Villages Ear

[graciegirl]

I was reluctant to have my hearing tested and to have to buy hearing aids because they are very expensive and there is no way to figure out who is very good and who is not very good.

Someone who I trusted on this Forum suggested I go to Villages Ear and I am very happy with their skill and perseverance getting these little machines to work their best for me. I highly recommend both Dan on 466 in the white buildings near Publix and Kirk who works in the one near Brownwood. It is a very expensive chance to take and I am pleased with my new Phonak in the ear, hearers.

There are three hearing aid stores near Publix on 466, This one is not in the strip mall itself but in the first white building to the right of Ace Hardware. The one I recommend is Villages Ear. They have been in this area for 30 years.

[ureout]

Gracie, I hope they work out for you and I'm glad to see you went somewhere that sold more than 1 product....I believe that it is important to try 2 or 3 different brands before making a decision...and believe me there can be a huge difference between brands and features that are offered....In fla. you have a 30 day money back free trial..so take advantage of it otherwise they will end up in the kitchen drawer

[Wandatime]

We are shopping for Sheldon. Hear USA had some fabulous aids that truly helped Sheldon with his profound hearing loss, but they were $5,200! We found them on line for half that. We'll check this place out, Grace, thanks for sharing!

[rubicon]

In this day and age perhaps a hearing loss is a blessing. what's that honey you want me to duck. No! I said what do you want for lunch
Oh:D

PS Close caption is great especially if you are watching one of those British movies Oh he said schedule I thought i heard sedule, privacy priv acy I wish those guys in England would learn English :)

[KayakerNC]

First place I'd check would be a Costco hearing center. Good HA's, great pricing, and they let you test drive the aids in the store. But...they don't file insurance.
If you do have any insurance, I'd also check with TruHearing and see if you have insurance eligibility. It could be a considerable deduction.

Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids | TruHearing (https://www.truhearing.com/)

[LittleDog]

For the past 9 years I have had Zounds hearing aids which were fine. However, prior to going on vacation I had one aid that because of rain stopped working. I went to the Zounds office but the specialist there left a note saying he was sick. I went on vacation with only one workable aid. This has happened to me on another vacation last year. Zounds does not have many stores nationally. After this last incident I decided to purchase new hearing aids and one of the main criteria I used was the number of national stores in case the same thing happened again. I decided to purchase Miracle Ear aids because of the number of stores. I realized that these aids were more expensive than others but I decided to bite the bullet. Anyway they work fine for me and I'm sure that other aids would work fine for me also.

In addition to the number of stores criteria there were two other things that I wanted. The first was that the batteries would be rechargeable as my last ones were and secondly I wanted either a remote controller or one that worked with my android phone. The android phone one was very well. The last one I had was a separate device.

That's it in a nutshell.

John

[ureout]

We are shopping for Sheldon. Hear USA had some fabulous aids that truly helped Sheldon with his profound hearing loss, but they were $5,200! We found them on line for half that. We'll check this place out, Grace, thanks for sharing!

if you decide to make your purchase on line, make sure you have a technician available to make adjustments...especially with profound loss, it took me several visits to get my HA's to EXACTLY where I wanted them...also check into streaming devices for the TV and phone, it has helped my comprehension greatly..and if you enjoy going to the movies or shows at the Sharon check out T-coils makes a huge difference in that enviroment

[KayakerNC]

I decided to purchase Miracle Ear aids because of the number of stores. I realized that these aids were more expensive than others but I decided to bite the bullet. Anyway they work fine for me and I'm sure that other aids would work fine for me also.
John
Siemens (now re-naming themselves as Signia) manufactures the Miracle Ear brand for the retail chain.

[Skip2MySue]

Used Villages Ear along with Kirk for profound hearing loss. He worked with me and still does follow ups every 3 months to clean and adjust them to give me the best sound possible. Thrilled with his efforts and my Phonak BTE aids that I've been wearing for 2+ years.
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[graciegirl]

Used Villages Ear along with Kirk for profound hearing loss. He worked with me and still does follow ups every 3 months to clean and adjust them to give me the best sound possible. Thrilled with his efforts and my Phonak BTE aids that I've been wearing for 2+ years.
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I am close to profound myself in one ear. Congenital hearing loss that started being obvious at about 40. I often think it may be the reason I so enjoy Forums because I can read better than I can hear in any environment that has background noise. Very grateful to be able to have my hearing corrected pretty well, also with Phonak and Kirk adjusted mine again the last time. Both Kirk (who owns all of the Villages Ear locations,) and Dan at the 466 are very good. I paid far less for these hearers than I did the last ones purchased in Ohio.

[KayakerNC]

61551

[Wandatime]

Okay, scratch Hear USA. They wouldn't budge on their price on the one aid they offered to Sheldon. So we went to Express Hearing Care, Don E. Smith, and are trying the Phonaks, but have dozens to choose from if these aren't "The Ones." Sheldon was much more comfortable with Don and felt he got a much more comprehensive examination as well.

[capecoralbill]

I'm looking into getting hearing aids, never had them. First i understand the batteries have to be replaced every 3 - 8 DAYS. SECOND the clear tube and dome tips have to be replaced every 3 months, and cleaned every week. Neither of which are free. Wow, when will i have time to do anything else?

[Nucky]

I have selective hearing. I'm going to go to the place graciegirl was happy with. My hearing is from working around loud equiptment my whole life and listening to music way to loud. Wish I had a Mulligan on this issue.

[ureout]

Okay, scratch Hear USA. They wouldn't budge on their price on the one aid they offered to Sheldon. So we went to Express Hearing Care, Don E. Smith, and are trying the Phonaks, but have dozens to choose from if these aren't "The Ones." Sheldon was much more comfortable with Don and felt he got a much more comprehensive examination as well.

Wanda....Expess Hearing Care is where I got mine Don and Al are both excellent to work with...I tried the Phonaks and they were very good... but I use a streaming device for audio while viewing television and phone calls on my IPhone... Phonak doesn't have wireless streaming capability without wearing a loop cord around your neck...so I tried Resound and am very happy with them....both are quality HA's hope this helps

[ureout]

I'm looking into getting hearing aids, never had them. First i understand the batteries have to be replaced every 3 - 8 DAYS. SECOND the clear tube and dome tips have to be replaced every 3 months, and cleaned every week. Neither of which are free. Wow, when will i have time to do anything else?


battery life depends on size of battery....312's or 13's and whether you stream audio while watching television...I've had 3 sets of HA's and used both sizes of batteries...normal usage 14 hrs a day no streaming you will get about 5/6 days with 312 batt. and about 8/9 days with 13's if you stream cut that time in 1/2 dome tubes only need to be replaced if they get cracked and tips should be replaced at least every 3mos....Ive never been charged for tips and depends on where you buy them on if they charge for replacement tubes...but tubes should last for years and for batteries many places give free batteries 1st year....shop around and try differnet brands ...believe me there can be a big difference in comprehension between brands...and also the way the audiologist sets them up...

[Brugi]

Hi Everyone,
Glad to have found this post on hearing aids / hearing loss.
I have profound hearing loss in both ears.
Currently wearing Oticon Chili's. And yes they were expensive. $6,000 for the pair.
Right now I reside in South Daytona, and will be moving to our Villages home in Feb.
I am looking for a audiologist over there, so when I do move, I'll have someplace to go should I have problems.
I was given the name of Paige Holt with Lake ENT. So I'm thinking of visiting her once I move.
I was curious with everyone that has profound hearing loss and wears hearing aids, if they have any problems with hearing music.
The hearing aids I have are made for speech. So it appears the music comes in as background noise, and the hearing aid cuts it off.
So in a nutshell, I paid $6,000 for a pair of aids and cannot listen to music. My current audiologist has tried implementing a music program but with no luck. I have since sent an email in to Oticon. I can't believe I paid all this money for new aids but can no longer enjoy music. I was just curious if anyone else that has profound loss and wears aids is having the same problem.
Thanx in advance for your imput.
Laura

[Bogie Shooter]

I think your audiologist should have told you about the music issue before taking your money.

[ednetdl]

I for one have some significant hearing aids, but am still vain enough (I know I shouldn't be), to not want them to be very visible. Any one have any ideas about what works best with that in mind?

[ureout]

Hi Everyone,
Glad to have found this post on hearing aids / hearing loss.
I have profound hearing loss in both ears.
Currently wearing Oticon Chili's. And yes they were expensive. $6,000 for the pair.
Right now I reside in South Daytona, and will be moving to our Villages home in Feb.
I am looking for a audiologist over there, so when I do move, I'll have someplace to go should I have problems.
I was given the name of Paige Holt with Lake ENT. So I'm thinking of visiting her once I move.
I was curious with everyone that has profound hearing loss and wears hearing aids, if they have any problems with hearing music.
The hearing aids I have are made for speech. So it appears the music comes in as background noise, and the hearing aid cuts it off.
So in a nutshell, I paid $6,000 for a pair of aids and cannot listen to music. My current audiologist has tried implementing a music program but with no luck. I have since sent an email in to Oticon. I can't believe I paid all this money for new aids but can no longer enjoy music. I was just curious if anyone else that has profound loss and wears aids is having the same problem.
Thanx in advance for your imput.
Laura

I don't have profound loss...but do have severe loss...I have owned 3 different brands of HA's and tried out Oticon last year...I have never heard not being able have a program so you can listen to music...what was Oticon's reply to your e-mail? When you say you can listen to it...do you mean fom the radio? I stream music form the radio and downloads on my I phone...do your HA's have bluetooth capability to stream?

[rubicon]

20 posts have convinced me that the concern with the noise associated with gas carts is overstated:D

[Bogie Shooter]

20 posts have convinced me that the concern with the noise associated with gas carts is overstated:D

Huh?:jester:

[2BNTV]

I go to John Hayden, Digital Hearing Aids, located in the Colony Plaza. 352.259.8824.

I have been going there for two years and probably will upgrade my hearing aids next year. It is expensive for the top of the line hearing aids but not hearing, diminishes one's quality of life.

Hasn't charged me a dime for any hearing test and for the periodic removal of humidity of my hearing aids. He is honest and carries the "Starkey" brand of hearing aids. My plans covers hearing aids but the brand they suggest, is not good.

I went to TVH and the audiologists told me the same thing. They are not good hearing aids. It's probably why health plans don't pay for things like this as it can be very expensive but they'll pay for Viagra.

What???? :D

[Brugi]

I cannot hear music at all. Not from television, radio, live music from the town squares. Nothing. I have not heard back from Oticon yet. Still waiting . The audiologist I go to made the comment that music comes in at the frequencies I can no longer hear.
I can hear the beat of the music, just not the music itself.
I'm not convinced . I will continue to research this.

[Villageswimmer]

I go to John Hayden, Digital Hearing Aids, located in the Colony Plaza. 352.259.8824.

I have been going there for two years and probably will upgrade my hearing aids next year. It is expensive for the top of the line hearing aids but not hearing, diminishes one's quality of life.

Hasn't charged me a dime for any hearing test and for the periodic removal of humidity of my hearing aids. He is honest and carries the "Starkey" brand of hearing aids. My plans covers hearing aids but the brand they suggest, is not good.

I went to TVH and the audiologists told me the same thing. They are not good hearing aids. It's probably why health plans don't pay for things like this as it can be very expensive but they'll pay for Viagra.

What???? :D


Are you saying that the HAs sold by TVH are not good?

DH lost one of his. They were purchased at Costco. Siemens brand, about $2500 for the pair. Great service from Costco. His ENT charged $4k for same pair and couldn't come close to Costco price.

Has anyone used Sam's? Just called them. They only carry a brand called Liberty. Online reviews appear mixed. Would love to hear your experiences.

We're trying to avoid going all the way to Orlando if we can.

[capecoralbill]

My plans covers hearing aids but the brand they suggest, is not good.
I went to TVH and the audiologists told me the same thing. They are not good hearing aids. It's probably why health plans don't pay for things like this as it can be very expensive :D

Hello, Will you clarify what Plan you have? Is it United Health Care? Have you tried the "brand they suggest", and what is that brand?. Thanks Bill

[tedquick]

I had used the Lyric but after about 1.5 years they started damaging my ear canals so I started over. I visited EVERY place mentioned on here, actually I had 8 or 9 tests done and many recommendations. The stores that deal with multiple hearing aids all recommended the Phonak. I ended up with the Phonak V70 and purchased from Dan at Villages Ear. He gave me the best price and seemed to want my business. I am very happy with the hearing aids and with Dan.

[capecoralbill]

I looked this up online, apparently the Phonak V70 is not a model number, it is a technology category. So you can buy a V70 in many different models, such as the Naida, Audeo, Bolero, Virto, Sky, CrossB, CrossII, and even the Lyric is part of the V70 category. Anybody have a feeling this industry is trying to mess with us?

Ted, would it be too much to ask what model, and its cost, each ear? Thanks Bill

[bluedog103]

I've worn hearing aids for over 30 years and have seen huge changes in hearing aid technology over the years. The first bit of advice I offer those getting hearing aids for the first time is to be sure the person you're seeing for hearing aids is an Audiologist. An Audiologist is a doctor, Au.D. and has undergone extensive training. Florida has a lot of Hearing Aid Dispensers. A Hearing Aid Dispenser must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent and undergo 6 months training. I've known too many people who have gone to Hearing Aid Dispensers and end up with hearing aids which are unusable. They end up in a dresser drawer, never to see the light of day. It's an expensive lesson and the patient often gives up and endures poor hearing which could be improved with the correct hearing instruments.
Next, be prepared to return repeatedly for adjustments to get your hearing aids the way you want them. The Audiologist expects that and isn't insulted to see you over and over, if fact, good ones encourage you to return as often as necessary.
Regarding listening to music, depending on your particular hearing loss, it will probably never sound fantastic but with proper programming the Audiologist can probably help you considerably. I'm a guitar player and I recall a number of years ago getting new, digital hearing aids the day before a gig. At the gig I knew I had a problem as soon as I started tuning up. The filtering on my hearing aids recognized the guitar as noise and filtered it out. It was a comical gig trying to play what I couldn't hear but no biggie. I returned to the Audiologist and he adjusted my hearing aids, which had multiple programs, so that one program was for music, which reduces the filtering, among other things. Since then they know about it so when I get new hearing aids they just have them programmed for music from the factory.
I like Starkey hearing aids and usually get some variation of their instruments. That's just personal preference. My Audiologist, who is hearing impaired, preferred Phonaks. Different strokes for different folks
Good luck! Just pick a good Au.D. and don't give up. There are some great hearing aids out there.

[shumbapie]

Rubicon, I could not agree more about closed caption for the British movies/actors. Especially when they are wispering in on scene and screaming in the next.

[KayakerNC]

Rubicon, I could not agree more about closed caption for the British movies/actors. Especially when they are wispering in on scene and screaming in the next.

I recently purchased a Zvox Accuvoice TV Speaker and the difference in understanding TV voices (especially female voices) is totally amazing. My hearing loss is moderate and mostly higher frequencies. My HA's are Starkey Z Series I90's and I now don't bother with the TV program built into my aids
If TV voices are a problem, the Accuvoice is certainly worth checking out.
63129

[tedquick]

I looked this up online, apparently the Phonak V70 is not a model number, it is a technology category. So you can buy a V70 in many different models, such as the Naida, Audeo, Bolero, Virto, Sky, CrossB, CrossII, and even the Lyric is part of the V70 category. Anybody have a feeling this industry is trying to mess with us?

Ted, would it be too much to ask what model, and its cost, each ear? Thanks Bill

I purchased the Audeo V70. I let Dan know that I had been to 8 or 9 places and asked of him what I had requested of everybody: "give me your best recommendation and price as I will be making a decision very quickly". I never gave any of them any other quotes. Dan seemed to want my business the most.

[Brugi]

Well, I never did hear back from Oticon. Instead, they contacted my audiologist to let them know I had emailed them.
I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out, how they knew where I purchased my hearing aids.
Anyway, my audiologist called me and asked what the problem was. So I let her know that I was not satisfied about her explanation as to why I can no longer hear music with these hearing aids. So I have another appointment tomorrow and hopefully, if she cannot implement a music program, she can get with someone who can.
I understand with my hearing loss, I am very limited to what I will be able to hear.
My speech discrimination is terrible. I have zero speech discrimination without hearing aids, and only 40% with.
I have to use captioning when watching tv, and no longer hear on the phone. I text real good though :-).
If in an emergency I do need to use the phone, I go thru a captioning service, ( if anyone who has ever used this knows how awful it is. )
So keeping my fingers crossed that a music program can be implemented.

[Loudoll]

The trial period is not only in Florida it is mandated by the US government to prevent people from getting stuck with aids they can't use. I too hope and pray anyone trying out hearing aids will not settle for something that does not work. It's an extensive process, but well worth it.

[Loudoll]

Well, I never did hear back from Oticon. Instead, they contacted my audiologist to let them know I had emailed them.
I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out, how they knew where I purchased my hearing aids.
Anyway, my audiologist called me and asked what the problem was. So I let her know that I was not satisfied about her explanation as to why I can no longer hear music with these hearing aids. So I have another appointment tomorrow and hopefully, if she cannot implement a music program, she can get with someone who can.
I understand with my hearing loss, I am very limited to what I will be able to hear.
My speech discrimination is terrible. I have zero speech discrimination without hearing aids, and only 40% with.
I have to use captioning when watching tv, and no longer hear on the phone. I text real good though :-).
If in an emergency I do need to use the phone, I go thru a captioning service, ( if anyone who has ever used this knows how awful it is. )
So keeping my fingers crossed that a music program can be implemented.My heart goes out to you because it's so hard to do business of any kind when you cannot hear and especially so when you're dealing for hearing aids. The caption phone would be funny if it were not so dangerous. You absolutely cannot count on what it its captioning. There is a live person repeating what your caller says and the captions are generated from that. It's an insane method and no where near as accurate as TV captions. So many losses come with hearing loss.