hearing aids ? when do you decide? what price range?

I've had hearing aids for about ten years (I'm 66) and could not function without them. I've had both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear and much preferred the latter as they have better functionality.

Be careful with your choice of audioligist and try to pick one in a practice that includes ENTs.

Yup, they're expensive, $7,000 or so for the pair.

I have Phonak now - best ones I've had.

Yes, the cost of hearing aids is ridiculous, and I'll never understand why Medicare doesn't cover there cost or dental needs as well.

Anyway, I have a 95 year old Aunt living with me, who has had hearing aids for about 15 years, she's on her third set now. Obviously at her age she didn't really want to spend between $5-8000 for new aids..so I started looking on the computer and found a company at www.hearingaid2020.com, the are in Rhode Island and offer many different types of hearing AMPLIFIERS, that work just fine. She's able to hear TV and all conversations.

The company is very helpful, I had to send the first set back and ordered another set of a different type, they offer your money back within 30 days if not happy with their product.

I think I paid under $200.00 for both. They are small and fit into the ear and are hardly seen at all.

Take a look into their site.

A lot will depend on the type of hearing loss you have. I have had a hearing aid since I was 38 but have gotten to where I don't wear it much due to my type of hearing loss.

I cant hear high sounds and also have what is called "word confusion" where elves and shelves sound the same. They used to call this "nerve damage" and it is the small "hairs inside the cochlea that are damaged.

So they really don't make a hearing aid that would take care of both of my problems, I do have one that does amplify and it helps.But it helps so much that I am likely to hear a conversation in the kitchen when I still cant hear my wife at the restaurant table.

You are right about the cost. I don't have the top of the line and I am sure they probably have better models for me now, but mine was $1200.00, 7-8 years ago. I would guess 2 grand is about right for good ones now.

Might be able to find reconditioned ones that can be re-fitted to your ear. They make them so small now, no-one will notice them looking at you face on.

You are right on the price. I'm told that people who don't get them until after age 65 will never use them. Those that use them go stark raving mad in movie theaters or surround sound. You decide when you feel it is right for you. Check with your insurance to see if they will pick up the cost for you.

oh wow. can't think about that yet. what? what? eh? what?