I got hearing aids today. I've been having issues with my hearing for the past couple of years (I wear ear protection when I go shooting) and it finally culminated by my Ear-Nose-Throat specialist sending me to an audiologist, who tested my hearing and recommended hearing aids.

So, my first reaction was that of denial -- no, I'm not getting older -- but I had to realize that in truth, I've aged quite a bit the last several years (I'm 66). I quit running marathons, and have accepted getting senior discounts in restaurants.

I'm quite sure there are a number of you who also wear hearing aids. I'd love to hear (pun intended) your experiences with them, tips, cautions, etc.

Always trying to stay on the upbeat side of things, I've decided I'm going to wear them proudly. First of all, they are latest shizzle in technology: they are rechargeable, barely visible when worn, and -- get this -- are Bluetooth and Internet enabled. That means I can take telephone calls through them (and I already have), and can listen to streaming audio from my phone. I can see it now: I'm in some sleep-inducing meeting, and all I have to do is play some music on my phone. It also works with If This Then That (IFTTT now renamed to just IF), which would allow one to interact with other devices, and services, such as receiving notification when new email arrives, or sending an email when the battery gets low.

Yes, I'm going forward as a tech warrior with enhanced ears!

What about you?

No aids yet but my wife says my hearing is fading. I think its just as likely she trails off whilst talking and will not adequately pronounce her words.

Be thankful you can afford and the tech exist to enhance your hearing.

I'll be joining in a few years with the hearing aids as I just past 60.

There are tons worse things than getting hearing aids, like not hearing. The technology has come so far nowadays I'm certain they will be great. Like getting glasses for the first time, you don't know what your missing. I hear, no pun intended, they take getting used to, but you will be fine. Good luck...

I've had mine for about five years now.

I like being able to understand what my grandchildren are saying.

Speak up, whippersnapper! I canna hear ya!!

My hearing has gotten so bad that I sometimes completely miss it when my wife tells me something. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I need them badly, have for years, but can't bring myself to part with that much cash.

Last time I checked, I fell into the VA's Catch 22 and made too much retirement to qualify.

Not there yet, but have the bifocals.

Better living through technology.

Think how fortunate we are today, due to technology.

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Originally posted by Fenris:
Not there yet, but have the bifocals.

Ha! I have trifocals and hearing aids!

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Originally posted by fpuhan:
I got hearing aids today...

My first thought was, "How do you get hearing aids -- from a hummer?"

I'm a couple years beyond you, but my trouble started with gunfire and auto racing, resulting in a really bad case of tinnitus that covers up other sounds.

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Originally posted by newtoSig765:

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
I got hearing aids today...

My first thought was, "How do you get hearing aids -- from a hummer?"

I'm a couple years beyond you, but my trouble started with gunfire and auto racing, resulting in a really bad case of tinnitus that covers up other sounds.

I am glad for the OP, just don't forget and wear them in the shower.

That is my case also, severe tinnitus in both ears, that overwhelms what hearing I have left.

I just don't think hearing aids would benefit me with this tinnitus. But I have perfected my "Huh?".

I really enjoy my quiet world!

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
I need them badly, have for years, but can't bring myself to part with that much cash.

Last time I checked, I fell into the VA's Catch 22 and made too much retirement to qualify.

I have been wearing the aids for probably 8 years. Reminder from my army time. First ones were miracle ear. Worked pretty well but were very expensive. Went in to have mine checked/adjusted and all they wanted to do was sell me a new set for just under $11,000, No freaking way.

Decided to stop at Costco. Bought the best set of Phonak aids for less than I would have paid for ONE of the miracle ear.

Costco provides total support, free adjustments, etc.

They also have a "house brand" set for, AIR, about $1600. I asked the technician about them and she said they were pretty good.

My suggestion for hearing aids is Costco. Have not been there for a while, but they probably have all that fancy stuff now, too.

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Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Not there yet, but have the bifocals.

Ha! I have trifocals and hearing aids!

Which tri-focal "layer" do you use for the front sight?

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Originally posted by Sunset_Va:

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
I got hearing aids today...

My first thought was, "How do you get hearing aids -- from a hummer?"

I'm a couple years beyond you, but my trouble started with gunfire and auto racing, resulting in a really bad case of tinnitus that covers up other sounds.

I am glad for the OP, just don't forget and wear them in the shower.

That is my case also, severe tinnitus in both ears, that overwhelms what hearing I have left.

I just don't think hearing aids would benefit me with this tinnitus. But I have perfected my "Huh?".

Go to Costco and have your ears checked and see if they can overcome your tinnitus.

Be very careful with them at the range. Twice now, in the past two years, we have spent hours trying to find the little buggers out in the sand and grass. In both cases,two different shooters, the shooter just turned them off or down and shot without muffs. Recoil knocked them loose and out they came somewhere between the firing line and putting away the guns. One was found, the other was not.

Wasn't there some bill in congress to relax regulations on who can sell hearing aids? There is no doubt that the industry is one of the greatest rip-offs of all time. Expect if that goes through, hearing aids will come way down in price.

I also recommend Costco for hearing aids, half the price what the ENT wanted.

Won't pay the price, Tinnitus sucks, but at this point it can be a Godsend. I don't notice it until one of you basturds mentions it.