Hearing Tests
#1
Hearing Tests
Had my annual check up yesterday and was recommended to see an audiologist. My insurance is for one company who contract with 3rd party local providers, who seem to make their living selling hearing aids. Which doesn’t inspire much confidence in the impartiality of their testing.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
#2
Re: Hearing Tests
Had my annual check up yesterday and was recommended to see an audiologist. My insurance is for one company who contract with 3rd party local providers, who seem to make their living selling hearing aids. Which doesn’t inspire much confidence in the impartiality of their testing.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
We use the Hearing and Speech Division of the University of Southern Mississippi. In fact, Jennifer took two of my Endeavor aids and is working with Starkey to get the software needed to reprogram them for Hubby with no cost for us. However, if you are so concerned that the profession is rife with scammers, then make an appointment with an Eye, Ear and Throat Doctor who does not sell HAs but will do the hearing test.
Your insurance should cover the cost of the doctor and the test, particularly if your primary doctor has recommended that you be tested.
BTW, I have never had healthcare that covered hearing aids so count yourself fortunate.
#3
Re: Hearing Tests
Thanks for the advice Rete. I called the provider my insurance uses and then called Costco. Even with the discount through my insurance Costco were about 25% cheaper. I use the optical department at Costco and have been very satisfied with the quality for the cost, so decided to make an appointment at the local Costco hearing center. Added bonus the hearing test is free.
#4
Re: Hearing Tests
Had my annual check up yesterday and was recommended to see an audiologist. My insurance is for one company who contract with 3rd party local providers, who seem to make their living selling hearing aids. Which doesn’t inspire much confidence in the impartiality of their testing.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
Is there some impartial professional body that one can get reviews of providers from, or some way to avoid being scammed into buying the expensive and maybe unnecessary aids.
#5
Re: Hearing Tests
She was not happy with where she went. Felt she was not given enough choice and pushed towards the higher priced models. Hence my OP on the subject.
#6
Re: Hearing Tests
Thanks for the advice Rete. I called the provider my insurance uses and then called Costco. Even with the discount through my insurance Costco were about 25% cheaper. I use the optical department at Costco and have been very satisfied with the quality for the cost, so decided to make an appointment at the local Costco hearing center. Added bonus the hearing test is free.
#7
Re: Hearing Tests
With hearing aid selection, one needs to understand the degree of hearing loss involved, the type/range of loss and then you go from there. For many people there isn't a number of aids to choose from. Buying a HA is not just the cost. That should only be the second consideration. The first and foremost consideration is the type of aid which is needed for your type of hearing loss and then the manufacturer and its rating and service policy. No two losses are the same.
One thing to remember is that the HA comes with a warranty, usually for one or two years. My comes with a two year warranty. So within six months of the lapse of the warranty the HR is returned to the manufacturer for some problem (and yes, there usually is a problem) and when returned the two year warranty starts fresh.
I can't imagine how a HA can be operated from an iPhone? Unless you are saying your HA is iPhone compatible. With my Phonak, I can purchase separately what is called a Roger Mic which is over $600 which allows me to use my mobile phone without the speaker, attach to my TV for listening without using closed captions, etc. Instead I purchased a different attachment mic which is less expensive that does the same things but one person can wear the mic on their shirt and I wear the receiver on my shirt and in crowded situations, i.e. a restaurant I can hear every word that is said.
One thing to remember is that the HA comes with a warranty, usually for one or two years. My comes with a two year warranty. So within six months of the lapse of the warranty the HR is returned to the manufacturer for some problem (and yes, there usually is a problem) and when returned the two year warranty starts fresh.
I can't imagine how a HA can be operated from an iPhone? Unless you are saying your HA is iPhone compatible. With my Phonak, I can purchase separately what is called a Roger Mic which is over $600 which allows me to use my mobile phone without the speaker, attach to my TV for listening without using closed captions, etc. Instead I purchased a different attachment mic which is less expensive that does the same things but one person can wear the mic on their shirt and I wear the receiver on my shirt and in crowded situations, i.e. a restaurant I can hear every word that is said.
Last edited by Rete; May 31st 2019 at 12:27 am.
#8
Re: Hearing Tests
Yes Rete my HA is iPhone compatible. It does not work with other cell phones. I can adjust the range and sounds for several different environments. For instance if I am at a restaurant, I can adjust the range so that I can hear the person immediately by me and cut out some of the background noise.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; May 30th 2019 at 11:01 pm.
#9
Re: Hearing Tests
Yes Rete my HA is iPhone compatible. It does not work with other cell phones. I can adjust the range and sounds for several different environments. For instance if I am at a restaurant, I can adjust the range so that I can hear the person immediately by me and cut out some of the background noise.
#10
Sad old Crinkly Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Posts: 807
Re: Hearing Tests
I use a similar type of device.
Added benefit I can stream my favorite radio station direct to my ears.
I use Resound LiNX2 devices, about $2k a side, but covered for free under the US VA system.
Costco sells a similar device at about $1100 a side
Added benefit I can stream my favorite radio station direct to my ears.
I use Resound LiNX2 devices, about $2k a side, but covered for free under the US VA system.
Costco sells a similar device at about $1100 a side
#11
Re: Hearing Tests
Phone calls, music, TV programs etc...all audio from my iPhone comes straight through my hearing aid...unless I choose otherwise.