Hearing Aids

[rjn5656]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?

[Joe V.]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?


I am not being snarky here but if you search google for comparisons of hearing aids you will get a ton of information that will prove helpful.

[retiredguy123]

Check out Costco

[Joe V.]

Check out Costco

I had Cosco aids in the near past.. They had to replace them, twice. Their service is what turn me off them.

[ureout]

i've worn HA's for 10 years and gone to 3 different places ... the last 4years I've gone to Express Hearing Care, 541 Fieldcrest Dr, The Villages... it's just off 466 near citizens 1st bank... they take the time and care to help you find the right type of HA for you.. it all depends on your hearing loss as to what you may need... most places SHOULD have a 30 day FREE trial and you may have to try a few different brands to see what works best for you... what is also important is follow up care and adjustments (if needed) of your HA's once you have tested and bought them...

[John41]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?

I got mine, Phonnax, from The Villages Ear at Southern Trace. Good service. There are two types, rechargeable, and replaceable batteries which I got.
There are also bluetooth connective hearing aids available now. They have free checkup every 3 months and free cleaning and adjustment. Also there is a free trial period. I paid about $4000 three years ago.

[Two Bills]

I use Phonak rechargeable. Never let me down, and sound clarity these days is very good.
But.
Get a good audioligist first, and find out what you need for your hearing loss.
Plenty of sharks out there ready to sell state of the art, when you may only need a simple sound amplifier.

[Stu from NYC]

I got mine, Phonnax, from The Villages Ear at Southern Trace. Good service. There are two types, rechargeable, and replaceable batteries which I got.
There are also bluetooth connective hearing aids available now. They have free checkup every 3 months and free cleaning and adjustment. Also there is a free trial period. I paid about $4000 three years ago.

We got ours at Village Ear also.

Service very good but really have no idea if we got a good price or not.

Did not get the rechargable one as thought we could buy a huge amount of batteries for the cost of the charger.

Do like the blue tooth on it.

[Northerner52]

Costco's Kirkland are $1,500.
Hard to beat.
Kirkland Signature (Costco) 9.0 Hearing Aid | Product Info, Reviews, Prices, and Videos (https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids/kirkland-signature-costco-9-0)
Costco Kirkland Signature 9.0 Hearing Aids Review - YouTube (https://youtu.be/d-6FdhslMtk)
Worth the $65 membership fee

[kannon]

Long time hearing aid wearer. Definitely agree with others, find a good audiologists or hearing aid technician that you are comfortable with.

I am currently wearing KS9 from Costco. For the price, get huge amount of capabilities and technology. Hearing aid technician top notch. Easy to get repaired, adjusted, nice 3 year warranty.

For outside of Costco, prices climb quickly. I found TruHearing: Get affordable hearing aids (http://www.truhearing.com) to have the best prices of name brand hearing aids. You have to go to an audiologist that works with truhearing. I was able to find an audiologist that I liked and was able to save a few thousands of $ in the deal. Had to drive about 30 minutes longer each way but only visited a few times.

Also agree with others, must have a 30 day trial. And don't be hesitant about saying you did not like them and want to try a different model/brand. Go to a hearing aid business that carries multiple name brands. If one business does not want to let you try a different hearing aid, go to another. Try out the hearing aid in various locations - outside, with TV, in loud area, ...

This is an expensive purchase that you will have for multiple years, take time to get it right.

Best of luck.

[srockey]

I got mine at the Villages ear. I got Widex which are iPhone compatible blue tooth. They cost a bit more but the free cleaning and adjustments are worth a lot to me. Also, stay away from Sam’s club. They talk a good talk but their technology is outdated and they push to sell.

[JOG]

Purchased ours at Village Ears Southern Trace. Excellent service. Checks and cleans every 3mos free. No pressure to purchase new ones. All kinds to chose from.

[msilagy]

BELTONE across from Target off 441. They have been in business for years and I bought mine there 5 years ago. They see you twice yearly to clean them and once yearly for a hearing test to keep them up to date. The hearing aid person, Traci, is extremely nice and friendly. I always enjoy going there. As far as rechargeable I disagree with the person that said don't buy the charger. So easy to set them in the charger overnight and know they are ready the next morning. Who wants to go to Walgreens and buy batteries and replace those intricate little buggers? Plus you never know when the hearing aides lose power and need replacement maybe when you're out somewhere. It is an expense but if you can afford it definitely buy the rechargeable ones. Beltone has a new hearing aide with the charger included. I think Traci said $5200. I plan on buying that one when these need replacement or at least a set similar. Good luck!

[ureout]

BELTONE across from Target off 441. They have been in business for years and I bought mine there 5 years ago. They see you twice yearly to clean them and once yearly for a hearing test to keep them up to date. The hearing aid person, Traci, is extremely nice and friendly. I always enjoy going there. As far as rechargeable I disagree with the person that said don't buy the charger. So easy to set them in the charger overnight and know they are ready the next morning. Who wants to go to Walgreens and buy batteries and replace those intricate little buggers? Plus you never know when the hearing aides lose power and need replacement maybe when you're out somewhere. It is an expense but if you can afford it definitely buy the rechargeable ones. Beltone has a new hearing aide with the charger included. I think Traci said $5200. I plan on buying that one when these need replacement or at least a set similar. Good luck!

just for info.. Beltone are actually made by Resound they are the exact same HA... I've worn Resound quattros for over 2 yrs. and am now trying the new Resound Ones and they are amazing

[Kgcetm]

Costco. Hands down. Price, service, quality of equipment. Lutz Fl location has a great hearing center. Appointment only. Their service is great.

[Bridget Staunton]

Costco for sure. My hubby lost his and Costco replaced them after almost 2 years. You are allowed 1 claim within 2 years. Very reasonable too & great service

[Grill Meister]

I am not being snarky here but if you search google for comparisons of hearing aids you will get a ton of information that will prove helpful.

Hearing Specialist
Paige Alberson Holt, AuD
1501 US 441 N, Suite 1402 (across from The Villages Hospital)
(352) 753-8448
Doctor Holt is a doctor of audiology, she is not a hearing aid salesperson. Her objective is to assist her patients in better hearing, not selling hearing aids. She is very thorough in her examination, explains your situation in terms that are understandable and recommends appropriate solutions with trial periods. Dr. Paige seeks the solution best for your hearing problems so that you can enjoy communicating with your friends and loved-ones, enjoy music again, understand what the sermons are all about and just get back to enjoying life again.

[Mikee1]

Costco. Hands down. Price, service, quality of equipment. Lutz Fl location has a great hearing center. Appointment only. Their service is great.

I agree with the Lutz, FL location comment. Far better than the one near Orlando.

[Merrills]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?
Go to a Dr of Audiology. They will set you up with what is best for you. Hearing aid stores are in business to sell you what they have, not necessarily what you need

[Roger Goodman]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?

I recommend Digital Hearing Aids in Colonial Village. I found John Hayden to be the most honest of six hearing aid dealers I contacted prior to buying mine

[Finnman]

As a long time hearing aid user I have tried out numerous hearing aids. For all ranges of hearing loss, Phonak has a suitable hearing aid which I highly recommend. I'm currently using a Resound Quattro hearing aid and a Cochlear Implant, both of which are excellent. I highly recommend Davis Family Hearing who recently opened an office near The Villages at 809 Hwy 466, Bld: 102, davisfamilyhearing.com. For people with profound hearing loss, Davis Family Hearing can evaluate your hearing loss to determine if you qualify for a Cochlear Implant under Medicare.

[ronl911]

i've worn HA's for 10 years and gone to 3 different places ... the last 4years I've gone to Express Hearing Care, 541 Fieldcrest Dr, The Villages... it's just off 466 near citizens 1st bank... they take the time and care to help you find the right type of HA for you.. it all depends on your hearing loss as to what you may need... most places SHOULD have a 30 day FREE trial and you may have to try a few different brands to see what works best for you... what is also important is follow up care and adjustments (if needed) of your HA's once you have tested and bought them...
I agree. Great place to get your hearing aids. They sell all types and will fit your budget with very competitive prices. Their service is spectacular. You can walk-in at any time, 5 days a week. While I have heard good things about Costco, I decided not to buy there for 2 reasons. First, they don't have the top end technology. That's a part of the reason their prices are VERY competitive. And most importantly, I didn't want to drive over one hour each way to deal with any issues that might arise. And if I had to set an appointment for some future date, that would be even worse! I like to walk-in any time I want to a store that is 10 minutes from my house.

[Villages Kahuna]

I couldn’t recommend the audiologists at The Villages Health offices more highly. My wife and I have been patients for several years. They have complete audiology labs at several TVH offices. We have had appointments at the new Brownwood Specialty Center (fantastic brand new facilities and equipment), as well as audiology offices at Santa Barbara, Pinellas and Colony Cottage. Dr. Al Turri is our audiologist—terrific, friendly care. No pressure to buy whatsoever.

What many people don’t know is that you do not have to be a patient of a Villages Health primary care physician to be an audiology patient. Just call or walk in to make an appointment.

[rogerz]

Need hearing aids? Any recommendations on what ones, businesses that sell them, etc.
Any recommendation on who or what to stay away from?

The Villages Health in Brownwood. Dr Albert Turri .... excellent, and you can lease them.

[neelie]

I have Phonak which I got at VILLAGE EAR My sister got hers at Costco and it is very difficult hearing her A lot of static. No problem hearing other people with aids but since she got the Costco aids it is has been very trying

[hobart]

Dr. Costanza - Audiologist at the Villages Health in the Mulberry office. She is excellent. Don't fool around with the box stores. They can not diagnose correctly. Used them for many years from Sams Club the one in Mulberry & others. Never satisfied. Decided I needed and audiologist. She read things in my tests I was never told before. 352-205-4032

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I have hearing aids through the VA sadly I don’t use them .How many guys are happy with them or did you buy private . I think my ego stops me from wearing and I don’t mind close captioning

[Nanah]

I have worn HA since I was 40, have been to many HA businesses over the years, having lived in 3 different cities in FL. My experience has been that I stay away from large corporate businesses, their technicians are employees and do not give the service they can and should....I’ve found the best HA businesses are privately owned by a highly trained, licensed HA specialist. Express Hearing off 466 has been my hearing aid person, owner DON SMITH, is an extremely knowledgeable and caring person. He’s owned the business over 25 years. I just purchased my 3rd set of aids from him, REXTON, Bluetooth to my iphone, to the TV and I can adjust the volume on my phone very easily for all the different features. 4 year warranty, 45 day trial period (FL only requires 30 day trial). His employee came to the house to hook up and fine turn the HA adapter to our TV. Alll check ups, cleanings, adjustments have been free during my 6 years of going to Express Hearing. Price has always been more reasonable than many, only 4000 for this set, and I have profound hearing loss, so these are the latest technology available. You can’t beat his service and price!

[ccrider]

To "Two Bills" - You mentioned a good audiologist. I have looked for one, but have drawn blanks. Do you know of one or two in TV?

[jblum315]

Villages Ear

[zendog3]

I went to Hearing Planet on the net. I bought my hearing aids from them. They gave me a list of audiologists in and near TV. I got my hearing aids and fitting from Connect Hearing in Spanish springs. Bought Phonac hearing aids (highly recommended.) Hint, be sure to purchase Wi-Fi attachment that lets your Television and phone transmit directly to your hearing aids! Best investment ever. TV sounds better than it ever has.

[Two Bills]

To "Two Bills" - You mentioned a good audiologist. I have looked for one, but have drawn blanks. Do you know of one or two in TV?

Sorry. I get my aids where I live in UK.

Post #16. Looks promising, seems just an audiologist.
Post #23 sounds good.
Many places make their money selling hearing aids, and whilst the tests they give are in most cases good, they make their money selling aids, as apposed to diagnosing hearing loss.
It is a minefield, but many replies above seem to back each other up as to where good results can be found..
Do the rounds. Have several tests, and see what the different audiologists reccommend.
Then research online for actual hearing aids.
There is a lot of price difference for the same make and models.
Do not be hassled into buying top end, as most hearing loss in initial stages it is not necessary.
Insist on a trial period.
I started with a cheap in the ear sound enhancer, but now I need as much help as I can get!!
Good luck.

[ismatta]

Best service, best price, great support, and an unbeatable warranty. COSTCO
There is nothing else even close. I know, because I have made all the mistakes.

[Seve1]

Just got a new pair Oticon open Bluetooth, from Madison the audiologist, at Lake ENT, through Dr Vaught near Spanish Springs. Madison let me take several brands and models home to try. She was very knowledgeable, thorough, and kind. After I purchased them she had me back for follow up. (3 year complete warranty) I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the Oticon aids and the service.

[Kenswing]

I can see hearing aids being in my not too distant future. What does the bluetooth do for you? Can you sync it to your phone and listen to music?

[Seve1]

Yes

[tedquick]

Here' what I've heard and here's what I know: first - what I heard -- I head that Sam's and Costco use two-year old technology so that's how they compete with price. (BTW, I went to both and I think that's true as the others I tried worked better). Here's what I know: four years ago I went to 8 or 9 places here in TV and told each that I was going to a number of different places looking for their best recommendations and best price. I said if they were interested in my approach then let's go. All did the testing, made their recommendations and gave me their prices. I ended up at Villages Ear in Southern Trace and Dan is my audiologist. MaryAnn is the gal up front and I've been very pleased with them. (I used my approach because I do not like negotiating and that was the only way I knew how to buy without doing so).

[ureout]

I can see hearing aids being in my not too distant future. What does the bluetooth do for you? Can you sync it to your phone and listen to music?

also with bluetooth you can stream from your TV.. even with HA's my comprehension of dialogue was only about 50% at best .. when I stream it's about 90/95% HUGE DIFFERENCE

[Compass]

Can you tell me how much the Resound Quattros are I have gone on their website and they do not tell you purchase price they will only set you up with a hearing specialist? Asking for my husband who is in search of rechargable hearing aids as he is so sick of batteries needing to be changed every few hours.

[Skip]

I am not being snarky here but if you search google for comparisons of hearing aids you will get a ton of information that will prove helpful.

The OP wanted personal experiences and local recommendations, not a list of paid ads pushed from Google.

Skip

[rmd2]

just for info.. Beltone are actually made by Resound they are the exact same HA... I've worn Resound quattros for over 2 yrs. and am now trying the new Resound Ones and they are amazing

I second Resound but I didn't get them thru Beltone. I love Resound. I've tried Phonak, Widex and a bunch of other hearing aid manufacturers but for me only Resound worked. Just a couple of other things: go to someone who offers many types of hearing aids unlike Miracle Ear with one manufacturer and also just be aware that rechargeables are prone to more repair than battery types.
Good luck

[jswirs]

I went to Sam's Club, and the technician there ruptured my ear drum when testing my hearing. I went on line and I am now wearing a hearing aid that cost about one tenth the price of the typical hearing aid available at local hearing aid center's. It works for me.

[Shimpy]

... most places SHOULD have a 30 day FREE trial and you may have to try a few different brands to see what works best for you... what is also important is follow up care and adjustments (if needed) of your HA's once you have tested and bought them...

30 day trial is the law even though some places make it sound as they are doing you a favor................I can recommend Express also.