hearing aids.

July 18, 2023, 11:45 PM

goose5

hearing aids.

Well, the prices of these damn things have gone up. I'm my own worse enemy because I did some research. At the advice of a member read The Little Book Of Hearing Aids. I went looking for local shops that offered Real Ear Measurements. None in Pueblo. Had to go to Denver. Turns out that advice is going to cost me 5.4K. That's the entry level technology. Turns out I have moderate bordering on sever hear lost in the higher frequencies.

Okay, I'm pissed that I have to spend that much, but holy shit the demo aids were absolutely unbelievable. I had no idea how much I wasn't hearing. I have never spent this much on something I haven't lived in or drove, but I'm really looking forward to getting this started.

If I can will myself to spend this much on myself perhaps that Breitling Super Ocean just might be my retirement gift to myself. Just saying.

July 19, 2023, 12:18 AM

V-Tail

Do yourself a favor: go to Costco before you spend that five and a half large.

You'll likely be able to get the same quality hearing aids for less than one-third of that cost.

In the highly unlikely event that I'm not correct, the Costco trial will cost you nothing.

If you're not already a Costco member, you can join for sixty bucks and they will cancel and refund that at any time without giving you a hard time about it.

Costco will give you the appropriate tests at no charge and will program a set of aids (actually more than one set if you want to compare brands) based on the tests, for you to try in the store. After the purchase, you have a reasonable amount of time (I forget how much time, but I know for sure that it's at least 30 days and probably double or triple that) to return for exchange to different type, or refund.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by trying Costco, and probably close to four large, to gain. That's a substantial chunk of the Breitling, ore couple of Colt Pythons and a bunch of ammunition.

July 19, 2023, 12:20 AM

Gustofer

I went the Costco route. Full-on audiologist exam and measurements. Ultimately got fitted with a Rexton behind the ear model and couldn't be happier with them. $1500 out the door.

I can't imagine that something costing 3+ times more than that could be that much better to warrant that cost.

July 19, 2023, 12:32 AM

911Boss

We just got new HA at Costco. Went with the $1599 Philips rechargeables to replace our 5 year old Resound ones that used the little button batteries.

Surprised at how much better these ones are and price has gone down from the $1800 ones we had originally. They even have a “Hi-Fi” program that makes music sound fantastic whether live, speakers, or streaming directly into the HA from your phone.

Definitely check them out. My issue is high frequency as well as very imbalanced L/R due to working near military aircraft and shooting.

Free test, free adjustments, cleanings, can return them within 6 months if you aren’t happy and free replacement if you lose them (for 2 years).

July 19, 2023, 04:18 AM

arfmel

Another vote for Costco

July 19, 2023, 06:26 AM

Anush

Check the VA if you were in the military. I received the latest tech from the VA for free.

July 19, 2023, 06:58 AM

nhracecraft

I believe my hearing is fine...It's just that the Tinnitus prevents me from hearing SO much!

July 19, 2023, 07:45 AM

ulsterman

quote:
Originally posted by Anush:
Check the VA if you were in the military. I received the latest tech from the VA for free.

I get a new set every 2.5 years from them.

July 19, 2023, 07:50 AM

Sig2340

WHAT?!?!?! HUH?!?!?! SPEAK UP Whippersnapper!!!

Well, someone had to say it.

And its not that my hearing is failing, I actually ignore 90% of the people I encounter each day.

July 19, 2023, 08:23 AM

UTsig

Definitely Costco, I've had mine for 4 years. Prices have come down, my Phillips were $2500 and today they're $1600.

July 19, 2023, 08:40 AM

HRK

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
Do yourself a favor: go to Costco before you spend that five and a half large.

You'll likely be able to get the same quality hearing aids for less than one-third of that cost.

In the highly unlikely event that I'm not correct, the Costco trial will cost you nothing.

If you're not already a Costco member, you can join for sixty bucks and they will cancel and refund that at any time without giving you a hard time about it.

Costco will give you the appropriate tests at no charge and will program a set of aids (actually more than one set if you want to compare brands) based on the tests, for you to try in the store. After the purchase, you have a reasonable amount of time (I forget how much time, but I know for sure that it's at least 30 days and probably double or triple that) to return for exchange to different type, or refund.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by trying Costco, and probably close to four large, to gain. That's a substantial chunk of the Breitling, ore couple of Colt Pythons and a bunch of ammunition.

What he said....

July 19, 2023, 08:42 AM

BigSwede

Costco

July 19, 2023, 08:47 AM

ensigmatic

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
Do yourself a favor: go to Costco before you spend that five and a half large.

You'll likely be able to get the same quality hearing aids for less than one-third of that cost.

If you're going with entry-level hearing aids I'd agree with V-Tail on this one.

The main reason I did not use Costco is I had a particular top-drawer hearing aid brand and model line I wanted, not available at Costco. Mine cost me over $5k after the deep discount afforded by my Medigap insurer.

July 19, 2023, 10:24 AM

Elk Hunter

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
Do yourself a favor: go to Costco before you spend that five and a half large.

You'll likely be able to get the same quality hearing aids for less than one-third of that cost.

In the highly unlikely event that I'm not correct, the Costco trial will cost you nothing.

If you're not already a Costco member, you can join for sixty bucks and they will cancel and refund that at any time without giving you a hard time about it.

Costco will give you the appropriate tests at no charge and will program a set of aids (actually more than one set if you want to compare brands) based on the tests, for you to try in the store. After the purchase, you have a reasonable amount of time (I forget how much time, but I know for sure that it's at least 30 days and probably double or triple that) to return for exchange to different type, or refund.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by trying Costco, and probably close to four large, to gain. That's a substantial chunk of the Breitling, ore couple of Colt Pythons and a bunch of ammunition.

I will cheerfully second and third this post! I have been using Costco hearing aids for several years. Previously, using aids that cost more than 10K and they wanted even more to replace ones that somehow stopped working. Was on the way home from there and saw a sign for Costco. Convinced the better half to stop there and see if they sold hearing aids. Turns out they did. Went thru the testing and ordered a set that sold for $3,000. Miracle Ear wanted $14K for the new ones. Been using Costco aids since then, and their support is fabulous! Had service a couple times at no charge, as well. Periodically, I drop by and they clean and adjust the aids at no charge.

Elk

There has never been an occasion where a people gave up their weapons in the interest of peace that didn't end in their massacre. (Louis L'Amour)

"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical. "
-Thomas Jefferson

"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Alexis de Tocqueville

FBHO!!!

The Idaho Elk Hunter

July 19, 2023, 11:07 AM

D_Steve

Another vote for Costco. Saved about $5,000 from what all the small shops wanted. As far as I can tell they are equal in features, quality, etc.
as they high price stuff.
What I needed was an increase in volume and making voice less garbled in a natural way. The basic Kirkland did the trick.

July 19, 2023, 02:58 PM

KMitch200

As I read this, I have the same Phillips HA, just got them to replace an old set. (The old ones didn’t even have Bluetooth capability)
Sound quality is light years better and now I can talk on my phone AND hear what is said back!
5k is INSANE when there’s a $1599 option.

quote:
Originally posted by 911Boss:
We just got new HA at Costco. Went with the $1599 Philips rechargeables to replace our 5 year old Resound ones that used the little button batteries.

Surprised at how much better these ones are and price has gone down from the $1800 ones we had originally. They even have a “Hi-Fi” program that makes music sound fantastic whether live, speakers, or streaming directly into the HA from your phone.

Definitely check them out. My issue is high frequency as well as very imbalanced L/R due to working near military aircraft and shooting.

Free test, free adjustments, cleanings, can return them within 6 months if you aren’t happy and free replacement if you lose them (for 2 years).

July 19, 2023, 04:21 PM

4MUL8R

What is somewhat concerning is that people don't "hear" the previous 500 threads on hearing aids. The forum has long recommended Costco.

My parents experience at Costco has been exemplary. Cleaning, new batteries, upgrades, help with the new adjustment schema, and the new connect-to-your-phone models...transformative for Grand-Dave. I can now call him.