Hearing Help

[lanie1160]

Forgive me if I posted this twice as I am trying hard to find Ear Dr to help as I have spent “thousands” on what is supposed to be the best hearing aids only to find out a few moths later I am getting worse. I took hearing aids back to get “adjusted” only to find out they don’t help. I also went to Ear doctor to make sure ears were clear and this is 3rd set of hearing aids. In a couple years and now in desperate need to find someone who can find what problem as I hate my husband yelling at me and now promised to try to find an Ear Dr that will find a solution and not selling hearing aids.

I would appreciate any info as to “reputable” hearing Dr that you might suggest as the Talk of the Villages has helped me before in leading me to the “right” person. Thank you again.

[graciegirl]

I have a congenital hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for decades. Nothing can guarantee that hearing aids will continue to work as we age and most of us will have hearing loss that will continue to get worse.

ALL hearing aids cost "thousands of dollars" if you have a significant hearing loss. It isn't corrected by just making sound louder. One must have the proper tone and range corrected to hear better and there may come a time that hearing better is not possible.

That said, I very much trust Dan at The Village Ear near Publix on 466.

AND Helene, our daughter has recently been evaluated and had hearing aids placed by the audiologist at the offices of Dr. Milstead in Leesburg. I cannot say enough about both of them.

I do believe that there MAY be some overpricing for hearing devices by ALL manufacturers, but that is a hunch only.

[Two Bills]

Was your hearing problem assessed by a professional Audiologist?
Have you been buying hearing aids or just sound enhancers?

[Stu from NYC]

I have a congenital hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for decades. Nothing can guarantee that hearing aids will continue to work as we age and most of us will have hearing loss that will continue to get worse.

ALL hearing aids cost "thousands of dollars" if you have a significant hearing loss. It isn't corrected by just making sound louder. One must have the proper tone and range corrected to hear better and there may come a time that hearing better is not possible.

That said, I very much trust Dan at The Village Ear near Publix on 466.

AND Helene, our daughter has recently been evaluated and had hearing aids placed by the audiologist at the offices of Dr. Milstead in Leesburg. I cannot say enough about both of them.

I do believe that there MAY be some overpricing for hearing devices by ALL manufacturers, but that is a hunch only.

We have been dealing with Dan as well and happy with his performance

[Arlington2]

You should not be needing new expensive hearing aids every couple of years. Adjustments maybe, but not new ones. The good hearing aids should last several years. Forget about the new bells and whistles that come out each year. Those likely will not help youl. If you are in the TVHS I recommend audiologist Jody Costanzo at Mulberry. She won't push new and improved on you, but will get the most from your hearing aids. But you may need an ENT to diagnose a worsing hearing problem.

[oldtimes]

We have been dealing with Dan as well and happy with his performance

I recommend Dan also

[billethkid]

Paige Holt, Dr. of Audiology at Lake ear, nose and Throat...352-753-8448.

She will test you and with what she learns from you will make recommendations. She will allow you to try different brands if she has more than one option.

My wife and I have both been in her care for the past 20 years.

She is not in the business of selling hearing aids. She is dedicated to help those with a hearing problem find an appropriate solution.

100% patient focused.

________________________________________________

:censored:

[hdidden]

Forgive me if I posted this twice as I am trying hard to find Ear Dr to help as I have spent “thousands” on what is supposed to be the best hearing aids only to find out a few moths later I am getting worse. I took hearing aids back to get “adjusted” only to find out they don’t help. I also went to Ear doctor to make sure ears were clear and this is 3rd set of hearing aids. In a couple years and now in desperate need to find someone who can find what problem as I hate my husband yelling at me and now promised to try to find an Ear Dr that will find a solution and not selling hearing aids.

I would appreciate any info as to “reputable” hearing Dr that you might suggest as the Talk of the Villages has helped me before in leading me to the “right” person. Thank you again.

I went to a local walk in clinic for sinus infection and asked where he would go if he needed an ENT and he recommended OCALA ENT. I had thorough exam there from Dr Thomas Thomason. Found out my ear problem was actually a sinus problem and I have one 95% blocked nostril. Also sent my husband there to eliminate any peripheral issues of his before replacing his hearing aids.

[bobeaston]

Two related sources of information:
1) Dr. Cliff Olsen has a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@DrCliffAuD) that teaches everything you need to know about hearing loss and how it is treated. Visit his channel and select videos that you think pertinent.

IN PARTICULAR, watch this video about Best Practices (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F1pkDhb8ys). Watch it.

2) We have an audiologist here who follows Dr. Cliff's recommended Best Practices. He is Dr. of Audiology Al Turri. He practices at the Brownwood Center for Advanced Healthcare. 352-674-1799. Dr. Turri is very careful, listens to exactly what patients need and keeps working with them to help improve their situation.

[MikeN]

I feel your frustration. Some of these”doctors “ seem to be more interested in selling equipment rather than giving the relief you need. I had to keep my audiologist in Jacksonville because of this. She is effective and listens to your concerns. I know it’s a a two plus hour drive but if you want her information please send me a message. Forgive me if I posted this twice as I am trying hard to find Ear Dr to help as I have spent “thousands” on what is supposed to be the best hearing aids only to find out a few moths later I am getting worse. I took hearing aids back to get “adjusted” only to find out they don’t help. I also went to Ear doctor to make sure ears were clear and this is 3rd set of hearing aids. In a couple years and now in desperate need to find someone who can find what problem as I hate my husband yelling at me and now promised to try to find an Ear Dr that will find a solution and not selling hearing aids.

I would appreciate any info as to “reputable” hearing Dr that you might suggest as the Talk of the Villages has helped me before in leading me to the “right” person. Thank you again.

[Berwin]

A good friend was losing hearing in one ear and went to a great ENT doctor in the area (Phoenix). Turns out it was a tumor on the audio nerve on that side. Nothing he could do and he now has no hearing in that ear at all. He says the only good thing is that is the side his wife usually sits on so now he has an excuse to ignore her.

[msilagy]

Beltone near Target on 441. They have been in business forever. If you need new ones that's the place to go. I have bought 2 sets from them. Reliable excellent service. Sets for clarity as well as sound

[hank2981]

I highly recommend Costco. I have moderate hearing loss and have tried several devices over the last decade or so. The professionals at the Claremont location sold me a pair of Phillips aids for $1500. They are great. The Phillips software leaves something to be desired, but otherwise an excellent solution for me.

[kendi]

Was your hearing problem assessed by a professional Audiologist?
Have you been buying hearing aids or just sound enhancers?

“Professional Audiologist”? How do you define this? Education levels and experience vary greatly. Best to see an ENT who will only have top of the line audiologists on staff.

[kendi]

A good friend was losing hearing in one ear and went to a great ENT doctor in the area (Phoenix). Turns out it was a tumor on the audio nerve on that side. Nothing he could do and he now has no hearing in that ear at all. He says the only good thing is that is the side his wife usually sits on so now he has an excuse to ignore her.

The old hearing jokes are just that….. old. Humor in them was lost long ago.

[Packerprincess]

Forgive me if I posted this twice as I am trying hard to find Ear Dr to help as I have spent “thousands” on what is supposed to be the best hearing aids only to find out a few moths later I am getting worse. I took hearing aids back to get “adjusted” only to find out they don’t help. I also went to Ear doctor to make sure ears were clear and this is 3rd set of hearing aids. In a couple years and now in desperate need to find someone who can find what problem as I hate my husband yelling at me and now promised to try to find an Ear Dr that will find a solution and not selling hearing aids.

I would appreciate any info as to “reputable” hearing Dr that you might suggest as the Talk of the Villages has helped me before in leading me to the “right” person. Thank you again.


Dr. Al Turri. Villages health at Brownwood. He is awesome. 352-674-1799.

[bragones]

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, many now pay $1,000/ear or more for hearing aids. If you have this plan and ask your audiologist to get the best pair they can for that price, you'll be surprised at the quality of some of the newer hearing aids. I paid $0 out of pocket for a pair of Starkey hearing aids that work very well. Previously, I spent about $12k out of pocket for two sets of hearing aids that never worked well for me. In order for your brain to adapt to a hearing aid, you must wear them frequently and consistently. My hearing will never be what it was before hearing loss but newer technology and wearing the hearing aids more frequently has improved my hearing. I don't know if any hearing aids will work well in loud environments but this technology is improving as well.

[bobeaston]

One quick question will tell you if you have found a GOOD audiologist: "Do you perform Real Ear Measurement as part of fitting hearing aids?"

Your hearing test in the sound-proof box produces an audiogram, which is used as a prescription for adjusting hearing aids. All hearing aid manufacturers provide audiologists with software that will convert that audiogram into settings inside the devices. Many audiologists are satisfied with delivering your new hearing aids, showing you how to operate them, and then using their computers to adjust the settings according to the audiograms. They do this first fitting and send you on your way with no follow-up. The problem with that is the first fit is very often not very precise and misses what you really need. If your hearing aid provider does not schedule a follow-up, beware that you probably haven't received the best service.

The audiologists who follow Best Practices will have you return after a week for Real Ear Measurement. Thatweek is a period in which your brain adapts to how the new hearing aids sound. After that week the audiologist can do a very precise Real Ear Measurement.

The audiologist will insert a microphone (in a very tiny tube) inside your ear and then put in your hearing aids. A series of computerized tests will then measure the sounds emitting from the hearing aids and analyze how they match you audiogram / prescription. At that point, a Best Practices audiologist can fine tune the settings to get as close to the prescription as possible. Often, that makes a very significant difference in the effectiveness of the new hearing aids.

Learn more about Best Practices by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F1pkDhb8ys
Lear more about Real Ear Measurement by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHR0Oa6I-wY
Check out this audiologist in The Villages Brownwood Center for Advanced Health Care: Dr. Al Turri is one of those audiologists who takes the extra time to do Real Ear Measurement. He produces fantastic results.
Al Turri, AuD, 352-674-1799

No, I don't get any financial compensation for this recommendation. I am simply an extremely satisfied, delighted, customer with a severe hearing loss that Dr. Turri has treated using Best Practices and Real Ear Measurement.

[TedfromGA]

Another vote for Dr. Turri. He listens to your concerns and works to correct as much as possible. The women in my family appear to start loosing their hearing early. I was tested by Dr. Turri several years ago thinking this could be my baseline, turns out I am already showing some loss. He recommended getting the hearing aids so my brain could adjust - I was amazed about how my hearing or lack there of could impact so many other things in my overall health.

[USN-Retired]

Agree… Thomasson helped me tremendously!

[meme5x]

I bought Starkey Hearing Aids from Heather Kerry out on 441 by Francesco’s.. been several places upon returning home went to several specialist and they told me I couldn’t find anything better.. guess they are what they say.. aids.. just got over Covid.. coughed so hard , it has affected my hearing 😕

[toeser]

Forgive me if I posted this twice as I am trying hard to find Ear Dr to help as I have spent “thousands” on what is supposed to be the best hearing aids only to find out a few moths later I am getting worse. I took hearing aids back to get “adjusted” only to find out they don’t help. I also went to Ear doctor to make sure ears were clear and this is 3rd set of hearing aids. In a couple years and now in desperate need to find someone who can find what problem as I hate my husband yelling at me and now promised to try to find an Ear Dr that will find a solution and not selling hearing aids.

I would appreciate any info as to “reputable” hearing Dr that you might suggest as the Talk of the Villages has helped me before in leading me to the “right” person. Thank you again.

Cochlear implants might be an alternative. Doctors won't implant them until you hearing is pretty much gone as they destroy your normal hearing.

[Atamasco]

Have you seen an ENT physician?

[Two Bills]

Seems to me the OP has been buying cheaper sound enhancers, and had no professional tests.
No way on Gods earth, that a good fitted pair of hearing aids, after a test from a qualified audiologist, would need replacing after a few months.
My hearing aids are 4-5 years old, get tweaked when needed, and are my lifeline to discourse, in what would be otherwise a silent world.
OP needs to see one of the recommend audiologists posted on this thread.
Good aids are not cheap, but definitely worth the money.

[LuvNH]

It might be that the OP did not realize the necessity for the services of a good audiologist. You need to know the extent of your hearing loss in order to get the correct hearing aids.

We did not know this. We went to an ENT who examined my husband and immediately sent him to an audiologist. She is excellent.