are your word recognition scores like.? A Cochlear implant EVAL might be useful.

In reply to @Doggit

I would ask to have the KS10s reprogramed and stick with them and the custom mold…maybe get new batteries installed.

That is what my COSTCO specialist did for me (not the battery replacement). He said to wait a couple of years to replace them.

In reply to @Doggit

@Doggit said:

I have just looked at the Enzo models, of which there are many. I had not heard of them.

These are in the Resound family of aids. Even better, the Enzo 1A comes in RUBY RED!10!! Wow would I jump on it.

But seriously, that Costco fitter sounds like a super BAD FIT for you and what your issues and goals are. As HopingToHear suggests, look for a qualified AUDI - someone who has the patience, experience and empathy to work with you over time. I look at my audis as a marriage over time. They go the extra distance for me when needed cuz we’ve formed a partnership to solve a challenging situation. As a teacher, you really need someone who understands your career and can fit you with aids to give you confidence in the classroom setting.

Granted, you may need to travel to work with an audi, but perhaps a name brand aid would allow tele-settings adjustments?

GOOD LUCK and please keep us posted on your next step.

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