Hearing Aids

[patfla06]

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[Stu from NYC]

Did you mean to say something?

[patfla06]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:

[CWGUY]

///

[Two Bills]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:

Please save your money.
You will know when you need help with hearing!

[GpaVader]

My opinion might be a little skewed but I went to an ENT to have my hearing checked. It always seemed wrong to me to go get my eyes checked somewhere that sells glasses so I did the same with my hearing. I don't like to go where they sell the stuff because I'm always leery that they are more interested in selling me something than my health. I did the same thing with business, I always looked for an independent opinion that would tell me the way it was and not necessarily what they were selling that week.

[Michael G.]

Sam's club also does hearing test but be ready to hear all about how bad you're hearing is.

[patfla06]

My opinion might be a little skewed but I went to an ENT to have my hearing checked. It always seemed wrong to me to go get my eyes checked somewhere that sells glasses so I did the same with my hearing. I don't like to go where they sell the stuff because I'm always leery that they are more interested in selling me something than my health. I did the same thing with business, I always looked for an independent opinion that would tell me the way it was and not necessarily what they were selling that week.

That bothers me too. It seems like a conflict of interest to test your hearing and then be in the business of selling you hearing aids.
I’m going to wait and then do as you did and go to an ENT.

[Stu from NYC]

Are you having problems hearing others?

[Two Bills]

I have gone the whole 9 yards with hearing loss, and without my hearing aids I hear nothing.
When you find yourself keep asking people to repeat what they say, it will be time to get help.
Hearing aid today, are very expensive, so in the early stages you may get away with a simple sound enhancer device, which you can buy yourself online.
Later you you will need a good hearing aid.
Always trial before purchase.
Research cost of aid offered. Some sellers mark up prices a lot.
Get the best you can afford.
My ten cents.
Good luck.

[John-US]

I believe- when you have any aide either hearing or glasses you lose the natural ability and become dependent on the device.

The body - all of it is a muscle and needs exercised.

Old saying use it or lose it is spot on.

my 12 cents , adjusted for inflation.

[Northerner52]

Renaissance Hearing Center - 322 Shopping CenterDr. Wildwood, FL 34785 352-461-0219
If you need help with your hearing aids or need new ones, check out Renaissance Hearing Center. Angelo Darby is very honest and has high integrity. He won't try to sell you more hearing aid than you need. He will never pressure you and will give you all the time you need to get the right hearing aids. HIS PRICES ARE better than any you will find in The Villages. I was told by one dealer that they had to charge $500 more because he paid high rent in The Villages. If you have Phonax Hearing aids he can help you adjust them to get the very best hearing possible for a fee. Give him a try. Many of the ads in the paper are teasers just to get you in the front door. If you want the best hearing aid for the money go see Angelo Darby. Both my husband and I use him. My husband has used him for years when he worked for another company- Now he has his own business.

[gwhyte]

If you are a veteran, call VA Clinic Audiology Dept and schedule an appointment. If they say you require hearing aids they will fit you and order hearing aids at no cost to you. Also repairs and battery supplies will be provided at no cost.

[thevillages2013]

///

Huh?

[gwhyte]

I am retired AF and have my hearing aids through VA. Did not have hearing disability when I retired. Am now on 4th different set of hearing aids. My understanding is this applies to all veterans; not just retirees. Check it out...nothing ventured nothing gained. Let me know how it goes for you.

[B-flat]

I found I had to ask people to repeat themselves frequently. While at my computer I did 3 different online hearing tests, I failed all 3. With that said a friend of mine who paid a substantial amount of money for his told me to try Costco since his brother had the almost identical pair purchased at Costco for $1399. I went to Costco failed the hearing test and decided to purchase their $1399 Kirkland 10s that are rechargeable. It's a great deal and you get a 6 month money back guarantee. They will also replace a lost hearing aid within that 6 month time frame. On the flip side Bose makes an over the counter hearing aid, another friend owns the Bose and is very happy with them. ($849) I didn't purchase the Bose because you need to replace the batteries and you cannot have your smart phone stream phone conversations, music or podcasts directly to the hearing aids.

From my understanding there are only 5 hearing aid manufacturers. The Costco Kirkland brand is made by Phonak one of the 5 manufacturers. Despite the link below reading Access Denied if you click on it, it will take you to the Costco site.

Access Denied (https://www.costco.com/hearing-aid-center.html)

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:

Good luck in your choice. And research the many brands.

[Rodneysblue]

Say what?

[msilagy]

Beltone on 441 near Target is a well established hearing aide company. Tracy the audiologist will be honest.

[DaleDivine]

Are you having problems hearing others?

What???
:blahblahblah::MOJE_whot:

[SusanStCatherine]

Hearing aids will not make other people annuciate more clearly, speak more slowly, nor project their voice better. If you can hear most words of most people I think that's good hearing.

If you frequently cannot hear various kinds of people when there is no background noise and you are facing them and still can't hear that may tell you something.

I cannot hear others speech well when there is background noise. I tried two different best brands for $8,000 and they didn't help me with that main problem and still missed others speech due to their speaking issues, not my hearing.

My millennial kids sometimes even ask, "what did he say?" while watching TV.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

[Joe C.]

RULE OF THUMB:

If your most used word is "what?", then you should have your hearing checked.

If not, then you're probably ok.

[Grill Meister]

First of all, if you have a hearing problem DO NOT go to a hearing aid sales operation. I went that route for several years of frustration. They only want to sell you something...anything...they don't give a rat about your hearing.

Go a DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY. I strong recommend:

• Paige Alberson Holt, AuD, Lake ENT Hearing Aid & Audiology Services. 352-753-5874. Audiologist. Doctor Holt is a doctor of audiology, not a hearing aid salesperson. Her objective is to assist her patients in better hearing. She is very thorough in her examination, explains your situation in terms that are understandable, and recommends appropriate solutions with trial periods. Located at 1501 US 441 N, Suite 1402 across from The Villages Hospital. Hearing Aid Services of Lake ENT - The Villages in The Villages, FL 32159 (https://www.healthyhearing.com/hearing-aids/28613-hearing-aid-services-of-lake-ent-the-villages)

[AliJos]

I have Costco hearing aids (2nd pair) and worked at an outpatient Audiology Department. You will know if you are struggling to hear. My audiograms from both a Dr. of Audiology and a Costco technician were exactly the same. Kirkland's aids are made by Sonova, the same as Phonak and half the price. I love that my aids connect to my phone. If you're constantly saying "what" take it as a sign.

[Notsocrates]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:

If your wife or husband thinks you need them, you do.

[Villages Kahuna]

My wife and I have been patients if Dr. Al Turri at The Villages Health Audiology. Their hearing tests are almost always administered by graduate Audiologists using the latest equipment. I would trust them more than someone at Costco who may not be as well trained, experienced or uses the latest equipment. I would simply ask the Audiologist at The Villages Health for an explanation. I’m certain they will provide an explanation.

The bottom line however is your hearing. I believe that TVH will fit you with hearing aids and let you use them for a few weeks. If you don’t think they improve your hearing, just return them. That’s the way Dr. Turri has always dealt with my wife and myself. Just ask TVH about the difference in diagnoses and the possibility of a hearing aid trial.

[Samcat13]

Second vote for Lake ENT Hearing Aid & Audiology Services. I go there 2 times a year for wax removal and once a year for testing. They never tried to sell me hearing aides. I do have hearing aides purchased for a different place. They gave me my test results so I could purchase them for whoever.:clap2:

[meme5x]

Hearing aids are exactly that. You will never hear as you did before..just got 3rd pair. New Sharkey’s better than previous Phonak..went to Hearing Aids on 441 2 doors down from Francesco Italian restaurant.. Heather has been fabulous, very caring and always makes herself available when needed..

[MrFlorida]

Believe me, you will know when you need hearing aids, your wife will tell you .....

[kannon]

Can't say enough good things about Costco.
I have been wearing hearing aids for 60 yrs. Time has REALLY changed them.
I have the K9's bought a few years ago.
First up, audio folks at Costco are top notch. They do not work on commission.
Two - price - excellent for sure.
Third - best competitor to Costco is TruHearing (Hearing Aid Benefit Solutions | TruHearing (http://www.truhearing.com)).
Finally - Costco audio folks cannot treat medical issues that require an ENT, they will tell you this right upfront.
Suggest try Costco, good warranty and trial period. I use custom molds - extra (about $90) but very much improved quality. Next try TruHearing.
Only negative is appointments can be hard to get.
Good luck!

[Atamasco]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:

I had good xam/service at Elite Hearing Ctr at Freedom mall on SR 44 in Wildwood

[jjombrello]

Did your hearing test include a recorded chart of the degree of loss in each ear? This should give you a good indication of how good or bad your hearing is and the audiologist should be able to explain that to you. It's really easy to understand. I would recommend Mid-Florida Hearing in Deaton Plaza as a good place to get a third opinion. Family practice that has years and years of experience.

[tmdkjam]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:


IT'S SIMPLE - One wants to sell hearing aids if you have any loss. The other is respecting some reasonable limits to hearing loss since we all have some.

If you passed, enjoy life - your not missing anything!

[zendog3]

I believe that when your hearing nerve cells start to go, they die and are gone for ever. This is the time hearing aids will help you. They stimulate those cells and keep your hearing stronger and living longer.

I suggest you go to a good seller of hearing aids. Any reputable seller of hearing aids will give you a test drive.

Even good hearing aids have a down side. You will hear a lot of background noise, glasses tinkling, people talking in the distance. just general noise. The first time I tried hearing aids, the annoyance of the noise was worse then the benefit of increased ability to hear what I wanted to hear. A couple of years later, I tried again and found it was time for me.

Anyway, you don't have to rely on the word of the audiologist. The only way to be sure it is time for hearing aids is to try them and see if your life is improved.

Finding the right hearing aid is trickier.

[GATORBILL66]

///
i can't hear you!

[patfla06]

Are you having problems hearing others?

No. My speech test was 100%.
Was turning up the volume on the t.v.
We just bought a sound bar and it’s amazing.
Had to turn the volume down.

Struggle if in a noisy restaurant.

[patfla06]

Huh?

Very funny! 😊

[patfla06]

Believe me, you will know when you need hearing aids, your wife will tell you .....

My Husband has had hearing aids for 3 years.
He tells people I hear better then he does with his hearing aids.

[patfla06]

Thank all of you for your great responses!

[fdpaq0580]

There is nothing wrong with my hearing. I just wish everyone would quit mumbling.
😠

[zendog3]

If you can afford it, I strongly recommend getting aids that link wifi/bluetooth to your phone and TV. The link to Television improved my life greatly. Now I get clear sound through all ranges with the TV sound muted. I don't bother other people in the room and the sound is crystal clear.

Link to phone is pretty cool. I stand in the middle of Publix with my phone in my pocket. To people around, I look like an insane man talking to himself. Suddenly I am "hip" but I don't have a big white blob hanging from my ear.

I would also suggest batteries rather than rechargeable. If I put my hearing aids on in the morning, they run out of juice at about 10 or 11 pm, just when I am watching a late night TV program. With batteries, you just have to remember to carry a spare set.

I was very happy with Connect Hearing in Spanish Springs. I don't know about the price but they are very knowledgeable with a sound proof room for testing and all the technology necessary for testing and diagnosis. They are also excellent with support and cleaning.

[Two Bills]

No. My speech test was 100%.
Was turning up the volume on the t.v.
We just bought a sound bar and it’s amazing.
Had to turn the volume down.

Struggle if in a noisy restaurant.

Even with hearing aids, crowded bars, restaurants etc will still be a problem.
Whilst some modern aids reduce some background sound, they cannot cut it out completely
The upside is, you hear some really interesting conversations on other tables!:shocked: :icon_wink:

[visiting_the_parents]

Like others have said, go to an ENT first, particularly if you're still establishing whether you need/want them. Get your ears checked by a board certified doctor. And get a baseline hearing test by an audiologist who has no incentive to sell you hearing aids.

After you have their opinions and test results, you can go to Costco or anywhere else for the devices. I think hearing aids are like mattresses (pre-online bed selling). There's only a few main manufacturers but they seem to make it intentionally difficult to compare apples to apples.

They're hella expensive--everywhere. So if you're on the fence and there's a chance they'll sit in a drawer unworn--just wait.

Last thing-- hearing aids can definitely make a world of difference. I cried the first time I heard a clock ticking across the room. I didn't know rubbing your fingertips together made a sound. I spent an entire day listening to that. It was like magic!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have gone the whole 9 yards with hearing loss, and without my hearing aids I hear nothing.
When you find yourself keep asking people to repeat what they say, it will be time to get help.
Hearing aid today, are very expensive, so in the early stages you may get away with a simple sound enhancer device, which you can buy yourself online.
Later you you will need a good hearing aid.
Always trial before purchase.
Research cost of aid offered. Some sellers mark up prices a lot.
Get the best you can afford.
My ten cents.
Good luck.

I got mine from the audiologist at The Villages Health. I knew I had hearing problems, and I've known that I've needed hearing aids for years. Anyone who tells me I don't need them would get me posting here warning against whoever was making such a claim.

The audiologist recommended Unitron. I did some google searches on a few different brands, checked their own website and a couple of "review" sites that I'm familiar with that specialize in technology and medicine.

Decided I'd give the Unitrons a shot. Had a 60-day trial (was supposed to be 30 days but I kept needing adjustments and there was a whole week when the audiologist wasn't there so the appointment had to be changed for 2 weeks later).

Finally decided to buy them. Super expensive but again - I had come prepared. I told her during the previous visit that I'd done some checking - and gave her a printout from an AARP affiliate and a discount company provided by FloridaBlue, my health insurance provider. She said she'd honor their prices.

Huzzah. Got my hearing aids for around $1500 less than the MSRP, and it comes with an app so I can adjust everything from my cell phone, with multiple programs, plus a TV thing that I have attached to my computer so I can watch movies and videos and podcasts and the sound comes directly into my ears - my computer doesn't have speakers and I had been using an over-the-ear headset up until that point.

Being able to hear properly is still - weird for me. I've never been fully hearing-abled, was born with nerve damage in my ears. Life is NOISY. So much so that sometimes I have to actually turn them off, while still wearing them, which basically turns them into inferior-quality ear plugs. And that's fine - sometimes you just gotta turn the volume DOWN on life. The rest of the time I hear better than most of my neighbors.

Finally got my parents to get them too, we'd been after them for 10 years and they insisted they heard just fine. We just mumble all the time. And they kept the TV on at full volume because it "kept them company." Now, they turn the TV volume down, they understand us, we don't have to yell over the TV, and everyone is more cheerful and less grumpy.

Bonus: if you qualify for hearing aids, and wear them regularly to improve your hearing (as opposed to simply amplifying sound), you are more likely to retain your memory for more years as you age, and reduce the risk of dementia.

[davem4616]

I deleted my original message because I’m confused.

I recently had 2 hearing tests, 1 saying I needed hearing aids (Villages Health Audiologist) and the 2nd one ( Costco) saying that I don’t.

I was just wondering and thinking of going for a 3rd test at a hearing center here to see what they think.

I have moderate loss at high frequency but think my hearing is still good.

Wondering why such opposite views. :ohdear:


You go to one of these guys and they'll try to sell you hearing aids....

I think I bought them about 3 years too early....just now I'm really feeling like I needed them in certain situations

they're expensive, I wish I had gone with a Costco brand 1st time around....then a high end one when my hearing really got worse

good luck....trying turning up the television....no one on the street will notice anyway, we're all hard of hearing lol

[patfla06]

You go to one of these guys and they'll try to sell you hearing aids....

I think I bought them about 3 years too early....just now I'm really feeling like I needed them in certain situations

they're expensive, I wish I had gone with a Costco brand 1st time around....then a high end one when my hearing really got worse

good luck....trying turning up the television....no one on the street will notice anyway, we're all hard of hearing lol

The sound bar we just bought has fixed the t.v. volume issue.

Costco advised me to get a yearly hearing test, not every 2 years like with Villages Health.

The real test will be seeing my Granddaughters this coming week!
High pitched voices and when telling stories gets very excited & squeaky.
:)

[patfla06]

I got mine from the audiologist at The Villages Health. I knew I had hearing problems, and I've known that I've needed hearing aids for years. Anyone who tells me I don't need them would get me posting here warning against whoever was making such a claim.

The audiologist recommended Unitron. I did some google searches on a few different brands, checked their own website and a couple of "review" sites that I'm familiar with that specialize in technology and medicine.

Decided I'd give the Unitrons a shot. Had a 60-day trial (was supposed to be 30 days but I kept needing adjustments and there was a whole week when the audiologist wasn't there so the appointment had to be changed for 2 weeks later).

Finally decided to buy them. Super expensive but again - I had come prepared. I told her during the previous visit that I'd done some checking - and gave her a printout from an AARP affiliate and a discount company provided by FloridaBlue, my health insurance provider. She said she'd honor their prices.

Huzzah. Got my hearing aids for around $1500 less than the MSRP, and it comes with an app so I can adjust everything from my cell phone, with multiple programs, plus a TV thing that I have attached to my computer so I can watch movies and videos and podcasts and the sound comes directly into my ears - my computer doesn't have speakers and I had been using an over-the-ear headset up until that point.

Being able to hear properly is still - weird for me. I've never been fully hearing-abled, was born with nerve damage in my ears. Life is NOISY. So much so that sometimes I have to actually turn them off, while still wearing them, which basically turns them into inferior-quality ear plugs. And that's fine - sometimes you just gotta turn the volume DOWN on life. The rest of the time I hear better than most of my neighbors.

Finally got my parents to get them too, we'd been after them for 10 years and they insisted they heard just fine. We just mumble all the time. And they kept the TV on at full volume because it "kept them company." Now, they turn the TV volume down, they understand us, we don't have to yell over the TV, and everyone is more cheerful and less grumpy.

Bonus: if you qualify for hearing aids, and wear them regularly to improve your hearing (as opposed to simply amplifying sound), you are more likely to retain your memory for more years as you age, and reduce the risk of dementia.

This is what my G. P. Is worried about as my Mom had Alzheimer’s.
I’m going to set up an appointment with an ENT for a hearing test.

[Hape2Bhr]

I wonder how much all those full page ads contribute to hearing aid cost. :shrug:

[inda50]

I am a long time user so I'll add my 2 cents. Just about 1/2 of the sellers just want to get you in to sell you a set and see you later. Those are the people with whole page ads with the huge discounts and promises. That's what you get, promises. If your hearing is not too bad you can probably get away with a less expensive first time set. What I advise is to buy the best set you can afford. Always both ears never just one left or right. The features available today in HA are fantastic. They help a lot with T.V. , cell phones and challenging environments like driving, wind noise, restaurants, the beach, etc. A big difference from what was available a few years ago. Right now I have rechargeable HA but I think I like the battery aids just as well. It's pretty easy to change the batteries and I usually have an extra set of batteries in the car just in case. The pair I'm using are now Starkey, made in the USA, and bought in Spanish Springs across the street from Cal's barber Shop.

[Stu from NYC]

I am a long time user so I'll add my 2 cents. Just about 1/2 of the sellers just want to get you in to sell you a set and see you later. Those are the people with whole page ads with the huge discounts and promises. That's what you get, promises. If your hearing is not too bad you can probably get away with a less expensive first time set. What I advise is to buy the best set you can afford. Always both ears never just one left or right. The features available today in HA are fantastic. They help a lot with T.V. , cell phones and challenging environments like driving, wind noise, restaurants, the beach, etc. A big difference from what was available a few years ago. Right now I have rechargeable HA but I think I like the battery aids just as well. It's pretty easy to change the batteries and I usually have an extra set of batteries in the car just in case. The pair I'm using are now Starkey, made in the USA, and bought in Spanish Springs across the street from Cal's barber Shop.

Wonder what these full page adds go for as they sure do a lot of advertising

[patfla06]

Granddaughters visit was wonderful.
I struggled to hear the 5 year old unless she was talking loudly. :(

[Two Bills]

Granddaughters visit was wonderful.
I struggled to hear the 5 year old unless she was talking loudly. :(

Probably time to get some help then.
I found it was quit a problem adjusting to the sound of normal life when I first had my hearing aids, as I left it a bit late getting them.
The world is a very noisy place!
Good luck.

[patfla06]

Probably time to get some help then.
I found it was quit a problem adjusting to the sound of normal life when I first had my hearing aids, as I left it a bit late getting them.
The world is a very noisy place!
Good luck.

I really struggle when in a noisy environment.
I have to agree with you.
My Son told me during the visit he thinks I need hearing aids.
Not sure what my next step is.

[Two Bills]

I really struggle when in a noisy environment.
I have to agree with you.
My Son told me during the visit he thinks I need hearing aids.
Not sure what my next step is.

Can't offer an opinion on where to go for test or purchase as I am in UK.
Lots of seemingly good recommendations in previous posts.
Good luck!

[davem4616]

I believe- when you have any aide either hearing or glasses you lose the natural ability and become dependent on the device.

The body - all of it is a muscle and needs exercised.

Old saying use it or lose it is spot on.

my 12 cents , adjusted for inflation.



I also have this sense...but of course I'm just an average Joe, not an expert in this area

As a young kid I had some high end loss...I was always one of a few kids that would get called back down to take the school hearing tests again.....and was told that as I got older the high end loss due to something with my bones, would increase

Ten years ago I went to an audiologist up north....my wife sat through a 'word game' exercise where he said a word and I was suppose to repeat it

my wife was horrified that I missed so many words....I always believed that was a rigged exercise using words that people with moderate hearing loss would misunderstand...I tried his product and quickly returned it. It wasn't what I was looking for, and I wasn't ready

three years ago, when I noticed that I could no longer tune my guitar by ear...and I was having difficulty hearing young female cashiers, who seemed to all speak softly, I finally bought a pair

I always loved live theatre and thought this would help...but they only made a little difference....but of course I was looking for a full return of my hearing, which was never going to happen

I don't wear them all the time....there are situations where I know they'll help

I still believe I bought them years earlier than I needed to....but I have them and they do make a difference....I realize that when I take them out and it's much quieter

twice a year I have them tested and cleaned

good luck...we're all different

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I believe- when you have any aide either hearing or glasses you lose the natural ability and become dependent on the device.

The body - all of it is a muscle and needs exercised.

Old saying use it or lose it is spot on.

my 12 cents , adjusted for inflation.

You are wrong, you have it backward. You don't have to believe it for it to be true, but it's true.

People start wearing glasses not because they've stopped using their eyes. They start wearing glasses because their eyes are not as efficient as they once were, and now need assistance to do what they exist to do.

Body parts wear out. Some body parts wear out more quickly than other body parts. And some body parts will wear out quicker if they're abused.

Many people have been exposed to very loud sounds for long periods of time, and that damages cells. The damage doesn't self-repair. People who ride motorcycles. Folks who attended loud concerts when they were kids. People who fly a lot. Construction workers. Jackhammer operators. Landscapers who use loud lawnmowers and other lawn equipment for a living. And folks with genetic disorders, or who have experienced injury to their heads. The list goes on.

All these things take their toll on your ears. There is no "exercise" to do for your sense of hearing. Eventually - your hearing is bad enough that you need assistance to hear.

Wearing hearing aids doesn't make your hearing worse. It makes it better.

I mean, it's like suggesting that if you climb up a staircase you won't get to the top floor, it'll just keep you stuck on the first floor or force you to end up in the basement. That doesn't make any sense either does it?

[Stu from NYC]

Will probably pay more but go to a store known for great service. '
Convinced in hearing aids you get what you pay for so do not skimp.

[Two Bills]

I also have this sense...but of course I'm just an average Joe, not an expert in this area

As a young kid I had some high end loss...I was always one of a few kids that would get called back down to take the school hearing tests again.....and was told that as I got older the high end loss due to something with my bones, would increase

Ten years ago I went to an audiologist up north....my wife sat through a 'word game' exercise where he said a word and I was suppose to repeat it

my wife was horrified that I missed so many words....I always believed that was a rigged exercise using words that people with moderate hearing loss would misunderstand...I tried his product and quickly returned it. It wasn't what I was looking for, and I wasn't ready

three years ago, when I noticed that I could no longer tune my guitar by ear...and I was having difficulty hearing young female cashiers, who seemed to all speak softly, I finally bought a pair

I always loved live theatre and thought this would help...but they only made a little difference....but of course I was looking for a full return of my hearing, which was never going to happen

I don't wear them all the time....there are situations where I know they'll help

I still believe I bought them years earlier than I needed to....but I have them and they do make a difference....I realize that when I take them out and it's much quieter

twice a year I have them tested and cleaned

good luck...we're all different


Your statement "I still believe I bought them years earlier than I needed to....but I have them and they do make a difference....I realize that when I take them out and it's much quieter"
I can't work that out at all!:shrug:

I have no idea what 'hearing aids' you purchased, but if you only clean them twice a year, they are probably bunged up with wax half the time.
I clean mine every day.
Sound as if you have a cheap pair of sound enhancers, as apposed to a decently fitted pair of hearing aids.

[Michael G.]

It always seemed wrong to me to go get my eyes checked somewhere that sells glasses so I did the same with my hearing.

Can anyone tell me were to go to any business for a eye exam that don't sell glasses??

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Can anyone tell me were to go to any business for a eye exam that don't sell glasses??

There are many opthamologists who don't sell eyeglasses. It's not their business. Their business is the treatment of eye disease and injury, such as cataract surgery and medical treatment of glaucoma.

They ALSO do comprehensive exams, and if they think you need an eyeglass prescription they'll write one out and you have to go somewhere else to get the prescription filled.

[B-flat]

C-O-S-T-C-O! You'll be very satisfied.

[patfla06]

C-O-S-T-C-O! You'll be very satisfied.

My husband go his at Costco.

The Tech at Costco is the one that told me i didn’t need them. :shocked: